When buying land in Kenya, there’s more to the process than just agreeing on the price. Two key legal costs you must understand are Land Rates and Stamp Duty. At Utheri Land Ventures, our goal is to make your land-buying journey smooth and transparent by helping you understand every step — including government fees.
Here’s a simplified breakdown to help you make informed decisions 👇
📍 What Are Land Rates?
Land Rates are taxes imposed by the County Government on landowners within designated municipalities or towns.
✅ These are paid annually
✅ Calculated based on the size and location of the land
✅ Applies mostly to land with a title deed in urban areas
💡 Why It Matters:
Unpaid land rates can delay the land transfer process and may lead to penalties or even auction by the county government. Always ask for a Land Rates Clearance Certificate before purchasing land.
📝 What is Stamp Duty?
Stamp Duty is a one-time government tax paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) during the transfer of land ownership.
💰 Stamp duty is:
4% of the property’s market value for urban areas
2% for rural areas
📌 Example:
If you’re buying land worth KSh 500,000 in an urban area, your stamp duty will be KSh 20,000.
✅ Stamp duty must be paid before the title deed can legally be transferred to your name.
🔄 Summary Table
Cost Type Who You Pay How Often Rate Based On
Land Rates County Gov Annually Varies Land location & size
Stamp Duty KRA One-Time 4%/2% Property’s market value
📣 Why Work With Utheri Land Ventures?
At Utheri Land Ventures, we walk with you through the full land-buying process — from site visits and title verification to stamp duty guidance and legal support.
📍 Visit us at Ruiru Kihunguro, CNM Building, 1st Floor
📞 Call or WhatsApp us on 0700 684 810
We ensure transparent, affordable, and legal land deals in fast-developing areas like Matuu, Rumuruti, and beyond.
📢 Final Tips Before Buying Land in Kenya:
✅ Always check land rate clearance status
✅ Budget for stamp duty and legal fees
✅ Work with a trusted real estate company like Utheri Land Ventures
✅ Ask questions — knowledge is power!
