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.

First, are you buying to use the land immediately or making a long-term investment, also known as land banking? 

Immediate use:

1. If you are buying land for immediate use, you are looking for a plot that is easily accessible by road and has electricity and water connections (at least close by if not already connected). It is preferable to have amenities in place, including a plan for trash and wastewater management.

2. To narrow it down further, determine the purpose or use. Whether you are looking to build a home, farm commercially, or build a factory, this immediately determines the zones you can buy from and lets you know that when you buy, the title deed must already have the appropriate use for your purpose. If it doesn’t, you will have to apply for a change of use before executing your plans. For example, within Nairobi, there are designated zones for commercial activity, designated zones for residential developments and others for Industrial development.
   
   The zones are essential to ensure suitable living and working conditions for all. For example, playing children in a neighbourhood should not be exposed to industrial waste from a factory next door. There are instances where a change of use may be possible. For example, If buying farmland to create a residential estate
   
   Knowing your immediate purpose for the land also determines where you can look. We suggest you first look within the appropriately zoned locations for your purposes. If nothing Suitable is found, you can look outside those locations with the possibility of going through a change of use process for what you acquire. If considering a location that may require a change of use, we strongly recommend consulting with a Licensed Planner.

Long-term Investment/Land Banking:

1. Land banking is the practice of acquiring large parcels of land with the intent to hold onto them for future sale or development. The key word here is long-term. There are many who buy and try to sell within two years of purchase and are often disappointed. We generally advise that you buy to hold for a minimum of 10 years. 

2. This kind of investment is often done by investors, real estate developers, government, investment groups/saccos and it’s also done by individuals. A good amount of research is needed to select a location for this purpose. One of the places to start is to look at the County Spatial Plan to determine which areas will likely see a rise in land values based on the planned development.
   
   Factors such as urban growth, changes in zoning laws, or planned infrastructure improvements significantly affect land values over time. The strategy behind land banking is to wait until the land becomes more valuable or until there is a higher demand for development, at which point it can be sold at a profit or developed to maximise its value.

Ready to find your perfect piece of land? Reach out to us via WhatsApp or go to our website and let us know what you’re looking for. We’d be delighted to share what we have in stock. Kenya is full of amazing opportunities, and we have some of the best locations for your consideration.