In this article, you will learn about sizes and measurements of land in Nigeria and how to measure land sizes, including clear explanation of a plot of land, an acre of land and a hectare of land.
Table of contents
Introduction
You need to understand that there are differences between a plot of land, an acre of land, and a hectare of land. Several people who intend to purchase land in Nigeria and elsewhere don’t really have the knowledge about sizes and measurements of land in Nigeria.
As a potential buyer who intends to buy land, you must be conversant with a few of these figures. The first hurdle is to understand the system of land measurement in Nigeria.
A Plot of Land
A plot is a piece of land that is marked out for the purpose of building or farming. The word ‘plot’ is a random term used to describe a land division carved out for property development.
The size of a plot can vary for different reasons depending on location and the individual or corporate body selling it. Some individuals sell a plot of land as 648 Square metres (sqm or m²) but most real estate developers do not use that metrics. Some real estate companies sell theirs per square metres(sqm or m²) while some sell at 300sqm, 450sqm, 500sqm, and 600sqm depending on the price and location of the property.
Factors that have influenced the history of the dimension of a plot of land in Nigeria
- The introduction of the metric system of land measurement: The introduction of the metric system in the colonial era led to the standardization of the dimension of a plot of land.
- The availability of land: The availability of land has also played a role in determining the size of plots of land. In areas where land is scarce, plots of land tend to be smaller. Some land sellers measure a plot of land as 450sqm while in some areas, a plot of land is measured as 600sqm.
- The zoning of the property: The zone in which landed properties fall have also played an important role in determining the size of plots of land. In areas marked as agricultural zones, plots of land tend to be larger.
- The cost of land: The cost of land has also played a role in determining the size of plots of land. In areas where land is expensive, plots of land tend to be smaller.
Different sizes and measurements of a plot of land
- 648sqm(standard size): This is equivalent to 18m by 36m or 60feet by 120feet.
- 600sqm: This is equivalent to 20m by 30m or 65feet by 100feet.
- 500sqm: This is equivalent to 20 meters by 25 meters or 55 feet by 100 feet.
- 450sqm:This is equivalent to 15m by 30m or 50feet by 100feet.
- 300sqm(half of a plot): This is equivalent to 10m by 30m or 33feet by 50feet.
An Acre of Land
Acre is a standard unit of measurement used by land sellers and it is almost equivalent to the size of a standard football field. Please note that an acre of land can be of any shape. It could be square-shaped, triangular, rectangular or circular in shape as long as its area is equal to 43,560 square feet. An acre of land can be expressed as:
- 4,046 Square metres
- 43,560 Square feet
- 6 plots of land, depending on the area of each plot.
A Hectare of Land
A hectare is one of the least known metric units and one which potential buyers and estate developers seem to struggle with. A hectare of land measures:
- 100m x 100m
- 328ft x 328ft
- 10,000 sqm
- Two and a half acres
- 15 plots.
Conclusion
Before you buy land anywhere in Nigeria, ensure you make a proper investigation about the size before you make a financial or legal commitment to avoid being cheated. I hope this knowledge about sizes and measurements of land in Nigeria will guide you
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