A Look at the Stamp Duty Rates in Nairobi, Kenya in 2021

 

There are various transactions carried out in any particular country or state – however, out of all of those transactions, fees and rent on land contributes the most to revenue generated by the government. Other charges or taxes include railway development levy, excise duty, import duty, and catering levy, among other things.

In this article, we take a closer look at one of such charges, which is stamp duty, particularly the stamp duty rates in Nairobi, Kenya, as of 2021.

Stamp Duty Act of Kenya

Stamp duty refers to the charge or tax levied on certain transactions such as stocks, shares, and transfer of properties. Stamp duty is one of the primary sources of revenue for the Kenyan government and these rates are determined by Kenya’s Ministry of Land. It includes a physical revenue stamp that is impressed upon the relevant document in order to prove the legality of the transaction. However, in recent times, many places do not require an actual stamp for the stamp duty and other means are used for the same. 

As per the Stamp Duty Act of Kenya, whenever you purchase a property, it is mandatory to pay a fee or revenue to the government. It may help to have a lawyer during the process as that would ensure smoothness of the transaction and also uphold its integrity. 

The stamp duty needs to be paid and the document needs to be signed within 30 days of the acquisition of your purchase. Failing to pay the required amount is considered a criminal offence under Kenyan law. 

Stamp Duty Rates in Nairobi, Kenya – 2021

Stamp duty rates are based on the value of the transaction or are nominal rates on financial exchanges or instruments, as discussed below.

• Stamp duty of four per cent is levied on the transfer of land in towns.
• Stamp duty of two per cent is levied on the transfer of land in the rural areas. 
• A stamp duty of one per cent is charged when increasing the share capital of a company. 
• Stamp duty of 0.05 per cent is charged when registering debentures or mortgages for collateral securities. 
• Properties on lease are charged with a stamp duty of one per cent for the annual rents for three years. After three years, the stamp duty comes to two per cent on the yearly rent. 

There are also times when stamp duty charge is not levied, such as:

• When a company is being registered for very nominal share capital.
• When transferring shares in companies registered under the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
• During Sukuk arrangements or transactions.
• Transfer of houses under the affordable housing scheme.

Kenya Stamp Duty Forms

13 years ago, The Kenya Revenue Authority took over the collection of stamp duty within the country, they have certain guidelines on the handling of stamp duty forms. Some of these guidelines include:

• All forms are completed via the Ministry of Housing and Lands. 
• The quadruplicate is received after the relevant documents are presented. This is what gets the stamp duty. 
• The quadruplicate is handled by an agent, advocate, or duty payer. It is either taken to a National Bank or Kenya Commercial Bank for payment.

After the above-mentioned steps have been completed, this follows:

• The original copy of the payment form is retained by the individual who is carrying out the presentation.
• The quadruplicate is yellow in colour and remains in the bank. The triplicate is green in colour and is forwarded to the registrar of titles and lands. 
• The duplicate is blue in colour and is forwarded to the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes by the bank. 
• The original white copy remains with the duty payer. 

Each valuation of stamp duty is done before a collector starts endorsing a property. 

Following a proper stamp duty process, you can also call Mi Vida your new residential address. Created through a joint venture between Actis, and Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), one of the largest conglomerates in India – Mi Vida was officially launched in July 2019. It offers a minimum of 3000 middle-income housing units over the course of the next five years. 

Mi Vida homes are a beautiful combination of affordable houses, modern engineering, innovative design, trusted construction, and impeccable record. For more information on Mi Vida homes, head on to their website. 

Absa Bank’s 25-year mortgage comes with special offer for Mi Vida Homes

 

Located in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Garden City is a massive mixed-use development that brings together work, leisure and living. Within this first-of-its-kind integrated location is the Mi Vida residential project that offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments in Nairobi, Kenya for homebuyers. Now, these aspirational homes come with an exciting mortgage offer from Absa Bank. 

Absa Bank Kenya has introduced a 25-year mortgage facility where Mi Vida Homes customers will enjoy a discounted rate of 12.5% p.a with up to 90% financing. This is the result of a recently signed financial partnership between Absa Bank and Mi Vida Homes that creates the exciting mortgage proposition of a longer payment period with low-interest rates.

