A Guideline to Choosing Your Ideal Piece of Land In Uganda
Uganda is considered the “Pearl of Africa” and boasts a rich natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and a wealth of opportunities for land owners.
Whether you want to own a business, build your dream home, or invest in real estate, there will be a need for land.
However, acquiring a piece of land has never been an overnight success. From identifying the place,ideal plot, and cost implications, you want to acquire a piece that aligns with your needs.
Even when you can picture the kind of plot you are looking for, it can be challenging to verify exactly what you are looking for. Especially if you are far from your prospective piece of land.
Amidst the challenges surrounding the acquisition of your ideal plot, there is always a way out. This involves having the correct information before you can start the process.
In this article, we explore buying land as an investment in Uganda, what you should know before buying a plot, factors to consider, and the available opportunities to grab.
You will also learn the best places to buy affordable plots in Uganda.
Let’s dive into the details!
Is buying land a good investment in Uganda?
Buying a piece of land in Uganda is a potentially profitable investment for the following four reasons:
Economic growth
Uganda’s steady economic growth has led to a rising demand for land. In both urban and rural areas. Which implies appreciating land value.
Agricultural potential
Uganda’s fertile land and favorable climate form a basis for profitable farming ventures, from livestock rearing to crop cultivation.
Real estate development
The residential and commercial developments are pretty promising due to the growing competition in the real estate market, especially in major towns and urban areas.
Growing population
The rapidly growing population is driving the need for housing and infrastructure developments, directly contributing to the appreciating prices of land.
Hence, if you are looking to buy a plot in Uganda as part of your investment, you can count on your decision.
Furthermore, there are endless opportunities and reasons why you should consider buying land in Uganda as an investment. So, you shouldn’t hesitate when looking to invest in Uganda for your dream plot.
What to know when buying land in Uganda
It’s not enough to know that buying a plot in Uganda is profitable. It goes beyond the need to invest into what form of investment you want to make.
Besides, every good opportunity comes with its challenges and being aware of what you should expect when buying a plot in Uganda is significant in your decision-making.
So, what should you look for when buying a plot of land in Uganda?
Just like in any other country, land-related issues are bound to arise if not carefully managed from the beginning.
Here are the five key things you should know before buying a plot in Uganda.
#1 Your rights and obligations are tied to your tenure system
Uganda employs multiple land tenure systems, including leasehold tenure, freehold tenure, mailo land tenure, and customary tenure.
Understanding the land tenure system that applies to your prospective plot is crucial as it determines your rights and obligations as a landowner.
For instance, customary land tenure systems may involve communal arrangements.
#2 Title deed issues are not uncommon
Clear and vital land titles are a critical consideration when buying land in Uganda. Ensure the plot you want to buy has a valid title deed with verifiable documentation.
Verifying the authenticity of the title deed with authorities and legal assistance is recommended.
Even better, Uganda offers land title verification services online, which you can utilize to ascertain the ownership of the plot.
#3 Land ownership disputes sometimes occur
Before closing a land purchase deal, thorough due diligence is essential to establish ownership and history of the land.
Check if there are any disputes or conflicts related to the land, as it may affect your land rights and intended investments.
Working with professionals such as surveyors and lawyers can help you establish the security of your investment.
#4 There are local regulations and zoning laws applicable to landowners
There are zoning and development regulations that apply to plots in Uganda. Even the national land use policy is critical when defining your intended land use.
Hence, familiarizing yourself with these regulations is essential as they affect how you use the land.
Also, compliance with such regulations will reduce the potential of issues arising in the future.
#5 Different plots favor specific land uses depending on the location
Not all plots favor your need for a piece of land. In Uganda, some pieces of land are favorable for agriculture, while others only favor business development.
Also, plots in the rural areas differ significantly from plots in the urban or developed towns and cities.
Hence, it’s crucial to determine your intended land use and the specifics that favor your needs prior to buying a plot in Uganda.
How do I choose the best plot of land? [7 Considerations to make]
Having discussed the things you should know before buying a piece of land in Uganda, there has to be a burning question in your mind. “So, how do I determine the best plot of land for my needs?”
Here’s the way to go about choosing the plot that suits your needs:
#1 Determine how much you can afford
What is your budget? Just like you would do for any other financial decision, it’s essential to plan your finances for your land needs.
The good thing about land is that you can always find a piece that suits your needs while sticking within your budget.
However, it is your cost evaluations and estimations from the onset of your land hunting that determine your overall costs.
Hence, it’s essential to estimate the costs of acquiring necessary documentation, site visit (if need be), surveyors and lawyers, etc.
#2 Consider your appropriate plot size
If you are looking to build a house, you know the design and size of the house you want to build. A Single-family house occupies at least 700m².
