Buying land in Senegal safely comes down to one rule: verify ownership before you pay. Follow these steps to avoid land disputes, double sales and untitled plots.
Quick answer
- Verify the title and survey — Obtain a statement of real rights from the land registry and have a licensed surveyor confirm the plot's area and boundaries.
- Check buildability — Confirm the plot's designation with the town hall or planning services (buildable, agricultural or non-buildable).
- Sign before the notary — Formalise a preliminary agreement then the notarised deed, and transfer the title into your name at the land registry.
Buying land in Senegal safely
Five steps to secure a land purchase.
- 1
Verify the land title
Require the land title number and obtain a statement of real rights from the land registry to confirm the true owner and the absence of any dispute.
- 2
Check the survey
Engage a licensed surveyor to confirm the actual area and exact boundaries of the plot on the ground.
- 3
Check buildability
Ask the town hall or planning services about the plot's designation (buildable, agricultural, or non-buildable).
- 4
Sign a preliminary agreement
Formalise the deal with a preliminary sale agreement setting out price, deadlines and conditions, ideally drafted by a notary.
- 5
Sign the deed before the notary
Complete the sale by notarised deed and transfer the title into your name at the land registry. Keep all supporting documents.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you buy land without a land title?
- It is strongly discouraged. Without a land title, ownership is not guaranteed and the risk of dispute or double sale is high. Always prefer land with a TF.
See also
Updated 2026-06-03