The offer targets middle-income families seeking affordable homes within Nairobi, seeking to increase mortgage uptake amongst prospective homeowners. The Absa – Mi Vida at Garden City Mall Apartment mortgage facility, therefore, offers sustainable financing models to employed and self-employed customers for a chance to own ready-to-move-in homes. 

Absa customers will also benefit from established partnerships for homeownership facilities such as property developers, furnishing partners, and home appliance partners.

“We have a team of dedicated experts that will walk the journey with customers using our financial and non-financial expertise to provide credible information, services, and solutions throughout every step of acquiring their dream home,” says Peter Mutua, Absa Bank Customer Network Director.

Mi Vida doesn’t just offer affordable houses in Nairobi, Kenya but also provides residents with exciting amenities including one acre of outdoor green space, adult and children swimming pools, a gym and fitness studio, kids’ play area, clubhouse with roof terrace, BBQ areas, a multi-purpose sports court, and 300m walking and jogging track. The residential project, launched in 2019 is currently under construction and on course to be complete by March of 2022.

How to reach the Shapoorji Pallonji Vanaha located in Bavdhan, Pune

 

A powerhouse in the real estate industry, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate has given homebuyers several world-class residential locations to choose from across the country. There are excellent homes at Shapoorji Pallonji projects in the major cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Pune.

Shapoorji Pallonji Vanaha is one such property located in Pune, spread across 6 acres amidst the hills and lush greenery. Within these green spaces, residents can enjoy a host of modern and sustainable amenities along with thorough security. 

For homebuyers that think this residential project is the right fit for them, here’s how you can get there from the nearest public transport options and popular landmarks:

1. A major landmark in proximity to Shapoorji Pallonji Vanaha is the renowned FLAME University campus, which is around 3-4 km away. This campus path connects the residences to several other locations.

2. Chandani Chowk, a major entry and exit point to Pune City on NH4, is at a mere 6 km distance.

3. Symbiosis University is another major landmark in Pune and it is easily accessible from Vanaha at a 13 km distance.

4. Shapoorji Pallonji Vanaha can be reached from the Pune bus stand and Pune railway station within 40 minutes.

5. Ryan International School, Business Square, DSK Raanwara Commercial Complex, Neelam Market, and Chellaram are all within a 5 km radius.

6. Shapoorji Pallonji Vanaha is a dream residential address since various hospitals as well as commercial and business hubs are also within a 10 km radius.

Great connectivity and excellent amenities within lush flora and fauna – that is what the luxurious 1, 2, and 3BHK Flats in Pune at Shapoorji Pallonji Vanaha offer.

What Services Does a Solar EPC Company Provide?

 

Solar power is steadily getting its due recognition as an excellent alternative to other non-renewable sources of energy. With the increasing demand to utilize sustainable and renewable solar energy, there are a number of renowned Solar EPC companies working to make solar power simple and easily accessible for everyone.

Solar EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement and Construction of solar power plants. These companies specialize in providing end-to-end solar energy services for residential, commercial and industrial projects across the country and the world.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common services included in Solar Engineering, Procurement and Construction (Solar EPC):

Designing the solar power system

For any solar projects, the Solar EPC company will understand the needs of that specific location and energy requirements to identify a suitable structural design with the maximum power generation capacity and best use of the budget. This involves analyzing the client’s requirements, performing a site survey, monitoring weather conditions, and more. This is majorly the Engineering part of Solar EPC.

Procurement of the required equipment

This is a crucial service that needs to be handled by the best companies in order to create a solar power plant that can provide the best performance and value. Solar EPC companies are able to coordinate with the best manufacturing companies and find the right suppliers to get quality equipment as well as negotiate to get competitive pricing and comprehensive warranty terms.

Construction of the solar panels and systems

The last and most important aspect of Solar EPC comes with the mounting of the solar panels and corresponding accessories as well as installing grid connectivity based on certain requirements and the type of solar power system. At this point, a partnership can also be set up for continued monitoring and maintenance of the solar power plants based on the client’s requirements.

All in all, the main benefit of working with a Solar EPC company is that they are able to offer services for all aspects and stages of the project under one contract for the entire process. There is just one bill to pay and no need to outsource any services. The single point of contact makes it a seamless and efficient process while also making for a more streamlined long-term maintenance of the solar power system.

