Categories of Plots of Land Ownership in Kenya

Classification of Land Ownership as outline by Denver Real Estate trusted Real Estate firm among Real Estate Companies in Kenya

Land is a precious asset in Kenya as it plays a role in the citizenship of Kenya. Every Kenyan citizen has a right to own Plots of Land land regardless of where they are. Most Kenyans use land for agriculture and therefore they treasure it big time.

Land is also a precious asset as it appreciates over time making it a valuable asset especially for those who are investment minded. Besides, there are many ways that you can use land for. For instance, you can use it to build a home, or as a collateral when you want to take a loan.

Constitutionally, land in Kenya can be classified into three categories; Private, community or public. Nevertheless, it can be further be classified into four more categories.

Keep reading as we diversify more into the classifications for a better understanding.

1.    Freehold Plots of Land

This form of land ownerships falls under the private land ownership category and it’s the most common in Kenya. A free hold land is one whose entity solely belongs to the owner. In other words, it is free from entities. The land gives an individual or a group of people complete ownership of the land for as long as you live or wish to transfer ownership.

Free hold land has many advantages. For instance, you will have peace of mind knowing that no one is going to contend for your piece of land. You enjoy maximum level of security. Additionally, a free hold land owner is not limited in terms of developing their property. You can renovate, extend or reconstruct your home to fit your taste. Moreover, you are not liable to some payments such as maintenance costs, ground rents or annual service charges that leasehold ownership attracts.

2. Partial Ownership

In this category of land ownership, an individual or a group of people are given rights to use someone’s land for specific purposes. Nevertheless, you must first come into a clear agreement with the owner of the land. This agreement could be between spouses, friends or colleagues.

It is important to research properly before buying any plot in Kenya. You might buy a piece of land that’s under partial ownership and fall into unending and draining land conflicts that may even lead to losses.

3. Leasehold Ownership

Leasehold ownership is where by an individual is allowed to use someone’s land for a particular time so long as they are paying as per the agreement. If you are leasing land, you can use it for your own purposes so long as the owner is okay with it. Most Kenyans lease land to set up businesses such as timberlands, schools, or churches.

In Kenya, you will get your leasehold from the local authorities for trust land, individuals or government public land. The constitution allows you to lease land or property in Kenya for up to 99 years.

The best part about leasehold land ownership is that you can apply for a leasehold extension if you wish to continue using the land upon the expiry of the lease. Although you will not hold rights to the real property, the leased land is considered as your own.

4. Community/Customary Land

Community or customary land is owned by a community and therefore you can’t claim it as an individual. This land is meant to be used for the benefits of the community whereby they build community centers, homes or even lease out the land to individuals or institutions. This enables the community to earn an income for more development or better living. In Kenya, community lands are available in the rural areas.

Owning land is good for everyone. However, it is important to know why you want to buy land because that will dictate the type of land you want. It is also critical to find out the type of ownership for your preferred land. This will help you avoid land conflicts that may arise leading to losses.

Land buyers should consider free hold land ownership since it gives complete ownership. However, if you want to do business, you can go for the leasehold partnership especially if you don’t have enough funds to buy land.

We hope this article has diversified your knowledge as far as land ownership in Kenya is concerned.