The complete process for transferring land ownership from seller to buyer at the Lands Registry — documents, costs, timelines, and what to expect.
Land transfer in Kenya involves signing a sale agreement, paying stamp duty (4% urban / 2% rural), and submitting transfer documents to the Lands Registry. The process takes 30–90 days and costs approximately 6–8% of the property value in taxes and fees. A conveyancing lawyer handles the paperwork and ensures the transfer is legally binding.
From sale agreement to title deed in your name — here's exactly what happens and how long each step takes.
Before initiating transfer, ensure a title search has been done, boundaries verified, and the seller's identity confirmed. This protects you from fraud and ensures a smooth transfer process.
A conveyancing lawyer drafts the sale agreement specifying the price, payment terms, completion date, and conditions. Both buyer and seller sign. The buyer pays the agreed deposit (typically 10-30%).
Agricultural land requires Land Control Board consent (apply via the local chief's office, takes 2-4 weeks). Leasehold land needs the landlord's (often county government) consent to transfer.
Your lawyer submits a stamp duty return on KRA iTax (itax.kra.go.ke). KRA assesses the value and you pay 4% (urban) or 2% (rural). Payment is via M-Pesa or bank transfer. KRA issues a stamp duty certificate.
Your lawyer prepares: Transfer Form (signed by both parties), Discharge of Charge (if there was a mortgage), Land Rent Clearance, Rates Clearance, and copies of IDs and KRA PINs.
All documents are submitted to the Lands Registry (Ardhi House or county office). The submission is receipted and assigned a registration number for tracking.
The Registrar verifies all documents, confirms stamp duty payment, checks for any restrictions, then cancels the seller's entry and registers the property in the buyer's name.
Once processing is complete, the new title deed is ready for collection. Your lawyer or agent collects it from the registry. The land is now legally yours.
Our agents coordinate the entire transfer process with trusted conveyancing lawyers — from sale agreement to title deed in your name.
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