Protect yourself when buying, renting, or selling property across East Africa. Read these tips before every transaction.
Always verify ownership documents before making any payment. Ask for the title deed, land certificate, or tenancy agreement and cross-check with the relevant government office.
Meet in a public place first. Before visiting a property, meet the seller in a café, mall, or public office. Never go alone to an unfamiliar location.
Never pay before viewing. Any seller asking for money before you've physically seen the property is a red flag. Rova recommends viewing in person first.
Use a lawyer for title deed transfers. Always engage a licensed advocate to handle conveyancing. This protects you from fraudulent title transfers.
Check the seller's verification badge. Look for the Trusted Agent (🏆) or Verified (✅) badge on every listing. These sellers have passed Rova's ID and document verification.
Ask for a receipted payment. All payments should come with official receipts on company letterhead. Keep copies of all financial transactions.
Get verified before listing. Verified and Trusted Agent sellers receive significantly more inquiries and buyer trust. Apply free at rovamarketplace.com/verified.
Only share your WhatsApp during official inquiry. Don't post your full phone number publicly on social media alongside listing links — use the Rova inquiry system.
Beware of fake buyers. If a "buyer" sends you money first and then asks you to refund the difference, it's a scam. Legitimate buyers don't overpay.
Confirm identity of serious buyers. Before handing over keys or title documents, verify the buyer's ID and ensure all payments clear your bank account.
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