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Lessons from My Recent Land Sale: What Buyers Need to Watch Out For

Every land transaction teaches me something new, and my most recent sale was no exception. A client wanted to buy land in Mombasa, and while everything seemed smooth at first, we encountered a few roadblocks that many buyers overlook. Here’s what I learned and what you should watch out for:

Always Verify Ownership (Even When the Seller Seems Genuine)

The seller had all the right documents, but when we did a land search at the Ministry of Lands, we found a pending succession case. This meant the land couldn’t be legally transferred yet. Lesson: Always confirm the title’s status before making any payments.

Hidden Costs Can Surprise You.

My client had budgeted for the land price but forgot about additional costs like stamp duty, legal fees, and title transfer charges. We had to pause the process to sort out the finances.

Lesson: Factor in all costs before committing.

Beware of Last-Minute Price Changes.

Just before closing, the seller suddenly wanted to increase the price, claiming “new interest from another buyer.” My client almost fell for the pressure but stood firm.

Lesson: Have a legally binding sale agreement in place to prevent such surprises.

Land Location Can Make or Break a Deal.

After visiting the site, we realized that while the land was affordable, the access road was in poor condition, making it unsuitable for the client’s plans.

Lesson: Never buy land without physically inspecting it!

At Gakanyo Properties Kenya, we help clients navigate these challenges so they don’t fall into common traps. If you’re planning to buy land, take your time, ask the right questions, and work with professionals.

Have you ever faced challenges when buying land? Let’s talk in the comments!