8 Things To Know When Buying Land in Nairobi To Build A Home

Buying Land is a good investment for building your house

Buying land in Nairobi to build a home is an exciting venture, but it also comes with several important factors to consider. This is regardless of where you want to build your home or the type of home you want. Here are seven things to know when buying land in Nairobi for your future home.

1. Location and Zoning

Location comes first when buying land for home building, so you should carefully consider it. The location should be convenient for your daily needs, such as work, school, shopping, and recreational activities.

The other factor is zoning. Every area in the country has its zoning regulations. Therefore, you should check the regulations for the land you want to build to ensure it’s suitable for residential construction and meets your intended use. Zoning laws affect land use, what you can build and even your property’s resale value.

2. Infrastructure and Utilities

A home requires the availability of various utilities. Confirm the availability and cost of essential utilities such as water, sewage, electricity, and gas. Some rural properties may need more immediate access to these services, which can significantly impact construction costs and leave you stressed. Infrastructure is also essential, especially in matters of transportation.

3. Land Size and Topography

Determine the size of the land and whether it’s suitable for your intended home design and any additional features, like a garden, swimming pool or outbuildings. Buying a land that later turns out to be too small for your type of house can be tragic.

Moreover, assess the land’s topography. This includes aspects such as slopes, soil quality and drainage. If you buy poorly drained or steep land, you may have to use a lot of money to prepare for construction.

Environmental Considerations When Buying Land in Nairobi

Investigate any environmental restrictions or concerns, such as flood zones, wetlands, or protected wildlife habitats, which can affect your construction plans and costs.

1. Land Access and Easements

Ensure you have legal access to the land and understand any shared access points or easements. If the land doesn’t have access, are you willing to cater for the cost of making a driveway? Also, access issues that can be a significant source of disputes with neighbors.

2. Permits and Regulations

Be aware of local building codes and permit requirements. Consult with the local planning department to understand the necessary approvals and permits for your construction project before buying land in Nairobi.

3. Professional Help

Seek the expertise of professionals, including a real estate agent, surveyor, lawyer, and possibly an architect or engineer, to guide you through the land-buying process. They can help you with due diligence and ensure you make an informed decision.

4. Know The Setbacks of the Land

Knowing the setbacks on the land you intend to build a home is essential. You can learn about land issues from the local building department or owners association. They will answer questions about where to put your house and the size of the home’s footprint.

5. Property Taxes

While you may have liked a particular piece of land, you may have to double-check the taxes on the property. This is more so if you intend to build a retirement home and work with a fixed budget. This is because, with time, you will be required to account for increased property taxes. The cost of property taxes varies from one land to another, so it’s important to know what your taxes will be. If you research properly, you will be surprised to know that a property down the road has a lower tax rate, especially if you are looking for land on the outskirts of a township.

There are factors to consider when purchasing land to build a home. The above-discussed factors are just a few. The other additional factors you should always consider include your budget, long-term plans, and the potential for future growth and development in the area. It’s vital to thoroughly research and plan before committing to a land purchase to ensure that it aligns with your vision for your future home and that there are no hidden issues that could complicate your construction project.

Also, talk to the real estate agents in the area and the municipality land officials and engage a lawyer familiar with land sales.