Educational Institution Projects Constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Group

 

Shapoorji Pallonji Group is the powerhouse behind many landmark engineering and construction projects, not just in India but around the world. Their projects span across a variety of sectors including everything from residential and commercial to industrial as well. With education being a major element of good infrastructure, let’s take a look at Shapoorji Pallonji’s contribution to construction of educational institutions.

Birla Institute of Technology & Science in Goa (2006)

This is one of the largest university campuses in India with vast administrative blocks, lecture halls, a 2000-seat auditorium, library, workshops, hostels, support facilities, and generous covered walkways.

Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad (2013)

This campus is spread over a total built-up area of 6,00,000 sq. ft. and comprises as many as 44 structures including academic and residential buildings (for students and faculty), an athletic centre, and other service facilities. 

Dr. Kalam Agricultural College in Kishanganj, Bihar (2018)

This campus hosts academic buildings, student hostels and faculty housing while also accommodating a sports complex, advanced agriculture laboratories, research centres, farmhouses, animal housing facilities, and more.

Indian Institute of Management Kashipur in Uttarakhand (2019)

The construction of this educational institution includes student hostels, faculty housing, canteen and other ancillary infrastructure.

Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (2018)

This world-class campus comprises student hostels, an integrated residential complex for faculty, canteen, recreational facilities and other ancillary buildings.

Indian Institute of Science Education & Research in Thiruvananthapuram (2018)

This premium campus includes additional, specially-designed infrastructure such as  an animal house and concourse along with department blocks and other ancillary buildings.

Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology in Thiruvananthapuram (2018)

Shapoorji Pallonji constructed four academic blocks, an administration building, a library, student hostels and canteen, basic utility infrastructure and ancillary buildings for this state-of-the-art campus. 

Indian Institute of Technology Patna (2018)

This campus is fully equipped with academic facilities including an administrative building, departmental buildings, tutorial complex, and workshops along with a food court and other ancillary infrastructure.

Presidency University in Kolkata (2018)

This is one of the oldest educational institutions in India and Shapoorji Pallonji carried out the construction of two new academic blocks for its campus.

SRM University Phase 1 in Amaravati (2018)

The SRM University campus is spread across 6,44,000 sq. ft. and comprises multiple department buildings, an administration block, dining block, utility block and five student hostels.

Amity University Campus in Dubai (2016)

Shapoorji Pallonji constructed this campus for the Ritnand Balved Education Foundation which is an umbrella organization of Amity Educational Institutions in Dubai.

Amity International School in Abu Dhabi (2018)

This sprawling international campus is fully equipped with an olympic pool, 540-seat auditorium, blackbox theatre, art studios and an art gallery, 8 science labs, extensive outdoor play areas, and much more.

Commanders College in Saudi Arabia (2015)

This campus construction comprised a main building, accommodation building, passage for mosque, guard house, courtyard, compound wall, and more.

Applied Technology School for Girls in Abu Dhabi (2017)

This comprises the High Schools and the Secondary Technical Schools (STS) in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi as a part of the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) system.

How can you earn money from Solar Panel Energy in India?

 

With the growing interest of the government and businesses in solar energy, India has become a hotbed for the solar panel energy market. This has also resulted in a growth in opportunities to earn money and generate employment.

But how exactly can you earn money from solar energy in India? In this article, we take a look at how!

Earning Money from Solar Panel Energy in India

To make the solar panel installation process easier on people, banks and the government both are providing loans and various schemes. It is important to note that you can only trade electricity from your home solar plant to up to 500KW. Below we understand how we can make money by generating and selling electricity through solar power. 

Obtain a license: To install a solar panel plant, you first need to get an approval license from the local electricity authority. After you sign the power purchase agreement with them, an investment of around 60k to 80k has to be made to set up the solar plant. State governments and banks also run special offers and schemes to enable the installment of solar plants, making it easier for you to make the investment.

There is some legal work required to get the permits required for your solar power plant, especially if it is a large scale power plant. Choose an eligible solar contractor, and they will help you with all the approvals

EXPLORE – STERLING & WILSON SOLAR

Solar panel installation on roofs: You do not need to have a separate space for the installation of solar panels. It is as simple as installing the solar plant on the roof of your house. Before you start selling electricity generated by these solar panels, all you need to do is tie up with the electricity company in your area. 

