Real estate consultant and managing director of Bella Ville Realty Ltd, Mabel Akpan, has cautioned prospective property buyers against neglecting comprehensive property verification, describing it as the fastest way for investors to lose money in real estate.
In a recent professional advisory, Akpan explained that most real estate losses are not caused by poor location, high prices, or unsuitable land, but by insufficient due diligence carried out before property purchase. According to her, many investors rely on intermediaries without personally verifying records, a decision she says often leads to avoidable disputes and financial losses.
She highlighted that in Akwa Ibom State, common challenges faced by buyers include conflicting ownership claims, incorrect survey plans, community disputes, and cases of land already acquired by government. “Almost every failed transaction I have encountered had one thing in common — no proper search,” she said.
Akpan outlined a structured approach to property verification, starting with understanding the development outlook of a location before price negotiation. She advised investors to examine government plans for a prospective area and assess whether communities are expanding or declining, noting that location remains the primary driver of long-term property value.
She also emphasized the importance of confirming ownership before inspection, stating that validating the root of title is critical to avoiding family disputes, double sales, and dealings with unauthorized agents.
Beyond physical appearance, Akpan urged buyers to conduct in-depth inspections of the land itself, including examining boundaries, soil condition, water flow, and surrounding developments, which she said play a key role in long-term investment stability.
Another vital step, she noted, is discreet confirmation within the host community, where consistent accounts from multiple sources often signal legitimacy. She concluded by stressing the necessity of conducting official searches at the government level through the Ministry of Lands, where details such as ownership records, layout approvals, survey authentication, and Certificates of Occupancy can be verified.
According to Akpan, property search is not a technical luxury but a legal safeguard. She added that she applies the same process in guiding both local and diaspora investors seeking secure and transparent real estate opportunities in Akwa Ibom through Bella Ville Realty Ltd.
