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Developer Guide: Requirements for Listing Property on Trusted Real Estate Websites in Kenya

Listing real estate projects requires more than a brochure. Learn why due diligence is critical for developers in Kenya and what’s needed to list your project on platforms like Roots Africa.

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Roots Africa
July 8, 2025
3 min read
By
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July 8, 2025
3 min read

Why Developer Due Diligence Matters in Kenya’s Property Market

As Kenya’s property market matures, so do the expectations of buyers and investors. Whether they’re local or based abroad, today’s buyers are cautious, informed and increasingly aware of the risks associated with unverified developments. For developers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

To meet this demand for trust and transparency, real estate platforms are implementing developer due diligence before allowing listings on their websites. This process ensures that buyers interact only with compliant, credible projects and it helps developers differentiate themselves in a competitive space.

What Is Developer Due Diligence?

Developer due diligence refers to the verification of the developer, their company and their project to ensure everything is legally and structurally sound. It’s a key part of risk management in real estate, especially in markets like Kenya where title disputes , unapproved developments and incomplete projects have eroded buyer confidence and trust.

At Roots Africa, for example, this due diligence is part of our listing process not to exclude developers, but to protect both parties and promote long-term value in the market.

Core Documents and Checks Typically Required

While the exact requirements may vary, most credible real estate platforms will ask developers to provide the following:

  • Business Registration Documents : Certificate of Incorporation, KRA PIN, CR12
  • Land Ownership Documents : Title deed or leasehold agreement, supported by a land search
  • Approvals and Permits : Zoning approvals, NEMA certificates, county government approvals, building permits
  • Architectural and Engineering Plans : Approved drawings that align with Kenya’s building codes
  • Project Timeline and Delivery Plan : Clear stages of development, expected completion dates and financial model
  • Previous Projects Portfolio (if applicable): For assessing credibility and track record

These checks ensure that buyers engaging with a listed project are interacting with a developer who has done the groundwork both legally and technically.

Why It’s Important for Developers Too

While the process can feel detailed, it’s actually a developer’s competitive advantage . Here’s why:

  • Market Trust : A verified listing signals to buyers and agents that your project is legitimate and safe. This is particularly important for diaspora buyers who rely on online platforms to make decisions.
  • Transaction Efficiency : Projects with full documentation experience fewer legal delays and attract more qualified leads.
  • Regulatory Compliance : Proper documentation ensures you stay on the right side of evolving construction, land and planning regulations in Kenya.

In short, developer due diligence isn’t just about meeting platform requirements it’s about future-proofing your business and contributing to a more transparent property market.

The Role of Real Estate Platforms in Building Buyer Confidence

Digital real estate platforms have become central to property discovery and investment decisions. As more buyers move online, platforms act not just as marketing channels—but as gatekeepers of trust .

By listing only projects that pass due diligence, platforms reduce buyer risk and help developers build visibility in a more meaningful way. It also promotes ethical standards and compliance across the sector—critical for industry-wide credibility.

Final Thought: Get Listed the Right Way

As a developer, aligning with platforms that value transparency and compliance is essential for long-term success. Due diligence may seem procedural, but it can position your project as a trusted investment opportunity , and attract the growing market of cautious, research-driven property buyers in Kenya and beyond.

Want to List Your Development with Confidence?

We welcome developers who are committed to transparency, quality and compliance. If you’re ready to list your project on a platform trusted by buyers in Kenya and the diaspora, start your developer onboarding with Roots Africa today.

👉 Apply to List Your Project with Roots Africa