As a homebuyer, do you get confused on how to register your house in Nigeria? Most people feel the process is rigorous and stressful. 

But then, it is necessary that you get your house registered. This saves you the stress of disputes, frauds or even government reclamation.

This article shows you a step-by-step guide on how to register your house in Nigeria. It also shows the benefit of registering your house too. 

Step-by-Step Process to Register Your House in Nigeria. 

The steps involved in getting your house registered in Nigeria varies. This is depending on the individual state. However, here is the general procedure on how to register your house in Nigeria;

• Obtain a Survey Plan
• Conduct Due Diligence
• Prepare Your Deed of Assignment
• Obtain Governor’s Consent
• Submit all Applicants
• Pay the Required Fees
• Sure Inspection by Government Officials
• Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy

1. Obtain a Survey Plan

Before you can register your house in Nigeria, you must obtain a survey plan. This plan must be drawn by a registered surveyor. 

This document is important as it  shows the boundaries and size of your house.

2. Conduct Due Diligence

Conducting due diligence is essential. It helps you to confirm that the house you intend to register is not under dispute or government acquisition. 

This will require you to conduct a title search at a land registry or government offices. This is to verify the house and land ownership plus its legal status.

3. Prepare Your Deed of Assignment.

This is another important step on how to register your house in Nigeria. After conducting your due diligence, you should prepare your Deed of Assignment. 

The Deed of Assignment is a legal document that transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. 

This document must be prepared by both the seller and the buyer. At least two people should be witness to that.

4. Obtain Governor’s Consent

This is a must-step on how to register a house in Nigeria. The Nigerian law states that all land, with the building, is owned by the state governor.

So, before you go ahead to submit your application, secure a governor’s consent. A governor’s consent helps validate your property ownership.

In some states, houses located or owned by non-indigenes may require the governor’s consent.

5. Submit Your Application

Submit your application to the appropriate land or government office for registration.  

You have to submit all necessary documents. These documents include survey plan, deed of assignment and other documents for registration.

6. Pay the Required Fees

You are required to pay some fees when you want to register your house in Nigeria. 

These fees vary depending on the state and value.  

These fees cover the cost of registration, survey plans, and other processes. In addition to that, you may be required to pay for stamp duties on the house documents. 

Stamp duties are a form of taxes paid to the government. This is necessary for the registration process.

7. Site Inspection by Government Officials

After submitting your application, government officials will visit your house. This is to verify its location, boundaries and legal status.  

8. Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy

This is the final step on how to register your house in Nigeria. You will be issued a certificate of occupancy (C of O). 

This is after you have completed the steps listed earlier. This shows officially that your house is registered.   

Documents Needed to Register Your House in Nigeria

To register your property, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A Survey Plan
• Proof of land ownership (e.g., deed of assignment)
• Tax clearance certificate
• Duly completed application form
• Receipts of land payment
• An affidavit confirming the authenticity of the land documents
• Passport photographs (for individuals) 
•  Corporate registration documents (for companies)

Benefits of Registering Your House in Nigeria

When you register your house in Nigeria, it comes with so many benefits. These benefits include:

1. Proof of Ownership

Registering your house in Nigeria provides clear evidence of ownership by providing the Certificate of Occupancy. 

This proof of ownership helps prevent fraudulent claims from scammers or even the government.

2. Legal Protection

Once you register your house in Nigeria, you enjoy legal protections. These protections can be against disputes, fraudulent claims or even encroachment. 

Your ownership rights are protected under Nigerian law. This helps in reducing the risk of house or property disputes.

3. Access to Loans

Registered houses can be used as collateral for bank loans. Banks or loan institutions want to be sure the house belongs to you before approving it as a collateral.

This gives you access to more financing options or opportunities.

4. Marketability

It improves future transactions. When you register your house in Nigeria, it increases its future appreciation. 

Registered houses are more marketable and easier to transact. This is because potential buyers can verify ownership status and history.

5. Safe Keeping

Where a house or land title is registered, the Land Registry keeps a copy to themselves. So, in the event of damage or loss, you can always go back to the registry. 

They will require you to apply for a certified true copy (CTC) of the title deed. Afterwards, you can always get a new copy for yourself. 

6. Ease in Title Transfer

Where a house or a land title is registered in Nigeria, it makes it easy to do a title transfer. This increases the value of the house or property. 

In turn, the marketability of the house increases. This is because the buyers are assured that the title transfer will be easy. 

7. Government Compensation

In cases of government acquisition, the owner of the property is meant to receive compensation. This is why it is important to register your house in Nigeria. 

If your house is not duly registered, you won’t get any compensation. This is because there is no evidence to prove you are the owner of the house.

Conclusion

Not registering their property is a common mistake home buyers often make. However, registering your house safeguards your house and investment for the future. 

By following the outlined processes, you are sure to register your house in Nigeria with ease. It’s important to work with a trusted real estate lawyer and a company like Win Realty. This ensures that you follow the right processes and not fall victim to scammers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to register your house in Nigeria?

It typically takes 1 to 3 months to register your house in Nigeria. It can extend in some stays due to certain delays. Hiring a lawyer can help speed up the registration process. 

2. Can I register a house in Nigeria without a survey plan?

No, you cannot register your house without a survey plan. It is mandatory as it defines the location and boundaries of your house.