What you need to know about land rates in Kenya

Are you a recent landowner? First of all, congratulations on owning a piece of this beautiful country that will of great benefit to you and your generations. In case you are still deliberating on whether to buy land or not, stop here and go check out steps to successful Real Estate investing.

Real estate is an exciting venture to dive in for any investor and even better for those who work hand in hand with legitimate real estate companies in Kenya such as The Wealthsmith Limited. As much being a landowner has numerous benefits, like any other goods and services in the country, land has government-regulated charges imposed on them. This article will break down taxes and charges related to land which is charged by both the national and county governments.

Land Rates

Land rates in Kenya is simply payable tax charged by the county governments within a municipality or township. The rates may vary from one location to another mainly because of the difference in land value and services rendered by the county offices for the land ie sewerage services.

The rates charged on the land are paid to the county government in the land’s locality ie all The Wealthsmith Nanyuki projects are under the County of Laikipia. These rates are mandatory for investors who own freehold and leasehold land however, land used for schools and other educational institutions, religious worship centers open to the public, as a place to bury the deceased among other uses are exempted from the land rate charges.

It is advisable to visit your local county government ministry of land offices to find out more about the land rates in the area.

Land rent

Most people confuse the terms land rent and land rates because they are both tax charges on land. Here are the main differences between the two charges:

1. Land rent is only applicable to real estate investors owning leasehold land while land rates as mentioned above applies to both freehold and leasehold land.
2. Land rent is paid to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning while land rates is paid to the County government.
3. Once you pay your land rent, you will be issued with a rent clearance certificate as payment evidence while those who pay land rates receive a rates clearance certificate.

Contact us today to invest in land in Kenya.