The Process of Acquiring a Title Deed After Buying Land
A title deed is the most critical document in a land transaction. It legally establishes your ownership of the land you’ve purchased. Understanding the process of acquiring a title deed after buying land is essential for property buyers. Here, we delve into the steps involved in obtaining your title deed.
Documents Required From the Buyer
Once you’ve completed the payment for the land, the process of transferring the title deed to your name should commence promptly. To initiate this procedure, you will need to provide certain documents to the previous landowner. Here are the documents required from the buyer:
- A copy of your KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) pin.
- A copy of your national identification card (ID).
- Two passport-sized photos.
Once you’ve furnished these documents, they are submitted to the lands office for verification.
Verification and Approval Process
- Clerk Confirmation: The documents are initially reviewed by a clerk at the lands office to confirm their authenticity and completeness.
- Registrar’s Verification: Subsequently, the documents are forwarded to the registrar’s office for a thorough verification process. The registrar checks the documents for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
- Error Check: If the registrar approves the documents, they are returned to the company’s office for a final check to ensure there are no errors or discrepancies.
Title Deed Issuance
Once the documents are verified to be error-free and in compliance with all legal requirements, they are returned to the lands office. From this point, it typically takes a maximum of three to four weeks for the title deed to be issued in your name.
Details Required From a Company
If you’re purchasing land through a company, you’ll need to provide specific documents to facilitate the title deed transfer. Here are the details required from a company:
- A copy of the company’s KRA pin.
- Certificate of incorporation.
- The directors of the company also need to provide their documents, including:
- A copy of their national identification card (ID).
- A copy of their KRA pin.
- Two passport-sized photos.
Details Required From a Chama (Group)
In the case of a group purchase, such as a Chama (investment group), couple, or self-help group, the following documents should be presented by a maximum of five representatives of the group to act on behalf of the entire group:
- A copy of the group’s KRA pin.
- Certificate of incorporation (if applicable).
- Individual directors’ documents, including:
- A copy of their national identification card (ID).
- A copy of their KRA pin.
- Two passport-sized photos.
Title Deed Issuance Timeline
Once the necessary documents are collected and submitted to the lands office, the title deed issuance process typically takes a maximum of thirty days or less. This timeline ensures that you receive your title deed, officially confirming your ownership of the land.
Understanding these steps and document requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful title deed transfer process. It’s essential to work closely with the relevant authorities and follow legal procedures diligently to secure your property rights.
