Buying land in Kenya
How to buy land in Kenya: a step-by-step guide for 2026
How to buy land in Kenya step by step: site visit, official search, survey, sale agreement, consents, stamp duty and registration, plus costs and documents.
THE BUYER’S NOTEBOOK
Good questions.
Better decisions.
What should I request before a viewing?
Ask the agent for current availability, the asking price and its basis, a location pin, recent photos and dimensions. Confirm who is authorised to negotiate and what is included in the price.
What should I check on site?
Compare boundaries with survey records. Look at access roads, drainage, utility connections and neighbouring uses. For houses, assess the condition of buildings, pools and water and power systems.
How do I assess the total cost?
Request an itemised estimate from the professionals handling the transaction. Include required transaction costs, professional fees, maintenance and any planned construction. An asking price is not a complete acquisition budget.
What does an advertised return mean?
An advertisement is not proof of income. Request documented operating figures and independently assess occupancy, running costs and seasonality before relying on a rental projection.
Who verifies the documents?
Use qualified local professionals to confirm ownership, survey details and relevant approvals for your intended use. This page is a practical checklist, not transaction advice.
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Buying land in Kenya
Can foreigners buy land in Kenya? The leasehold rules explained
Foreigners can buy land in Kenya only on leasehold of up to 99 years. What Article 65 says, the agricultural land rules and how to buy safely.
Title deeds and tenure
How to do a title deed search in Kenya (and spot a fake title)
How to do an official land search in Kenya online or at the registry, how to read the result, and the warning signs of a fake title deed before you buy land.
Title deeds and tenure
Freehold vs leasehold in Kenya: what coastal buyers need to know
Freehold vs leasehold land in Kenya: who can hold each, land rent, remaining lease years, how to tell which you are buying and coastal pitfalls.
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