Many people in Cameroon have fallen prey to unscrupulous property dealers posing as property owners or brokers during the Process of Buying Property. Here are matters to consider when buying land in Cameroon:
• Get to Know your agent/broker
The first point of contact, when you are looking for land to buy, is likely to be a property agent or broker( Demarche ). Request for and keep a record of proper identification including their identity card and confirmation of their residence.
• Know the seller of the property
When you are buying land insist on meeting the seller if they are not represented by an advocate/Lawyer. If the seller is represented by an advocate, the advocate should make full disclosure of the seller’s details. Request for and keep a record of the sellers’ identity card or passport. If the seller is a company, get a copy of their registration certificate and identity card or passport of the directors. With these documents, you or your lawyer if you are represented can undertake due diligence on the seller.
It is advisable to make payments through your lawyer who should ensure that the purchase price is not released to the seller before the successful registration of the transfer in your favour.
• Confirm that the property exists
You should hire a licensed surveyor to confirm the property exists on the relevant maps and that its dimensions and position on the ground are in order. The surveyor should also confirm beacons have been properly placed and if they are not in place he should place beacons. The surveyor should confirm that the property was not a public utility/State Land, earmarked for repossession or set aside for a public utility.
The surveyor will require a copy of the title document and access to the property to undertake his due diligence.
• Make Enquiries
Talk to people in the neighbourhood. Often, they know who owns what property and whether there are disputes. Talk to the local administrators including chiefs and Members of the Village. They are likely to be aware of any dispute that may not be available in the land records.
Get an Advocate
If you are represented by a competent advocate/ Lawyer, you stand a better chance of successfully purchasing a genuine property. An Advocate will also help you in drafting and negotiating the terms of the agreement for sale. It is advisable to make payments through your lawyer who should ensure that the purchase price is not released to the seller before the successful registration of the transfer in your favour.
• Be patient and Alert
Never rush to close a deal. If a deal feels wrong, it probably is. Walk away from a deal that doesn’t seem right.
Although real estate is the preferred investment option for Cameroonians, it is also high-risk. Throughout my legal studies, there is no day I have been to court without noticing a majority of land disputes.
Article by CHUO ANGABUA JUNIOR
‘’The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. We insist specialist advice be sought depending on your specific circumstance’’
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