The Ultimate Guide to Buying Land in Malindi

Are you looking to invest in land in Malindi? Whether it’s your first time buying a piece of land or you’ve bought property before but not in Malindi, it’s important to understand this unique market and how to get the best deals, safely.

Malindi is in Kilifi County on the Kenyan coast and has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Tourists flock to Malindi for its beautiful sandy beaches, abundant natural attractions and lively nightlife.

Savvy investors have begun to take advantage of the increasing demand for real estate properties in the region by investing in land, with local real estate agents touting substantial returns on investment.

This ultimate guide to buying land in Malindi will provide insight into making informed decisions when considering this type of investment. You’ll gain an understanding of the types of land available, how to assess their potential returns and what regulations you need to be aware of – all while minimizing your risk and maximizing rewards.

But before we jump into the specifics of buying land in Malindi, let’s make sure we got you covered on fundamentals and good practice while buying land in any property market.

Research a Good Quality Property

Before you even start trying to purchase land in Malindi, arm yourself with some knowledge about the region by researching different areas and their respective benefits.

This can include historic trends in land prices and economic indicators of different locations, shopping centers and neighborhoods.

A good place to start would be to determine the kind of land you are looking for. For example, are you looking for farmland? A residential property? A beachfront property? A commercial property?. As Mkaazi, we got Malindi and the entire coastal region wrapped around our pinkie…so here is your quick guide to the different locations for the above that link to categories on our website with properties for sale or lease in those locations.

Beachfront properties for sale in Malindi, locations and options

Malindi is an ocean front town, with a very long coastline that presents amazing properties for those looking to own a property right on the beach. With varying prices, distance from CBD and amenities, here is your cheat sheet for Malindi beachfront properties. 

Casuarina Road 

Casurina is a posh neighbourhood in Malindi, with amazing sandy beaches, home to the Malindi Marine park and amazing entertainment joints. Casuarina Road is not only amazingly beautiful and green in landscape but also a great hub for entertainment activities. It has some of the most amazing restaurants and bars offering outstanding seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails to experience coming from around the world.

Casuarina Road in Malindi is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kenya. It’s a road lined with casuarina trees, overlooking the Indian Ocean on one side and the Mambrui River Lagoon on the other. For tourists, Casuarina Road is a place to enjoy spectacular views and relax in the sun-drenched ambiance. With its coastal beauty, small shops, historical sites and range of activities like water sports, Casuarina Road is often referred to as “The Hampton Beach of East Africa”.

Enjoy kite surfs, snorkelling and deep sea fishing from here, just next to your property off Casuarina road.

Mayungu

Mayungu is the romantic location where Watamu meets Malindi. It has amazing blue ocean water front properties , with a fresh fish landing bay where you can enjoy fresh fish daily at amazing prices. Most of the properties here are on coral rock, meaning that construction is affordable. 

Mayungu can be accessed both from Watamu and Malindi. Kite surfing paradise and deep sea fishing are amazing things you can do when you live in Mayugu. Property values are also more affordable than in Casuarina.

Mambrui

Mambrui is located about 8km to the North of Malindi. It has some of the most amazing Sand Dunes just after where River Sabaki enters the Indian Ocean. You can enjoy sunsets by the river as you watch migratory birdlife that come to the river as well as pods of hippos that call it home. Take a hike on the dunes or walk along Mambrui’s golden beaches.

Mambrui is a great place to invest in for those looking for a property for relaxing beach holidays. The Mambrui location offers plenty of activities and attractions, from swimming and snorkeling to exploring the historical sites. With its stunning beaches and diverse culture, Mambrui is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Here you are guaranteed awesome deals on beachfront properties. 

Agricultural properties for sale in Malindi, locations and options

Malindi is famous for unbelievable agricultural land prices. Kilifi county is one of the most expansive counties in Kenya, with arable land mass unmatched by any other county. Here is a quick guide of some of the popular locations you can buy agricultural land around Malindi.

Chakama

Chakama is located approximately 45 Kilometers away from Malindi. Accessible through the Sala Gate highway that links up Malindi, Voi and Mtito Andei, the road has been newly asphalted and endorsed by President Kenyatta in 2020. The journey there takes notably less than 30 minutes.

