Estates Trust

Verification process

Four stages. No shortcuts.

Land fraud in Ghana almost always comes from skipping one of these stages. We do not list a property until all four are complete, and we show you the evidence.

Stage 1

Lands Commission search

Typical time

5 to 10 working days

We file an official search on the parcel and receive a report showing the registered owner, any encumbrances, court actions or overlapping claims.

  • Registered owner matches the seller
  • No pending litigation
  • No existing mortgage or caveat
  • Parcel boundaries match the site plan

Stage 2

Physical site verification

Typical time

1 to 3 days

A licensed surveyor visits the land, locates the corner beacons and confirms the coordinates against the cadastral plan. We speak to adjoining owners and the local traditional authority.

  • Beacons present and matching
  • No third party in occupation
  • Access road confirmed
  • Neighbours and chief consulted

Stage 3

Documentation review

Typical time

3 to 5 days

Our legal team traces the chain of title: allocation note, indenture, site plan, consent from the stool or family where required, and any prior transfers.

  • Chain of title complete
  • Signatures and witnesses valid
  • Stamp duty and registration status
  • Seller identity verified

Stage 4

Secure purchase and registration

Typical time

Registration 3 to 9 months

Payment is made to a company account against a signed sale agreement. We prepare the indenture in your name, pay stamp duty and lodge registration at the Lands Commission.

  • Signed agreement and receipt
  • Indenture executed in your name
  • Stamp duty paid
  • Registration lodged and tracked

What you receive

Every document, in your hands.

You will hold copies of everything we relied on, plus the documents that make the property yours.

Lands Commission Search ReportBefore payment
Site Plan (cadastral)Before payment
Seller's title or indentureBefore payment
Sale agreement and receiptAt payment
Indenture in your nameAfter payment
Land Title CertificateAfter registration

Red flags we walk away from

  • Seller cannot produce a site plan
  • Search report shows a caveat or court case
  • Beacons missing or not matching
  • Payment requested in cash or to a personal account
  • Pressure to pay before documents are shared
  • Multiple families claiming the same parcel

See it for yourself

Ask for the search report on any listing.

Pick a property and we will send its verification pack so you can see exactly what four stages of checking looks like.