The number of land scam cases at the Ministry of Lands in Kenya is alarming. According to the Ministry of Land through an article published in the Business Daily on 20th June 2017, the Ministry had over 7000 cases of property fraud. Land fraudster comes up with new tricks every now and then to fleece the unsuspecting buyers. It is therefore imperative that anyone looking to buy land be extra vigilant.
A heartbreaking story was published in the Daily Nation on 26th October 2016 of a woman who was conned twice in her pursuit to own a home. The first time she got scammed by a ghost real estate firm. This firm advertised on mainstream media which gave her confidence that they must be genuine. Later she was a victim again to a man who went back on his word after she had paid a deposit. The man claimed his wife no longer wished to sell that land.To beat them at their game, you will need to be smarter than these cons when it comes to the various schemes they employ.
When the Deal is too good
If an investment deal sounds too good you may want to confirm that it is true. Fraudsters often lure people with unrealistic low prices to get easy sales. In most cases, the fraudster would ask for a deposit that sounds very affordable compared to the actual deal. Once they get money from several buyers they disappear and before you realize there is no land.
Guard Your Title Deed
Cons will manipulate unsuspecting landowners into surrendering their documents which they may use to illegally transfer ownership. Beware of cons who insist on having all your documents. Ensure you counter check documents presented to you while buying land. Take your time to verify, in most cases, a fraudster will always be in a hurry trying to divert your attention from key details. Take your time.
Family Land
Some people will also try to sell you family land without the consent of the rest of the family. They will often be alone since they don’t want anyone else to know they are selling. Get to know more about the family consent, before you pay for a family land, ensure all involved parties are in agreement and they are fully aware of the transactions.
It’s not all gloom though in real estate. You can actually get value for your money if only you know what loopholes to avoid. To avoid being conned you will need to do the following:
Get the Services of an Advocate
An advocate obviously has a better understanding of the legal requirements of a land deal. S/he will help you draft a sealed agreement as well as give advice on the kind of consents the seller needs to give you.
Check Land Rates Payment
You need to confirm that the seller is up to date with land rate payments. This will keep you out of trouble with the county government.
Get a Survey Map
It is important to confirm that the piece of land you are buying actually exists. Survey maps are reliable and will easily help rule out cons trying to sell you nonexistent land. The seller should be in a position to show you the land and all the beacons.
Encumbrances
A thorough title search will reveal any encumbrances attached to the land you are buying. Ensure you don’t buy blindly to avoid repossession and selling of your land by third parties. Crooks will not hesitate to sell you land that is attached to huge loans.
Buying Land on Allotment
Many people fall victim to this trick all the time. Some firm subdivides land and issues you with allotment letters. An allotment letter is not legally binding as proof of ownership of land.
Always beware of fraudsters when buying lands as in any other deals. But that should not deter you from making a worthwhile investment. Be vigilant, informed and always a step ahead of cons. Buy from reputable firms and conduct due diligence.
