The government-issued title that confirms a statutory right to occupy and use a piece of land.
Under the Land Use Act, land is held by the state and individuals hold a right of occupancy, not outright ownership. In the FCT, a Certificate of Occupancy is the document that evidences that right, and it is issued by the FCT Administration through AGIS.
An FCT C of O is normally granted for a term of 99 years and sets out the land use (residential, commercial and so on), the plot number, the district and the conditions attached to the grant, including payment of Ground rent and a deadline to develop.
Buyers and banks treat a C of O as the strongest title for a plot. Even so, it only proves the grant was made. You still need to confirm it is genuine, current and in the seller’s name.
What to check
- Run a search at AGIS on the file number and plot number.
- Match the name on the C of O to the seller, or to the chain of assignments leading to them.
- Check that ground rent and other bills are paid up to date.
- Confirm the land use on the C of O matches what you plan to build.
Watch out
A photocopy or a “C of O in process” is not a C of O. Ask to see the original and verify it with AGIS before paying.
Related terms
- Right of OccupancyThe offer that grants land to an allottee, issued before the Certificate of Occupancy.
- RecertificationThe FCT exercise that replaced older land titles with new computerised records.
- Minister’s ConsentThe approval the FCT Minister must give before a right of occupancy can be sold, mortgaged or transferred.
- Title Deed PlanThe official plan that shows a plot’s exact boundaries, coordinates and size.
General information about property in the FCT, not legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and processes change, so confirm the current position with AGIS, a lawyer or our team before you act.