A prominent coastal area property analyst has assessed that Chakama enjoys a growth rate of 70%, making it an ideal location for investing in Kenya. The President inaugurated a Bypass, making its position even more appealing given its strategic placement. Business hubs are popping up, as well as educational institutions and other social amenities, making Chakama one of the most secure destinations when it comes to real estate.

Those looking to pursue commercial agriculture farming may benefit from Chakama’s array of advantages.

1. Sprawling Chakama region is currently in two phases split into 7.5 acre and 15 acre parcels. The dimension makes it practical for individuals hoping to participate in commercial agriculture. Consider setting up your ranch here. Raising goats or cows might be perfect given the temperature and atmosphere circumstances.
2. Virgin land. Chakama mostly involves property that has gone untouched in prior years. Eager to cultivate vegetation? Onions, pineapples, watermelons and peppers may thrive here. Proceed to establish your agricultural operation here! The soils are very rich and others are achieving an abundant harvest.
3. The Baricho water project, located near the town of Chakama, supplies an impressive 22 million litres of water to Kilifi, Malindi and Mombasa. Its abundant water supply makes it a great location for commercial farming businesses.
4. A new Road. The Malindi-Sala gate road launched by Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016 makes farming in Chakama a breeze for those keen on being able to deliver their produce to the market in a smooth and effortless manner.
5. The Solar plant – Located just a stone throw away from Chakama is 500 acre solar plant by a british company GlobelEQ. It supplies power to the national grid and also provides employment to the local population. 

We have agricultural 7.5 acre and 15 acre units for sale in Chakama from Ksh.110,000 per acre with clean freehold title deeds and 1 acre units starting from Ksh.195,000. 

A prominent coastal area property analyst has assessed that Chakama enjoys a growth rate of 70%, making it an ideal location for investing in Kenya. The President inaugurated a Bypass, making its position even more appealing given its strategic placement. Business hubs are popping up, as well as educational institutions and other social amenities, making Chakama one of the most secure destinations when it comes to real estate.

Those looking to pursue commercial agriculture farming may benefit from Chakama’s array of advantages.

1. Sprawling region that is currently being split into 7.5 acres. The dimension makes it practical for individuals hoping to participate in commercial agriculture. Consider setting up your ranch here. Raising goats or cows might be perfect given the temperature and atmosphere circumstances.
2. Undeveloped land. Chakama mostly involves property that has gone untouched in prior years. Eager to cultivate vegetation? Onions, pineapples, watermelons and peppers may thrive here. Proceed to establish your agricultural operation here! The soils are very rich and others are achieving an abundant harvest.
3. Baricho water project, located near the town of Chakama, supplies an impressive 22 million litres of water to Kilifi, Malindi and Mombasa. Its abundant water supply makes it a great location for commercial farming businesses.
4. A new Road. The Malindi-Sala gate road launched by Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016 makes farming in Chakama a breeze for those keen on being able to deliver their produce to the market in a smooth and effortless manner.

Baricho

Baricho is a quintessential small town 65km from Malindi town via Baolala and approximately 75Km when accessed through Marafa road. It is a sleeping giant awaiting the Baricho Box bridge to be finished. This will open this sleepy little shopping center by connecting it to both Malind-Lamu road and Tsavo-Malindi road.

Baricho has amazing well drained red soil that is superb for farming fruits, especially really sweet pineapple.

Most of the property in Baricho that we have listed have clean, freehold title deeds. Baricho has also the opportunity of owning farms on the banks of River Sabaki. Prices start from as low as Ksh.75,000 per acre.

Marafa

Marafa is a bustling town along the new Malindi-Baricho road. Its growth accelerated after tha tarmac road reached it in 2020. And the growth is not slowing down. It is a government administrative centre with the DC’s and Chief’s offices.

Marafa is famous for Marafa Hell’s Kitchen, a place famous for its amazing sunsets. The soils here are also very fertile and productive. Access is easy from Malindi s via the recently tarmacked Malidi – Bricho road. 

Dakacha

If you ever dream of owning a sprawling ranch with acres and acres of land, then Dakacha is the place you should be looking. Located about 85km from Malindi town, Dakacha is a laid back collection of villages along the Malindi-Marafa-Baricho road. 

