Buying property in Nigeria is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Whether you’re purchasing land for your future home, investing in real estate, or securing property for business use, one small mistake can lead to major losses.
This is why involving a licensed Surveyor is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Many Nigerians skip this step to “save money,” not knowing that the role of a Surveyor can prevent land disputes, fraud, demolition, and long-term complications.
1. A Surveyor Verifies the True Boundaries of the Land
Boundary issues are a common cause of property disputes in Nigeria. A Surveyor helps you:
- Confirm the exact size and location of the land
- Mark the true boundaries
- Prevent encroachment or overlap with neighbouring plots
- Ensure what you’re buying matches the seller’s claims
2. They Check if the Land is Under Government Acquisition
Many lands fall under government acquisition or are reserved for future projects. Building on such land often leads to demolition or loss of investment.
A Surveyor carries out a proper land status check to ensure the plot is free from government acquisition and safe to purchase.
3. They Help You Avoid Buying Land in Risky Zones
A Surveyor can identify if the land falls within:
- Flood-prone areas
- Pipeline or power-line corridors
- Railway or major road expansion zones
- Waterways or drainage paths
These insights prevent future problems such as flooding, demolition, or legal restrictions.
4. They Prepare Accurate Survey Plans
A genuine Registered Survey Plan is one of the most important documents you need for your land. It includes coordinates, measurements, and details required for documentation such as:
- C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)
- Governor’s Consent
- Building approvals
- Land registration
Without a proper survey plan, you cannot legally process these approvals.
5. They Detect Fake or Manipulated Documents
Land fraud is common in Nigeria. A Surveyor has the tools and expertise to detect:
- Fake survey plans
- Cloned or overlapping layouts
- Wrong classifications
- Altered land coordinates
This protects you from losing money to fraudulent sellers.
6. They Prevent Future Disputes
With properly marked boundaries and accurate documentation, you avoid disputes involving:
- Encroachment from neighbours
- Wrong building placement
- Estate boundary conflicts
- Court cases
A Surveyor protects your ownership rights long after the purchase.
7. Faster Building Approvals
Before construction begins, states require documents such as:
- Survey Plan
- Layout Plan
- Site Plan
A Surveyor ensures these are accurate and aligned with planning regulations, making the approval process smooth and fast.
8. They Save You Money, Time, and Stress
Hiring a Surveyor is an investment that saves you from:
- Buying the wrong land
- Losing property to demolition
- Legal battles
- Unexpected government issues
The cost of a Surveyor is small compared to the potential losses you might face without one.
Final Thoughts
In Nigeria, a Surveyor is your first line of defense when purchasing property. Whether you’re buying from family land, private owners, or estate developers, always engage a licensed Surveyor before making any payment.
If you’re serious about buying genuine property, your Surveyor should be your first call — not your last.
