Quick Backstory
Anyone who knows Maryland knows that the area is a very prime location. The roads are accessible, it connects the Mainland to the Island quickly, and properties there hold serious value.
Let me tell you a story about An investor named Chuka. Chuka wanted to buy into real estate. He found a beautiful piece of property in a developed neighborhood. The seller was friendly, the price was a bit lower than the market rate, and the seller handed Chuka a “Family Receipt” and a “Deed of Agreement” signed by a local community leader.
Chuka paid the money, feeling very proud of his new investment. Two years later, he decided to sell the property to fund a business. But every time a serious buyer came, they asked for the land titles. When Chuka showed them his receipt, they walked away. Eventually, the state government marked the area for a road expansion. Because Chuka did not have recognized government titles, he could not claim any serious compensation. He lost his money.
This story happens every day in Lagos. People lose millions because they do not understand property documents. We need to get the difference between a C of O and Governor’s Consent sorted out, using plain, everyday English. No legal jargon.
Land Titles in Lagos
To understand property documents, you first have to understand one basic rule: According to the law in Nigeria (the Land Use Act of 1978), the state government owns all the land in the state.
When you “buy” land, you are actually just leasing it from the state government for 99 years. The documents we are about to discuss are simply the government’s official written permission for you to occupy that land.
1. The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
When the state government officially gives a piece of land to an individual or a company for the very first time, they issue a document called a Certificate of Occupancy.
Think of the C of O as the birth certificate of that land in the government’s records. It proves that the government recognizes you as the first legal owner of that specific plot for the 99-year lease period.
- Who holds it? The first person to acquire the land directly from the government.
- Can there be two? No. One piece of land can only have one C of O.
2. The Governor’s Consent
Now, what happens if the person who has the C of O decides to sell the property to you?
Since the government only issues one C of O per land, they will not give you a new C of O. Instead, the law says that the transaction must be approved by the Governor of the state. The seller and the buyer must sign a transfer document, and the state government must officially stamp and sign it to show they agree with the transfer. This official approval is called the Governor’s Consent.
Once you have a Governor’s Consent, your name enters the government’s official records as the new recognized owner of the property. If you decide to sell it to someone else tomorrow, that new buyer will also get a Governor’s Consent, and the chain continues.
The Importance
If you buy a property without a C of O or a Governor’s Consent, the government does not know you own it. In their eyes, you are just squatting.
This is exactly why we wrote our previous guide on Demolitions and Diaspora Investors. The number one reason properties are demolished without compensation, or why investors lose their money, is the lack of these perfected titles. A valid title is your absolute defense against losing your investment.
To see how the Lagos State Government processes these documents, you can always check the official Lagos State Lands Bureau portal for their latest registration guidelines.
Why Greystone Residence is Safe
When you are looking at developed areas on the Mainland, places like Maryland, you need to know that these areas were developed decades ago. The government has already issued C of Os for most of the lands there a very long time ago.
Therefore, if you are buying a new property in a place like Maryland, you should be looking for a Governor’s Consent, because the original C of O was given out in the past.
This is where Greystone Residence comes in. Greystone is our premium off-plan estate located right in Maryland. Because we understand the severe risks of bad documentation, Casafina Development ensures that the titles for our properties are fully perfected.
When you invest in a unit at Greystone (with prices starting at 320 million naira), you are not just paying for a well-built 3 bedroom maisonette. You are paying for a legal and verifiable document.
(If you are still wondering why its smart choosing these specific locations, read our breakdown on The Mainland Luxury Myth).
In conclusion, ask for the documents first. Investing in real estate is a major financial decision. Before you look at the beautiful tiles, the spacious compound, or the modern kitchen, you must ask one simple question: “What is the title on this property?”
If the answer is not a Certificate of Occupancy or a Governor’s Consent, you should be very careful.
Do you want to invest in a property where the paperwork is completely sorted out for you? We have properties that will suit your portfolio.
