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377 articles in Property Guides · page 1 of 32
Being a Landlord in Kenya: What Does It Really Take to Manage a Rental Property?
Being a landlord comes with responsibilities that can easily be overlooked when you are thinking about the income. A rental property needs regular attention, even when everything seems to be working well. You should also plan for vacant periods. A property that earns KSh30,000 per month does not necessarily mean you will receive KSh360,000 every year. Owning rental property can provide a regular income and help you build long-term wealth. But the returns depend on more than the location of the property or how much rent you charge. Rental income is often seen as one of the benefits of investing in property. Buy an apartment, find a tenant, collect rent every month and let the property pay for itself. It sounds straightforwar
Buying Land in Kenya? What Makes a Piece of Land a Good Investment?
People buy land for different reasons. A plot may be affordable, have an attractive location or even be in an area expected to grow, but does that mean it is worth buying? Before buying, confirm the permitted land use with the relevant county government. Find out whether residential, commercial, agricultural or mixed-use development is allowed. Land can increase in value over time, but appreciation is not guaranteed. Some areas take longer to develop than expected, and finding a buyer when you want to sell may not be as easy as you think. Is buying land always a good investment? It is a question worth asking, especially when you consider how much value we place on owning a piece of la
Why Are Some Commercial Buildings Struggling to Attract Tenants?
The commercial property market is changing, and what businesses look for in a workspace or retail location is not necessarily the same as it was a few years ago. According to Cytonn Research's Q3 2026 Markets Review, Nairobi Metropolitan Area had an estimated office space oversupply of 3.4 million square feet. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, some businesses have adopted hybrid working arrangements, allowing employees to work partly from home and partly from the office. Take a drive through parts of Nairobi, and you'll notice something interesting. New office blocks, shopping centres and commercial developments continue to shape the city's skyline. But alongside these developments, some buildings still have vacant offices and shops, with spaces advertised for rent for months.
Before a Building Goes Up: Who Is Responsible for Making Sure It Is Safe?
Plans have to be drawn, approvals obtained, materials sourced and construction work carried out. Developing property is not just about putting up a building and finding buyers or tenants. It also means ensuring that the project meets the required building standards. Buildings need regular maintenance and inspections, even after people have moved in. The Eastleigh tragedy has reminded us why this question matters. The recent building collapse in Eastleigh has raised an important question about construction and building safety in Kenya: Who makes sure a building is safe before people move in? When we look at a completed building, we often focus on its design, location, space and finishes. But
What Is Offtake in Real Estate, and Why Does It Matter in Affordable Housing?
When we talk about affordable housing, much of the conversation focuses on how many homes can be built and how much they will cost. But there is another question worth asking: who will buy these homes once they are ready? For a property developer, completing a housing project is only part of the job. The money invested in construction still needs to be recovered, loans need to be repaid, and contractors need to be paid. If selling the homes takes longer than expected, the developer can find themselves under financial pressure. This is one reason offtake agreements matter, particularly when private developers partner with the government to deliver affordable housing. But what exactly is offtake, how does it work, and what happens when things do not go according to plan? READ ALSO :
Buying Property in Kenya? Why the Neighbourhood Matters as Much as the House
You do not want to move into your dream home only to discover that getting to work is a daily struggle. Think about the places you visit regularly and how easily you can get to them from the property. Visit at different times of the day and pay attention to things such as street lighting, security arrangements, noise and the general condition of the surrounding area. Finding the right home is not just about the house itself. It is about finding a place where your everyday life works, too. You have found a house you love. The kitchen is just right, there is enough space for everyone, and you can already picture yourself settling in. You might even be mentally arranging the furniture. But wait
How to Find Your Dream Home in Kenya: 8 Things to Look For
The truth is, your dream home does not have to be the biggest house, the newest apartment or the property with the most impressive finishes. Before falling in love with a property, be clear about your budget. It is easy to get distracted by beautiful kitchens, balconies and fancy finishes when viewing a property. The right home is one that meets your most important needs, fits your budget and gives you the comfort and convenience you are looking for. Finding your dream home sounds exciting until you actually start looking. One property has the space you want but is too far from work. Another is in a great location but stretches your budget. Then there is the house that looks perfect in photos but feels comple
Why Are Mortgage Rates Higher in Kenya Than in the USA?
Why does a country with a much larger economy like the USA have lower mortgage rates than Kenya The CBK's policy rate also influences borrowing costs across the economy. In the USA, lenders can sell many eligible mortgages into financial markets, including through mortgage-backed securities. If you are planning to buy a home, waiting for interest rates to fall may seem like the obvious choice. But there is no certainty about when rates will decline or by how much. Mortgage interest rates in Kenya averaged 14.9% in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). In the USA, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was 7.40% on 8 October 2026. That is a significant difference. And it
Kenya’s Middle-Class Housing: Why Affordable Homes Remain a Challenge
There is strong demand for homes, but for many middle-income Kenyans, finding a home they can comfortably afford remains difficult. According to industry players, this is pushing more developers to focus on residential housing while paying closer attention to the needs of the growing middle class. Higher interest rates mean higher borrowing costs. For someone taking a large loan over many years, even a small change in the interest rate can make a significant difference to the total amount they eventually pay. Making middle-class housing more affordable will require more than simply building more homes. Kenya’s housing market has a growing gap. There is strong demand for homes, but for
Kenya’s New Infrastructure Fund: Which Property Markets Could Benefit?
The government’s new KSh340 billion National Infrastructure Fund has added another development to watch. Businesses move into the area, creating jobs and attracting people looking for places to live. For investors, the opportunity may lie in homes that meet the needs of people who work in Nairobi but cannot comfortably afford to live closer to the city centre. If you are looking for a home, focus on a location that works for your budget, commute and ever Have you ever wondered why a piece of land that was once considered too far from town suddenly becomes more expensive a few years later? Sometimes, it has to do with what is happening around it. A new road makes the commute easier. A r
Is Now a Good Time to Buy Property in Kenya?
The economy is changing. Interest rates have come down from where they were a year ago, but the cost of living remains high. Kenya's economic outlook is not all negative. Borrowing may be more predictable, but everyday expenses are still putting pressure on household budgets. Ultimately, the best time to buy is not when the headlines say the market is perfect.It is when the property, the price and your finances make sense together. If you have been thinking about buying property in Kenya, you may be wondering whether now is the right time. The economy is changing. Interest rates have come down from where they were a year ago, but the cost of living remains high. At the same time, Kenya is he
Kenya’s Middle-Class Housing: Why Affordable Homes Remain a Challenge
Kenya’s middle class is expected to grow as the economy expands. And as more people earn more, the need for decent housing is likely to grow too. But there is a difference between wanting a home and being able to afford one. Making middle-class housing more affordable will require more than simply building more homes.First, access to affordable mortgages needs to improve. Kenya’s housing market has a growing gap. There is strong demand for homes, but for many middle-income Kenyans, finding a home they can comfortably afford remains difficult. Developers are also feeling the pressure as they look for financing and try to understand what buyers actually need. According to industry players, this is pushing more developers to fo