A title deed (or relevant occupancy instrument) is the document that ties a person to a piece of land. Before any deposit leaves your account — or your father's account in Dar — walk through this checklist.
Match these four fields
- Registered owner name — Does it match the person asking for payment? If an agent sells, ask for a lawyer's letter of authority or power of attorney.
- Plot or block number — Must match the survey sketch and what neighbours say. Walk the boundaries if you can.
- Location description — Ward, district, and any historical name changes. GPS pins help but do not replace registry text.
- Encumbrances — Mortgages, caveats, or court orders should appear on the deed or a recent search certificate.
Red flags our reviewers see often
- Deed photo is screenshot only — insist on original or certified copy.
- Seller name differs from agent's story ("it's my uncle's plot").
- Price is far below market with pressure to pay today.
- "Company plot" with no company registration or board resolution to sell.
Where DDM Verify fits
Our verification report compares deed data to listing data, agent submissions, and — when ordered — site observations. We flag mismatches in plain language.
This article is general education, not legal advice. Always involve a qualified Tanzanian property lawyer before signing a sale agreement.
Book a viewing or contact us if you want help understanding a report.
