Why Property Due Diligence isn’t enough?

Due Diligence Isn’t Enough – You Need a Background Check Too

When it comes to buying land, most buyers stop at due diligence — checking the title deed and verifying ownership through Ardhisasa or the Ministry of Lands. But in today’s market, that alone isn’t enough.

Why? Because forged documents are everywhere. It’s possible for someone to fake an ID, create a duplicate title deed, and fabricate ownership documents. They might present you with everything that looks legit — and even official systems will confirm it. But the truth could be very different.

Some parcels of land have multiple original-looking title deeds issued to different people. This usually happens when dishonest agents or property companies sell the same plot to more than one buyer. Each gets a “genuine” document, only to discover the mess later.

There’s also the risk of ancestral land being sold without full family consent. A seller may show you a title deed, but if other family members weren’t involved or didn’t agree, the sale is invalid. That’s a legal dispute waiting to happen.

That’s where Background Checks come in.

A Background Check digs deeper than documents. It means visiting the area, talking to neighbors, and learning the real history of the land. Locals often know more than paperwork can show — past disputes, ownership issues, or hidden claims.

You should also request the Green Card – a document showing the full ownership history of the land from the very first owner to the current one. It’s a key tool to verify if the seller has the right to sell.

Smart tips for safe land buying:

>Pay a small deposit through a lawyer.

>Begin minor developments like fencing — it helps uncover any opposition or hidden issues.

>Buy through a bank where possible. Banks perform their own due diligence and can reduce your risk.

Land battles are expensive, stressful, and time-consuming. Avoid them by doing it right from the start — combine due diligence with a thorough background check.

Ranger Detectives Agency is here to help you make informed, safe property decisions.

Visit us: Merchant Square, Block D, 5th Floor, Riverside Drive, Nairobi, Kenya
Website: www.rangerdetective.co.ke
Call/WhatsApp: 0741 531 002

Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority.