Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, selling, caring for, or staying in coastal property with CleVista Group. Use the search or category filters below to find your answer quickly.
Buying Property & Land
Browse our listings online or contact our CleVista Estates team directly at +254 796 443 424. We'll schedule a discovery call to understand your budget, preferred location (Diani, Ukunda, Galu, Tiwi, Msambweni), property type (land, villa, apartment), and long-term goals. From there, we shortlist matching options and arrange viewings — physical or virtual.
Kenya has three main tenure types: Freehold (absolute ownership, ideal for citizens), Leasehold (typically 99 years, open to foreigners), and Sectional Title (for apartments and shared developments). For most Kenyan buyers, freehold offers the strongest long-term security. For foreign nationals, leasehold is the practical route — we guide you through every step.
Yes. CleVista Estates provides end-to-end support with due diligence, title searches at the Ministry of Lands, land transfers, and coordination with advocates. We don't just sell land — we ensure every transaction is legally sound, properly documented, and free of encumbrances before you commit funds.
Call or WhatsApp us at +254 796 443 424, or send an inquiry through any listing page. We arrange site visits across Diani, Ukunda, and the wider South Coast — typically within 48 hours of your request. For diaspora clients, we offer live video tours and drone footage of the property and its surroundings.
Yes. Foreign nationals can hold leasehold land (up to 99 years) in Kenya. We guide diaspora and international buyers through the process — from virtual viewings and remote document signing to appointing a local advocate to act on your behalf. Many of our clients buy without ever stepping foot in Kenya before closing.
Always verify: (1) the title deed is genuine and free of encumbrances, (2) the land is surveyed and beaconed correctly, (3) there are no pending rates or land rent arrears, (4) access is via a public or surveyed road, (5) the land use matches your plans, and (6) the seller has clear capacity to transfer. We handle all these checks for you before any deposit is paid.
From offer acceptance to title transfer, expect 30–90 days for a typical transaction — depending on the title type, the seller's readiness, and the speed of Land Registry processing. CleVista keeps you informed at every stage and proactively follows up on all documentation to avoid unnecessary delays.
No. We ensure complete transparency, outlining all applicable costs upfront — including our commission, legal fees, stamp duty, transfer costs, and any consent fees. You'll receive a written cost breakdown before committing to anything.
Selling & Property Investment
Submit your property through our Add Property page or contact our team directly. We'll arrange a market assessment, professional photography, drone footage (for premium listings), and publish your property across our platforms — reaching local and diaspora buyers actively seeking coastal property.
You get: (1) deep coastal market expertise, (2) professional marketing and photography, (3) access to our active buyer network — including diaspora, (4) integrated Care and Hospitality services that keep your property presentable and income-generating while on market, and (5) full transparency on pricing, viewings, and offers.
Yes. We offer a free initial market assessment based on recent comparable sales in Diani, Ukunda, and the wider South Coast. For formal valuations — required for bank financing or legal purposes — we coordinate with licensed valuers registered with the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya.
It varies by property type, price, and season. Well-priced land and villas typically sell within 4–12 weeks. Holiday and short-stay properties may attract rental income while waiting for a buyer — a strong advantage of listing with CleVista, since we can activate Hospitality services to generate yield during the sale window.
Absolutely. We specialise in remote sales for diaspora clients. From virtual viewings and digital documentation to appointing a trusted advocate on your behalf — we handle the process end-to-end while you remain fully informed. Payments can be received via your preferred international channel, and we coordinate with your bank or lawyer of choice.
Diani's property market has two peak seasons: December–February (dry season, high tourist traffic) and June–August (diaspora summer visits). Listings tend to generate more inquiries and higher offers during these windows. That said, serious investors buy year-round — a well-presented listing with strong photography sells in any season.
Once you accept an offer, we facilitate: (1) a formal sale agreement drafted by advocates, (2) payment of the 10% deposit into a stakeholder account, (3) application for Land Control Board consent (if applicable), (4) payment of stamp duty by the buyer, (5) completion and transfer at the Land Registry, and (6) release of the balance to you. We coordinate all parties to keep things moving.
