For most millennials, the choice of building vs buying is getting skewed towards building. As a result, most people favour buying their own stands and then building a house of their own choice. However, the inherent risk of buying land which is in dispute, contested or from a seller who does not have the mandate to sell is modern reality. What is meant to become a dream purchase can become a nightmare for life.

Before you buy a stand, consider due diligence, research and undertake critical checks. These checks are necessary in order to preserve value. Not all stands which are for sale are genuine. Criminals are also on the prowl to hoodwink unsuspecting buyers into being duped. At minimum. consider the following issues if you would like to undertake a hustle-free purchase of your stand.

  1. Ask for Proof of Ownership e.g. Title Deeds for Private Property or Valid Offer Letters from government to the developer depending on the regulations of your country.
  2. Use reputable property developers
  3. Engage a lawyer to check with the Deeds Office whether or not the stand exists in the Registry of Deeds
  4. Confirm whether the seller has the mandate to sell
  5. Undertake a site visit to the actual site. Many people have bought stands only to know someone has already build on the same spot. Avoid purchasing stands without visiting the sites, lest you will discover someone occupying the land. 
  6. Do not be rushed into a transaction before doing your due diligence
  7. Put all agreements in writing to ensure that there is a paper trail of all transactions
  8. Consider if Subdivision Permit, Development Permit, Dispensation Certificate and Certificate of Compliance has been issued just in case you have an intention to build without hustles.
  9. Do not be persuaded into making very quick agreements without cross-checking these.

Due to the fact that raising money to buy a stand is not that easy, it becomes very painful to lose the hard earned cash. Scammers are on the prowl each and every day and we need to be properly advised and undertake due diligence.

Double sales are on the rise, fictitious stands and those that are occupied present intricate situations which buyers can fall into. If you are unsure, do not commit to the agreement.

NB: Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only. It cannot be taken as legal advice and readers use it at their own risk. No liability will be accrued on the publishers for damages incurred due to using this information. Readers should use the information at their own risk and they should be guided by the legal requirements governing property in their countries. The information should not be misconstrued as legal advice or other advice that constitutes a commercial relationship.