PRESS RELEASE
What you need to do before buying land and avoid costly disputes
The Land Administration Authority (LAA) has noted with greatest concern the
increasing number of disputes to land that could otherwise have been avoided. The
mediation records in the Authority indicate this trend. Many people regardless of
status, age, educational background, sex, or financial muscle have all fallen victim to
a land scam in one way or another. Land is a very important economic asset and
therefore one must always tread with care when trying to acquire the rights to land
especially through buying.
Before buying a land always try to check the following:
- Ensure the person selling the land to you has legal/legitimate documents proving
that he/she is the rightful holder of rights to such land (titleholder). - Ensure that whatever you agree on is in writing with at least three witnesses to the
agreement. Have the agreement authorized or certified by legal authority such as a
lawyer or police. - Visit the LAA offices to ascertain whether the land parcel/plot has a lease number
(legally registered in the Deeds Registry) and that the lease is registered in the names
of the titleholder. At LAA you will be able to check on the map whether the number
indeed belongs to the physical plot you know or see on the map. You can also
request to check the file for further details for that plot in question. - Try to ask around (perhaps neighbours) to find out whether they know of any dispute
over the land or anything at all about the land. - Always check with the Council having jurisdiction in the area if they have any record
of that plot and somebody in the names of the person trying to sell you the plot.
The LAA is hard at work in automating its processes and the records particularly
those historical records that precede the establishment of the LAA. The LAA further
implores upon the members of the public and lease-holders to utilize the cost-free
process of mediation offered at LAA offices in order to avoid the high costs of
litigation.
The LAA was established among others to ensure transparent, efficient and less
costly transactions that occur on land in an effort to stimulate the economy of the
country through vibrant land markets. The LAA is forever committed to this
mandate.
For further information Please contact Public Outreach Office on: +266 22214100
Social media: Land Administration Authority –
