buyer-guides

Never Buy These Types of Land in Kenya

By: PAPIUS MWANGI
January 08, 2023

When it comes to purchasing land, it's important to thoroughly research and evaluate the suitability of any potential property before making a commitment. There are many factors that can impact the use and value of a piece of land.

Whether you're looking to build a home, start a business, or invest in real estate, there are a few types of land that may not be suitable for purchase in Kenya, or in any other country for that matter.

1. Flood-prone land.

Flooding can cause significant damage to structures and infrastructure, and can also pose a risk to human health and safety.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating the risk of flooding on a particular piece of land:

Location.

Land located in a floodplain or near a body of water is more at risk of flooding than land that is farther inland.

Elevation.

Land at a lower elevation is more at risk of flooding than land at a higher elevation.

Soil type.

Some types of soil are more prone to flooding than others. For example, clay-based soil may retain more water and be more prone to flooding than sandy soil.

Previous flood history.

Land that has experienced flooding in the past is more likely to flood again in the future.

2. Land with environmental issues.

This is land that has been contaminated or is at risk of contamination from pollutants or hazardous materials. This type of land can present serious health and safety risks, and can also be difficult and expensive to clean up.

There are many potential sources of contamination on land, including:

Industrial facilities.

Land that was previously used for industrial purposes, such as factories or warehouses, may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals or other pollutants.

Landfills.

Land that was used as a landfill may be contaminated with a variety of materials, including household waste, industrial waste, and hazardous materials.

Underground storage tanks.

Land that was used to store fuel or other hazardous materials in underground tanks may be contaminated if the tanks leak or spill.

Agricultural operations.

Land that has been used for agricultural purposes may be contaminated with pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals.

Former military sites.

Land that was previously used for military purposes may be contaminated with a variety of hazardous materials, including chemical weapons and other pollutants.

3. Land with unclear ownership or title:

It is important to thoroughly research the ownership and title of any land you are considering purchasing to ensure that there are no disputes or other issues that could cause problems in the future. This may involve consulting with a lawyer or other professional help to help understand and navigate any potential issues such as:-

Legal disputes: If there are multiple parties claiming ownership or rights to the land, it can lead to legal disputes that can be costly and time-consuming to resolve.

Title issues: If the ownership or title to the land is unclear, it can make it difficult to determine who has the legal right to sell or transfer the land.

Development issues: If the ownership or title to the land is unclear, it can be difficult or impossible to obtain the necessary permits and approvals to develop the land.

4. Hilly land.

Hilly land can also present challenges and may not be suitable for certain types of development. Here are a few potential issues to consider:

Erosion: Sloping land is more susceptible to erosion, which can lead to landslides and other forms of soil erosion.

Access: Sloping land can also be more difficult to access, which can make it more challenging to transport materials, equipment, and other resources to and from the site.

Cost: Developing sloping land can also be more expensive due to the additional cost of grading and other site preparation work that may be required.

Conclusion

The decision to purchase land will depend on your specific needs and circumstances, and it is important to carefully evaluate the suitability of any land before making a purchase.

This will help you to understand the potential risks and challenges that may be associated with it.

To start exploring your options, and finding the perfect piece of land that suits your needs, browse the wide range of land options available on our website.

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