One of the goals in life for many people is owning a piece of land. It’s the foremost valuable fixed asset that you just could own today. However, if you’re about to buy land anywhere in Kenya, there are certain important procedures that you ought to follow. Here are legal steps to buy land in Kenya:
- Land Identification
Identify land that meets your requirements. This can be done through a real estate firm or do it on your own.
- Search at the land registry
Obtain a copy of the title deed from the seller and visit the lands registry to conduct a search. The purpose of the search is to get the details of the registered owner and check if there is any caution put against the land.
- County office search
This search will help you find out if there are unpaid land rates. A certificate of clearance will be issued out.
- Obtain land maps
Get two maps from a local surveyor or land ministry. One map will contain a map drawn to scale and the other will show neighboring plots.
- Ground Verification
Set up a site visit with the seller and surveyor to verify dimensions. After confirmation of the dimensions, beacons should be erected to avoid any dispute from occurring in the future.
- Land Sale agreement
An offer containing terms of sale is normally drafted by the seller’s advocate and presented to the buyer’s advocate for approval. Details of the buyer, seller, mode of payment, buying price and documents to be availed are listed.
- Clearance from the Land Control Board
The purpose of the board is to enhance transparency in the process. The forum comprises county commissioners and elders. For instance, ensuring that a family member is not selling land without the consent of a spouse or other related parties. This is done by filling the land consent form.
- Land transfer
After all the payments and clearances have been done, the seller signs the transfer form. Visit the National Land Commission (NLC) – accompanied by consent from LCB, land search, rates clearance from the county, land rent certificate, KRA pin, transfer instrument, sale agreement, and old title deed – to apply for consent to transfer.
- Post Purchase activity
Follow up after a week to ensure that all your details are correct.