Property Care & Maintenance
Our CleVista Care division offers: site preparation and bush clearing, post-construction cleaning, deep cleaning, landscaping and gardening, tree planting programs, ongoing property maintenance, fencing solutions, routine property inspections, and long-term asset preservation. We handle both one-off projects and ongoing care contracts.
Yes. Many of our clients are diaspora owners who need peace of mind. We provide scheduled inspections (weekly, biweekly, or monthly), photo and video reports sent directly to you, cleaning, gardening, pool maintenance, and coordination with any tradespeople — so your property stays secure, functional, and well-presented year-round.
Both. We offer one-off services (post-construction cleaning, seasonal garden work, pre-rental preparation) as well as ongoing maintenance contracts for owners who want continuous care. We'll recommend the option that best fits your needs and budget — no lock-in.
Pricing depends on property size, scope of work, and frequency of service. We provide a written quote upfront with no hidden charges — typically after a brief site assessment. Contact us at +254 796 443 424 for a tailored quote.
Yes — sustainable landscaping and tree planting are core parts of our Care offering. We help enhance your property's appearance, shade, and long-term value while supporting responsible coastal growth. Indigenous and coastal-adapted species are prioritised.
Absolutely. We offer a "Prepare • Protect • Present" package that gets your property market-ready: deep cleaning, garden upkeep, minor repairs, staging support, and inspection reports. This is one of our most popular services for owners listing with CleVista Estates or activating short-stay rentals.
For clients on ongoing contracts, we offer priority response for emergencies. Our local team in Diani can respond same-day or next-day for urgent issues — and we coordinate directly with trusted plumbers, electricians, and contractors. We'll always get your approval before any significant expense.
Yes. We serve Diani, Ukunda, Galu, Tiwi, Msambweni, and the wider South Coast. For properties in Mombasa, Nyali, or Kilifi, we assess on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss your property location.
Hospitality & Coastal Stays
Holiday accommodation arrangements, villa and short-stay management, airport and local transfers, curated coastal experiences, guest concierge services, corporate retreats, travel planning and coordination, private dining experiences, and event support along the Kenyan Coast.
Yes. We manage a curated range of holiday villas and short-stay properties in Diani, Galu, and the wider South Coast — from beachfront villas to garden cottages and serviced apartments. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a full season, we match you with the right property and handle every detail.
Yes. We coordinate airport pickups (Ukunda airstrip or Mombasa International Airport), local transport, and curated coastal experiences — including dhow cruises, marine park visits, cultural tours, kitesurfing, and private dining arrangements. Every experience is tailored to your group's preferences.
Absolutely. Our short-stay management service covers guest bookings, check-in/check-out coordination, cleaning, maintenance, and review management — so your property earns while you're away. We combine CleVista Care and Hospitality for a seamless owner experience. Typical revenue share arrangements are discussed case-by-case.
We arrange full corporate retreats and event support — accommodation, transfers, meeting spaces, private dining, team-building coastal experiences, and hospitality staffing. Contact us at sales@clevistagroup.co.ke to discuss your requirements and get a tailored proposal.
Yes — and we're expanding this offering. We currently coordinate private chefs and curated dining experiences for guests staying in our managed villas, including Swahili coastal cuisine, seafood specials, and dietary-specific menus. Premium private chef packages will be launched as part of our 2025 expansion.
Cancellation terms vary by property and season. Typically, bookings cancelled 30+ days before check-in receive a full refund minus a small admin fee; 15–29 days receive 50%; under 14 days are non-refundable. Full terms are provided in your booking confirmation. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Yes. We manage multiple villas within walking distance of each other and can coordinate multi-property bookings for large groups, family reunions, or destination weddings. We'll handle accommodation, transport, activities, and dining as one seamless package.
Payments, Fees & Legal
Our commission is a percentage of the final sale price, agreed in writing before listing. Standard rates are competitive with the coastal Kenya market. For land and high-value villas, we're happy to discuss tailored arrangements. No commission is charged unless a sale completes.
