Real Estate News
The latest real estate news for the Kenyan market.
A Fresh New Experience for Your Next Move: The New BuyRentKenya Is Here
Can Landlords Ask for Proof of Income Before Renting You a House? What Kenyan Tenants Need to Know
Stability or Stagnation? What the CBK’s 8.75% Rate Hold Means for Kenyan Homebuyers
Subscribe to our newsletter
Expert property news, straight to your inbox.
Browse by category or keyword
All Real Estate News articles
139 articles in Real Estate News · page 4 of 12
KRA Launches New System to Make Tax Filing Easier for Landlords
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has unveiled a new digital platform aimed at making it easier for landlords to file and pay rental income tax. The tool, known as the Electronic Rental Income Tax System (eRITS) , is part of a broader initiative to modernize tax services and encourage more voluntary compliance among property owners. eRITS is built on the government’s Enterprise Integration Platform , called Gava Connect , which allows seamless integration with other systems. READ ALSO : Rental Income Tax in Kenya – New Regulations 2024 This means landlords can now access tax services directly through the eCitizen platform or connect their systems through the Gava Connect API .
Could Fractional Ownership Be Kenya’s Next Real Estate Innovation?
In the world of real estate, owning property has long been seen as one of the most reliable paths to wealth. But for many Kenyans, especially young professionals and first-time investors, the high cost of entry into the property market can make homeownership feel like a distant dream. That might be about to change, with a little inspiration from Dubai. According to The Dubai Nomad , the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has just rolled out a bold initiative called the Real Estate Tokenisation Project , allowing multiple people to co-own a property through what’s known as fractional ownership . This is made possible by converting real estate assets into digita
Win for Real Estate Investors Against Off-Plan Developer Defaulters
In a landmark ruling, the High Court ruled in favor of real estate investors whose developer, VK Construction Limited for delaying possession of their off-plan apartment. The court found that the developer had breached the terms of the sale agreement by failing to complete the apartment within the agreed timelines, not meeting the quality standards, and refusing to grant possession to the buyers when requested. READ ALSO : Why Are Kenyans Shying Away from Buying Off-Plan Houses? The plaintiffs, Nizarali Pradhan Sumar and Shehnaz Nizarali Sumar, filed the case in 2019 after purchasing an apartment in a development comprising 32 four-bedroom apartments. They had signed a sale agreement on April 23, 2015, with an agreed purchase price of Kshs. 18,800,000. However, they ended up paying a total of Kshs. 18,860,000. Upon inspecting the
CEO Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Costabir Featured on NTV’s Property Focus – Inspiring Women in Real Estate
On March 7, 2025, Women in Real Estate (WIRE) gathered for the Annual Legends and Leaders AGM to discuss the evolving role of women in the industry. During a special prime-time interview for NTV’s Property Focus , hosted by Peter Ngigi, Lizzie Costabir , CEO of BuyRentKenya , shared her inspiring journey in real estate and her experiences as a female leader in the sector. Having led BuyRentKenya for nearly eight years, starting out as a Marketing Manager, Lizzie emphasised the importance of women supporting each other in the industry. She highlighted the key factors that contributed to her success: “What has helped me get here is breaking barriers—walking into boardrooms, studying real estate, networking with industry peers, joining associations like WIRE, participating in panel discussions and webinars, and embracing thought l
Women in Real Estate: Breaking Barriers in Kenya’s Property Market
This International Women’s Day, we honour the trailblazing women transforming Kenya’s real estate industry. For decades, real estate has been a male-dominated field, with men leading most major developments, construction projects, and property firms. When people think of industry leaders, they often picture men in boardrooms, making million-dollar deals, or overseeing large-scale developments. However, this narrative is changing as women are making significant strides in real estate, breaking barriers, and proving that success in the industry isn’t defined by gender. Table of Contents Trailblazing Women Leading the Industry Elizabeth Costabir – CEO of BuyRentKenya
Did Kenya’s State House Need a Makeover?
