How do I create an account?
Click the "Sign In" button in the top right corner, then click "Register here". You can sign up with Email & Password or with Google for one-click signup. You will be asked to select your account type (Buyer or Seller). You can change this later in Settings.
How do I list a property for sale?
Log into your account, make sure you are in Seller Mode (check Settings), go to your Dashboard, fill out the "List a New Property" form, paste your Google Photos image links (one per line), and click Submit for Admin Approval. Your listing will be reviewed within 24-48 hours.
Note: Only use direct image links from Google Photos (ending in .jpg or containing lh3.googleusercontent.com). Share links (photos.app.goo.gl) will not work.
How do I edit or delete my listing?
From your Dashboard, find the listing you want to modify. Click Edit to change details (your listing will go back to pending status for admin review). Click Delete to permanently remove the listing (this action cannot be undone).
Can foreigners buy property in Rwanda?
Yes! Foreigners can buy property in Rwanda through a 99-year emphyteutic lease. This lease is renewable and functions effectively as ownership.
Key points:
- Duration: 99 years, renewable
- The lease can be sold, transferred, or mortgaged
- Your children can inherit the lease
- You pay annual ground rent (usually a small amount)
⚠️ Always conduct a title search on Irembo (25,000 RWF) before purchasing.
For investments exceeding $50,000 USD, you may qualify for an Investor Permit (V5). Consult RDB for current thresholds.
What is a 99-year emphyteutic lease?
The 99-year emphyteutic lease is the standard legal framework for foreign property ownership in Rwanda. Think of it as "virtual ownership."
- Duration: 99 years from the date of registration
- Renewable: Typically for another 99 years
- Transferable: You may sell, gift, or mortgage the lease
- Inheritable: Your heirs may inherit the lease
- Annual ground rent: A nominal fee paid to the government
Difference from freehold:
- Freehold: Full ownership (Rwandan citizens only)
- Emphyteutic lease: 99-year renewable lease (available to foreigners and citizens)
How do I verify a property's title?
Use the official Irembo platform:
- Go to irembo.gov.rw
- Navigate to "Land Administration"
- Select "Land Title Search"
- Enter the property's title number
- Pay 25,000 RWF
- Download the title certificate
The search reveals:
- Current owner's name
- Property boundaries and size
- Any mortgages, liens, or encumbrances
- Lease expiration date (if applicable)
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Never send money before verifying the title. If a seller cannot provide a title number, DO NOT PROCEED.
Do I need a notary to buy property?
YES. A notary is REQUIRED for legal property transfers in Rwanda.
Notary fees typically range from 0.1% to 0.5% of the property value.
What the notary does:
- Verifies identification of both buyer and seller
- Confirms the title is clear
- Drafts the sales agreement
- Registers the transfer with the Land Authority
- Pays government registration fees on your behalf
⚠️ Never complete a private sale without a notary. Unregistered transfers are NOT legally recognized.
How much does it cost to list a property?
Listing on UbwiruHomes is currently FREE! There are no upfront fees to list your property.
Future premium features (such as promoted listings or featured placement) may have fees, but basic listings will always remain free.
How long does admin approval take?
Typically 24 to 48 hours. Our admin team reviews each listing to verify the property information is accurate, photos are appropriate, and the title can be verified.
You will receive an email notification when your listing is approved or rejected. If rejected, the admin will provide notes explaining why. You can then edit and resubmit.
What documents should I prepare as a seller?
To successfully sell your property, you should have the following documents ready:
- Original land title deed
- Tax clearance certificate from RRA
- Valid ID (passport for foreigners, national ID for citizens)
- Property survey/map (if available)
- Proof of land tax payments
- If selling a 99-year lease, the original lease agreement
Uploading these documents through our document verification system builds trust with potential buyers and can speed up the sale process.
What taxes do I pay when buying property?
When buying:
- Title search: 25,000 RWF
- Notary fees: 0.1% - 0.5% of property value
- Registration fees: approximately 1-2% of value
- Stamp duty: varies by property type
Annual costs after purchase:
- Property tax (paid to RRA annually)
- Ground rent for leasehold properties
When selling:
- Capital gains tax: 0% for primary residence after 5 years
- Capital gains tax: up to 30% for investment properties sold quickly
Official resource: rra.gov.rw
Is UbwiruHomes responsible for property transactions?
NO. UbwiruHomes is a listing platform only. We are NOT a party to any transaction between buyers and sellers.
Our role is to:
- Provide a platform for sellers to list properties
- Verify user identities and professional credentials
- Facilitate communication between buyers and sellers
- Provide tools for due diligence (title verification, document uploads)
We do NOT:
- Handle payments or escrow
- Guarantee property titles or conditions
- Act as a real estate agent or broker
- Mediate disputes between users
- Take responsibility for transactions
Buyers and sellers are solely responsible for their own due diligence and transactions.
What visa do I need to move to Rwanda?
It depends on your purpose:
- Work: Class G Work Permit (employer-sponsored, valid 2-3 years)
- Investment: Investor Permit (V5) - includes work authorization, requires meeting RDB investment thresholds
- Study: Student Visa
- Tourism/Business exploration: Business Visa (V3) - 30 days
- Rwandan diaspora returning home: No visa needed
Processing times: 2-6 weeks for work permits, 1-7 days for student visas.
Official resource: migration.gov.rw
Can I start a business in Rwanda as a foreigner?
YES! Rwanda allows 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors.
Registration process via RDB:
- Register company name online
- Submit articles of incorporation
- Obtain a tax identification number (TIN)
- Register for VAT if applicable
- Obtain an operating license
Time required: 3 to 6 hours via the RDB online portal
Cost: Approximately 50,000 to 100,000 RWF
Official resource: rdb.rw
How can I avoid real estate scams?
⚠️ RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:
- Seller pressures for a deposit before title verification
- Seller cannot provide a title number for Irembo search
- Price is significantly below market value ("too good to be true")
- Seller refuses to meet in person or show the property
- Requests for payment via non-traceable methods (cash, wire transfer to personal account)
- Unlicensed notary or agent
- Always conduct an Irembo title search (25,000 RWF) before sending any money
- Only work with verified professionals (look for the green trust badge)
- Use a licensed notary for all property transfers
- Never pay more than a 10% reservation deposit
- Get everything in writing
- Verify notary licenses on the Ministry of Justice list
What should I do if I suspect a scam?
If you suspect a fraudulent listing or scammer:
- STOP all communication with the suspected scammer immediately
- DO NOT send any money under any circumstances
- REPORT the listing to UbwiruHomes admin at admin@ubwiruhomes.com
- REPORT to authorities: Contact Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) or Rwanda National Police
- SAVE all evidence: Screenshots of conversations, emails, payment requests, phone numbers
UbwiruHomes will investigate and immediately remove any fraudulent listings. We also share information with law enforcement to help protect other users.
Disclaimer - Important Legal Notice
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this FAQ page and throughout UbwiruHomes is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws, tax laws, and immigration regulations in Rwanda are subject to change. You should consult with a licensed Rwandan attorney, notary, or other qualified professional for advice regarding your individual situation. UbwiruHomes is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Your use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Still have questions?
Uri, our AI assistant, is available 24/7 to help with general questions about Rwandan real estate, visas, and using the website.
⚠️ Remember: Uri provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
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