Before you pay a single shilling, follow these seven due diligence steps to make sure the land you are buying is genuine and free of disputes.
Land is one of the best investments you can make in Kenya, but only if you buy it the right way. These seven steps will help you avoid fraud and costly disputes.
1. Get a copy of the title deed
Ask the seller for a copy of the title deed and their national ID or company documents. Confirm the names match.
2. Conduct an official search
Carry out an official search at the lands registry, or through the Ardhisasa platform where available, to confirm the registered owner and whether there are any charges, cautions or restrictions on the land.
3. Visit the site and confirm the beacons
Never buy land you have not seen. Visit with a licensed surveyor to confirm the beacons and that the boundaries match the registry index map.
4. Check zoning and access
Confirm the land use allowed and that the plot has a genuine access road.
5. Confirm rates and consents
Ensure land rates are paid up and, for agricultural land, that Land Control Board consent can be obtained.
6. Use an advocate and sign a sale agreement
Engage an advocate to draft and review the sale agreement. Pay only through official, traceable accounts.
7. Complete the transfer
Pay stamp duty, lodge the transfer documents and follow up until the title is issued in your name.
At Moitanik Realtors we complete these checks before listing any property, and we share the results with you.
