The process of buying land safely in Kenya

1. Determine the purpose for the land and the budget

Knowing what you want to do with the land is critical to your success in finding the right piece for purchase. Even when making a speculative investment for potential capital gains at some point in the future, you must take time to consider which user/zoning classification would be most beneficial for the future resale value. The user/zoning classifications as recognised by Kenya's governing authorities are residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural

Budget is a significant component of the why equation. Determining how much money you have available, or are willing to spend/invest, will help to keep you focused. Afterall, there is no point in looking in areas that are more expensive than you are prepared to spend. Along with determining your budget, being clear on your funding source will be necessary, as it may affect your negotiating power, as well as the transaction's timelines. Some typical funding sources include personal cash savings; friends and/or family or like-minded individuals who may want to co-invest with you; Chama or Sacco loans; and loans from commercial banks.

Your purpose and budget automatically determine the third element, location. We have all heard that adage about the most important thing to consider when buying land or property. "Location, location, location!". Knowing your purpose and budget will automatically help you filter through the available options. Your preferred zoning/user and budget will save you valuable time and resources when you start looking around for the land.

For example, if you know that you want or need agricultural land for farming purposes, you would not waste your time searching in densely populated urban areas, which would lack the space that is ideal for profitable farming; probably be too expensive to justify its use for agricultural activity and would also likely be in zones where agricultural user/zoning is prohibited. When you start looking, stay focused on the goal.

2. Scouting for your land

Once you have your purpose and budget, it's time to hit the ground. There is no substitute for making time to inspect or view the land that may fit within your already pre-defined goals. The primary reasons for site visits are to:

• To assess the land's accessibility. The type and quality of the road surface used to get to the property will be of consequence to you, as it may affect your ability to use your land for your intended purpose, as well as its ultimate value as a sellable asset.
• To ensure that you like the place and feel comfortable with its ambience and general environs.
• To confirm that the property you are considering or purchasing does in fact exist and that its boundaries are clearly demarcated and uncontested by any neighbouring landowners.

3. Meet the seller in person, during your site visit

Working with a licensed agent to find the property that meets your purpose can save you a lot of time. Once you have found something worth a site visit, request for the owner to be present. Meet and develop a rapport with them. Get additional information on the history of the land and the general neighbourhood. Ask the landowner/seller to provide you the following documents to confirm their identity and ownership as well:

If buying from an individual

1. A copy of their National ID Card. (It must be certified by a commissioner for oaths)
2. A copy of the original title deed, with the seller's official name clearly printed on it. (It must be certified by a commissioner for oaths)
3. If there are multiple registered owners, require each of their ID Cards.
4. Obtain a formal letter of "consent to sell", signed by all title deed's registered owners. This can be done via sworn affidavits.
5. Certified copy of the Mutation Form that produced the property, if it was subdivided from a larger parcel/result of an amalgamation of other parcels of land.
6. Certified copy of the relevant Registry Index Map (Clearly illustrating the shape and title number of the parcel you are viewing)

If buying from a company

1. Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation
2. A current CR12 (This is the official document that is issued by the Company Registrar, which provides details on the shareholding or directorship of a company. This form will list all the directors and shareholders of the company along with the respective number of shares.)
3. Certified copy of the company's KRA PIN Certificate
4. Certified copy of the original Title Deed (it must be certified by a commissioner for oaths)
5. Certified copy of the Mutation Form that produced the property, if it was subdivided from a larger parcel/result of an amalgamation of other parcels of land.
6. Certified copy of the corresponding Registry Index Map (Clearly illustrating the shape and title number of the parcel you are viewing

Note: Whenever possible, have a quick chat with any neighbours that may be present during your site visit. They often have a wealth of knowledge about the land and/or its owner, that formal due diligence may never avail.

Buying land is a worthwhile investment. At Goshen Acquisitions LTD, we do the leg work to ensure safe passage of value to our buyers and their future generations. Check out our website to see what we have available at goshenacquisitions.com/grandacres. If your investment goals align with any of our products, we'd be delighted to hear from you and to be of service to you.

Wishing you success in your land investment journey.

Solomon Wangwe