Before you go
Bring these documents to avoid multiple trips.
- Original title deed (seller's copy)
- Survey plan (current)
- NIN and national ID of both buyer and seller
- Proof of payment (bank transfer or teller)
- Signed and witnessed Conveyance Deed
- NRA stamp duty assessment notice
Steps
- 1
Instruct a licensed surveyor to verify boundaries
Hire a licensed land surveyor (Le 100,000–200,000 depending on plot size) to carry out a fresh survey. The surveyor produces a survey plan and Site Plan that will be attached to the deed. This is mandatory for freehold transfers.
Le 150,000📍 Licensed surveyorDay 1 - 2
Conduct a title search at the OARG
Instruct a solicitor (or visit yourself) to search the land register at the Office of Administrator and Registrar General on Walpole Street. Pay a search fee (Le 10,000). The search confirms who currently holds legal title and reveals any encumbrances (mortgages, cautions).
Le 10,000📍 OARG · FreetownDay 3 - 3
Prepare the Conveyance Deed
Both buyer and seller should instruct a solicitor to prepare the Conveyance or Assignment Deed. The deed must include: parties' full names and addresses, description of the property, purchase price, and the survey plan. Both parties sign in the presence of two witnesses.
Le 50,000📍 Solicitor's officeDay 7 - 4
Get the deed stamped by the NRA (Stamp Duty)
Submit the signed deed to the NRA for assessment of stamp duty. Stamp duty is calculated at 2% of the property's purchase price (for residential) or 3% (for commercial). This must be paid before the deed can be registered.
Le 100,000📍 NRA · FreetownDay 10 - 5
Register the deed at the OARG
Take the stamped deed and all supporting documents to the OARG for registration. Pay the registration fee (approximately Le 10,000 for standard deeds). The registrar will assign a registration number and date-stamp the deed. Processing can take 1–3 weeks.
Le 10,000📍 OARG · FreetownDay 14 - 6
Collect the registered deed
Once registered, the deed is returned to you or your solicitor. Check that the OARG registration stamp, date, volume, and folio numbers are clearly printed on the deed. Make certified copies immediately.
📍 OARG · FreetownDay 28 - 7
Update local council and NRA records
Notify Freetown City Council (or the relevant district council) of the change of ownership so that property rates are billed to the new owner. Also notify the NRA if the property generates rental income so that tax records reflect the new owner.
📍 Freetown City Council / NRADay 35
Community tips
“Always do the title search before paying any deposit to the seller. There are land disputes in many areas of Freetown — an encumbrance on the title can block your registration entirely.”
“Use a solicitor who is registered with the Sierra Leone Bar Association. There are unlicensed "deed preparers" who produce invalid deeds — the OARG will reject them.”
“Stamp duty is assessed on the declared purchase price. Undervaluing the property to reduce stamp duty is fraud and can result in the deed being voided.”