Farms above 100 acres in Dakacha can be bought from as low as Ksh.55,000 an acre, if you have the right property agent. The lands are virgin with well drained , pale red soils that can be a bit sandy in some places. Access is easy on all weather roads and bee farming and animal ranching do really well here. 

Adu

Adu is a dusty little town located about 78km off Malindi-Lamu road. It amazingly has good all weather road access with piped water and electricity connected . It has recently grown in size because of new properties being acquired in nearby areas of Chamari and Changoto that can be accessed from here.

Although prices in Chamari and Changoto are much lower, title deeds are yet to be processed so buying there is a minefield. 

Properties in Adu start from around Ksh.65,000 an acre. Caution though striking ground water in Adu is tricky business. 

Residential properties for sale in Malindi, locations and options

Malindi is quickly growing and the residential areas are expanding outwards. New residential areas are coming up with unique features that make them different from each other. Here is your guide to residential areas where you can buy a plot and build your dream home or a commercial property. 

Kakuyuni

Kakuyuni is a unique little town on the Malindi Tsavo road, 15 minutes drive from Malindi town. Located next to Arabuko Sokoke forest, it has a cool climate unique to only a high elevation with greenery. 

It is home to a unique ecosystem where one can enjoy bike rides around the evergreen forest, the only one of its kind. Sunsets are superb at the elephants watering hole 10 mins from Kakuyuni town, no charges. 

Gede and Watamu are also only 10 minutes away from Kakuyuni town. Here residential quarter acres with sweeping views of greenery are selling for Ksh.550,000. We predict Kakuyuni will be one of the most sought after neighbourhoods in Malindi due to its unique elevation and and unique location almost equidistant between Watamu and Malindi. 

Ganda

Ganda is a quickly developing residential neighbourhood just on the outskirts of Malindi along Tsavo road.

It enjoys proximity to the Malindi international airport and the advantage of being along the Mombasa road – Lamu road bypass. 

There are quite a number of properties in Ganda that are inhabited by squatters, but there are some that have legitimate ownership documents.

Plots for sale in Ganda start from around Ksh.650,000 and quarter acres from Ksh.1.2M.

Kibokoni

Kibokoni is a nice neighbourhood within the Malindi town metropolis, only 7 minutes from CBD that is lush green. It is home to the 9 hole Malindi Golf and COuntry club and beautiful single dwelling homes on one acre and half acre lots. 

Recent infrastructure upgrades on locations around it has resulted in expansion of this prestigious suburb. 

Half acre lots in Kibokoni are available for sale from Ksh.3.85M.

Kwandomo

Kwa Ndomo is a quickly growing residential neighbourhood with very attractive property values. Just 10 minutes from Malindi CBD, Kwandomo provides a good middle class property investment opportunity.

It is easily accessible , being located on the Lamu-Malindi highway. Amenities like KPLC power, piped water and internet connection are readily available. 

Prices here for residential plots for sale start from Ksh.1.9M for a quarter an acre.

Suli Suli Road

Suli Suli road is a residential area within Malindi town, is a quiet  cabro paved neighbourhood with beautifully treed single dwelling units. Most of the houses are on one acre lots. 

It is definitely walking distance to town, a long walk to the beach but enjoyably serene and secure. A number of high end hotels and resorts also call the area home.

Most of the lots here are developed, with a few up for sale. 

Mtangani

Located next to the affluent Suli Suli road, this is a quickly opening residential area with attractive pricing and easy access to Malindi CBD.

Here quarter acres are selling from Ksh.5M

Get a local real estate agent

An experienced real estate agent will be able to advise you on the best locations, potential pitfalls and provide helpful advice during the purchasing process. Make sure you look for someone who is familiar with Malindi as they will have insider knowledge of the local market.

Find out if hiring a real estate agent is worth your money.

Finding a realtor who knows Malindi town and they are able to advice you on the land for sale that is available, whether you are looking for agricultural land, Commercial land, or beachfront plots. A good realtor will save you time and money on your purchase or sale.

To save you the sweat, headaches and heartaches of bad property deals in Malindi, contact the realtors who work at Mkaazi Real Estate. They have earned a reputation for excellence by offering their clients consistent customer care and excellent customer service.

