If you’re thinking about buying property in Kenya from afar, you’re in for an exciting ride. Kenya’s real estate scene is buzzing with opportunities, from the vibrant streets of Nairobi to the sunny shores of Mombasa.
However, as someone who has helped countless non-residents navigate this, I know it can feel overwhelming. Especially when buying property in Kenya for the first time.
At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we’ve guided investors like you through safe deals, ensuring you acquire properties in Kenya without the headaches.
Why Buying Property in Kenya Appeals to Non-Residents
First, let’s get real about why you’re considering buying property in Kenya. Kenya’s economy is growing rapidly, and real estate is a solid investment for building wealth.
In 2025, foreign investment in Kenyan properties increased by approximately 15%, according to recent reports from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
That’s because returns on rentals can reach 8-10% annually in hotspots like Nairobi. Whether you’re a landowner looking to expand or an investor seeking steady income, buying property in Kenya is a sensible choice.
But as a non-resident, you’re dealing with distance, different rules, and yes, some risks. Don’t worry, we’ll cover the red flags ahead.
And if you’re ready to start, our team at Chepchieng and Company Advocates can handle the legwork from title searches to closing.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Kenya?
Yes, they can. Kenya welcomes non-residents with open arms when it comes to owning property.
Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Lands Act of 2012, foreigners can legally buy and hold property, but there’s a catch we’ll unpack next.
You don’t need to be a citizen or live here full-time. In fact, by 2025, over 20% of urban properties in Kenya for sale are snapped up by diaspora Kenyans and international buyers, according to data from the Ministry of Lands.
As a non-resident, you can own apartments, townhouses, commercial spaces, or even holiday homes.
The key is sticking to leasehold titles, which grant you rights for up to 99 years, providing ample time to enjoy and profit from the property.
Just remember to start with a land search through the eCitizen portal to confirm everything’s legitimate. It’s your first step in safely buying property in Kenya.
Can Foreigners Buy Land in Kenya?
Yes, foreigners can buy land in Kenya, but not all types of land are available for purchase.
You can’t buy freehold agricultural land, as it is reserved for citizens to protect food security.
Instead, opt for leasehold urban or residential plots, where you get that 99-year security. The Land Control Act bars non-residents from farming land unless the President grants a special exemption, which is rare.
For example, if you’re buying land in Kenya near Nairobi for development, it’s straightforward: verify that it’s zoned for residential or commercial use.
In 2025, urban land sales to foreigners increased by 12%, driven by infrastructure projects such as the Nairobi Expressway.
But skip anything labeled “agricultural” unless you’re partnering with a local company.
At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we specialize in these checks. Our conveyancers ensure that your purchase of land in Kenya goes smoothly, with no surprises.
Always use a Kenyan lawyer for the transaction when buying property in Kenya. It protects against fraud and ensures compliance.
How Much Is Property in Kenya?
Property prices in Kenya vary significantly by location and type. To break it down, let’s examine the latest 2025 numbers from reputable sources.
On average, expect to pay KSh 108 million for a house in Nairobi’s upscale areas, such as Karen or Westlands. That’s about $800,000 USD at current rates.
However, don’t panic; affordable gems do exist.
For buying a house in Nairobi, a modest three-bedroom starts at KSh 20-30 million in suburbs like Ruiru.
Head to Nakuru, and purchasing a home in Nakuru drops to KSh 10-20 million for similar setups, thanks to the city’s growth as a tech hub.
Coastal vibes? Buying property in Mombasa, Kenya, or along the Kenyan coast typically averages KSh 25 million for a beachside villa, with plots ranging from KSh 5 to 15 million per acre.
Land-wise, buying land in rural areas of Kenya costs KSh 500,000 to 2 million per acre, while land in the Nairobi outskirts ranges from KSh 10 million to 50 million.
These figures factor in a 12% inflation bump on construction costs this year.
As for overall property prices in Kenya, urban areas experienced a 4-5% rise in 2025, according to the Global Property Guide.
Budget extra for fees, including stamp duty (4% for urban areas), legal costs (1-2%), and agent commissions (2%).
If numbers seem daunting, consider that long-term rental yields outperform those of many global markets.
Top 7 Red Flags When Buying Property in Kenya as a Non-Resident
Alright, here’s the meat: Those seven red flags you’ve been waiting for when buying property in Kenya. As a non-resident, you’re particularly vulnerable because you can’t easily pop over for a site visit.
Scams cost Kenyans and foreigners millions of shillings yearly. Over KSh 5 billion in land fraud was reported in 2024 alone, according to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Spot these, and you’re golden. I’ll explain each, why it matters, and how to dodge it.
