Land is one of the biggest purchases most people make. The paperwork is what proves the land is yours, so it is worth knowing what to expect before you pay anything.
Before you pay: an official search
An official search shows who the land is registered to and whether there are loans, cautions or restrictions on it. Many land registries now handle searches online through Ardhisasa, the Ministry of Lands portal. Others still do them at the lands registry. Ask the seller for the title number so you can do your own search.
Every Ameristar project is owned by Ameristar, with ready titles secured through extensive due diligence. Ask us for the title number of the plot you choose and do your own search.
When you pay the deposit: a sale agreement
The sale agreement is the contract between you and the seller. Read it before you sign. It should say:
- who is selling and who is buying, with ID numbers;
- which plot you are buying, by plot number and size;
- the full price, the deposit and when each balance payment is due;
- what happens if a payment is late;
- when and how the title will be transferred to you.
If anything in it is unclear, ask. You are welcome to have your own lawyer read it.
Every time you pay: an official receipt
Get a receipt for every payment, including the deposit. Keep them all together. Pay into the company’s account, never into a personal account, so there is a record on both sides.
When you finish paying: your title
Once the full price is paid, the plot is transferred into your name and you receive your title. This is the document that makes you the registered owner. Keep the original somewhere safe and keep a copy elsewhere.
A simple checklist
- Official search done, and the owner matches the seller
- Sale agreement read, signed and dated
- A receipt for every payment
- Title transferred into your name at the end