Availability of solar panels: At present, solar panels are available for sale in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh. You can install a solar panel at your home and then sell the surplus power generated to the state government. In return, you get paid! In Uttar Pradesh, the government runs an incentive scheme on solar power. 

If you’re wondering where to buy solar panels, you can contact REDA or your state government's Renewable Energy Development Authority. Their offices are located all over the state. Apart from this, you can also purchase solar panels from private dealers. You can avail subsidies and loans for the same from banks or state governments.

About Sterling & Wilson Solar –

Sterling and Wilson Solar offers a complete range of Solar EPC solutions for utility-scale, solar rooftop, and floating solar power projects. SWSL solutions include design, engineering, procurement, construction and project management, and operations and maintenance.

How to Check Builder Reputation, Genuine Credibility in India

When you are buying a house, the top two things you consider are usually the location and budget, however, equally important and often missed out is checking the credibility of the builder of your construction. The choice of builder is often the most important factor in determining the quality of your home. This is why a comprehensive background check of the builder is advised for the safety and security of your investment.

In this article, we take a look at how you can check for the genuineness of a housing project you are buying or considering.

Things To Consider Before Buying

There are various factors to ascertain before you finalise your house purchase. We have discussed them in detail below. 

RERA Registration

As of 1st May 2017, it is compulsory to get a RERA registration under the Real Estate Act. All developers and promoters have to register with their respective State authorities to certify as credible builders. A RERA approved construction would ensure you do not face any issues with the delay in pre-booked projects, quality of your construction, and its pricing.

You can check for a RERA certification on the State’s RERA website for any construction that you are considering buying. 

Builders’ Association

A builder with a good delivery record is always a better choice than to go with someone who doesn’t have any credibility attached to them in terms of construction. Experience matters. You can check your builder’s track record by finding out their past projects and checking whether they are a part of any industry associations, such as the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI). This will add to their reputation and credibility. 

Background Check

You can do independent online research to check if there is any negative news about the builder on any discussion forums or just in general. You can also go for word of mouth, as that is the easiest way to find out builder reputation. 

Layout plan

It is important to check before buying that your potential property has all the necessary approvals from concerned authorities, an ISO 9000+ certificate or a Layout Approval certificate for that matter. This would ensure safety.

Appreciation Percentage

It is highly valuable to check the appreciation percentage that a builder has gotten on their past projects. This is a good evaluator in ascertaining the project demand in the market. This will also give you an idea about the future expectation of a project you are planning to invest in. 

Compare Payment Schemes

Check the list of banks tied up with the project. If the project is tied up with some public sector banks like State Bank, then it is good to assume that the project has gone through rigorous due diligence. Next, you make sure to check for payment schemes offered by the builder, they are either construction linked plans or subvention schemes. 

• Construction-linked plans: When the payment is made in phases by the buyer as per the construction progress. 
• Subvention schemes: When the builder, buyer, and bank are in a tripartite agreement. Ten per cent is paid upfront by the buyer and the builder pays the interest cost till the subvention period ends. The buyer only starts paying the EMI after the subvention period ends. The subvention period can either end when the buyer finally possesses the house or after a certain fixed period. 

Other basic factors to consider include checking the occupancy rates, builder ratings, financial stability, and of course the location and budget of your investment. 

Joyville Homes 

If you are looking for a reputed builder offering beautiful homes, then look no further than Joyville Homes by Shapoorji Pallonji. This is where dreams come true. Joyville Homes are made with resourceful thinking, a value-driven approach, an innovative mindset, and unparalleled experience garnered over the last 150 years.

The Affordable Housing Project by Joyville Homes in India –

• Ready Possession 2 BHK Flats in Joyville Virar West
• Ready to Move 1, 2 and 3 BHK Flats in Joyville Howrah near Santragachi
• 2 & 3 BHK Flats in Sector 102, Joyville Gurgaon on Dwarka Expressway
• 1, 2 & 3 BHK Flats in Joyville Hadpsar Manjri
• Upcoming Residential Project in Sensorium Hinjewadi