Ultimate Property Purchase Checklist: Essential Due Diligence Tips for Buyers

Before purchasing property, there are several key items that an investor ought to look out for. These can be grouped into four categories; Financial, Legal, Environmental and Physical.

The following is a checklist that can guide you to get all the necessary information before investing in that property. The list is however not exhaustive.

1. Reputation of the seller/selling company
2. Availability of ownership documents e.g title deed, allotment letter, share certificate
3. Authenticity of ownership documents especially title, allotment letters, and agreements
4. Official search certificate from ministry of lands
5. Cadastral maps RIM maps/mutation maps/Survey plans showing the property
6. Copy of green card
7. Consent to transfer
8. Matrimonial status of the property
9. Encumbrances on the property; charge
10. Servitudes
11. Easements
12. Caution
13. Caveats
14. Ground rent; payable and outstanding
15. Land rates; payable and outstanding
16. Beacons and distinct boundaries
17. Evidence of pollution and/or land contamination either on the subject property or adjoining properties
18. Approved land use by local authority/ zoning
19. Planning regulations and statutory consideration
20. Availability of water, electricity and sewer
21. Neighborhood historical background about the property
22. Title acreage vs ground acreage
23. Encroachment
24. Gazetted forest land
25. Road reserve
26. Wetland or prone to waterlogging
27. Animal migration corridor
28. Ndung’u report or list of revoked titles by National Land Commission
29. Public land
30. Soil type
31. Outstanding legal cases
32. Physical property inspection
33. Structural and maintenance condition of the buildings thereon
34. Building plans of the existing buildings
35. Occupational certificate
36. Infrastructural amenities such as roads, hospitals
37. Social, economic, educational and religious facilities
38. Market value of the property
39. Market rent of the property
40. Insurance value of the property

Property valuers are professionals who give comprehensive reports on all the above items. Get a valuer to do a due diligence report on your behalf before making that final decision to purchase your property. Save time and Save Money ultimately!

AVENUE VALUERS LIMITED Publications 2023