Buying a house in Kenya is an exciting milestone—but how long does it actually take?
The process can vary, but most property transactions take between 6 and 12 weeks from offer acceptance to ownership transfer. However, if you’re using a mortgage or buying off-plan, it could take longer.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the timeline and what influences it.
Typical Timeline to Buy a House in Kenya
| 1. House Hunting & Selection | 1–4 weeks | Depends on your budget, location, and availability. Working with a good agent speeds this up. |
| 2. Mortgage Pre-Approval (if applicable) | 3–7 days | Submit documents (payslips, ID, KRA PIN). Banks like Equity, KCB, and Co-op process quickly. |
| 3. Sale Agreement & Deposit | 1–3 days | Once you choose a house, sign the agreement and pay 10% deposit (held in escrow). |
| 4. Due Diligence (Land Search & Legal Checks) | 1–2 weeks | Your lawyer conducts a land search at the Ministry of Lands to confirm ownership and clear title. |
| 5. Mortgage Processing & Valuation | 2–4 weeks | Bank appoints valuer, reviews documents, and approves loan disbursement. |
| 6. Transfer & Registration | 4–8 weeks | After payment, the title is transferred and registered in your name at the Lands Registry. |
✅ Total: 6–12 weeks for a standard ready-to-move-in property with cash or mortgage.
What Can Delay the Process?
Several factors can extend the timeline:
- Incomplete documents (missing ID, payslips, or title deeds)
- Title disputes or unclear ownership
- Backlogs at the Ministry of Lands (common during peak periods)
- Slow bank approvals due to high application volume
- Off-plan purchases – can take 1–3 years until construction is complete
- Foreign buyers – may need extra verification or legal structures
💡 Tip: Speed things up by using licensed professionals, preparing documents early, and choosing bank-approved properties.
Cash vs. Mortgage: Which Is Faster?
| ✅ Faster (6–8 weeks) | ❌ Slower (8–12+ weeks) |
| No bank delays | Needs valuation, loan approval |
| Direct payment | Funds released through escrow |
| Ideal for investors | Common for salaried buyers |
Cash buyers close faster because they skip bank processes.
Off-Plan vs. Ready Homes
- Ready Homes: Move in within 6–12 weeks after purchase.
- Off-Plan (under construction): Pay in installments and wait 1–3 years for completion. Popular in estates like Tatu City, Pam Pam, and Eko Atlantic.
While off-plan takes longer, it often offers lower entry costs and payment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I buy a house in Kenya in less than a month?
A: Rarely. Even with cash, legal checks and registration take at least 4–6 weeks. Avoid anyone promising instant ownership—it’s a red flag.
Q: How long does land search take?
A: Usually 3–7 days if done through a licensed lawyer. Results are available online via the Ministry of Lands portal.
Q: Does the process differ for foreigners?
A: Slightly. Foreigners buying on leasehold may need extra documentation, but the timeline remains similar—8–14 weeks depending on due diligence.
Final Thoughts
Buying a house in Kenya usually takes 6 to 12 weeks for a standard transaction. While you can’t rush the legal and government steps, you can stay prepared, work with trusted agents and lawyers, and keep communication open to avoid delays.
