The Cost of Processing Title Deed in Kenya
Land is a precious commodity highly valued across the world. It is an investment that nearly everyone relates with and aspires to have it to their name. As a result of this, buying land in Kenya is a complex process that involves several steps, each with its associated costs.The most daunting one is title acquisition, which is usually the last stage that affirms ownership of the land.
In this article, we discuss the estimated costs that one might incur in the process acquiring a title deed in Kenya.
Land search: After identifying the parcel of land you want to buy, get a copy of the land title deed from the seller and carry out a land search via Ardhisasa platform.This only costs about KSh 500 and it’s paid online via the Ardhisasa app or the E-citizen platform.
Search at the county office: One you have completed the online search, visit the county land registry office to verify the physical documents to ascertain ownership and confirm if the land rates have been paid and updated.The cost of this verification varies from one county to another. In some counties, it is free of charge.
Acquire two land maps: One map is usually drawn to scale, and the other is an overview of the land showing adjacent plots. You can obtain them from a land surveyor or from the Ministry of Land. Each costs about Ksh 300.
Sale agreement: This should always be in writing and is often drafted by a lawyer. The charges of drafting this document range from Ksh 3000 to Ksh 8000 depending on the value of the land. For instance, If the land is worth Ksh 1000000, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) guidelines require the advocate to charge KSh 3000 for drafting the sale agreement. If the land is worth more than KSh 1000000, the recommended fee is KSh 8000.
The lawyer's cost is normally shared equally between the buyer and the seller.
Get a Land Control Board clearance: This is usually a certificate of consent confirming that the land on sale has no dispute and that both the seller and buyer have mutually agreed to do the transaction without coercion. This certificate prevents future disputes that may arise as a result of the transaction. The process takes about a month and costs about Ksh 1,000.
Transfer of ownership of the land: Once the payments are made, and the seller signs the land transfer forms, the buyer should proceed to the lands ministry to seek transfer of ownership of the land to his/her name.
The following documents will be required at the ministry:
(i) Consent from LCB
(ii) Clearance from the county
(iv) 3 passport photos
(v) KRA pin certificate
(vi) Sale agreement
(vii) The old title deed bearing the seller's name
Stamping the transfer: The cost is based on the value of the land. For instance, if the land is located in an urban centre, the stamp duty is 4% while in rural are the cost is 2%.
The above are some of the processes and costs involved in processing a title deed in Kenya. As you can clearly see, it is a tedious and time-consuming process that takes away extra resources from the pocket of the buyer. If you don’t want to go through this painstaking and costly process, you can contact leading land-selling companies in Kenya like AMCCO Properties Limited for assistance.
The company has a passionate team of experts ranging from lawyers to surveyors who are ready and willing to help clients process their title deeds at extremely low costs and within the shortest time possible.
For more information on how we can assist with your real estate development plans, contact AMCCO Properties Limited today via 0701 293 199.
You can also take advantage of the company’s newly launched VR services and enjoy the breathtaking view of all the properties on sale from the comfort of your couch. All you need is to follow this link https://virtual.amccopropertiesltd.co.ke/
