Buying land in Kenya or land ownership in any country can be a great investment; however, before you buy land, it is important to do some research and make sure that the land you are considering purchasing meets your needs, this will be beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. In order to make the most of it, you want to be sure to do your due diligence, this includes paying attention to all the many factors that can impact whether or not a land is worth its price tag and is likely to offer value in return. So, where should you start? Here are some things to look for when buying land, each of them will be key in deciding whether or not you have found the perfect piece of land for you
Before purchasing land, it is important to consider its potential. Does the land have any sort of development potential? Is it in an area with a lot of growth and development? Or is it in an area that’s not likely to see much change in the near future? Knowing the potential of the land can help you determine if it's worth the investment. Whatever your long-term plan is for your investment, check out current zoning and use restrictions to make sure that it’s something achievable. Likewise, consider the costs associated with making the land usable. A well-priced land may not be such a good buy if you’re going to have to spend big to bring in utilities, access roads, and other must-haves related to your long-term plans.
Location and a physical visit is another key factor to consider when doing land search or buying land. Are you looking for land close to Urban areas or further out in the rural areas? What types of amenities are nearby- stores, restaurants, schools, and other services that may be important to your lifestyle? Are there any particular environmental features-like a stream, pond, or wooded area -that you’d like to take advantage of? Again, consider how you want to use the land and if the location is ideal for that purpose. If your plans include residential or commercial development, is the area in high enough demand to support the investment? If you’re looking for seclusion and privacy, is the location far enough away from other areas of activity?
When buying land, it’s important to look into the previous ownership of the land as well. Find out who the real owner or registered owner is and who owned it before and how they used it. Was it always agricultural land or was it recently developed? Who holds the land title deed? Can it be searched at the land registry? Are the land rates and land rent UpToDate? Does the title restrict encroachment? Is there an old title deed and land transfer? Are there any existing easements or infrastructure that you should be aware of? Even something as simple as finding out why they’re selling or if they faced any challenges with the land, such as issues with flooding or soil quality, if there are any pending rates. Having all the details can provide you with a ton of insight on whether or not the parcel of land is a good buy as well as help you avoid future disputes. Knowing the past and current use of the land can help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing it. By doing your research and understanding all the key factors that go into buying land, you’ll be able to make a more educated decision on whether or not the land value is right for you. Doing your due diligence now will save you time and money in the long run and help ensure you get the most out of your land investment
When buying land and a prospective buyer, it’s important to check on the legal process, the land transfer documents, if there are any unpaid land rates, permit requirements and regulations, that might be applicable to any particular piece of land. The rules vary from state to state or county governments to county government so you want to make sure you understand what is allowed, what restrictions may be in place, what permits you’ll need to get, (building permits, environmental permits, zoning permits, sewer and water permits, etc.) what the process for getting them is, and how much they’ll cost. Knowing this ahead of time can ensure that your plans for the land are feasible; otherwise, you may find yourself having to change them after purchase. When buying land, you’re making an investment that can have long-term consequences. It’s important to take the time to do your research and make sure you’re making a smart decision that will pay off in the future by getting the most out of your land investment and avoid future disputes.
Before you purchase land or before the seller places a "sold land" sign. Check if there are any environmental concerns associated with the land, such as potential hazardous materials or contamination of water and soil, you should find out if they will affect your plans and if they’ll need to be addressed before you begin. You should take into account that environmental issues are big problems with incredibly costly fixes. An environmental assessment or talking to the land control board can help give you a better understanding of any risks associated with the land and help determine if there are any obstacles that you’ll need to overcome. Because these assessments and acquiring a land control board clearance can take time, add an environmental contingency to your offer for price negotiation, as it will definitely affect the purchase price to protect your earnest money and let the seller know you’ll be undertaking the process - This will be beneficial to both the seller and you the buyer
Buying land can be a complex and time-consuming process. Taking the time to do your research, to acquire land control board clearance and understand all the key factors involved will help ensure you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing land. Knowing what types of amenities are nearby, reviewing previous ownership, researching permit requirements, and looking into any environmental concerns associated with the land are all important steps that will help you get the most out of your land investment. By doing your due diligence, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re making a smart decision and getting the best value for your money. Whether you are new to buying land or are a seasoned prospective buyer, always have an experienced real estate agent who will help you with land identification and a buyer's advocate by your side to help you understand the sale agreement and walk you through the legal procedures. They can guide you on the factors mentioned above, as well as other key considerations like rates clearance certificates, government valuer, survey maps, deposit payment, legal documents, post purchase activity, original title deed verifications, stamp duty payable and at which stage, legal ownership advise, title transfer process, sales agreement, land transactions and many others. By taking these factors into account when looking to buy land, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect land for you and your family member. With the right research, you'll be able to make an informed decision that you can feel good about. Good luck
