Understanding a piece of land's topography is important when purchasing. Topography refers to the layout or physical characteristics of the land, such as its shape, elevation, slope, and surface features. This information is crucial as it can significantly influence the land's usability, value, and future potential. This article will explain why topography matters and how to make informed decisions based on the lands’ topography.
We buy land for many reasons, but primarily, we purchase land as an investment to save and build a good nest egg for the future. This is a common practice worldwide.
The cultural legacy of buying land in Kenya
In Kenya, people often buy land due to family pressure and as a rite of passage once one becomes a working individual. This tradition has historical roots dating back to the colonial era when all the land belonged to the queen at one point and was later redistributed by the first governing administration. As a result, the first generation sought to regain lost land, which led to purchasing land in various locations. Purchasing land is seen as a more tangible and secure investment than leaving money in the bank.
In the realm of land ownership in Kenya, one of the most critical yet often overlooked documents is the Registry Index Map (R.I.M). While title deeds and green cards are the more commonly recognised documents associated with land ownership, R.I.Ms are invaluable resources that can help you avoid costly mistakes. In this article, we will explain the importance of the R.I.M, particularly in converting title deeds.
Riparian land is the area along the banks of rivers, lakes, or oceans reserved for environmental protection and proper water flow. This reserved area is crucial for landowners and investors, particularly when buying or developing land near water bodies. It is intended to protect the investments from flooding and the natural environment around the water bodies. Much attention has been paid to riparian spaces due to demolitions in areas like Nairobi, where authorities have removed properties built on riparian zones for violating environmental laws.
Years ago, we decided to source land on the shores of Lake Elementaita because we’d always dreamed of owning property on the lakefront. Some of […]
A strategic land investment is a deliberate and well-considered choice. Understanding the reasoning behind your investment decisions and the locations you choose is essential. Investing should not be done haphazardly; it requires careful analysis. Although the saying "location, location, location" can sound cliché, it remains the most critical factor in real estate. When it comes to long-term benefits from your land investments, focus on three key considerations:
Building upon the foundational insights shared in our previous article, we explore additional strategies for enhancing the value of your land while holding onto it. In this continuation, we explore additional measures to elevate your property's desirability and market worth.
Maximising property value is an essential activity in land ownership. Whether you've recently acquired property or have been holding onto it for some time, strategic value addition can significantly enhance its worth. This article will discuss a few strategies for optimising land value while holding it.
When buying land, the completion pack is a crucial set you should receive from the seller to affect the transfer of the title to your name. . These documents serve as proof that due process was followed. . Here's a detailed look at what you can expect to find in a completion pack:
Understanding the documents involved in land transactions is crucial for ensuring a secure investment. One important document is the Registry Index Map (RIM). While a title deed is commonly known to show ownership, the RIM holds significant importance in verifying the physical existence and precise location of the property within the boundaries of Kenya.
Understanding capital gains tax is essential for anyone involved in property transactions. This tax impacts your net profits and plays a significant role in the transfer process. Here's a comprehensive overview of Kenya's capital gains tax on land transactions.
Is there any limit to how much land one can own? The answer, legally speaking, is no. There are no restrictions on how much land an individual or corporation can own in Kenya.
In our previous article, we emphasised the crucial role of the Land Control Board in regulating land transactions in Kenya. We now delve into the practical steps of engaging with the Land Control Board.
When it comes to land transactions in Kenya, a comprehensive approach is necessary. While the initial stages involve land identification, due diligence, and legal consultation, a pivotal player is attendance of the Land Control Board meeting. This article delves into the crucial role of the Land Control Board, which oversees land transactions, particularly freehold land. These boards are not just another entity in the process; they are the guardians of transaction integrity, ensuring that every step is taken with utmost care.
When buying or selling property, you must understand stamp duty. This tax, levied by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), applies to all properties changing ownership within the country. Whether purchasing land from a company or an individual, you are legally obligated to pay a percentage of the transaction amount as tax.
Investing in land is a decision that requires thoughtful consideration. Most people jump into land investment because it has become the natural thing to do due to cultural expectations within our communities. It’s also considered a way to secure and grow your funds. While this may be true, allow us to offer some thoughts
Anyone can own land in Kenya. Both citizens and foreigners have this privilege.
Buying land is a significant investment that promises stability and prosperity for individuals and families alike. However, amidst the opportunities lie risks, particularly the threat of falling victim to fraudulent schemes. In Kenya, where land transactions are rife with fraudulent activity, exercising due diligence is paramount to protect oneself from potential scams.
Our first article discussed picking a good lawyer for your land purchase. Today, we will get into the financial aspect of this process: understanding how much you should pay your lawyer.
Investing in land or property is a significant decision that involves numerous legal complexities. One of the most challenging aspects for many people is determining the right lawyer for their land transactions. Using a lawyer for any land transaction is essential to ensure the process is legally sound and to protect your interests. But how do you pick the right one? Here are some great tips to guide you:
It takes time and keen observation to discover the hidden gems of land in Kenya. Everyone can find something special for their purpose. Kenya is growing fast, making it a great location for real estate investments in general. Kenya has everything, whether you want a peaceful getaway or a lively city spot.
For many, thinking about where to buy can be overwhelming. We suggest starting by defining your goals. Here are questions you can ask yourself to process and discover what makes the most sense for you.
When buying land, the decision-making process can often seem intimidating. However, understanding your goals and objectives can significantly simplify the process and lead to a more informed and strategic investment. Here are a few points that can help you navigate this important decision.
Investing in waterfront property, whether along a river, a serene lake or the expansive ocean can be gratifying. These waterfront properties are highly sought after and offer unique benefits others cannot match. Here's an in-depth look at why you should consider investing in waterfront property and what to consider.
For Kenyans in the diaspora, investing in land back home is a significant milestone. Whether it is for building a home to come back to the landbank , or engaging in agriculture, securing a piece of home is of great importance for most Kenyans living in the diaspora . However, the process can be daunting, especially if you haven’t been home in a while and are unfamiliar with the current legal and market landscape. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process effectively.
In this article, we get into the fascinating history of land in Nairobi, sharing insights into its development and how this knowledge can inform strategic land investments today.
To continue our previous discussion, it is crucial to request three more essential documents when purchasing land. All these documents help to verify information which will protect you from potential legal and financial pitfalls.
As discussed in our first article, verifying all the necessary registration documents is critical to securing your investment when purchasing land from a company. In this article, we cover the essential documents you should always ask for to verify the legitimacy of the title deed and its ownership.
Purchasing land is a significant investment, and ensuring you are dealing with a legitimate company is crucial. These are some of the essential documents you should request from a land seller to verify their existence and understand their structure:
Having a seasoned guide by your side can make all the difference in the intricate world of land transactions. Enter the land surveyor—the unsung hero of property acquisition. Let’s dive into why partnering with one is crucial for ensuring a smooth and trustworthy journey to land ownership.
The role of a land surveyor is essential in the world of land transactions. In this article, we shed light on why working with a licensed surveyor is important for ensuring a smooth and error-free land acquisition process. There are two key points to consider.