Real Estate & Property

Title due diligence, conveyancing, lease negotiation, development financing, mortgage and charge documentation, sectional titles, real estate investment trusts (REITs), construction contracts (FIDIC), and land disputes before the Environment and Land Court. We work across residential, commercial, retail and mixed-use developments in Nairobi, the Coast region and county-government leasehold land.

What we advise on. We handle the full property lifecycle: title due diligence and searches, conveyancing for sales and purchases, lease negotiation and registration, development and joint-venture agreements, mortgage and charge documentation, sectional-titles work, real estate investment trusts (REITs), construction contracts (including FIDIC-based forms), and land and construction disputes. We act on residential, commercial, retail, industrial and mixed-use developments.

Governing law and regulators. Our work is grounded in the Land Act 2012, the Land Registration Act 2012, the Sectional Properties Act 2020, the Physical and Land Use Planning Act and the Stamp Duty Act, with disputes heard in the Environment and Land Court. We deal with the Ministry of Lands, county governments and the National Land Commission on registration, consents and approvals.

Who we act for. We act for developers, landowners, purchasers, banks and other lenders, REIT sponsors, contractors and tenants. Whether the matter is a single conveyance or a multi-phase development, we focus on clean title, enforceable security and deals that complete on time.

Why OLM for real estate and property. Title risk is the silent killer of Kenyan property deals. Our due diligence is thorough, our conveyancing is prompt, and our combined real estate and finance capability means acquisition and funding workstreams move in step rather than in sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify land ownership before buying in Kenya? Through an official search at the relevant land registry, confirmation of the registered proprietor and any encumbrances, and physical and survey verification of boundaries. We conduct full title due diligence before any purchase money changes hands.

What taxes and fees apply to a property purchase in Kenya? Stamp duty (typically 4% for urban land and 2% for rural land on the value), registration fees, and legal fees. We provide a full cost estimate at the outset, including disbursements, so there are no surprises at completion.

What is sectional title and why does it matter? The Sectional Properties Act 2020 governs ownership of individual units in a building (such as apartments and offices) with shared common areas. Proper sectional-title registration is essential for financing and resale; we handle conversion and registration.

What is the conveyancing process for buying property in Kenya? It runs from offer and sale agreement, through due diligence and searches, to transfer documents, payment of stamp duty, and registration. We manage each step to completion.