Is it compulsory to register your property in Lagos after the purchase? The answer is yes. In Nigeria, property registration is a requirement after buying your choice property.
While it’s important to register your property for obvious reasons, you may be dreading the seemingly complex and bureaucratic process involved in such registrations.
Truly, the thought of going to various offices, filling out numerous forms, and ensuring all your documents are in order can be overwhelming.
But the good news is, if you’re buying property in Lagos, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Although you may need to involve qualified professionals to assist you along the way, we have outlined the step-by-step process of registering your property in Lagos State so you can get started as soon as possible.
Where Do I Register My Property in Lagos?
The main office responsible for property registration in Lagos is the Lands Bureau, which operates under the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
The Lands Bureau is responsible for all land-related matters in the state, including the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), processing of Governor’s Consent, and the registration of title documents.
The office is located at Lagos State Lands Bureau, Block 13, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.
In a broader sense, there are local government offices across Lagos State that handle property matters within their jurisdictions.
However, for comprehensive registration services, the Lands Bureau remains the central and most important office to visit.
Also Read: How We Help Nigerians Living Abroad to Purchase a Property in Lagos
How To Register Your Property in Lagos: Step-by-Step Process
Registering your property in Lagos involves several steps that ensure the legal transfer of ownership and proper documentation. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Obtain the Necessary Documents
The first step in registering your property is to gather all the necessary documents. These include:
- A completed application form (which you can get from the Land Bureau, 10,000 NGN for general land and 20,000 NGN for prime land).
- Evidence of ownership (such as a deed of assignment)
- Survey plan of the property
- Land information certificate
- Payment receipts for relevant fees
- Evidence of payment of land use charge
- A tax clearance certificate of the applicant
- 3 passport photographs in white background
- Identification documents (National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License)
The Land Bureau will demand these documents during the registration process. So, take your time to gather them and keep them handy.
2. Get Your Land Information Certificate
Before proceeding with the registration, it is important to obtain a Land Information Certificate from the Surveyor-General’s office.
This certificate provides essential details about the land and confirms that the property is free from government acquisition or any encumbrance.
3. Obtain Your Deed of Assignment
While you’re gathering your documents, you must also take steps to obtain a Deed of Assignment.
This legal document transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer and is a critical component of the registration process.
Also Read: Read This Before Purchasing a Property Anywhere in Lagos
4. Apply for the Governor’s Consent
In Lagos State, obtaining the Governor’s Consent is mandatory for any land transaction.
Plus, this consent is a legal requirement as stipulated by the Land Use Act of 1978, so you need to get it too. To apply for the Governor’s Consent, submit the following to the Lands Bureau:
- Duly completed Form 1C (Application for Governor’s Consent)
- Stamped Deed of Assignment
- Evidence of Payment of Charting Fee, Endorsement Fee, Form 1C Fee, and Consent Fee
- Survey Plan (with evidence of lodgement at the Surveyor-General’s office)
5. Charting and Endorsement
After submitting the application for the Governor’s Consent, the Lands Bureau will chart the property to ensure it conforms with the state’s land use regulations.
This process involves checking the property coordinates and confirming that the land is not under government acquisition or encumbrances. After charting, the Deed of Assignment will be endorsed by the Governor.
6. Submission of Documents
When you have all your documents ready, the next step is to submit them to the Lands Bureau.
It is advisable to make copies of all documents submitted and keep the originals safely.
7. Stamp Duty and Registration
After obtaining the deed of assignment and Governor’s Consent, the next step is to pay the Stamp Duty at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Once this is done, submit the stamped Deed of Assignment to the Land Registry for registration. The stamp duty is a tax levied on legal documents, and proof of payment is required for the registration to proceed.
8. Site Inspection and Verification
When you have submitted all the necessary documents, the Lands Bureau will schedule a site inspection.
They carry out this inspection to verify the details provided in your documents and to ensure that there are no discrepancies.
Also Read: At What Point Should I Involve a Lawyer When Buying a Property?
9. Assessment and Payment of Fees
Following the site inspection, the Lands Bureau will assess the value of your property and calculate the registration fees.
You will then be required to make the necessary payments, which may include processing fees, survey fees, and other statutory charges.
Some of the fees you will be required to pay include:
- Registration and conveyance fee: 3% of FMV (Fair Market Value)
- Administrative charges: 1% of FMV
- Survey Fee: 5% of FMV
- Stamp Duty: 2% of the FMV
- Development charges: 3% of FMV
These fees may vary, so it is advisable to confirm the exact amounts from the Lands Bureau.
10. Final Registration and Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy
With all fees paid and documents in order, the Lands Bureau will proceed with the final registration of your property.
Upon successful registration, a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) will be issued in your name, officially recognizing you as the legal owner of the property.
Also Read: 7 Common Forms of Land Scams That Happen in Lagos
Register Your Property in Lagos with Ease
If you buy a piece of property in Lagos, the next step will naturally be to register it. And you may need to do so quickly as registering your property is a step in securing your investment and ensuring legal protection.
While the process may seem complex, following the step-by-step guide outlined above can simplify the procedure.
It’s important to bear in mind that the property registration process will take some amount of time – between 3 to 6 months. So you need to patiently follow through with it to arrive at your goal in the end.
As you go through the process, we recommend that you hire the services of qualified professionals, such as legal practitioners and surveyors, to help you manage the process more efficiently.
Would you like to purchase, register or sell a property in any part of Nigeria and you need our legal support? Are you searching for the services of a genuine legal team that can assist you incorporate your business? Or you need a legal backbone for your company? Click here to book a session now and we will attend to you immediately.
