Many people ask us, “Why is land so cheap in Malindi?” and we will try to answer this as best as we can. Malindi, a captivating coastal town nestled on the eastern shores of Kenya, has long intrigued both locals and international visitors with its remarkably affordable land prices. As an agricultural haven boasting fertile soils, a pleasant climate, and proximity to the Indian Ocean, one would expect land values to soar. However, a peculiar phenomenon persists – land in Malindi remains surprisingly cheap compared to other regions.
Why is land cheap in Malindi town?
Land is cheap in Malindi due to historical factors, the lack of official title deeds for many coastal regions, and the region’s emerging popularity among investors and real estate developers. Additionally, the availability of raw materials for construction and its strategic location between Mombasa and Lamu contributes to its affordability. However, as individuals obtain official title deeds and the area continues to develop, land prices are appreciating at a rapid rate.
Malindi town has historically been a quiet town. But lately, there has been increasing interest in investors and real estate developers in Kilifi County, and Malindi town specifically, due to its affordable land prices. The affordability of land in Kilifi compared to Mombasa was identified as a key factor driving this trend. According to some real estate experts, land in Kilifi was significantly cheaper than in Mombasa, with an acre in Kilifi being half the price of the same land size in Nyali. Additionally, the availability of raw materials for construction, such as stones from Kilifi and sand from Malindi, further contributed to the attractiveness of the area for development. This shift in investment towards Kilifi was a response to the congestion and rising land costs in Mombasa. Experts predicted back in 2019 that Kilifi would soon experience significant appreciation in land values as it emerged as a major residential area for Mombasa and Nairobi residents looking for a serene place to settle. The development in Kilifi and its neighbouring areas was viewed as beneficial not only to those specific regions but also to the overall growth and progress of the Coast region in Kenya.
What is Malindi known for? 19 highlights why you should invest in Malindi town
- Strategic Location: Malindi’s position between Mombasa and Lamu attracts tourists to its popular attractions like Watamu and Malindi Marine National Park.
- Good Infrastructure: Well-maintained roads, easy beach access, and a friendly local community make Malindi an appealing place to live and work.
- Affordable Land: Land prices in Malindi remain within a reasonable range, offering opportunities for investment, including waterfront properties at a fraction of the cost compared to Mombasa.
- Recreational Facilities: Malindi offers numerous recreational activities, including beach life, watersports, boating, and sightseeing.
- Recent Developments: Government investments and large-scale projects, such as the SalaGate road connecting Malindi to Tsavo East National Park, indicate significant growth potential.
- Market Trends: Malindi’s property market offers affordable options due to past changes in tourism and the availability of undervalued properties.
- Quick Property Transfers: The efficient property transfer process at the county level in Kilifi reduces the time and effort required for transactions.
- Oceanic Delights: Malindi’s warm, blue Indian Ocean with clean public beaches provides excellent opportunities for swimming, marine parks, watersports, and diverse cuisines.
- Wildlife Exploration: With its proximity to Tsavo East National Park’s Sala Gate, Malindi offers unique opportunities to witness wildlife within a short distance from the town.
- Convenient Accessibility: The presence of an international airport in Malindi, with short flight durations from Nairobi, makes it easily accessible for domestic and international visitors.
- LAPPSET Project Benefits: Malindi stands to benefit from the ambitious LAPSSET Corridor Program, including the development of a new port and other infrastructure projects.
- Cultural Fusion: Malindi’s diverse culture showcases influences from around the world, creating a unique and relaxed atmosphere.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Malindi’s nightlife scene offers lively clubs and bars for entertainment and socialising.
- Security and Stability: Compared to other coastal towns, Malindi has enjoyed relative peace and stability, positively impacting long-term property values.
- Diversity in Flora and Fauna: Kilifi County’s diversity extends to its flora and fauna, with rich marine life and opportunities for snorkelling and dolphin-watching.
- Convenience Within Reach: Malindi’s town planning ensures that everything residents need is within a 5-minute reach, thanks to its compact size and minimal traffic congestion.
