As you are all aware, getting scammed when buying land is one of the easiest ways that Kenyans have lost money in this decade. The scammers will come to you with stories of how they have this piece of land in prime locations that is on quick sale and if you’re not situationally aware, they will take your money. This has made it hard for legitimate sellers to get clients who completely trust them. Below are some of the red flags to look out for when buying land to avoid being swindled.
1. The Seller Refuses to Let You View the Land
Picture this! You have been screenshotting images of the kind of house you want with views and where you want to build. Then go ahead and find the perfect spot and envision it. But the seller refuses to let you view the land or makes excuses about why you can’t visit. Be warned, this is a major warning sign. Don’t go ahead with the payment thinking that you’re missing out. A legitimate seller will encourage you to inspect the property before making any commitments.
2. Unrealistically Low Prices
A scammer will entice you with ridiculous prices that seem too good to be true. There’s no way the price of land in let’s say Karen will be lower than land in a village in Nyeri. It’s advisable to do due diligence and research on the market value of land in the area before making a purchase. Always trust your instincts if something feels off.
3. Pressure for Quick Closing
Be cautious of sellers who are pressuring you to pay and close the deal. Cons will most times create a sense of urgency to prevent you from doing your due diligence. If at any time you feel pressured, please take a step back and re-evaluate the deal.
4. The Seller Can’t Give the Title Deed
When buying land, you will often come across middlemen who are helping landowners sell their land. You will know you’re getting scammed if the middleman won’t provide a title deed to prove that he/she is the rightful owner or carry out a search to find the seller. So before committing to putting down payment, verify the authenticity of the documents through official channels.
5. Fake Clients During Land Viewings
In this type of scam, several people will be involved, so you need to be more situationally aware. So this is how it goes down: You make plans with the seller to view the land. They will even go the extra mile to organize a tour van and the other “buyers” to view the land.
They will entice you in with free lunch and transportation. Along with the other potential buyers, you travel and arrive at your location. Not everyone in the van is a scammer though. The tour must appear as authentic as possible. Additionally, they are most likely aiming for other gullible buyers.
However, it might be hard to differentiate between who is honest and who is not. Your instincts should come into play here. Therefore, the “seller” will be in character and sell you the land.
In the end, they will persuade you to invest in that specific area and other possible areas that may arise, leaving you with no doubts.
To give you a sense of how large or tiny the land will be, some scammers will even show you their map. However, the map becomes completely illogical when you consider the actual size you are viewing, or if there are no boundary markers on the land. They could be showcasing someone else’s property to you.
A smart buyer would ask questions, converse with other tour participants, and reconsider if anything didn’t make sense.
Then, on a different day, go to the same place alone or with a friend and inquire further about it from the neighbors. Neighbors are usually aware of the property’s ownership and whether it is for sale.
They are the most qualified individuals to provide you with information on the area you wish to purchase. A scammer won’t have time to go around and “train” all of your neighbors to tell lies.
6. Inconsistent Information in Advertisements
You should be concerned if you find a land listing online and the information provided changes when you follow up with more questions or even when you meet in person. How, after all, can you be selling the land and not even be aware of the location or the precise price you have posted? A legitimate seller should have very accurate and clear information about the land they are selling. If they are struggling to provide the proper documentation when asked or seem evasive, please take this as a red flag.
7. Buying Shares in a Company for Discounted Land
We have heard tales and watched TV news about companies that lured prospective land buyers with discounted prices on land only for the companies to go down and owners to run away with people’s money. The company will invest heavily in marketing themselves through influencers to make themselves look reputable. Up to this point, as a buyer, it’s your responsibility to find out more about the company. Are they registered and for how long? Who are their directors? Have the directors been involved in fraudulent activities in Kenya? Do they have physical offices? While not all companies are cons, be very careful to avoid being scammed.
Conclusion
Being aware of these common signs of land scams can help protect you from falling victim to fraud when buying land in Kenya. Always conduct thorough research, verify documentation, and trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right. By staying vigilant and informed, you can make confident decisions and secure your investment in land safely.
If you’re considering purchasing land, take your time, do your due diligence, and consult with professionals when necessary. Remember, it’s better to be cautious than to regret a hasty decision later!
