Whether you’re buying land, purchasing a completed property, or signing a tenancy agreement for a rental, the moment before you sign is the most important checkpoint in the entire transaction. Once signed, a poorly reviewed agreement is far harder to unwind. Here’s a practical checklist of what to confirm before putting your signature on any Lagos property agreement.

For Property Purchases (Land or Buildings)

Before signing a Deed of Assignment or Contract of Sale, confirm you have (and have reviewed):

• Survey plan with clear coordinates matching the actual site
• Title documents — C of O, Governor’s Consent, or evidence of excision/gazette status, depending on the land’s history
• Results of an independent search at the Lagos State Lands Registry, confirming the seller’s ownership and that the land is free of encumbrances, disputes, or prior sale
• Evidence of previous transactions, if the land has changed hands before, showing a clean chain of title
• Building approval documents, if purchasing a completed structure, confirming it was built with proper government approval
• Tax clearance or evidence of settled land use charges, where applicable, to avoid inheriting unpaid liabilities

Don’t proceed to signing based on a promise that “documents will follow later.” Genuine sellers with clean title are generally able to provide these documents, or clear evidence they’re in process, before any agreement is signed.

For Tenancy Agreements (Renting)

Before signing a tenancy agreement, confirm it clearly specifies:

• Exact rent amount, payment schedule, and duration of the tenancy
• What’s included — service charge, utilities, parking — versus what’s billed separately
• Responsibility for repairs and maintenance, and who covers what type of issue
• Conditions for deposit refund at the end of the tenancy, and what deductions (if any) are permitted
• Notice period required from either party to terminate the tenancy
• Whether the landlord or agent has proof of ownership or authority to let the property — ask for evidence, particularly when dealing with an agent rather than the landlord directly

It’s also worth confirming receipts are issued for every payment made — rent, agency fee, and any deposits — since these matter significantly if a dispute arises later.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign, Regardless of Transaction Type

1. Who exactly am I dealing with, and can I verify their identity and authority? This applies whether it’s a landlord, seller, or their representative.
2. Has an independent professional (lawyer, for purchases; ideally also for significant tenancies) reviewed this document? Relying solely on the other party’s documentation or lawyer isn’t proper independent review.
3. Does this document match what was verbally agreed? Verbal terms sometimes shift by the time they’re written down — read carefully rather than assuming it reflects your earlier conversation.
4. What happens if something goes wrong? Check what recourse you have — refund conditions, dispute resolution process, or penalties for either party failing to meet their obligations.
5. Am I under any pressure to sign quickly? Genuine transactions rarely require you to sign immediately without time to review. Pressure to rush is itself a signal to slow down.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Signing based on photocopies rather than reviewing original documents
• Accepting a verbal promise that missing paperwork “will be sorted out after signing”
• Relying entirely on an agent’s assurance without independent verification, particularly for purchases
• Failing to read the full agreement, focusing only on the price and skipping the terms and conditions
• Paying in full before confirming all agreed documentation has actually been provided

The Bottom Line

The documentation stage is where most Lagos property disputes could have been prevented, had the buyer or tenant paused to verify everything properly before signing. Whether you’re buying land worth millions of naira or signing a straightforward tenancy agreement, taking the time to confirm the right documents are in place — and genuinely reviewing them rather than skimming — remains the single most effective form of protection available to you.

Reviewing a property purchase or tenancy agreement? Browse our verified property listings across Lagos and Ogun State, including land for sale and rentals. Have questions about a specific document or agreement? Contact our team — we’re happy to help you review before you sign.