- World-Class Restaurants: Luxurious resorts and hotels in Malindi offer relaxing spas, chic bars, fine dining, swimming pools, and a wide array of fresh seafood options.
- Affordability and Cost Savings: Kilifi County’s property values are affordable, resulting in lower property taxes and related costs.
- Golfing Paradise: Kilifi County boasts the only PGA-rated golf course in Kenya at Vipingo, providing excellent opportunities for golf enthusiasts.
Why is agricultural/farming land in Malindi cheap?
There are two types of agricultural land: those with an already issued title deed and those without. The reason why most of the land is ‘cheap’ is because many land sellers sell their land without a title deed. But you must be very careful with this arrangement as many have been conned of their hard-earned cash from this. However, land without a title deed is often in the process of obtaining one, indicated by its LR number issued by the land’s office. Historically, much of the agricultural land in the coastal region was owned by individuals and families without official title deeds. This has kept land prices affordable. However, in recent years, many landowners have pursued official title deeds, leading to an appreciation in land value.
To verify the authenticity of land without a title deed, you can take the following steps:
- Visit the land and speak to the neighbours who can provide information and verification.
- Request the presence of the Nyumba Kumi or area lands chairman to visit the land.
- Accompany the land seller to the area chief’s office for further confirmation.
- If the land is numbered for a title deed, obtain the number and visit the land’s office to verify its authenticity. It’s even better to bring a surveyor from the land’s office to confirm the land’s boundaries on-site.
- Finally, draft a written agreement with the seller in the presence of the local area chief, ensuring it is stamped and signed.
These steps will help ensure a transparent and verifiable land transaction. This is part of the reason why land is cheap, but as individuals get their title deeds, you can expect the prices to appreciate.
However, buying land with a title deed is the safest way to own a piece of land in Malindi. The prices will often be 3-5 times more expensive but the chances of being defrauded are low. This is because a buyer can go about the normal due diligence process to verify ownership.
Conducting due diligence on land in Kenya before buying is a critical step to ensure that you are making a sound investment. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Verify the title deed. The first step is to verify the title deed to ensure that the land is legally owned by the seller and that there are no encumbrances or disputes. You can do this by obtaining a copy of the title deed from the seller and then conducting a title search at the Land Registry.
- Conduct a physical inspection. Before you buy the land, it’s important to conduct a physical inspection to verify its boundaries, topography, soil quality, and access. You should also check for any encroachments or other issues that could affect the value of the land.
- Check for any outstanding bills. Make sure that the seller has paid all property taxes, water rates, and other bills associated with the land. You can do this by obtaining a copy of the property tax bill from the seller and then checking with the relevant authorities.
- Check for any zoning or planning restrictions. Make sure that the land is zoned for the purpose you intend to use it for. You can do this by checking with the local planning authority.
- Verify the seller’s identity. Verify the seller’s identity to ensure that they are the rightful owner of the land. You can obtain a copy of their national ID or passport and verify it with the relevant authorities.
- Check for any pending legal cases. Make sure that there are no pending legal cases against the land or the seller. You can do this by conducting a search of the court records.
- Verify the authenticity of any documents. Make sure that all of the documents related to the sale of the land are authentic. You can do this by having them reviewed by a lawyer.
Once you are the property owner, you can begin farming a wide range of crops that grow excellently in Malindi including pineapples, cassava, coconut trees animal husbandry and various cereals and legumes as per this article here.
How much is an acre of land in Malindi?
The cost of an acre of land in Malindi varies depending on whether it comes with a title deed or not. For an acre of land with a title deed, prices typically range from KES 165,000 to KES 200,000. On the other hand, if you are purchasing an acre without a title deed, the price may be lower, falling within the range of KES 50,000 to KES 80,000. It is essential to note that the exact price can be influenced by factors such as the location and the total number of acres being purchased.
Are you interested in buying your piece of land? Check out our agricultural land property listing. Contact us via our website contact us page or WhatsApp +254 799 999 797
