Here in Kenya owning a piece of land is a sign of affluence. It is the most valuable asset you may choose to invest in due to how fast it appreciates. Tales have been told of people being sold to ghost land or property that is registered under someone else’s name. This article is written for you land buyer so that you may not fall prey to conman out to defraud you of your hard-earned money. Conduct due diligence before buying land.

•Search and Inspection of the land-You will be required to present a copy of the Title deed to the Lands registry office, This search shows you the rightful owner of the land, the history of the land, and if caution has been put on the land.

•Offers and price negotiations-once the advocates certify the legitimacy of the land and its owners, the buyer should now make an offer marking the beginning of the negotiation process. It is advisable to involve a valuer who will give an appropriate estimation of the land price.

•Physical visit-as a buyer you want to ensure that mambo kwa ground sio different. Go inspect your property after all it's your money and you should get value for it. It's advisable to carry your lawyer and surveyor.

•Get Survey Maps-Bring a surveyor o board to verify the correct demarcation of boundaries. Ideally, this step should be done before signing the agreement so that you ensure what you see is what you get. Beacons are identified to avoid future conflict.

•Drafting of the Sale Agreement-The advocate will draft an agreement of the transaction taking place between the seller and buyer of the property. Deposit can be made and a commitment to clear the balance is clearly stated in the sale agreement.

•Payment of land rates-before transferring ownership of property, landowners should clear any pending rates to the City Council.

•Land transfer-before the final transfer of the Title Deed the buyer needs to have completed the remaining amount of money as well as legal fees. Stamp duty -tax paid on all land transfers shall be paid to the government. Seller signs transfer forms taken with passport photos, lands search and sale agreement, and the title deed is transferred to the ministry of lands for ownership transfer.

Documents you need to transfer land

•Original Title Deed

•Sale Agreement

•Seller’s coloured passports

•Transfer documents

•Relevant consents eg spousal consent

•Pin certificates of both parties

•Land rent and rates clearance receipts