For land buyers
How to buy land in Kenya safely
Shortlist plots by county, verify the title and the seller, and pay only through your advocate.
- Plot boundaries on the map
- Verified badges
- Zero commission
In short
To buy land in Kenya safely, shortlist plots, visit or video-view the land with the beacons, and have your own advocate run an official search on Ardhisasa or at the lands registry to confirm the registered owner and any charges. Match the seller's ID to the search, get the consents the sale needs, sign a sale agreement drawn up by your advocate, and pay only into your advocate's client account. Stamp duty is 4% of the value in urban areas and 2% in rural areas, and a typical transfer takes 45 to 90 days.
Reviewed by the Kenya Home Search team. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Step by step
The land buying process in Kenya
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Step 1: Shortlist by area
Compare plots by county and town below. Note the acreage, road access, water and power, and whether the listing shows a boundary.
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Step 2: See the land
Visit with a surveyor, or ask for a live video walk of the beacons if you are abroad. Check the boundary against the survey map.
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Step 3: Run an official search
Your advocate searches the title on Ardhisasa or at the registry to confirm the registered owner, size and any charge, caveat or restriction.
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Step 4: Check the seller
Match the seller's ID and KRA PIN to the search. Ask for spousal consent for matrimonial property, and Land Control Board consent for agricultural land.
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Step 5: Sign through your advocate
Your own advocate drafts or reviews the sale agreement. Never share the seller's advocate.
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Step 6: Pay and register
Pay into your advocate's client account. Stamp duty is paid through Ardhipay, and the transfer is registered in your name.
By county
Land for sale near Nairobi and beyond
Live now
Newest land for sale
New listings appear here as soon as they are approved. All land for sale
Costs
Costs a land buyer should budget for
| Cost | Usually paid by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Buyer | Paid through your advocate's client account, in stages set by the sale agreement. |
| Stamp duty | Buyer | 4% of the value in urban areas and 2% in rural areas, paid through Ardhipay. |
| Advocate fees | Buyer, for their own advocate | Agree the fee in writing before you start. |
| Official search | Buyer | A government fee paid on Ardhisasa or eCitizen. |
| Surveyor | Buyer | To confirm beacons and the boundary on the ground. |
FAQ
Common questions
General information, reviewed . It is not legal or tax advice: an advocate confirms the steps for your transaction.
How do I do a land search in Kenya?
Search the title number on Ardhisasa, or ask your advocate to apply at the lands registry. The result shows the registered owner, the size and any charge, caveat or restriction. Pay the official fee on the portal.
Can Kenyans abroad buy land in Kenya?
Yes. Kenyan citizens, including dual citizens, can own freehold land wherever they live. Non-citizens can hold leasehold of up to 99 years. See our diaspora buyer hub.
How much is stamp duty on land in Kenya?
Stamp duty is 4% of the value in urban areas and 2% in rural areas, paid by the buyer through Ardhipay before registration.
How long does land transfer take in Kenya?
A typical transfer takes 45 to 90 days from signing the sale agreement to registration.
What does a Verified badge on a land listing mean?
Our team checked the lister's identity and the title or official search they sent. It is not a survey or legal advice, so still use your own advocate and surveyor. Read more on property verification.
How do I avoid land fraud?
Never pay before an official search and a site visit, never pay an individual or a mobile money number, and use only your own advocate. Read our scam guide.