For property transactions, we work through advocates' client accounts (stakeholder accounts) — the safest and most regulated payment method in Kenya. For services like Care and Hospitality, we accept M-Pesa, bank transfers, and international remittances (e.g., Wise, Remitly). We never request cash payments outside formal channels.
Key taxes include: Stamp Duty (4% of property value for residents; 4% for non-residents on leasehold), Capital Gains Tax (15% on net gain for the seller), Land Rates (annual, paid to the county), and Land Rent (annual, for leasehold). Your advocate handles the tax filings and payments as part of the transaction.
Yes — by law, all property transfers in Kenya must be handled by advocates of the High Court. We work alongside reputable advocates who specialise in property law, but you're always free to appoint your own lawyer. We insist on this for every transaction.
Standard practice: a 10% deposit is paid into the advocate's client account upon signing the sale agreement, with the balance due at completion (usually 60–90 days). For leasehold transfers or transactions requiring Land Control Board consent, timelines extend accordingly.
We recommend walking away unless the issue is resolvable within a reasonable timeframe. CleVista runs full due diligence before listing any property — but if a hidden issue emerges after an offer, we'll coordinate with the seller, their advocate, and the Lands office to determine whether resolution is feasible. Your deposit remains protected in the stakeholder account.
Yes. We comply with Kenya's Data Protection Act (2019). Your personal information is only used for the specific purpose it was provided — transaction coordination, communication, or services — and never sold or shared with unrelated third parties. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Diaspora & International Clients
Yes. Many of our clients complete purchases entirely remotely. We provide live video tours, drone footage, and detailed property reports. Documents can be signed digitally where legally permitted, or via a Power of Attorney appointing a trusted representative in Kenya. We coordinate everything with your advocate.
Use regulated remittance channels — your bank's international transfer, Wise, Remitly, or similar. All funds should go into the advocate's client account, never directly to an individual. This protects you legally and ensures a clean paper trail for tax and title purposes.
Yes. A Power of Attorney (PoA) drawn up by a qualified advocate allows a trusted person to sign documents on your behalf. PoAs must be executed properly — often requiring notarisation and, in some cases, consular authentication. We'll connect you with an advocate who specialises in this.
Yes — this is one of our strongest offerings. Our short-stay rental management (CleVista Hospitality) can generate rental yield while you're away, and our Care division keeps the property in top condition. Income can be remitted to you or reinvested toward the property. We provide monthly owner statements.
Depending on your service level, we provide: photo and video inspection reports (weekly, biweekly, or monthly), written condition updates, maintenance logs, and financial statements for short-stay rentals. Communication is via WhatsApp, email, or your preferred channel — we adapt to your time zone.
All our listings and contracts are priced in Kenyan Shillings (KSh), the legal currency for property transactions in Kenya. We're happy to provide indicative USD, GBP, or EUR equivalents for planning purposes, but the binding contract and payments are always in KSh.
General Questions
Our office operates Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EAT. For hospitality guests and emergency property care, we offer extended support including weekends. WhatsApp inquiries are typically answered within a few hours during business hours.
Phone/WhatsApp: +254 796 443 424. Email: info@clevistagroup.co.ke (general) or sales@clevistagroup.co.ke (property and sales). Location: Diani, Kenya. You can also use the contact form on our Contact Us page.
We currently operate primarily in Diani / Ukunda and the South Coast of Kenya, including Galu, Tiwi, and Msambweni. We also serve Greater Coastal Kenya (Mombasa, Nyali, Kilifi) for select services. Plans are in place to expand across Kenya and the wider East African region.
Absolutely — that's exactly what we're built for. Many clients start with a property purchase, then use CleVista Care to maintain it, and finally activate CleVista Hospitality for short-stay income. One trusted partner, one point of contact, seamless coordination across all three divisions.
We welcome feedback — it helps us improve. Email info@clevistagroup.co.ke or call +254 796 443 424. All complaints are acknowledged within 24 hours and resolved within 7 working days. Client satisfaction is a core value at CleVista Group.