Buying
land is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in life, but it
also has its challenges. The Mavoko and Kirima Land Saga taught us valuable
lessons that every person thinking about buying land should know. In this article, we'll go through the ten
essential things you need to know before you start buying land in
Kenya.
1. Do a Land/site visit of
the Land
When
buying land in Kenya, prospective buyers often overlook the crucial step of
conducting a thorough on-site inspection. One common mistake is relying solely
on online listings or second-hand information, leading to misconceptions about
the actual condition and suitability of the land. To avoid this pitfall, it is
important for buyers to personally visit the land they intend to buy.
Imagine
a friend who fell for glossy online photos but faced a different reality when
they finally visited. The gentle slope promised turned into a steep hill, a
surprising twist that could've been avoided. Skipping this step may
lead to unexpected bumps in the road, turning your dream investment into a
headache. So, grab your hat and visit that land before sealing the deal!
2. Conduct due diligence
Don't forget to do your homework when buying
land in Kenya.
Researching and getting advice is like having a magic ball that shows potential
problems. Imagine a friend who didn't do this and faced unexpected issues with
the land they bought. By doing your homework, you make sure the land matches
your dreams. Talk to locals and ask experts. It's like a safety net for
your investment. So, before you make it official, gather information because
a bit of research can make your journey to owning land easy and satisfying.
3. Conduct an Official search
of the Land at the Land registry
Many
people miss out on this important step, and it can lead to unexpected problems.
Checking if the seller is the real owner of the land is crucial for a
hassle-free deal. The great thing, it doesn't cost anything. Just bring
the original title deed, and copies of the seller's pin and ID. In only two
days, you can find any issues and make smart choices. Don't take risks with
your dream land. A fast trip to the Land Registry protects your investment and
ensures a safe path to owning your property.
Read: How
to Conduct Land Search on Ardhisasa.
4. Do a company /organization
search
selling the land
Imagine
a neighbour rushing to buy land, only to realize they knew nothing about the
company selling it. Avoid this mistake! Before diving into a land deal, it's
like checking reviews before picking a restaurant do your homework on the
selling company. Ensure they're legit and trustworthy. Our fictional friend
learned the hard way, discovering hidden fees and legal hiccups. Take a moment
to Google, ask around, and make sure the company is as solid as the ground you
want to own. A quick search can save you from a plot twist you never bargained
for.
5. Never Purchase a land
without original title deed
Ever
heard the tale of a buyer so eager to own a slice of Kenya that they forgot the
golden rule? Picture this: a friend excitedly securing land without a title
deed, thinking it's just paperwork. Cue the plot twist without that original
title deed,
it's like buying a book without a cover. Never skip the title deed step. It's your proof of land
ownership, a tale of legitimacy. Ensure that original title
deed is
firmly in your hands before celebrating your land conquest in Kenya; it's the
happy ending you'll thank yourself for.
Read:
Types
of Title Deeds In Kenya and How to Obtain Them
6. Confirm any unpaid land
rent/rates
Before
sealing the deal on your dream land in Kenya, ensure you confirm any
outstanding land rent or rates. Overlooking this detail might lead to
unexpected financial burdens. Imagine the surprise of discovering overdue
payments after the purchase! Take a moment to check with the local authorities
or land office to verify the property's financial standing. It's a crucial step
to avoid post-purchase headaches and ensures a smooth transition into land
ownership. Remember, a small effort to confirm unpaid land rent or rates
upfront can save you from a significant hassle down the line, allowing you to
enjoy your new property stress-free.
Read:
How
to Pay Land Rent on Ardhisasa
7. Involve the right professionals
To
safeguard against scams when purchasing land, it's important to involve professionals
throughout the process. Engaging the following experts ensures a secure
transaction:
÷
Lawyer: They play a crucial role in drafting
the agreement between the buyer and seller. Both parties can share one advocate
to minimize costs.
÷
Valuer: Necessary for valuing the land, determining stamp
duty, and ensuring a fair transaction.
÷
Surveyor: Conducts ground verification and assists in
processing essential land maps.
Read: Who
Should Be Involved in Your Land Transaction in Kenya?
8. Always have a sale
agreement and proof of payments
When
buying land in Kenya, protecting yourself is a must. Make sure to get a sale
agreement and keep proof of your payments. It's like having a map when sailing
unknown seas – crucial for a safe journey. The sale agreement and payment
records act as your legal support, stopping arguments and making everything
clear. Don't let the excitement of getting land make you forget about these
protections. They ensure your land purchase is safe and straightforward. With a
sale agreement and payment proof, you're not just buying land – you're ensuring
a worry-free investment in peace of mind.
9. Don't
hurry
the Land Buying Process
When
buying land in Kenya, it's a mistake to rush through the process. Hurrying can
make you miss important details like property boundaries or legal checks. Slow
down; buying land is like a careful dance, and each step is important. Take
time to check documents, inspect the land, and make sure it fits your plans.
Being patient is worth it avoid the problems of rushing, and enjoy the
satisfaction of making a well-thought-out and safe land purchase. Taking your
time ensures your dreams are built on a strong foundation.
10. Developing a property is
not grounds of being saved from evictions
People
from both the Mavoko and Kirima land sagas really believed that because they
had constructed properties, they could not be evicted. Please keep in mind
that, when determining ownership of any property, the fact that it has been
developed is not even among the top five considerations considered by the
court. Its very important to have an original title deed before doing any
developments on any property.
Don't be conned!
Here is the Process
of buying Land in kenya
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