Land Buying Tips from Comfort Homes CEO Dr. Hezekiah Kariuki

   By John KariukiComfort Homes, a leading name in Kenya’s real estate sector, has been consistently recognized as the most affordable land-selling company in the country. Under the wise leadership of Managing Director and CEO Dr. Hezekiah Kariuki, the company continues to set the standard for excellence in the property market. On a bright Tuesday morning, Dr. Kariuki shared valuable tips on the proper procedures for buying land in Kenya for 2024/2025.The first step in buying land is visiting the physical location of the property. If you’re abroad, ensure a trusted and reliable representative visits on your behalf. Physically inspecting the land allows you to familiarize yourself with the property and confirm its existence. With the help of a registered surveyor, identify the beacons and ensure the land’s boundaries are accurately measured.Request the land’s title deed or mutation form, ensuring it is registered with the Land Survey Department. Use the title deed to fill out an official search application on the Ardhisasa platform. Attach copies of your ID, KRA PIN, and pay the search fee. Submit the application to the relevant lands registry office where the property is located. For example, if the land is in Nyeri, submit the forms to Nyeri Lands Registry.The search certificate will provide information on the true owner of the land, the land’s size, the land registrar’s signature and seal, and registration details from the land’s green card. Ensure the names on the search certificate match the title deed. If satisfied, proceed to purchase a map or mutation form from the land survey office. The map confirms the land’s existence and whether it’s public, community, or restricted land.After verifying the land documents, arrange a meeting with the seller, a lawyer, and a witness. The lawyer will draft a sale agreement, ensuring both parties agree on the terms. Keep copies of the sale agreement, search certificate, map, and receipts.The Land Control Board is a crucial step where the buyer and seller meet government officials to approve the land transfer. The board convenes once a month, and the parties must book a session in advance. Once approved, the consent document authorizes the seller to transfer the land to the buyer.Both the buyer and seller must prepare copies of their ID or passport, KRA PIN certificates, and colored passport photos. The “Transfer of Interest in Land” document is then filled out. This vital form, detailing the buyer and seller’s information, is submitted to the lands registry for the new title deed issuance.The land undergoes valuation to determine the stamp duty payable, typically covered by the buyer. The stamp duty fee varies by location and is paid via the Ardhisasa platform. Attach the title deed copy, buyer and seller IDs and KRA PINs, transfer forms, valuation forms, and registration forms. Submit the documents and pay the new title deed registration fees. Once all paperwork is complete, submit it to the lands registry for processing.The new title deed can take 2-3 months to process. Any errors or missing documents may result in rejection, so ensure everything is in order. Avoid shortcuts and follow all legal procedures to safeguard your investment.Buying land is a process, not an event. Always consult relevant government offices and seek guidance from professionals to avoid pitfalls. Dr. Hezekiah Kariuki emphasizes that informed decisions and due diligence are the keys to successful land ownership.  Read More