Buyer guide: how international buyers purchase property in Kenya

Who can buy

Yes. Kenya warmly welcomes foreign real estate investment, with robust legal protections under national property laws. Here is what you need to know about ownership structures.

1. 1

   Constitutional ownership rules

   According to Article 65 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), non-citizens and foreign companies can own land under leasehold tenure for terms of up to 99 years. Upon expiration, 99-year leases are fully renewable.

2. 2

   Freehold to leasehold conversion

   If a property you select is currently registered as freehold, it must be converted into a 99-year leasehold title to complete the sale to a non-citizen. This is a standard administrative and legal process handled through the Ministry of Lands.

3. 3

   Legal handling by your advocate

   You do not need to navigate complex bureaucracy. Your independent advocate handles the title conversion, land searches and registration process from start to finish. The advocate's fees for your transaction are covered by East Africa Property.

The purchase, step by step

1. 1

   Step 1

   Browse and shortlist

   Explore verified listings. Price, tenure and documents are shown upfront.

2. 2

   Step 2

   View with your consultant

   Our local consultant walks you through the property together with the seller, in person or by video.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Get your fixed price

   One all-in price: the property, taxes, registration and legal costs included.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Legal due diligence

   Your independent advocate checks the title and approvals with the Kenyan lands registry before you commit.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Arrange financing

   Need a loan? Diamond Trust Bank Kenya can finance up to 40% of the property price.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Complete and receive title

   Your advocate drafts the sale agreement and handles the registry. Your funds stay in the client account until the title is registered in your name.

How your money is protected

• Zero-risk fund transfer

  No money is transferred to the seller until the title deed is officially registered in your name, or your membership is approved by the property management company or association.

• Client escrow protection

  Your purchase funds remain safely held in a dedicated client account for the duration of the transaction.

• Verified ownership

  Funds are released only after verified legal completion and proof of title transfer.

Good to know before you buy

Foreign ownership

Foreign buyers can hold property on a leasehold of up to 99 years, renewable. This also applies to companies that are not wholly owned by Kenyan citizens.

Agricultural land

Foreigners and companies that are not wholly Kenyan-owned generally cannot buy agricultural land, except with a presidential exemption. Tell us before you consider farmland.

Letter of offer

Once your offer is accepted, a letter of offer is drawn up, usually signed within 7 to 14 days. It is subject to contract: some require a deposit of at least 10%, but the deal only becomes binding when the sale agreement is signed.

Typical timeline

Completion normally follows within about 90 days of signing the sale agreement, unless you and the seller agree another period.

Due diligence

Your advocate searches the land, company, probate and survey registries and court records. A licensed surveyor can confirm that the boundaries match the deed plan, and an inspection checks the property itself.

Hidden rights and consents

Some rights, such as spousal rights, trusts or rights of way, can exist without being on the register. Required consents, such as the Land Control Board, county land board and spousal consents, must be in place or the transfer cannot be registered.

Pay through advocates

Do not pay the seller or an agent directly. Funds should go through advocates so the proper checks are made first.

Completion and registration

On completion you pay the balance against the full documents. Stamp duty is assessed, the transfer is stamped and registered in your name, and only then are the sale proceeds released to the seller. With a mortgage, the bank's advocate provides an undertaking to the seller's advocate.

Buying from abroad

You can buy without being in Kenya: your advocate can act for you under a power of attorney.

Ardhisasa land system

Ardhisasa is Kenya's online land system for searches, valuations, stamp duty and registration. It currently covers the Nairobi registry. Foreign buyers often need help creating an account, which your advocate can help with.

General information based on Kenyan practice, not legal advice. Your advocate confirms the details for your purchase.

What it costs

The price you see is one all-in fixed price: the property, government taxes and registration, and legal and agency costs. Nothing is added later. Use the calculator to see your price and the cash you need to bring.

Government and professional costs

Stamp duty

Charged on the higher of the government valuation or the purchase price: 4% in a municipality, 2% for agricultural land or property outside a municipality, 1% when a company is bought by transferring shares.

Financing

Our banking partner offers financing of up to 40% of the property price on every listing. Use the calculator to see your fixed price, the cash you need and an estimated monthly payment.

• Fixed all-in price shown before you decide
• Loan share, term and rate you can adjust
• Your advocate coordinates the paperwork with the bank

Financing is subject to the bank's credit assessment and approval. Terms, rates and eligibility are set by Diamond Trust Bank Kenya.

Common questions