Free Money Tool

Land Purchase Reality Check

The price on the signboard is never the full price. See what it really costs to get the title in your name, whether your money is enough, and what to check before you pay anything.

The land you are thinking of buying

Use the price you have been quoted and your best guess where you do not know. Leave a box empty if it does not apply. All amounts are in Kenya shillings.

The plot

Price of the land (KES)

Where is it? If you are not sure, ask your advocate. The rate depends on how the land is classified.

Is it agricultural land? Agricultural land needs Land Control Board consent.

Government valuation, if you know it (KES) Stamp duty is charged on the higher of the price and the valuation.

Advocate’s fee (percent of the price) Often 1 to 2 percent, with a minimum fee, plus 16 percent VAT. Ask for a written quote.

Survey, beacons, agent or other costs (KES)

Costs after buying: fencing, water, building (KES) Money you will need soon after the purchase to protect or use the land.

Your money

Money you have for it now (KES)

Months you have to raise the rest

What you can save each month (KES)

SACCO or other loan you plan to take (KES) Leave empty if you will not borrow.

Months to repay the loan

Loan interest per month (percent)

Your result

What it really costs

Estimates of the costs of getting the title into your name, and what comes after.

Cost	Amount

What next?

Build the money first: Money Market Fund calculator or Chama Contribution calculator.

Before you pay a single shilling

Land fraud is common. These checks cost very little compared with losing your money.

Do an official land search at the Lands Registry or on Ardhisasa. It costs about KES 500 and shows the real owner and any charges or disputes.
Check that the person selling is the owner on the title, and that any spouse or family members who must agree have agreed in writing.
Visit the plot yourself, see the beacons and the boundaries, and speak to the neighbours.
Ask the county for a rates clearance, so you do not take on someone else’s unpaid land rates.
Use your own advocate, and pay the seller through the advocate, not in cash to an agent or a personal M-Pesa number.
Be careful with plots sold with no title, or with a promise that the title is coming later.

This calculator gives an estimate to help you plan. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Costs were last checked in October 2026 and can change. Stamp duty is generally 4 percent in towns and 2 percent in rural areas, charged on the higher of the price and the valuation. Advocate’s fees, valuation fees and other charges vary, so get written quotes and speak to an advocate before you pay a deposit.