Lusaka-based lawyer Dickson Jere has urged Zambians to always engage a qualified lawyer when buying land, warning that trying to handle land transactions without legal guidance could expose buyers to fraud, financial loss and lengthy court battles.
In a social media post that has sparked widespread discussion, Jere said many people underestimate the importance of legal representation during land transactions, only to regret it after being scammed.
According to the legal practitioner, even though he is experienced in land matters, he still hires another lawyer whenever he purchases property.
“I am a lawyer and well conversant with land issues but I still hire a lawyer for any land purchases I do,” Jere wrote.
He likened the practice to doctors seeking treatment from fellow doctors, adding:
“In law, we aptly say, ‘He who has a lawyer for himself has a fool for a client.'”
1. Land Transactions Require Thorough Legal Checks
Jere explained that buying land is one of the biggest financial decisions many people make, making proper due diligence essential.
He said lawyers know exactly what documents to verify and the legal questions to ask before money changes hands.
For example, if land is being sold by an estate administrator, a lawyer will confirm whether there is:
A valid grant of probate.
A court order permitting the sale.
Proper authority to transfer ownership.
According to Jere, these are legal issues that many buyers may not understand on their own.
2. Lawyers Protect Your Money
One of the biggest advantages of using a lawyer, Jere says, is that they can act as a stakeholder during the transaction.
Instead of paying the seller directly, the buyer’s money is held in the lawyer’s client account until all legal requirements have been satisfied.
This provides an extra layer of protection in case the transaction turns out to be fraudulent.
He added that some lawyers also maintain professional indemnity insurance to protect clients against losses arising from professional mistakes.
3. Legal Fees Are Not as Expensive as Many Think
Many people avoid lawyers because they believe legal fees are too high.
However, Jere said legal fees for conveyancing are regulated by Zambian law.
He explained that lawyers handling land transactions are permitted to charge between 0.1% and 10% of the property’s purchase price, depending on the agreement between the parties.
This means buyers can negotiate fees rather than assuming legal services are unaffordable.
4. Registered Lawyers Are Professionally Regulated
Responding to concerns that some lawyers cannot be trusted, Jere said qualified legal practitioners are regulated by the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ).
He noted that lawyers found guilty of professional misconduct can face disciplinary action, including suspension or being barred from practising.
He also encouraged members of the public to verify that the lawyer they engage holds a valid practising certificate.
5. Every Land Sale Agreement Is Different
Jere further explained that many people make the mistake of downloading or copying standard land sale agreements from previous transactions.
According to him, every property transaction has unique legal circumstances.
A lawyer can draft or amend a contract to suit the specific transaction while protecting the interests of the buyer.
Land Scams Continue to Affect Buyers
Land-related fraud remains one of the most common property challenges reported in Zambia, with some buyers losing thousands of kwacha after purchasing land from individuals who have no legal authority to sell it.
Property experts have repeatedly advised buyers to verify ownership documents, conduct searches and use qualified legal professionals before making payments.
Prevention Is Cheaper Than Litigation
Jere concluded by warning that the cost of hiring a lawyer before purchasing land is often much lower than the legal fees and financial losses that arise after falling victim to fraud.
“Paying a lawyer to represent you in court after being duped is more expensive than paying for conveyancing fees,” he said.
As land ownership continues to be a major investment for many Zambians, legal experts say involving a qualified lawyer from the beginning can help protect both your money and your property rights.