You may want to consider how much space you need around the space so you don’t have underutilized space.
#3 Consider the shape of the plot
The plot shape is as essential as the plot size. You don’t want a plot that forces you to change your desired house design or intended use because of its shape.
Generally, if you are looking to invest in agriculture, the plot shape may not matter as much as it would when looking to build a house.
Hence, determining your intended plot use goes a long way to choosing your appropriate plot shape.
#4 Ease of accessing the plot
Physical access to the plot may not guarantee formal access. And you don’t want to buy a plot that you cannot formally access. Consider a plot with an access road whose width fits the specifications set by the local authorities.
Additionally, looking into the future, say 5-10 years from now, are there any possibilities that you would be required to move any distance to allow proposed developments?
It’s essential to understand the plan developed around the region of your prospective plot. It will help establish any future disruptions and how you can be compensated in case of any.
#5 The cost of accessing utilities
How easy is it to access power, water, gas, and internet services? Who are the service providers? How reliable are they?
You want to ensure that your plot is connected to these utilities and that the cost is worth it.
For instance, if you are using prepaid internet services, your internet connection should be stable to allow optimum utilization of the services.
#6 What is the designation of the plot?
You don’t want to buy a plot whose designated use is agriculture, yet you are looking to establish a business.
Hence, you must check the plot listing against the supporting documentation to verify the purpose of the plot.
#7 Consider the help of a real estate service provider
You may not have the time to conduct due diligence and perform any background checks for your prospective plot.
Even when you are available to do it, the procedures can be daunting, especially if you are not a Ugandan resident.
Working with an established real estate service provider such as Canaansites Limited saves you the hassle of title deed verification and intended land use.
The better part? A real estate service provider has developed partnerships with legal authorities to ensure the safety of your investment in case issues arise in the future.
Most affordable places to buy land in Uganda
The demand for land in Uganda is higher now than ever before, especially with the growing real estate market.
If you are looking for an affordable piece of land in Uganda, here are the top five places you should consider:
#1 Mukono
Mukono’s fast-paced growth has been attracting investors looking to establish their businesses at affordable prices.
It’s strategically situated around 24km East of the central business district, Kampala.
Plot prices are approximately UGX 8 to 15 million for a 50*100 feet plot.
#2 Bulamu
Bulamu, in Mpigi District, is located on the Kampala-Mityana Highway, around 45km from Kampala.
The highway has been developed to support movement to and from Mityana to the city center, attracting many investors in the region.
Prices for plots range between UGX 8 million and UGX 12 million for 50*100 feet plot.
#3 Gayaza (Nakwero)
Nakwero, in Wakiso District, is approximately 20km from Kampala, making it a convenient yet affordable place to live.
The prices for a piece of land in Gayaza range from UGX 35 million to UGX 60 million for a 50*100 feet plot.
#4 Matuga (kavule)
kavule is situated about 30km from Kampala, near Matuga trading center.
It offers convenience when traveling to and from the city center, propelled by the Kampala-Bombo Highway.
Land prices in Matuga range between UGX 11 million and UGX 16 million for 50*100 feet plots.
#5 Sissa
Sissa is a rural area located 25km from the city center. It can be accessed through three alternative routes-Nakawuka Road (branching off from Kisubi), Entebbe express highway and the old kampala Entebbe Road (branching off from Kitende)
Plots sell around UGX 19 million per 50*100 feet plots.
Discover a hidden gem in Mukono [an opportunity to grab]
Speaking of affordable places to buy a plot in Uganda, are you considering acquiring a plot in Royal Hills Estate?
If yes, then this could be the best opportunity for you.
As earlier discussed, Mukono is one of the fast-growing and affordable places to buy a plot in Uganda.
Royal Hills Estate is located in Nkokonjeru, Mukono District, 45km from Kampala. The place is along Nkokonjeru Road, providing easy access and convenience to and from Nkokonjeru.
It has a developed neighborhood, plus water and power in the neighborhood. So you don’t have to worry about the availability and reliability of crucial utilities.
Over to you
Undoubtedly, identifying your ideal piece of land has never been easy. Thanks to the advancements in technology and real estate experts who are at the forefront to ensure a seamless acquisition.
From determining your land needs to acquiring a secure, affordable, and reliable plot, it’s no longer a hassle as it was 10 years ago.
All you need is to contact an established real estate service provider to clear all the concerns that you may have concerning your prospective plot.
The better part? You can view all the specifications about the land with a visit to our offices in Kamwokya, Bukoto-street plot 109 JOY HOUSE.
That said, if you have any questions or are interested in the Royal Hills Estate, you can contact us.