For land owners
How to sell land in Kenya safely
Get the documents ready, price the plot against real listings, and close through advocates so both you and the buyer are protected.
- Boundary on the map
- Buyers contact you directly
- Zero commission
In short
To sell land in Kenya, gather the original title deed, your ID and KRA PIN, a recent official search, a rates clearance certificate and any consents the sale needs: Land Control Board consent for agricultural land and spousal consent for matrimonial property. Price the plot against similar listings, list it with its boundary on the map, and close through a sale agreement drawn up by an advocate, with payment to an advocate's client account or a bank. The seller pays capital gains tax of 15% of the net gain to KRA.
Reviewed by the Kenya Home Search team. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Before you list
Documents to prepare
- Original title deed (or certificate of lease) in your name
- Your national ID or passport and KRA PIN
- A recent official search from Ardhisasa or the lands registry showing you as owner and listing any charges
- Survey map or mutation for the plot, and beacons you can show on the ground
- Rates clearance certificate from the county, and land rent clearance for leasehold land
- Spousal consent if the land is matrimonial property
- Land Control Board consent if the land is agricultural (the buyer's advocate usually applies with you)
Step by step
Selling a plot from listing to transfer
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Step 1: Confirm your title is clean
Run an official search so you know what a buyer will see: the registered owner, size and any charge, caveat or restriction. Clear a bank charge before you sell or agree how it will be discharged.
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Step 2: Price it from real evidence
Compare asking prices of similar plots in the same area, for example land for sale in Kajiado or Machakos. A registered valuer gives a formal figure if you need one.
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Step 3: List it with the boundary
List your plot free, draw the boundary on the map and add the acreage, road access, water and power. Clear facts attract serious buyers.
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Step 4: Show the land properly
Meet buyers on site, walk the beacons, and offer a live video viewing for buyers abroad. Never hand over documents at a viewing.
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Step 5: Agree terms in writing
Your advocate and the buyer's advocate agree a sale agreement covering the price, the deposit, the completion period and who pays which costs.
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Step 6: Complete through advocates
The buyer pays through an advocate's client account or a bank, never in cash. The transfer is lodged, stamp duty is paid by the buyer, and you pay capital gains tax.
Costs
Who usually pays what
| Cost | Usually paid by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capital gains tax | Seller | 15% of the net gain on the sale, paid to KRA. Confirm the amount and timing with KRA or a tax adviser. |
| Stamp duty | Buyer | 4% of the value in urban areas and 2% in rural areas. |
| Rates and land rent clearance | Seller | Arrears must be cleared before the county or the Ministry issues clearance. |
| Advocate fees | Each side for its own advocate | Agree the fee with your advocate in writing before you start. |
| Official search and consents | As agreed in the sale agreement | Search fees are set by the Ministry of Lands and paid on Ardhisasa or eCitizen. |
Selling to buyers abroad
Reaching diaspora buyers
Many land buyers live outside Kenya and will not buy without proof. A drawn boundary, a recent official search they can verify through their own advocate, and a live video walk of the beacons make the difference. Our diaspora buyer hub sends these buyers to diaspora-ready land.
Selling many plots as a company? See advertising for land sellers.
FAQ
Common questions
General information, reviewed . It is not legal or tax advice: an advocate confirms the steps for your transaction.
What documents do I need to sell land in Kenya?
The original title deed or lease, your ID and KRA PIN, a recent official search, a rates clearance certificate, and where they apply, spousal consent and Land Control Board consent for agricultural land.
Who pays capital gains tax when land is sold in Kenya?
The seller. Capital gains tax is 15% of the net gain on the transfer and is paid to KRA. Confirm the figure for your sale with KRA or a tax adviser.
Where can I advertise land for sale for free?
You can list land free on Kenya Home Search. Buyers contact you directly and there is no commission. You can draw the plot boundary on the map.
How long does a land transfer take?
A typical transfer takes 45 to 90 days from signing the sale agreement to registration, depending on consents, stamp duty assessment and the registry.
Should the buyer pay me in cash?
No. Payment should go through an advocate's client account or a bank so every shilling is traceable and tied to the sale agreement.
Does Kenya Home Search sell the land for me?
No. Kenya Home Search is a marketing board, not an agent. We publish your listing and buyers contact you directly. We never negotiate or hold money.