Safety guide
How to avoid property scams in Kenya
Most property scams follow a few patterns. Learn the red flags and the checks that stop them before any money moves.
- View before you pay
- Search the title
- Pay through an advocate
In short
Most property scams in Kenya ask for money before you have viewed the property or confirmed the owner: a booking deposit for a house that is not available, a fee to a fake agent, or a payment for land the seller does not own. To stay safe, view in person or by live video, meet the landlord or a registered agent at the property, confirm land and homes for sale with an official search, and pay purchase money only into your own advocate's client account. Never send money to a personal mobile money number for a property you have not verified.
Reviewed by the Kenya Home Search team. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Red flags
Signs of a property scam
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Pay before viewing
A request for a booking fee, deposit or rent before you have seen the house.
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Too cheap for the area
A rent or price far below similar listings in the same estate.
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Pressure to pay now
Claims that many others want it and you must pay today to secure it.
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Owner is unreachable
The "landlord" is always abroad or busy, and only a middleman can show the house.
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Personal payment details
Payment to a personal mobile money number or an account in a different name.
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Documents you cannot check
A title photo with no official search, or a seller whose ID does not match the register.
Renting
Rental scams
The most common rental trick is a real-looking listing, often with photos copied from elsewhere, and a request for a deposit to "book" the house. Another is double-letting, where the same unit is promised to several tenants. Some fake agents charge viewing fees for houses that are not available.
Protect yourself by viewing the house, meeting the landlord or their agent at the property, asking for the landlord's name and checking it with neighbours or the caretaker, signing a written tenancy agreement, and getting a receipt for every payment. Kenya Home Search never charges tenants to view. See our Nairobi house hunting guide.
Buying land
Land and title scams
Land fraud usually involves a forged title, a seller who is not the registered owner, the same plot sold to several buyers, or beacons placed on the wrong land. Buyers who cannot visit are targeted most.
Before paying anything, have your own advocate run an official search on Ardhisasa or at the registry, match the seller's ID to the register, walk the beacons with a surveyor, and confirm that the consents the sale needs are in place. Our land buying guide lists every step.
Buying from abroad
Diaspora scams
Kenyans abroad often rely on a relative, friend or agent on the ground and pay by mobile money or transfer. Insist on a live video viewing rather than recorded clips, hire an advocate who works only for you, and send money only by bank transfer to your advocate's client account. Our diaspora buyer hub and remote viewing guide explain how.
Before you pay
Checks that stop most scams
- View the property in person or by live video, at a time you choose
- Meet the landlord, owner or agent at the property itself
- Check an agent's registration with the Estate Agents Registration Board
- For a purchase, get an official search through your own advocate and match it to the seller's ID
- Pay rent to the landlord's named account and purchase money only to your advocate's client account
- Get every agreement and receipt in writing
On Kenya Home Search
How we help you stay safe
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Listings reviewed
Every listing is reviewed by our team before it goes live.
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Verified badges
A Verified badge means we checked the lister's documents. It is not legal advice, so still do your own checks.
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Report a listing
Every listing page has a Report this listing link. Tell us and we look into it.
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We never take your money
Rent, deposits and purchase money are never paid through Kenya Home Search.
FAQ
Common questions
General information, reviewed . It is not legal or tax advice: an advocate confirms the steps for your transaction.
How do I know if a house listing in Nairobi is fake?
Warning signs are a price far below the area, a request for money before viewing, an owner who cannot meet you, and pressure to pay today. View the house and meet the landlord before paying anything.
How do I identify a fake estate agent in Kenya?
Ask for the agent's registration and practising certificates and check them with the Estate Agents Registration Board. A genuine agent will show you the house before asking for any money.
How do I avoid buying land with a fake title deed?
Never rely on a title photo. Your own advocate should run an official search on Ardhisasa or at the registry, match it to the seller's ID, and confirm there is no charge, caveat or restriction.
What should I do if I have been scammed?
Report it at the nearest police station as soon as possible, keep every message and payment record, and tell your bank or mobile money provider. If the listing was on Kenya Home Search, use Report this listing or contact us.
Does Kenya Home Search guarantee listings?
No. We review every listing and check documents for Verified badges, but no website can replace your own viewing, official search and advocate.