It is the process of ascertaining that a property is in good salable condition. The process should be carried out preferably by a property valuer who has the relevant knowledge and experience to scratch every tiny detail regarding a particular property.
The following documents are imperative:
- Copy of ID/Passport of vendor for identification purposes
- KRA Pin Certificate
- A complete copy of the title/lease
Check land reference number, registered name, size of plot/land, tenure, user, and land registry to pursue a search certificate. - Survey map
This is obtained from the government survey offices. It assists a professional in locating the property on the ground (chunga usiuziwe hewa).
Confirm the size of the plot.
Points out any registered easements or wayleaves. - Search Certificate
This is obtained from the land registry and costs between KES 500 to 2,000/= depending on the registry. For most properties in Nairobi, the search can be obtained through the Ardhisasa online platform. The search ascertains the following information:
a) Name of the registered owner
b) Area
c) Tenure
d) Encumbrances, charged to the bank
e) Restrictions Inhibitions, Caution, Caveat, Wayleave
A legit search should be signed and sealed by the respective land registrar. Check for land and rates status from the national and county governments respectively. - Site Visit
Conduct a site inspection to identify beacons, gradient, investigate any present or historical disputes from the locals, the type of soil and their effect on construction or agriculture, is the land ancestral subject to succession among other factors. - Determine whether any dispute has ever been recorded on the title.
- Determine whether the title has been registered for compulsory acquisition by any government agency.
- Determine whether the title has been featured in the revoked titles by the National Land Commission or Ndung'u Report.
- Determine whether the landowner has been convicted of any crime or civil dispute.
- Determine whether the property is matrimonial.
- Advise on the appropriate market value.