Red Flag 1: Unverified or Fake Titles
Nothing screams trouble like a fake title deed. Fraudsters forge documents or sell the same plot twice.
For non-residents buying property in Kenya remotely, this is a significant development. You wire funds, and poof, the seller disappears.
You could lose your deposit or end up in court fighting a “real” owner. In 2025, title fraud makes up 40% of real estate disputes, according to the Judiciary.
How to avoid:
Always demand an official land search from the Ministry of Lands via eCitizen. It costs KSh 500 and flags encumbrances or multiple claims.
Hire a lawyer, like us at Chepchieng and Company Advocates, to verify. We’ve caught fakes that looked legit on paper.
When buying a house in Kenya, insist on seeing the physical title before any money moves.
Red Flag 2: Unlicensed or Shady Brokers
That charming agent promising the moon? If they’re not registered with the Institute of Estate Agents of Kenya (IEA), run. Non-residents often deal with brokers via WhatsApp, making it easy for impostors to pose as pros.
They pocket fees and vanish, or push bogus properties in Kenya to buy. Reports indicate that 30% of scams begin with unlicensed intermediaries.
How to avoid
Check their IEA license online. Use referrals or firms like ours; we vet agents and handle deals from start to finish. For buying property in Nairobi, stick to established players; it’s safer.
Red Flag 3: Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True
A prime plot in Nairobi for KSh 1 million? Yeah, no. Desperate deals often hide liens, disputes, or outright fakes. With property prices in Kenya climbing, outliers scream scam.
You buy “bargains” that turn into money pits. In coastal areas, when buying property in Kenya, lowball offers often mean disputed beachfront.
How to avoid
Compare with market data by using sites like BuyRentKenya. If it’s 20-30% below average, dig deeper.
Our guide to buying property in Kenya, provided by Chepchieng and Company Advocates, includes price benchmarks to keep you grounded.
Red Flag 4: Rushing the Deal or High-Pressure Tactics
“Sale ends tomorrow!” Sound familiar? Scammers create a sense of urgency to bypass due diligence.
As a non-resident buying property in Kenya, time zones can exacerbate the issue, causing you to sign digitally without thinking.
No time for searches means fraud slips in. Pressure tactics fuel 25% of investment scams, per police reports.
How to avoid:
Slow it down. Insist on 4-6 weeks for checks. We’ve advised clients to walk away from rushed buying property in Kenya deals, better safe than sorry.
Red Flag 5: Agricultural Land Offers to Foreigners
Pitched farmland in prime Nakuru? Big no. Foreigners can’t own freehold agricultural land, and even leaseholds need approvals. Sellers exploit this ignorance.
Why it hurts: Your purchase gets voided, and the cash is gone. The Land Control Act blocks this, but enforcement lags.
How to avoid
Confirm zoning via county offices. Stick to urban residential areas for buying land in Kenya. Chepchieng and Company Advocates flag these early in consultations.
Red Flag 6: Untrustworthy Lawyers or Hidden Fees
Your “lawyer” is the seller’s buddy? Red alert. Some collude for kickbacks, especially in remote property buying deals in Kenya.
Why it hurts: Forged transfers or surprise taxes eat your savings. Diaspora fraud cases spiked 18% in 2025.
How to avoid
Select an independent counsel who is LSK-registered. We at Chepchieng and Company Advocates are your neutral professionals, with transparent fees and no surprises.
Red Flag 7: Off-Plan Projects Without On-Site Checks
Dreaming of buying a house in Nairobi off-plan? Great, but without visits, delays, or non-delivery, it hits hard. Projects drag on for years, leaving you fund-less.
Why it hurts: Kenya’s off-plan woes cost investors KSh 10 billion last year. Non-residents can’t inspect easily.
How to avoid
Use video tours, but hire local reps. Demand progress reports. When looking at buying property in Kenya, our firm monitors and builds so you don’t have to worry.
Final Thoughts
Whew, that’s a lot, but knowledge is power. Buying property in Kenya as a non-resident doesn’t have to be scary. Spot those red flags, and you’re set. From verifying titles to picking the right team, small steps save big bucks. Remember those statistics: With 15% growth in foreign investment, now is the prime time for buying property in Kenya.
If this sparked ideas, let’s chat. At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we’re your go-to for secure transactions, whether buying property in Mombasa, Kenya, or a flat in Nairobi. Drop us a line for a complimentary initial consultation; we’ve helped hundreds of individuals like you close deals. What’s your next move? A cozy house in Nakuru or coastal land?
