“The best investment on earth is earth”, says Louis Glickman. Real estate is an investment that provides substantial income as it continually grows in value. Purchasing land is a significant decision for first-time buyers, and here is a comprehensive guide through the process of buying land in Kenya. Below are the essential steps and factors involved in purchasing land, recognizing its enduring value and potential as an investment for the future.
1. Define your investment goals
Defining your investment goals is the critical first step in the land-buying journey. Consider your preferred location, budget, and the purpose behind your investment, whether it’s for a dream home, financial growth, or agricultural use. Clear goals will guide your choices and make your real estate investment more successful.
Location: Start by determining where you’d like to invest. Whether it’s the serene countryside like Naivasha, a bustling urban area like Kitengela, or a scenic plot with mountain views like Nanyuki, your choice of location is key.
Price: Establish your budget. Decide how much you’re willing to invest in land. It’s crucial to be realistic about your financial capabilities.
Purpose: What’s your motivation for buying land? Is it for your dream home, investment, or agricultural purposes? Understanding your goals will guide your land search.
2. Research the land-selling company
Before committing to a land-buying transaction, it’s vital to do your due diligence and thoroughly research the company you plan to purchase from. Verify their legitimacy, check for online reviews, and ensure they have a physical office. A reliable real estate company should be transparent, established, and accessible, offering peace of mind to buyers.
3. Book a site visit
There’s no better way to evaluate a piece of land than by visiting it in person. Schedule a site visit with the seller company team to see the property and get a feel for its surroundings. Some people have lost money buying non-existent land or property; thus, a site visit should be made to avert this. The company you choose should guide you through the process of booking the site visit.
At Nyota Njema, we have site visits on Wednesday and Saturday every week for our existing projects.
4. Expression of interest
Nyota Njema EOI form
An Expression of Interest (EOI) form is a formal declaration of your desire to acquire a specific property. In the land-buying context, it is a crucial step where potential buyers officially express their intent to purchase a property by submitting the EOI document specifying their chosen property and providing the relevant details to the seller or agent.
5. Documentation
Once you’ve discussed the terms with the real estate company, you’ll be required to provide a copy of your ID, KRA PIN, and passport as part of the finalization process. The company drafts an offer letter. This letter outlines the details of the land you’re interested in, your personal information, and the company’s details, including the payment plan.
6. Signing of Sales Agreement and Payment
A real estate company should prioritize the legal integrity of the land transaction; therefore, a qualified lawyer should oversee the process to ensure it complies with the law, safeguarding both the buyer and seller. The Sales Agreement, serves as a legal document, providing protection and clarity for all parties involved.
In this stage, the payment is also done according to the agreement.
7. Transfer of ownership
The Registrar of Lands facilitates the transfer of ownership, ensuring the new title deed is issued to the rightful owner. The transfer of ownership in a land transaction is a critical step in the process of buying land in Kenya. It involves legally transferring the rights and title of a piece of land from the current owner (seller) to the new owner (buyer).
Potential land buyers should engage the services of qualified professionals, including lawyers, surveyors, and real estate agents, to guide them through the transfer of ownership process.
8. Search
A land search is conducted to validate that the property is officially under your ownership. This process verifies that all information is accurately recorded in legal documents, ensuring a seamless transition of property rights from the seller to the new owner.
How to do a land search in Kenya
Steps to follow when searching online
Go to the eCitizen portal and sign up for an eCitizen account
Select the ‘Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning’ tab from the eCitizen dashboard
Choose ‘Land Search’ from the Ministry of Land portal
Enter the land title number as indicated on the land title deed
Fill out the ensuing online land search form
Click ‘Next’ to proceed to the land search results page
The land search results display the following details: –
History of ownership
Full names of the current owner
Approximate size of the land
Details on any claim on the land (surety in a legal dispute or collateral for a bank loan) Choose ‘Print Results’ to get physical copies of the land search results
The search results remain available under your eCitizen account for future reference.
Manual land search process
For a manual land search, you can visit the nearest land registry in the county where the land is located. Upon arrival at the offices, request a Land Search Form (form RL 26) and fill in the details required. Attach a copy of the land title, national ID, and KRA PIN. Submit the form and wait as directed by the registry officials.
With Nyota Njema Real Estate, your journey to land ownership is secure and guided every step of the way. We’re committed to making your dreams a reality. Feel free to reach out to our team for any inquiries or to initiate your land purchase. For more information, call/chat with one of our consultants or you can visit our offices.
