1. Check the land title yourself
A title is the strongest proof of ownership. A sale agreement, receipt or letter from a local leader is not a title.
- Ask the seller for a copy of the title deed or certificate of occupancy, plus their national ID.
- Search the title at the official land registry or lands office yourself, or through your own lawyer. Do not rely on a search the seller arranges.
- Confirm the registered owner’s name matches the seller, and that the plot number, size and location match the land you visited.
- Check for mortgages, caveats, court disputes or family claims on the land.
- Walk the boundaries and ask neighbours who owns the plot. For land, ask a licensed surveyor to confirm the beacons.
- For off-plan homes, check that the developer owns the land and has approved building plans.
2. Never pay a deposit before visiting
No genuine seller needs your money before you have seen the property and the papers.
- Visit in person, or send someone you trust. A live video call walked around the property is the minimum if you are abroad.
- Pay only after the title search is clean and a written agreement has been reviewed by your own lawyer.
- Pay into an account in the verified owner’s name, or a lawyer’s client account. Never to a third party or a “cousin”.
- Keep receipts and a written record of every payment.
3. Red flags to watch for
- The price is far below similar properties nearby.
- You are pushed to pay today because “other buyers are waiting”.
- The seller avoids viewings or keeps changing the date.
- They ask you to leave the platform and talk only on WhatsApp or by personal email.
- Payment is requested to a personal account, mobile money number or someone other than the owner.
- Documents are blurry, only sent as photos, or names and plot numbers do not match.
- The seller refuses to let you use your own lawyer or surveyor.
How Savannah & Stone helps
Sellers verify their identity and property documents before they can publish, and every listing is reviewed before it goes live. Contact details are removed from descriptions so your conversation stays in our private chat. These checks reduce risk but do not replace your own title search and legal advice.
If something feels wrong, use “Report this listing” on the property page or email hello@savannahandstone.com.
Common questions
How do I check a land title in Africa?
Ask for a copy of the title, then search it at the official land registry yourself. Confirm the name, plot number and size match the seller and the land, and check for mortgages, caveats or disputes.
Should I pay a deposit before viewing a property?
No. Visit the property, or send someone you trust, and confirm the documents before any money moves. Pay only into accounts that match the verified owner or a lawyer’s client account.
What are the signs of a property scam?
Prices far below the market, pressure to pay quickly, refusal to allow viewings, sellers who will only talk off-platform, and payment requests to personal or third-party accounts.