When purchasing land, it is crucial to understand the various types of title documents to ensure that you are making a sound investment. In Lagos State, certain terms such as "Excision in Progress," "Survey," "Freehold," and "C of O in View" are not considered valid title documents. Here is a detailed explanation of why these terms do not constitute proper land titles and the risks associated with purchasing land under these pretenses:

1. Excision in Progress
What It Is:
Excision is a process by which a portion of land is legally released by the government to indigenous families or communities, allowing them to obtain proper documentation. "Excision in Progress" indicates that the land is in the process of being excised but has not yet been officially granted.

Why It’s Not a Valid Title:

Uncertainty: There is no guarantee that the excision process will be successfully completed. The government may refuse the excision for various reasons, leaving the land without legal recognition.
Legal Risks: Purchasing land with "Excision in Progress" means you are buying land that is not yet legally yours. If the excision is not approved, the land remains under government control or other previous ownership, making your purchase invalid.

2. Survey
What It Is:
A survey document provides a detailed description and mapping of the land, showing its size, boundaries, and location. It is often a preliminary step in the process of obtaining a title document.

Why It’s Not a Valid Title:

Preliminary Nature: A survey only shows the physical attributes of the land and does not confer any ownership rights. It is a step towards formal documentation but is not a substitute for a recognized title.
No Legal Ownership: Having a survey does not mean you own the land; it merely helps in identifying the property. Legal ownership requires a valid title document issued by relevant authorities.

3. Freehold
What It Is:
Freehold indicates that the land is held in perpetuity without any conditions attached to the ownership. It suggests that the owner has the right to use and dispose of the land as they wish.

Why It’s Not a Valid Title in Lagos State:

Misleading Term: In Lagos State, land ownership is governed by the Land Use Act, which vests all land in the state under the control of the Governor. The concept of absolute freehold as known in common law does not apply. Landholders can only have leasehold titles for a specified period.
Absence of Legal Documentation: The term "freehold" might be used to imply ownership, but without accompanying legal documents like a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), the claim of ownership is invalid.

4. C of O in View
What It Is:
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is an official document issued by the government that confirms the legal ownership of land and the terms of use for a specified period. "C of O in View" means that the process to obtain the C of O is underway but not yet completed.

Why It’s Not a Valid Title:

Incomplete Process: A C of O in view is not a C of O. The process of obtaining it is not guaranteed and may be denied for various reasons.
No Legal Standing: Until the C of O is officially issued, the land does not have a recognized legal title. Transactions based on anticipated titles carry significant risks if the document is never granted.

Risks of Buying Land with Incomplete Titles
Legal Challenges: Land without proper title documents is vulnerable to legal disputes. Previous owners, government authorities, or other claimants may challenge your ownership, leading to potential loss of investment.

Financial Loss: Investing in land without a valid title can result in significant financial losses. If the title is not confirmed, you may not be able to sell the land or use it as collateral for loans.

Development Restrictions: Without a recognized title, you may face restrictions in developing the land. Obtaining building permits and other necessary approvals can be challenging without proper documentation.

Marketability Issues: Future buyers or investors will be hesitant to engage in transactions involving land without clear and valid titles, making it difficult to resell the property.

Conclusion
When buying land in Lagos State, it is essential to ensure that the property comes with valid and recognized title documents. Avoid terms like "Excision in Progress," "Survey," "Freehold," and "C of O in View" as they do not constitute legal ownership. Always seek proper legal advice and verify the authenticity of the title documents to safeguard your investment. Ensure that the land has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or a Governor’s Consent, which are recognized titles that confer legal ownership and protect your interests.

Call/Dm Salesville Properties +2348146308595 or +2348078755099 for more inquiries on the safe land you can invest in Lagos

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