The land title (titre foncier, TF) is the legal document granting definitive, unchallengeable ownership of a property in Senegal. It is the only title offering full security to the buyer: it is registered at the land registry and cannot be contested.
Quick answer
- Land title (titre foncier, TF) — Definitive, unchallengeable ownership registered at the land registry — the only fully secure title for a buyer.
- Lease (bail) — A long-term use right granted by the State; not full ownership.
- Délibération — A provisional allocation by a local authority, to be converted into a land title before any secure purchase.
What's the difference between a land title, a lease and a délibération?
Not all land in Senegal has a land title. You will also find leases (long-term use rights granted by the State) and délibérations (allocations by a local authority, which are not ownership titles). Only the land title grants full ownership; a lease or délibération can sometimes be converted into a TF under conditions.
How do I verify a land title is genuine?
Ask for the title number and the exact owner's name, then obtain a statement of real rights (état de droits réels) from the relevant land registry. This document shows the true owner and any mortgages or disputes. Never pay a deposit before this check.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a lease equivalent to a land title?
- No. A lease grants a long-term right of use but not full ownership. Only the land title is definitive and unchallengeable, though a lease can often be converted into a TF.
- How do I know if a land title is genuine?
- By requesting a statement of real rights from the land registry using the title number. This official document confirms the true owner and reveals any charges or disputes.
See also
Updated 2026-06-03