What is stamp duty in Kenya?

Stamp duty is a tax paid when buying property in Kenya. The rate is 4% in urban areas (municipalities) and 2% in rural areas, calculated on the property transfer value.

What is the total cost of buying property in Kenya?

Beyond the property price, budget an additional 7-10% for stamp duty (2-4%), legal fees (~2-3%), agent commission (2.5%), registration, and land search fees.

Stamp Duty & Property Cost Calculator Kenya

Find out the TRUE cost of buying property in Kenya — beyond the asking price. Includes stamp duty, legal fees, registration, and agent commission.

Property Value

KES

Location

Include agent commission (2.5%)First-time residential buyer

Kenya Stamp Duty Rates

Location	Rate	On KES 5M Property
Urban (municipality)	4%	KES 200,000
Rural (outside municipality)	2%	KES 100,000

What Other Costs to Expect

Legal / Conveyancing fees: Set by the Advocates Remuneration Order. Scales from 10% on the first KES 100,000 down to 1% above KES 10M. Plus 16% VAT.

Land search: KES 520 per title at the Land Registry. Essential to verify ownership.

Registration fee: KES 500 to KES 50,000 depending on property value.

Agent commission: Typically 2.5% of property value, plus 16% VAT. Sometimes negotiable.

Capital Gains Tax: 15% on profit when SELLING property (paid by seller, not buyer). First-time residential buyers may qualify for exemption.

Mortgage costs (if applicable): Valuation fee (~0.25% of property value), insurance, and bank processing fees — not included in this calculator.