Stamp duty on a KSh 5,000,000 property within a municipality is KSh 200,000.
Stamp duty on property transfers
Stamp duty is a one-off tax paid when property changes ownership in Kenya. The rate depends on whether the land is classified as urban or rural: urban land attracts 4%, while rural land attracts 2%. This is calculated on the property's value as assessed for the transfer, and must be paid before the transfer can be registered.
Rates used in this calculator
Stamp duty on property transfers
Within a municipality
4%
Outside a municipality
2%
First-time home buyers (affordable housing)
Exempt
Frequently asked questions
What is the stamp duty rate in Kenya?
Stamp duty on property transfers in Kenya is 4% of the property value for land in urban areas, and 2% for land in rural areas.
Who pays stamp duty, the buyer or seller?
The buyer is responsible for paying stamp duty as part of completing a property transfer.
How is "urban" vs "rural" determined for stamp duty purposes?
This generally follows whether the land falls within a municipality or urban council boundary versus areas administered as rural county land; check with your lands office or advocate if you're unsure which rate applies to a specific parcel.