But you hesitate. Because he doesn't hold any evidence or a copy of the Land Title.
You're interested to buy the land but you're doubting because you're not sure who really owns the land.
How will you know who is the owner of the land? Here are the steps you should do:
Step 1
If the real estate property (land) has a Land Title (Titulo), get a photocopy of it from the owner.Verify the authenticity of the Land Title by going to the nearest Registry of Deeds office and request a Certified True Copy of the title.
Compare the photocopy and the Certified True Copy of the title. Check if they have the same property owner name, same property location and property size.
If they're the same, you're assured that the name indicated in the Land Title is the real owner of the land.
Step 2
If the owner has no copy of Land Title, request a copy of the Tax Declaration from him.You should verify the authenticity of the Tax Declaration by going to the City/Municipality Assessor's Office and request the latest Tax Declaration of the land (property).
Compare the Tax Declaration copy from the owner and the Tax Declaration copy from the Assessor's Office.
Check if both have the same owner's name, the same location of the property, and the same size of the property.
If they're both the same, you've assured that the name indicated in the Tax Declaration is the real owner of the property.
Step 3
You can also see in the Assessor's Office the blueprint map of the land being sold under the said City/Municipality.You can also see in the blueprint map the neighboring lands of the property being sold to you. Lot numbers are written in each land area.
Using these lot numbers, you can request in the Assessor's Office who's the owner of those lots (lands).
This Step 3 is just an optional. I added this step in order for you to find out who are the owners of the neighboring lots.
If you any questions related to real estate, you can ask in the comment below. - https://www.affordablecebu.com/