The safe diaspora buying process
Four steps between you and a clean title.
1. Search & shortlist
Browse verified listings with photos, videos and virtual tours so you can assess a property properly before anyone travels or commits.
2. Work with verified agents
Every agent on PropertyHive is reviewed before earning a Verified badge — and listings flagged for admin review keep the marketplace honest.
3. Engage a lawyer with power of attorney
Your Kenyan lawyer does official searches, drafts the agreement and acts under your power of attorney. Our lawyer directory makes finding one simple.
4. Secure completion
Funds move only after searches and title verification clear — never send money before your lawyer confirms the title is clean.
Built for remote buyers
Video tours & virtual walkthroughs
See properties in detail without a flight.
Email & in-app messaging
Talk to agents without international call costs.
Document management
Agreements and records stored in one secure place.
Verified agents & listings
Admin-reviewed profiles and safety reporting tools.
Red flags to walk away from
Anyone asking for money before a title search is done
A seller who cannot produce the original title deed
Prices dramatically below market that "must close this week"
Requests to send funds to a personal M-Pesa or bank account
Relatives or friends asking to be added to the title "for safety"
Your checklist
Official search at the Ministry of Lands confirms the title
Your lawyer holds your deposit as stakeholder until transfer
Signed agreement states what happens if the deal collapses
Land rates and stamp duty are budgeted before you commit
Transfer registered and original title released before final payment
Diaspora buying FAQ
Can I buy property in Kenya while living abroad?
Yes. Kenyans in the diaspora can buy property remotely by granting a power of attorney to a trusted lawyer or family member in Kenya, who executes the search, agreement and transfer on your behalf.
How do I avoid land fraud when buying from abroad?
Never send money before an official search at the Ministry of Lands confirms the seller owns the title. Use a lawyer, insist on seeing the original title deed, and avoid deals that pressure you to pay quickly.
Should I use escrow for a diaspora purchase?
A lawyer-held stakeholder arrangement is standard practice in Kenya: your funds sit with the lawyer and are only released once the transfer is confirmed. Ask your lawyer to set this up before you pay anything.
What taxes apply when buying from abroad?
Stamp duty of 4% is payable in counties outside Nairobi (2% within Nairobi) plus legal and registration fees. Your lawyer will give you the exact total for your transaction.