Investing in land can be a lucrative opportunity, especially in a Country like Cameroon, known for its natural beauty and emerging economy. However, navigating the process of purchasing land can be complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. Whether you’re looking to buy land in Bamenda 1,2,3 , Bali, Bafut , Tubah, Mezam,Momo division , or anywhere else in the Northwest region of Cameroon, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Failing to Conduct Due Diligence:
Before committing to any land purchase, it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence. This includes verifying the seller’s ownership rights, checking for any existing liens or disputes on the land, and confirming that the property is legally zoned for your intended use.You are advise to have a lawyer for your due diligence, they are certain red lights (encumbrances or caveat )that can only be seen by lawyers .
2. Ignoring Local Regulations and Customs:
Each sub division in Cameroon may have its own set of customs in the transfer of unregistered land , there is one general law governing land ownership and development of a registered Land . Ignoring these regulations can lead to costly fines or even the invalidation of your land rights. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before making any purchase.Here you would need a lawyer for your guidance as well .
3. Not Engaging Legal Assistance:
Navigating the legal aspects of land purchase in Cameroon can be challenging, Cameroonians don’t even know the obligation or use of a Notary Public in Land Transfer , some ignorantly will want to use the Police,gendarmes, D.Os ,head quarters which of course are wrong authorities when it comes to transfer documents . Engaging the services of a qualified Lawyer/Notary can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the transaction process and that all necessary legal requirements are met.
4. Overlooking Infrastructure and Accessibility:
Even if a piece of land seems perfect on paper, it’s essential to consider its proximity to infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and amenities. Purchasing land in a remote area without adequate access to essential services can significantly impact its value and usability.
5. Neglecting Environmental Considerations:
Cameroon’s rich biodiversity and natural resources make environmental considerations critical when purchasing land. Failing to assess the environmental impact of your purchase could lead to unforeseen challenges or restrictions on development in the future.
6. Making use of Unregistered Mediocre Middlemen: Most buyers often make use of middlemen who don’t even know Cameroon regulations for the sale of registered and unregistered land .Some don’t even know the difference between a Registered land and an unregistered land.They will brain wash the buyers not to hire the services of a lawyer reason that lawyers are expensive, whereas they charge and are to have 10% of the value of the purchase .The sad part of it is that some of this middlemen claim to have their lawyers they work with who collect ridiculous amount of money which is not commensurate to the work to be done.All this is not to allow the buyer to have proper legal advise or representations .Dear land buyers do not allow yourself to be controlled by someone ,make your decision to buy the land ,get a lawyer by yourself first who will help you in Due diligence and sometimes in negotiations of your price, remember the Lawyers fee is determined by him alone and not by some claimed unregistered Middleman.
Conclusion
Purchasing land in Cameroon, whether in Bamenda, Mezam, or elsewhere in the Northwest region, can be a rewarding investment opportunity. However, it’s essential to approach the process with caution and diligence to avoid common pitfalls. By conducting thorough due diligence, adhering to local regulations, seeking legal assistance, considering infrastructure and accessibility, and assessing environmental factors, you can make a more informed decision and mitigate potential risks associated with land purchase in Cameroon by contacting a Lawyer .
Munoh Mathias Esq.
Elad Nguh and Partners Law Firm Bamenda Cameroon
Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Land in Cameroon
