One unique property of land is that it is everywhere! Of course, you already know this, and I’m sure you would, in one way or the other, have asked how the different sizes of land are measured, dimensions such as Hectares, plots, and Acres. You might have seen some certain advertisements on your television displaying sales of landed property in different areas of the country.
Most of these adverts are something like “Buy landed property at 2 million Naira per square metre” or by a hectare or plot or acre of landed property at a special price. The truth is that everyone uses land, i.e. schools, businesses, churches, houses, hospitals, gas stations, and the likes to use the property. Land is a vital commodity in the market, which brings up the issue of buying space (in the form of tiny plots) in some areas.
This is also a form of land purchase, although the payment for space is usually renewed every year. Now some of the questions you would want to be answered include how large a square metre is? All these questions and many more will be answered here in this article.
How Land Is Measured in Nigeria
Nigeria, a vast country with a population of over 200 million people, is enormous in terms of landmass. In Nigeria, there are two primary means of measurement, to obtain a practical calculation of land size, and these are the metric, which measures in hectares; the imperial, which weighs in Acres.
The system of measurement most indigenes of the locality use in calculating the accurate size of landed property in Lagos is the imperial system of analysis, which are taken in inches, and feet. While the imperial method is acceptable to locals, professionals and other highly educated people prefer the metric system of measurement, i.e. meters, cm, millimetres.
Either way, both are great in measurement, but the only problem involved is the variation due to human or environmental factors. Let’s see some standard units of measurement units used in making accurate land measurements before we go into these problems.
Units of Measurement in Land Sizes Allotment
Plots
In some parts of Nigeria, plots are calculated 50 by 100 ft., while in Lagos, parcels can be calculated in 60 by 120 ft. Although, the standard measurement is 50 by 100 ft., and is known to be standard enough to accommodate a well-built house.
A plot is a name for measurement or allotment of land used primarily for building development or farming. A standard plot measures 648 square meters ( that is 60 x 120 ft )
Acres
An Acre is described as the area of one chain by one furlong, and it is about 4046.86 square meters in size. Visually, it is compared to the size of a standard football field, and in Nigeria, the metric measurement is used in allocating this size of land to developers.
According to estimations, made by land surveyors, an acre is roughly 40% the size of a standard hectare of land and is considered to be six plots of land per acre, i.e. 6 x 60 x 120 ft.
Hectares
Hectare (ha) is a metric measurement of land and is said to be 2.47acres, i.e. in one hectare, you can find about 2.47 acres of land. From a visual perspective, a hectare of land is two and a half times the size of a standard football pitch.
According to professionals, a hectare of land is usually 100m by 100m or 328 ft. By 328 ft. and is mostly acquired by estate developers.
Now you know the different terms used in land measurement, and you can also carefully point out the difference between each measurement unit. Let’s see some factors affecting the variation of land sizes in Nigeria:
- Location is one common factor affecting land allotment, since, in some of Nigeria’s localities, the standard measurement size is 50 x 100 ft. In Lagos, the standard land measurement is 60 x 120 ft.
In some states, where the prices of land are incredibly vast, the usual allotment is given but also has a reduction either in length or in width.
- Another variation in the allotment, is soil properties, as sometimes land could be eroded, and the previous calculation made in the past will be considered incorrect.
What to do when buying land
So, you now know the different sizes and measurements of land and their variations in different areas. Now here’s a little advice for you, when next you want to get landed properties. First of all, you should be conscious of the size and shape of the parcel you are purchasing, ensuring that you do not get a slant or bent piece, with an irregular shape. Take priority in being present while the measurement is ongoing.
Secondly, ensure that you’re dealing with the right set of owners. In Lagos, there are a group of individuals, the local indigenes of that area, called omo-nile, and they are responsible for land allotments, at most times. These people tend to cause a whole lot of drama, which they’ll probably present. So, a piece of good advice, is for you to either purchase directly from an estate or straight from the source.
Finally, make sure the certificate or deed of ownership is presented to you. While doing so, ensure that the copy given to you is the original copy, signed and stamped by a court, and the seller to you.
CONCLUSION
Land, as mentioned earlier, is a very important factor of production. In Nigeria, the size of lands is measured in Hectares, plots, and acres. Land is also multipurpose, as many instances have proven, so; some common use of land include Processing companies, shopping centres, estate housing facilities, and so on.
Today’s acquisition of land is an investment in the future; the reason for this statement is that land does not have a depreciating factor. I hope you find this guide helpful in your plans of acquiring landed properties, be it hectares, plots or acres.
