How to Make Money From Empty or Vacant Land in Kenya

Do you want to make money from the land you currently own? What if we told you there are many ways to do so other than selling the piece of land?

Depending on the size, resources available and the location of your land, there are other ways of making money apart from building property on it.

Let’s explore some of the ideas.

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How to Make Money from Vacant Land

As a beginner, it can be quite hard to know what to do with vacant land.

Some of the ideas will require more effort than others. But overall, you will have a basis on what to consider and think through how you can turn your vacant land into an investment.

1. Sell the Land

This may sound counter-intuitive but it can pay off in the long run if you hold onto the land and sell it later.

READ ALSO: 8 Tips to Sell Your Land Faster

Land appreciates because there is no more of it. It can also appreciate depending on the demand and supply in the area your land is located.

Pay attention to the land trends to get an idea of the prices, amenities and infrastructural changes that could influence the price of your land. Then decide whether holding onto it and selling at a later time makes sense to you financially.

2. Subdivide Your Piece of Land

If you own a large parcel of land, you can decide to subdivide it and sell it in smaller parcels to make more money as opposed to when selling it as a whole.

You could sell all the land or keep a portion of it to yourself for other uses. To subdivide land, you must have a title deed for it.

Then, get a registered and licensed physical planner from the Physical Planners’ Registration Board of Kenya to prepare a subdivision scheme to the relevant County office to start the process.

Making money from vacant or empty land in Kenya

Requirements for Subdivision of Land

Official Title Deed
Certificate of the Title Deed Search
Duly filled PPA1 form signed by a Registered Physical Planner
Detailed location of the land/Survey Map
The Subdivision Scheme Plan
Payment Receipt of Land Rates together with Clearance Certificate
Consent from the Land Control Board

3. Rent Out the Space for Events

If you own a large piece of land, you can rent it out for functions like weddings and concerts. You could either rent out the venue as is, without any additional equipment and charge a flat fee for the grounds.

Or you could invest in tents, chairs and tables and rent them out too. This option will be more costly at the start but you can make back your money eventually the more people hire out your items.

4. Start Farming

Depending on the soil and climate in your area, you can plant different vegetables and crops to sell and make money from them.

Another great thing to do is start animal/livestock rearing like cows, sheep, goats or poultry. Get good at that skill then schedule tours to your farm to teach people how to do it on their own and share your successes.

5. Lease to Small Groups

Some people can’t afford to buy land on their own who can lease it from you. You will decide how much to charge according to the land size and the investment you want to make out of it.

6. Use as a Storage Facility

If your land is close to factories or industries, you can convert it into a storage facility for the businesses near it. The companies can buy your land to build the facility on their own or you collect rent.

READ ALSO: Can a foreigner own land in Kenya?

7. Recreational Centers

Open spaces and recreational centers are increasingly becoming prevalent in contemporary societies. The need to escape due to social and economic hardships, coupled with an expanding population, has led to a greater appreciation for open spaces.

Such a venture is feasible on idle land. Whether it involves creating an open space, a children’s play park, or a wedding garden. You have a good chance of making a lot of money from this endeavor if you take the proper strategy and market it.

It would be a good idea to build a hotel on your property if it is close to a river, a mountain, or any other beautiful scenery. You could always set up a camping site if this concept isn’t all that appealing. People long to experience nature. This could entail exploring nature trails, seeing wildlife, and taking in other breathtaking views.

8. Parking Lot

Until recently, the number of vehicles imported into the country have been on an all time high. With increasing populations in the city and the counties, the demand for parking spaces is inevitably increasing.

It won’t hurt to turn your piece of land into a parking lot and make that extra dime if it’s near a major road, in a city, or near a developing town. The funds raised during this period might be useful for any further projects you have in the works. Nonetheless, it is crucial that you obtain all required approvals from the city council and any other relevant authorities.

9. Temporary Stalls/Structures

If you have a piece of undeveloped land in a desirable area of a city or any upcoming town, you can put up a few profitable stalls there. Vibanda eateries, which are temporary eateries that are partially open, spotlessly clean, and have excellent food, are a common sight in most cities. This is an idea that will make you money on that piece of vacant land, whether you operate it yourself or rent it out. It will also increase your profits if the land is close enough to commercial areas.

10. Marketing and Advertising

Billboard advertising can provide some cash flow for a piece of vacant land near a highway. The majority of outdoor advertising businesses lease the property and pay for their billboards.

The drawback of this endeavor is that billboards are typically erected on buildings in busy, urban areas. You won’t be making the best use of the land if you market on an empty plot of land that may only take up a small portion of it.

There are different ways of using your vacant land to make you money. As with any business venture, always do proper research before starting and ask for help from family and friends to advise you on the best possible ways to convert it into an investment.

10 Ways to Make Money from Vacant Land in Kenya