Land inspection?
Inspecting land before buying is one of the most critical steps in real estate acquisition, especially in Nigeria, where regulatory and infrastructural issues can impact the value and usability of land.
Here’s why land inspection should never be skipped:
Confirming Location and Accessibility during land inspection
Why it Matters:
The value of land is often determined by its location. Proximity to major roads, transportation hubs, city centers, and amenities like schools and hospitals can greatly impact its worth.
What to Check During Inspection:
Assess how easy it is to reach the land and the conditions of nearby roads.
Note any bottlenecks or difficult terrains that could affect access to the property, especially during the rainy season.
Future infrastructural developments, such as road expansion or rail lines, can also significantly increase the land’s value over time.
Assessing the Land’s Topography
Why it Matters:
The land’s shape, slope, and natural features influence its development. For example, steep land may require more investment in leveling and drainage.
What to Check During Inspection:
Look at the natural gradient of the land and check for dips, hills, or irregular shapes.
Flat land is generally preferred for residential and commercial projects, while sloped or irregular plots might require additional excavation or foundation work.
Additionally, land with a suitable topography for agriculture should have fertile, workable soil.
Identifying Boundaries and Size
Why it Matters:
Land boundary disputes are common in Nigeria and can lead to legal conflicts or even land loss.
Ensuring you are purchasing the correct plot is essential.
What to Check During Inspection:
Hire a licensed surveyor to confirm the exact boundaries as per the survey plan.
Verify boundary markers, if they exist, and compare them to what’s documented.
In some cases, neighbors may attempt to encroach on the land, so it’s critical to physically verify each corner and demarcate it if necessary.
Ensuring Compliance with Zoning Regulations
Why it Matters:
Zoning laws in Nigeria dictate land use, whether it’s for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes.
Failing to adhere to these regulations can lead to fines or land reclamation by the government.
What to Check During Inspection:
Familiarize yourself with local zoning requirements by visiting the local planning authority or council.
Check if the land’s current and neighboring land use aligns with your intended purpose, as changing the zoning classification can be a lengthy and costly process.
Verifying Existing Infrastructure
Why it Matters:
Existing infrastructure like access roads, drainage, and nearby utilities can greatly influence the cost of development and land desirability.
What to Check During Inspection:
Look for well-paved or at least accessible roads leading to the land, and check for signs of ongoing infrastructure projects.
Confirm the presence of nearby power lines, water supply, and telecommunication networks, as establishing these from scratch can be costly and time-consuming.
Understanding Soil Composition and Quality
Why it Matters:
Certain soil types are more suitable for construction than others.
For instance, clay soil can expand and contract with moisture, affecting the foundation.
What to Check During Inspection:
Have a geotechnical engineer analyze the soil quality if you’re planning on building.
For agricultural land, confirm that the soil supports your intended crops and is free from contaminants.
Soil testing can reveal if additional treatments or reinforcements are needed, impacting the overall development budget.
Identifying Flood-Prone Areas
Why it Matters:
Nigeria has regions prone to seasonal flooding, which can damage properties, especially those near rivers, wetlands, or low-lying areas.
What to Check During Inspection:
Observe the land’s proximity to water bodies, drainage channels, or signs of past floodings, like watermarks or eroded soil.
Check with locals or neighbors about seasonal flooding.
Look into government flood maps or risk assessments, especially in flood-prone states like Lagos, Delta, and Rivers.
Detecting Environmental Hazards
Why it Matters:
Environmental hazards such as erosion, pollution, and exposure to industrial waste can lead to property degradation, costly repairs, and health risks.
What to Check During Inspection:
Observe signs of soil erosion, pollution from nearby industries, and the overall cleanliness of the area.
Also, consider the land’s proximity to industrial zones or waste disposal sites.
Land located near chemical factories, oil refineries, or sewage plants may pose health hazards and affect property value.
Observing Surrounding Development and Future Potential
Why it Matters:
Land in developing areas has high appreciation potential.
However, surrounding developments can affect how you intend to use the land.
What to Check During Inspection:
Assess nearby properties for new construction projects, infrastructure upgrades, or commercial hubs.
Visit local government offices for insights into planned developments or road expansions that could increase the land’s future value.
Similarly, if you’re seeking a quiet residential area, avoid plots close to future commercial developments.
Assessing Security and Safety of the Area
Why it Matters:
High crime rates in the area can affect the desirability of land, especially for residential or commercial purposes.
What to Check During Inspection:
Observe the security measures around, such as the presence of gates, local security personnel, or checkpoints.
Speak to residents about crime rates and assess the proximity of law enforcement or private security services.
Areas with low crime rates and strong community policing are more attractive and ensure tenant satisfaction if you plan to rent out the property.
Evaluating Noise Levels and Environmental Disturbances
Why it Matters:
Noise pollution can be disruptive for residential or office space.
Proximity to airports, busy highways, or industrial areas may affect comfort.
What to Check During Inspection:
Listen to ambient noise during the inspection, especially if you plan on developing the land for residential purposes.
Check if the land is near markets, industrial factories, or main roads.
Environmental disturbances, such as air pollution from nearby factories, should also be assessed as these factors can reduce the quality of life.
Preventing Fraud and Ownership Issues
Why it Matters:
Land fraud is a serious issue in Nigeria, with cases of double selling or government-acquired land being sold to unsuspecting buyers.
What to Check During Inspection:
Physically verifying the land helps you confirm that it actually exists and matches the seller’s description.
It’s essential to confirm that the land is not under government acquisition or involved in any legal disputes.
Inspecting the land along with a legal professional minimizes the risk of being scammed or buying disputed property.
Observing the Surrounding Community and Amenities
Why it Matters:
Proximity to essential amenities, such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and places of worship, can significantly increase the land’s value and appeal.
What to Check During Inspection:
Note how far the land is from essential services and amenities.
If you plan on developing the land for residential or commercial purposes, these amenities enhance convenience and attractiveness.
This aspect is especially vital if you plan to rent or sell the property in the future.
Getting a True Picture of the Property Condition
Why it Matters:
Paper documents can sometimes be outdated, and they may not reflect the current state of the land.
What to Check During Inspection:
Check for any natural or man-made obstacles like tree stumps, rocks, or rubble, as well as any visible signs of encroachment or informal structures.
Confirm that the plot is not being used by unauthorized occupants, which can lead to lengthy legal battles to reclaim ownership.
Assessing Utility Connections and Service Availability
Why it Matters: Basic utilities, such as electricity, water, and sewage systems, are essential for development.
The lack of these services increases construction costs and time.
What to Check During Inspection:
Identify the nearest power lines, water supply systems, and sewage networks.
Confirm if water boreholes or septic tanks need to be constructed if no existing systems are nearby.
This insight into available utilities helps plan installation and gauge additional expenses.
Conclusion
Land inspection is a crucial step in the buying process that reveals invaluable information about potential risks, additional costs, and the land’s true market value.
Inspecting the land thoroughly gives you the confidence to make an informed decision, ensuring your investment aligns with your financial and development goals.