Kenya's real estate industry is booming.
According to several property market reports, the real estate sector in Kenya is one of the best areas to invest in. The reports indicate that Ksh. 1 million invested in 2007 would have now brought an ROI of at least KES 6.39 million, compared to KES 3.39 million from bonds, KES 1.52 million from a savings account, and just KES 0.31 million from equities.
Common Real Estate Scams in Kenya
Here are a few examples of real estate scams in Kenya:
These are the most common real estate scams in Kenya. However, you should also watch out for other scams such as the same piece of land getting sold to multiple buyers.
How Do You Avoid Real Estate Scams?
Con artists are always coming up with new scams and it can be difficult to keep up with the newest trick in town. But these basic principles will always help to protect your investment regardless of the scam:
1. Be wary of unrealistic prices
If a property seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use unrealistically low prices to lure people in. Watch out for suspicious Black Friday and festive season “deals.”
2. Don't pay any money upfront
Never pay any money upfront for a property, especially if you haven't seen it in person. Scammers often ask for upfront payments to reserve the property or to cover processing fees.
3. Do your research
Before you invest in any property, be sure to do your due diligence to make sure there are no encumbrances or caveats. Check the land records and verify the ownership of the property. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member who knowledgeable about real estate to help you out or better yet, reach out to Kifaru Properties to speak to a property advisor or conveyancing lawyer.
4. Work with a reputable real estate company
When you're looking for a property, it's important to work with a reputable real estate company such as Kifaru Properties. We will help you choose the right property from our portfolio ensuring that it fits your needs and budget, as well as protect you from scams. We have an in-house conveyancing lawyer and transaction expert who will help you navigate the legalities while protecting your interests.
Invest in Real Estate with Kifaru Properties
These tips will help you to protect yourself from real estate scams and avoid losing your hard-earned money. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your property purchase journey, don't be afraid to ask questions. Our expert team is ready to answer all your realestate related questions.
Contact us on 0729 877 877 to talk to our realtors regarding property ownership in Kenya.