Uganda Info
Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 15
Home Country: uganda
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 Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:08 am Post subject: HOUSING IN UGANDA / UGANDA HOUSING GUIDE |
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HOUSING IN UGANDA
BUYING A PROPERTY
The 1995 Constitution grants land ownership rights solely to citizens of Uganda. Foreigners cannot own land freehold. They may, however, obtain leases for 49 or 99 years. Foreign investors, individual or corporate, cannot acquire land for the purpose of crop or animal production. Foreigners can either rent/lease from citizens or from the Government.
A real estate lawyer is needed in real estate transactions in Uganda. When offer on the property is accepted by the seller, due diligence follows. The lawyer conducts a title search and obtains the transfer forms from the Land Office.
A licensed surveyor then visits the property to establish the boundaries. Depending on size and location, this can take up to three days. When this has been done, the transfer forms is submitted to the Land Office to receive consent to transfer. The property is inspected by a government valuer to ascertain proper taxation. An assessment form is given to the buyer, which is then presented to a commercial bank for payment of stamp duty.
When all has been cleared, the lawyer draws up the sale agreement. A deposit of 20% is paid upon signing, with the remaining balance to be settled within 30 to 60 days.
The transfer forms are then submitted, together with the signed sale agreement and stamp duty receipt, to the Registrar’s Department of the Land Office, and registration fee is paid. This process, dealing with the Registrar’s Department, takes about three weeks to accomplish.
RENTING A PROPERTY
Adequate expatriate housing in 2003 is a little more plentiful and less expensive than before. Many new rental houses have come onto the market recently and local real estate agents will be pleased to show you a good selection. There are four parameters that govern house or apartment hunting in Uganda and they are:
* Location and Commute
* Electricity and constant Water Supply
* Security
* Telephone
Much of the housing in Kampala is available through referrals and word of mouth. A good place to start is the various club notice boards: no doubt your company has contacts that will yield some properties to inspect.
As a rule of thumb, suitable houses range from US$ 1,500 - 2,000 per month. Remember that these prices do not generally include furniture, a working telephone, appliances, electricity costs and most-times, security guards. If the premises boasts a working telephone, it is a major advantage. It is essential to have security guards as pilferage and theft is endemic. Security alarm companies enjoy great success in Kampala but they should only be an addition to your own guards in most cases. Landlords frequently demand three, six and sometimes 12 months rent in advance. It is important to try to pay as little in advance as possible which might encourage the lessor to undertake repairs should anything go wrong during the term of the lease. It may be a good idea to discuss with the landlord some kind of discount off your rent if you include some mildew-proof exterior paint in your household effects as you can be sure that any painting done prior to your occupancy will deteriorate badly within a short period.
The leading Estate Agent is Knight Frank International Property Consultants, 4 Kimathi Avenue, Tel: 341382 & 341 391; Email: email@knightfrank.co.ug |
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