Buying land is often the starting point of a building or investment project. It is also the area where disputes are most common. A few simple precautions greatly reduce the risk.

Check the status of the land

First, make sure the seller really owns the plot and that the land has a clear title. Ask for the documents that prove ownership and have them checked. Land without a solid title can be claimed later by a third party.

Checks before you buy

• Confirm the seller's identity and their right to sell.
• Have the title and history of the land checked with the relevant authorities.
• Check the real boundaries and area (survey), not only those advertised.
• Look into whether the plot is buildable and the local planning rules.
• Make sure there is no dispute, mortgage or public project on the plot.

Secure the transaction

• Use a notary or a verified professional for the deed and the registration.
• Pay nothing before you have seen the documents and visited the land.
• Keep a written record of every payment and every commitment.

Land rules vary a lot from one country and region to another. Get local support from a verified professional before you commit. A well-checked plot means a project that starts on solid ground, in Lomé as in Abidjan.