INTRODUCTION
Land purchase simply refers to the process of transferring ownership/title in land from one person to another for financial consideration based on written and mutual agreements/terms. There are various documents required to buy land in Cameroon and procedures required for buying land in Cameroon. The focus of this article is to assess specifically the requirements for buying land in Cameroon and the importance of legal advice when buying land in Cameroon.
IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL ADVICE WHEN BUYING LAND IN CAMEROON
Here we shall discuss the steps to take before buying land in Cameroon and the importance of legal advice when buying land in Cameroon.
PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF LAND
Before you buy land in Cameroon, a physical inspection is usually conducted on the site where the land is situated in order to determine whether the proposed property described is accurate and genuine. Such an inspection would also reveal whether is any adverse warning such as “caveat emptor” placed on the land.
CONDUCT A SEARCH
Before you buy land in Cameroon search is to be carried out on the specified land. The search is essential to determine if the vendor is the rightful owner of the land or has the right to sell the land. The search will also reveal whether the title document presented by the vendor is genuine and whether the property is not under dispute or subject to any government acquisition.
EXECUTE A DEED OF CONVEYANCE
When it has been confirmed that the title of the vendor is not defective, before you buy a land in Cameroon a deed of conveyance can be executed. This occurs when both parties (buyer and seller) complete and sign the Deed of conveyance and payment is made for the land.
PROCESSING OF SURVEY PLAN
A survey document is an official document that clearly identifies the particular plot of land purchased and also describes the precise measurement. The survey is very relevant and important in every property transaction. Clear proof of the identity of the land plot is needed thus, the need for a survey plan as approved by the town planning authority. The survey plan gives the coordinates of the plot and must fit into the official map of the region. It also identifies the boundaries of the property.
STAMPING OF DEED OF CONVEYANCE.
The deeds are then presented for stamping at the Stamp Duties Registry including receipts confirming payment of stamp duty.
In conclusion, it can be emphatically stated that the procedure for acquiring land or landed property in Cameroon is a very tasking one. The importance of legal advice when buying land in Cameroon is that the interested buyer may seek legal assistance from property lawyers to navigate such transactions and understand what it takes to buy a land
Article by Barr. Mafany Victor Ngando
“The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances”