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| A guide to buying property in Uganda | Property buying guide Uganda | How to buy |
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| 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. |
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1. FINDING YOUR PROPERTY |
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New builds |
You may want to consider buying a new build property in Uganda, which are growing in popularity and offer many benefits to Ugandan homebuyers. The benefits of buying a new home include: |
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Not having to spend money or time redecorating or repairing your new home. You may even get to choose the design before it's built. |
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New build house developers registered warranties. (Check) Similar guarantees can be gained from other providers. |
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You can avoid waiting for detailed surveys to be completed as your guarantee covers any unforeseen problems. |
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The average new home is up to six times more energy efficient than a traditional second-hand home.* |
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There are no upward chains when buying a new build house, so the whole process is quicker and less stressful. Some new home developers offer part exchange deals on your current home. |
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The area |
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If you are moving to a new area in Uganda, you may want to do some research to see if it is suitable for your lifestyle. Useful information about Ugandan house prices, Ugandan school performance, Ugandan public transport links and other amendities in Uganda online. |
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| 2. SELECT AN AGENT |
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Find out as much as you can about a Property Agent in Uganda, and the property you like by using the photographs, floorplans, virtual tours, online brochures and local information that is available with most descriptions. Always call or email the Ugandan Advertising Agent to check any missing information. |
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As soon as you have established the property is of sufficient interest for you, book a viewing with the Ugandan Property Agent. |
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3. MAKING AN OFFER |
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Once you have found the property of your dreams, make an offer. It is important to consider a variety of factors when choosing your price level in order to achieve the right deal for you. |
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First time buyers in Uganda , buyers with no chain and buyers who have pre-arranged mortgages and Cash buyers have a head start on most of the competition. If this is you, then make the agent and seller aware of this, as this can put you in a very favourable negotiating position, especially if the seller is in a chain. |
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Know your maximum limit from the start and stand firm. If the seller refuses to budge, you need to think very carefully if the property really is worth the extra money |
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Do your homework and check what the property is truly worth. Whilst sold house prices in Uganda can help give an idea of recent sales, it's better to see what the competition is like now. |
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If there are any faults or repair work required, use this to justify a lower offer. In tougher times when there are fewer buyers, sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price. |
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4. OFFER ACCEPTED ! |
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Once the seller has accepted your offer, ask them to take it off the market. They don't have to agree to this, but doing so will shut out other potential buyers |
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The lender will arrange for a valuation to be done on the property. If you are lucky enough to not need a mortgage, you don't have to get a survey done, though buying a property without one is not advisable and risky. |
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5. APPOINT AN ADVOCATE |
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An Advocate specialising real estate law is needed in real estate transactions in Uganda. When an 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 after all Surveys. |
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When all has been cleared, the Advocate 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 |
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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 |
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6. SURVEY |
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A licensed surveyor then visits the property before drawing up of contracts 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. |
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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. |
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