Stamp Duty Calculator (Kenya, 2026)
By Nash Thuo · Updated June 2026
Buying land or a house in Kenya? Stamp duty is one of the biggest extra costs, and it catches many buyers by surprise. Enter the value to see exactly what you will pay to KRA.
Work out your stamp duty
Work out the stamp duty you will pay to KRA when transferring property or registering a mortgage in Kenya.
| Property value | — |
| Stamp duty rate | — |
| Stamp duty to pay | — |
Stamp duty is paid up front, before the title is registered. Saving for a property? Hold the deposit in a money market fund earning around 9% a year while you build it.
Stamp duty on a property transfer is 4% of the value for land in a town or city, and 2% for rural or agricultural land, based on the higher of the sale price or the government valuer's figure. A mortgage or charge is stamped at 0.1% of the loan. Pay it through KRA iTax before registering the title. Transfers between spouses and inheritance to family are exempt, but you must apply for the exemption first.
How stamp duty works in Kenya
Stamp duty is a tax on transferring property, paid by the buyer to the Kenya Revenue Authority before the title is registered. The rate depends on where the land is:
| Transaction | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Urban property (in a town or city) | 4% | Higher of sale price or valuation |
| Rural or agricultural land | 2% | Higher of sale price or valuation |
| Mortgage or charge | 0.1% | The loan amount secured |
Note that stamp duty is charged on the higher of the agreed price and the government valuer's figure, so you cannot lower it by under-declaring the price on paper.
What it costs at common property values
| Property value | Urban (4%) | Rural (2%) |
|---|---|---|
| KES 3,000,000 | KES 120,000 | KES 60,000 |
| KES 5,000,000 | KES 200,000 | KES 100,000 |
| KES 10,000,000 | KES 400,000 | KES 200,000 |
The full cost of buying property
Stamp duty is the largest fee, but not the only one. Budget also for legal fees (usually 1% to 2%), a valuation fee, Lands office search and registration fees, and an agent's commission if one is involved. A realistic rule of thumb is to set aside around 6% to 8% of the property value on top of the price for all the transaction costs.
Save for it the smart way
Because stamp duty is paid in one lump before registration, it pays to have the cash ready. While you build your deposit and fees, keep the money in a money market fund earning around 9% a year rather than a current account earning nothing. Work out how fast you can reach your target with the money market fund calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is stamp duty in Kenya?
Stamp duty on a property transfer is 4% of the value for land in a town or city, and 2% for rural or agricultural land. A mortgage or charge is stamped at 0.1% of the loan amount. On a KES 5 million urban property, stamp duty is KES 200,000.
Who pays stamp duty, the buyer or the seller?
The buyer pays stamp duty in Kenya. It is paid to KRA through the iTax portal before the title can be transferred and registered in the buyer's name.
Is stamp duty based on the sale price or the valuation?
It is based on the higher of the agreed sale price and the government valuer's figure. The Lands office orders a valuation, and stamp duty is charged on whichever amount is greater.
Are there any stamp duty exemptions in Kenya?
Yes, but they are limited. Transfers between spouses, inheritance to immediate family after death, and gifts to registered charities can be exempt. There is no general first-time buyer exemption, and you must apply for any exemption before paying.
When do I pay stamp duty?
Stamp duty is paid up front, after the valuation and before the title is registered. You generate a payment slip on KRA iTax, pay at a bank or by M-PESA, and the stamped documents then go to the Lands registry.
Is this stamp duty calculator free?
Yes, it is completely free and ad-free. It uses the current rates from the Stamp Duty Act: 4% urban, 2% rural, and 0.1% on a charge.