In real estate, a Survey Plan is quite indispensable. The document will provide accurate information about the piece of land in size, boundary, and location. A survey plan is important to avoid disputes, encroachment, and government acquisition issues. As either a buyer or a developer, a survey plan would be key in ensuring that your transaction is safe and smooth.

What is a Survey Plan?

A Land Survey Plan is a document that has been legally executed by a licensed surveyor in regard to the mapping of the geographical coordinates and dimensions of the land. For instance, if you are purchasing a plot of land in Lekki, Lagos, a survey plan will clearly outline the exact size and boundaries of the property, ensuring that it does not fall within government acquisition zones or encroach on another person’s land. This is crucial in areas like Ibeju-Lekki, where rapid development and land speculation have led to frequent ownership disputes.

Imagine a prospective buyer, Emeka, is interested in a plot of land in Lekki, Lagos. The seller presents a document claiming the land is one acre. However, without a survey plan, Emeka has no independent verification of this claim. A proper survey plan, prepared by a licensed surveyor, would accurately delineate the boundaries of the land, its precise dimensions, and its exact location coordinates. This plan would reveal if the land truly is one acre, or perhaps slightly more or less. It would also show if there are any encroachments from neighboring properties, or if the land itself encroaches on any other property. Crucially, it would also confirm whether the land is free from any government acquisition or other encumbrances. Without this survey plan, Emeka risks purchasing land that is smaller than advertised, embroiled in boundary disputes or even slated for government development, leading to significant financial losses and legal battles. Therefore, a survey plan is not just a good idea, it’s a critical document for any land transaction in Nigeria.

Key Components

• Surveyor’s Information: This constitutes name and license number of the surveyor who prepared the plan.
• Property Description: This entails the land, with size, boundary and landmark descriptions.
• Beacon Numbers: These are unique numbers marking the property’s boundaries.
• Coordinates: It is the geographical points defining its exact location.
• Purpose of Land: It states what the land will be used for, either residential, commercial, agricultural, or other purposes.
• Stamp and Signature: This is the official seal and signature of the surveyor authenticating it.

Why is a Survey Plan Important?

1. Prevents Land Disputes: Well-defined boundaries minimize the chances of disputes or encroachments.
2. Confirms Land Status: A survey plan ascertains that the land is not in a government-designated “committed area” or under acquisition.
3. It allows for legal transactions to be possible, such as the acquisition of the Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, or Governor’s Consent.
4. It facilitates development planning as developers use survey plans to ensure projects align with zoning and land-use regulations.

How to Get a Survey Plan in Nigeria

1. Hire a Licensed Surveyor

• Engage the services of a registered surveyor with the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).
• Ensure that the surveyor is conversant with the local topography and the law involved.

2. Site Inspection

• The surveyor will visit the site for land boundary measurement and coordinate capture.
• Beacon numbers will be given to identify the property.

3. Drafting and Verification

• The surveyor will prepare a plan draft, showing all the required information.
• Check the draft for accuracy and legality with the Office of the Surveyor General.

4. Obtain Approval

• The survey plan should be forwarded for approval and stamping at the State Surveyor General’s Office.

Mistakes to Be Avoided

• Employing Unlicensed Surveyors: Unregistered surveyors can produce invalid or wrong documents.
• Lack of Verification of the Survey Plan: Without verification, there could be a boundary error or conflicts with government acquisition.
• Ignoring Committed Areas: Failure to confirm whether the land is in a “committed area” may lead to loss of investment.

Modern Tools for Land Surveying

Technology has transformed land surveying in Nigeria, making it quicker and more accurate.

• GIS Mapping Systems: It facilitates accurate boundary mapping.
• Digital Land Records: States like Lagos and Ogun offer online access to verified survey records.
• Drone Technology: Provides land measurements quickly, especially for big estates.

Conclusion

A Survey Plan is much more than a map—it’s such a vital document for protecting that investment in real estate. It prevents disputes, ensures that your rights and interests will be respected, and eases the worry in your transaction.

At MyPlace.ng, we realize that survey plans are an important ingredient in ensuring smooth, dispute-free property transactions. Because we do not independently verify survey plans or other documents, we are set up for great standards by ensuring that we only work with real estate professionals who promise the integrity of their listings. Buyers are, therefore, advised to engage the services of licensed surveyors who verify details of survey plans at the Office of the State Surveyor General and consult legal practitioners for due diligence.

Begin your journey to secure property ownership with confidence by searching through trusted listings on MyPlace.ng.

Remember! A verified survey plan is your first step toward securing your investment in Nigerian real estate.