Features that add value to your property

Normally when they are buying land, accessibility is one of the main issues they look at before making any deal. Photo by Colleb Mugume

What you need to know:

Would you like to have property that can compete favourably in the market? Here are some of the ways to ensure your property has higher value.

Real estate investors always buy land for the purpose of getting more revenue. However, if you want to get more returns from your property, make effort to add value to it.

Availability of utilities
Muhammed Kizito, a real estate manager, says there are many ways of adding value to your property. However, location is key. Kizito says properties which have access to utilities have higher value than those without. If utilities are not accessible, it means the client has to incur extra costs to have them in place.
“Some of these utilities come with extra work and these include planning, mapping and hiring environmentalists to do research, for instance, some areas might not be suitable for features like boreholes and other water sources.

Fencing
Kizito says a fence is another feature that enhances value of property. However, the type of fence depends on what the land will be used for. Fences are good for rentals, apartments or schools because people need to feel secure.
“Fencing can achieve several objectives at once, and different types of fencing are used for specific applications.
“A fence can define the perimeter of the land, contain livestock, or keep unwanted animals out. A cross fence can keep livestock off farm ground or provide efficient use of pastures,” Kizito says.
He adds that no matter which type of fence is used, it should be well-maintained, and the maintenance cost and time factor should be considered when choosing, like is wetland you should consider using concrete while laying your foundation.

Enhanced access
Teopista Nalinya, a property estate investor, says normally when they are buying land, accessibility is one of the main issues they look at before making any deal.

Although most clients do not recognise accessibility while buying land, poor access can be the single greatest damage to enjoyment of property.
“Good access not only provide you with the freedom to enjoy your land, but good access can be pointed out to the buyer when the property is placed on the market,” Nalinya says, adding:: “Make sure your land is properly accessible because it is one of the issues, which sparks off conflicts among land owners, especially in real estates,” Nalinya says.

Own property rights
Nalinya says some properties have mineral and if you are to use or buy it, you must have legal rights from the authorities and these include forests, minerals and water bodies.
The simplest thing to do, is to make sure you receive these rights when purchasing property form Nema and National Forestry Authority. “If these rights become available, you should check your title to determine if anyone else owns that area and if so, contact that person about the possibility of procuring back the rights,” Nalinya says.

She adds that each region has its own policy about natural resources, majority of regions allow at least domestic water rights for each residence. When buying land, be sure you receive rights to have or develop domestic water at the very least.
Have a master plan

Nalinya says before you start building a house or adding sheds, outbuildings, and other improvements you should develop a comprehensive master plan for the land and your intended developments.
“Here your improvement will be arranged in a way that will most enhance the value of the property like a fence or shed should be close enough to visit easily and all buildings should have sufficient spacing to prevent spread of fire if one should burn,” Nalinya says.