How to verify land in the South-East before you pay a kobo

Buying land in the South-East can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make. It can also be one of the most expensive mistakes, and the difference almost always comes down to verification.

1. Confirm who truly owns the land. Family land, community land and individually owned land each carry different risks. Ask for the chain of ownership and insist on meeting the people who can legally sign.

2. Search the survey. A registered survey plan should be searched at the state survey office to confirm the land is not government-acquired or committed.

3. Inspect physically. Photographs are not enough. Someone you trust must stand on the land, confirm the beacons and confirm nobody else is farming or building on it.

4. Read the documents you are being given. A Deed of Assignment, a registered survey and a receipt are not the same thing. Know what you are receiving before payment.

5. Pay properly and document everything. Payments should be traceable and receipted in the name on the documents.

If you are buying from abroad, do not shorten these steps because of distance. This is exactly the work I do on behalf of my clients, and it is why every property I present has been through documented due diligence first.