Skip to content
Protect your purchase

# Property Due Diligence in Rwanda

The single most important service we offer — confirming a property is legally safe to buy before you commit a single Franc, dollar or pound to it.

- Title verified
- Escrow-friendly process
- Virtual viewings
- Power of attorney supported

Most property disputes in Rwanda — as in many markets without dense digital land records — trace back to a buyer who skipped or shortcut verification before paying. Due diligence is the service that prevents that from happening to you.

## What due diligence actually covers

- Title verification — confirming the registered owner, UPI number, and dispute status with Rwanda's Land Management and Use Authority
- Physical boundary check — an on-site walk confirming the land you'd actually receive matches what's described on the title
- Encumbrance check — confirming there's no unpaid loan, court order, or family co-ownership claim attached to the parcel
- Sale agreement review — making sure the contract terms actually protect you if something goes wrong after signing

## Why this matters more in Rwanda than in some other markets

Rwanda has made real progress digitising land records through its Land Management and Use Authority, but historical inheritance transfers, informal family agreements, and land sold before full digital registration mean that title problems still surface regularly — particularly on older parcels and inherited land. A UPI number and registered owner check is not a formality here; it's the single check most likely to catch a real problem before it becomes your problem.

## The due diligence process

1. Document collection — title deed, UPI number, and any documents the seller has provided.
2. Registry verification — confirming the registered owner and parcel status with the Land Management and Use Authority.
3. Dispute and encumbrance check — confirming there's no unresolved claim against the parcel.
4. Physical site visit — a boundary walk to confirm the land matches the title.
5. Written report — a clear summary of what we found, in plain language, with any issues flagged explicitly rather than buried in legal terminology.

## Red flags due diligence is designed to catch

Red flag | What it can mean
--- | ---
Seller can't produce a UPI number | Title may not be properly registered
Registered owner's name doesn't match the seller | Seller may not have legal authority to sell
Physical boundaries don't match the title description | You may not receive the land you think you're buying
Family members haven't signed off on an inherited property | Risk of a future ownership dispute
Price significantly below comparable sales | Sometimes legitimate, sometimes a sign of an undisclosed problem

For a longer list, see our guide on red flags when buying property in Rwanda.

## Due diligence as part of a purchase, or as a standalone service

If you're buying through us, due diligence is built into our buy property process at no separate cost. If you've found a property independently — through another agent, a private seller, or a family connection — you can request due diligence as a standalone service before you pay anything.

Request due diligence on a specific property, or read our detailed guides on title verification and sale agreement review.

FAQ

## Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does due diligence check?

The registered owner's identity, the UPI (Unique Parcel Identification) number, whether the parcel has any recorded disputes or encumbrances, and whether the physical boundaries on the ground match the title documents.

How long does due diligence take?

Typically 2 to 5 business days depending on document availability and whether a physical site visit is required, though straightforward cases can move faster.

Can you do due diligence on a property I haven't bought through you?

Yes — this is one of our most common standalone requests. See request due diligence to get started.

What happens if you find a problem with the title?

We tell you immediately, in writing, with what the specific issue is and — where possible — what would need to happen to resolve it. The decision to proceed, renegotiate, or walk away is yours, but you'll make it with full information.

Is due diligence only about the title, or does it cover the sale agreement too?

Both. Title and ownership verification confirm what you're buying is real and unencumbered; sale agreement review confirms the contract itself protects you. See our dedicated sale agreement review page for that half of the process.

## Found a property elsewhere and want it checked?

We can review a property you found through another agent or seller — independently, before you pay anything.

Request Due Diligence