How to check a property before you pay

Property fraud in Kenya takes several forms: fake or copied listings, agents who do not control the unit, sellers who are not the registered owner, and deposits taken before anyone has seen the property. Most of it is avoided by doing a short list of checks, in order, before any money moves.

Do these before you pay: - Get an official land search of the title from the Lands registry (Ardhisasa or the county registry) and note its date. - Check that the owner on the search matches the seller’s ID. If someone is selling for the owner, ask for a power of attorney and have your advocate check it. - Read the search for charges, cautions and restrictions, and ask your advocate about any entry. - Ask for the county rates clearance, and ground rent clearance for leasehold land. - Visit the property and compare the boundaries with the documents. - Use your own advocate, and sign a written sale agreement before any deposit.

A search is a snapshot. It shows the register on the day you obtained it, and some rights can bind a buyer without appearing on it, so your advocate’s advice matters. Dami cannot verify a title for you. Our checklist page keeps a dated record of the checks you have done, and you can print it.