Their agents are experienced in the Kenyan property market, from residential to commercial and investment opportunities. They understand how important the buying or selling process is and are committed to providing you with the highest quality of service throughout your entire experience.

Lastly, they take great pride in searching out the best deals available and strive to provide you with only the most competitively priced beautiful land on the market. With them, you can rest assured that we will not miss any details and will help make your next home purchase or sell as smooth as possible.

Visit them at their offices in Malindi CBD Alba Complex, or give them a call on  0724568989 you will have an amazing experience.

Visit Properties

Once you have identified a selection of potential properties, getting to know the price of land, it’s always a good idea to actually visit them to get a better feel of each location before making any decisions. 

Visiting prime property in Malindi allows you to inspect the condition of each property as well as ask questions from anyone who is living there that could give insight into market dynamics, etc.

Verify Ownership

After you see and love a property, before you commit to buy a property always, ensure that all legal documents pertaining to ownership are provided and reviewed by a professional so that any issues regarding legitimacy of ownership can be ascertained. 

This is so critical such that if you miss it, you may lose your investment or end up in long court battles. .

Learn more on this article about title deeds in Kenya. Getting a clean title deed for the property deal you are acquiring is critical. There are some places in Malindi where you can find cheap land or even fertile land with ready titles. It is your responsibility to verify the transfer of title deeds.

Negotiate the terms

Do some research on competing offers being made for similar plots for sale within the same location in Malindi so as to be sure you are getting the best deal. Also remember, vendors are always keen on a cash buy, and will usually yield about 5% off the asking price if you are paying in one transaction. 

Remember even if it is possible (and no matter how tempted) don’t let emotions get in the way: understand what actions are compatible with your financial goals at all times whilst dealing with landowners or agents offering deals on lands in Malindi.

Set up financing

During the purchasing process it’s realistic to expect an agreement that allows for payment over an extended period depending on your budget constraints (ie: a loan or mortgage).

Having financing arranged beforehand should significantly reduce waiting times between agreeing terms and completing contracts signifying transfer of ownership onto new buyer.

Finalise on the Purchase Agreement

Make sure any agreements are signed and stamped off as having official approval by both parties involved once payment has been made -this step goes hand-in-hand preparing title deeds where necessary plus any other additional paperwork required complete transfers from seller to owner.

All these should ensure everything runs smoothly upon successful completion so take your time when double-checking details are correct before signing contracts.

Transaction Costs Guide

The cost of purchasing land is a key factor to consider when deciding whether or not to buy it. Transaction costs can include fees for inspections, appraisals, surveys and taxes, as well as those associated with lenders such as application and closing fees.

These expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor these costs in to your budget before making any decisions.

In addition, it’s important to know the total costs of financing the purchase if you are getting a loan. Knowing exactly what you will pay helps you make an informed decision and also plan your budget accordingly during the process of buying land.

What to Do After Buying: Approvals, Planning Resources & Connections to Utilities

After you purchase a new property, the first step is to obtain all necessary building and construction approvals. Additionally, it’s important to plan out the resources needed for your project, such as materials and labor, as well as make all necessary connections such as gas lines and electrical. Making sure these connections are set up correctly will ensure that your development process goes smoothly.

The Benefits of Buying Land in Malindi

Malindi is a wonderful place to consider when you think of buying land. With its heavenly beaches, vibrant culture, and excellent opportunities for entertainment, Malindi offers something for everyone.

Purchasing land in Malindi gives you the opportunity to experience all that this exotic paradise has to offer while also making a profitable investment. From high-end real estate developments to small business investments such as eco-lodges and surf camps, the possibilities are endless when it comes to buying land in Malindi!

With its abundance of attractions and activities, anyone investing in land here can rest assured that their money will go a very long way. Find out the 22 solid reasons to buy property in Malindi.

Final words

With this ultimate guide to buying land in Malindi, you should now have all the information you need to make an informed decision. You now have a good understanding of the different types of land available in Malindi, the process for buying and transferring ownership, and all the associated costs.

With so many great properties available, there’s something for everyone in Malind. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful holiday home or an investment property with potential for long-term gains, Malindi is sure to have just what you’re after. Read more on why now is the perfect time to invest in a home in Malindi.