Nairobi is home to several historic buildings that serve as reminders of its rich colonial and post-colonial heritage. Among these historic structures, one stands out, not just for its past but also for its recent transformation: the State House. One of the most striking modifications is the shift from the original red-tiled, colonial-era roof to a sleek, modern flat white roof. Nairobi is home to several historic buildings that serve as reminders of its rich colonial and post-colonial heritage. These structures are not just visually striking; they tell the story of a city that has evolved while still preserving pieces of its past. If you take a moment to observe them, you might feel as though you’ve been transported to a street in London. That’s no coincidence, Nairobi was designed with London’s urban layout in mind. A quick look at ph
CS Wahome: Housing Levy Funds Construction, But Home Ownership Not Assured
CS Wahome clarified that contributions to the housing levy do not guarantee home ownership . The housing levy, introduced as part of the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, requires a percentage deduction from salaried workers to fund the construction of low-cost housing units across the country. Economic analysts suggest that while the levy may help bridge Kenya’s housing deficit, the government must outline a structured financing model to ensure affordability for ordinary citizens The government’s Affordable Housing Programme has come under fresh scrutiny following remarks by Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, Alice Wahome. Speaking during an interview on NTV’s Fixing the Nation , CS Wahome clarified that contributions to the housing levy do not guarantee home ownership, a statemen
KUSCCO Scandal: KSh 12B Fraud Puts SACCO Housing at Risk
A forensic audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has uncovered widespread fraud. One of the most alarming findings in the report is that financial statements were signed by a deceased auditor, indicating clear evidence of forgery. Beyond the immediate financial crisis, this scandal poses a significant threat to SACCO members who rely on KUSCCO’s housing arm for home financing. The Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO), a key player in SACCO-backed homeownership initiatives, is at the centre of a financial scandal that has sent shockwaves across the cooperative sector. A forensic audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has uncovered widespread fraud, including document forgery and financial misstatements, with losses exceeding KSh 12 billion. One of the most alarming
Why Are Homeownership Rates Dropping in Urban Areas Compared to Rural Areas in Kenya?
Owning a home is a big deal. According to the Kenya Housing Survey 2023-2024, homeownership rates have dropped from 64% in 2013 to 61% in 2024. Urban real estate prices in Kenya have skyrocketed in recent years. Policymakers and developers must work towards making homeownership more accessible in urban areas . Owning a home is a big deal. In both past and present societies, it has been a symbol of stability in every sense. A home represents permanence, which is often equated with security. It’s also a strong indicator of financial stability, given that buying or building a home is no small investment. Over the years, we’ve seen new homes springing up, a clear evidence of growth. However, a recent survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals a different trend: homeownership rates in urban a
How Urbanisation is Redefining Housing in Kenya
Kenya is growing and changing fast. In the past, many Kenyans lived in standalone houses surrounded by large plots of land. This rapid growth has caused a housing shortage, with a deficit of around 2 million units, increasing by about 200,000 units every year. As Nairobi and other cities continue to grow, blending modern apartment living with smart, sustainable development will be key to building a better future for all Kenyans. Kenya is growing and changing fast. The way people live today is very different from how they lived in the past. Urbanisation, the movement of people from rural areas to cities, is transforming the housing market, pushing more people towards apartment living. Table of Contents
Celebrating a Decade of Excellence: Elizabeth Costabir’s 10-Year Journey at BuyRentKenya
Table of Contents A Milestone Worth Celebrating From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership Revolutionizing Kenya’s Property Market What Drives Her Passion? A Team That Made It Possible The Future of BuyRentKenya: A New Era of Innovation A Milestone Worth Celebrating In the fast-paced world of real estate and technology, reaching a decade-long milestone
Eco-Friendly Homes: What Buyers Are Looking For?
29% of home buyers in Africa are now preferring green homes and even willing to pay a premium for them. One of the main things eco-conscious buyers look into when purchasing a home is energy. Saving water will always be a plus in any homestead and it can be super simple with the right systems in place. For developers and sellers, understanding these priorities is essential in meeting the growing demand for green homes. Eco-friendly homes are quickly graining traction and becoming a way of life for a lot of people in the world today. Fuelled mainly by the adverse climate changes and the Covid-19 pandemic, people are now intentionally prioritising wellness and eco-friendly living is one of the main ways to do this. According to a report by Knight Frank, 29% of home buyers in Africa are now preferring green ho