Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How much money do I need to buy my first home in Kenya?
- Down Payment: 10% – 30% of the property value is standard.
- Closing Costs:
- Legal Fees: Usually 1-2% of the purchase price.
- Stamp Duty: Usually 4% (urban) or 2% (rural) of the property value.
- Valuation Fees: 0.25% – 0.5% of the property value.
Read more in our article guide on:
Stamp Duty, Legal Fees & Taxes Explained for Property Buyers in Kenya
Can I buy a house in Kenya using a mortgage?
Yes, you can buy a house in Kenya using a mortgage. Major commercial banks (e.g., KCB, NCBA, Stanbic, Absa) and financial institutions offer mortgage financing with options for up to 80-105% financing, including for diaspora, with repayment terms often stretching up to 20 or 25 years. Interest rates generally range between 11% to 16% as of 2025.
- Process: Preliminary appraisal, application, property valuation, offer letter, and legal registration (conveyancing).
Read more in our article guide on:
What is stamp duty and who pays it?
Stamp duty in Kenya is a government tax levied on legal documents, primarily for property transactions, land transfers, and specific legal agreements to render them valid and legally admissible. The purchaser or transferee is responsible for paying this tax, typically at a rate of 4% (urban) or 2% (rural) of the property’s market value.
How do I know if a property is genuine?
To know if a property is genuine, conduct an official, independent land search at the local Ministry of Lands registry or through the Ardhisasa online platform (in Kenya) using the Title Number. Physically verify the land with a surveyor, check the seller’s ID against the title, and ensure no liens or disputes exist.
Is buying off-plan safe in Kenya?
It can be safe if done right:
Buy from a reputable developer
Confirm approvals (NCA, County, Lands)
Ensure payments go into a project account
Use a lawyer to review the sale agreement
Read more in our article guide on:
Off-Plan Property in Kenya: Pros, Cons & Hidden Risks Every Buyer Should Know
What documents do I need to buy a house?
Common documents include:
National ID / Passport
KRA PIN
Sale agreement
Title deed copy
Completion documents
Mortgage offer letter (if applicable)
Can Kenyans in the diaspora buy property back home?
Yes, Kenyans in the diaspora can absolutely buy property in Kenya. The process is well-facilitated through specialized diaspora banking products, mortgages, and the use of Power of Attorney to manage legal, transactions remotely. Options include buying land, ready-built homes, or commercial property, often with financing available from major banks.
How long does the buying process take?
In Kenya, the property buying process typically takes 60 to 90 days from offer to completion. This timeline includes due dilligence (land searches), signing the sale agreement, securing financing, and title tranfer. While some, such as land searches via Ardhisasa, can take only minutes, official title transfer can take weeks.
Should I buy land or an apartment as a first-time buyer?
Apartments: Lower cost, easier management, faster resale
Land: Long-term investment, higher risk if not verified
For most first-time buyers, apartments are safer.
Do I really need a real estate agent?
Yes, especially as a first-time buyer.
A good agent helps with:
Property sourcing
Price negotiation
Due diligence
Paperwork & timelines
Read more in our article guide on:
Why Using a Real Estate Agent Is Essential for Diaspora Property Investors