Property Advice
Advice on buying, renting and selling property in Kenya, plus neighbourhood guides, decor ideas and market news.
Being a Landlord in Kenya: What Does It Really Take to Manage a Rental Property?
Buying Land in Kenya? What Makes a Piece of Land a Good Investment?
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602 articles · page 5 of 51
BuyRentKenya Returns as a Partner for the 6th Edition of the Luxury Living & Design Expo(LLDE)
Taking place from 31st July to 2nd August 2026 at the Village Market Rooftop, LLDE brings together some of the region’s leading names in real estate . Whether you’re looking to exhibit your brand, discover the latest industry trends, explore investment opportunities or gather ideas for your next project, the expo offers something for everyone. Hosted by BuyRentKenya, the Ownership 360 talk will bring together leading industry experts to discuss some of the most important topics shaping Kenya’s real estate market. East Africa’s premier property, architecture and design event is back, and BuyRentKenya is proud to once again partner with Village Market for the 6th Edition of the Luxury Living & Design Expo (LLDE). Taking place from 31st July to 2nd August 2026 at the Village
Buying Land or Taking a Mortgage: Which Path to Homeownership Makes More Sense Today?
A few years ago, buying land and building over time seemed like the obvious choice for many people. But buying land doesn’t automatically make the journey to homeownership easier. On the other hand, a mortgage comes with interest, meaning you’ll likely pay more than the property’s purchase price over the life of the loan. For some people, buying land and building gradually will always be the dream. For others, a mortgage offers a practical way to own a home without waiting years for construction to be completed. If you ask ten Kenyans how to become a homeowner, chances are you’ll get two very different answers. The first group will tell you to buy land. Build when you can, avoid bank loans and, before you know it, you’ll have a home t
Does a New Road Really Increase Property Value?
Over the years, major infrastructure projects such as the Thika Superhighway, the Nairobi Expressway and Nairobi’s bypasses have transformed how people live, work and commute. As more people move in, businesses follow. Developers respond by building homes, retail centres and other amenities to meet the growing demand. Market reports from BuyRentKenya have also consistently identified infrastructure as one of the key factors influencing land performance. When buying land, we often hear the same advice: “Buy this land now. Just wait until they develop this area.” For many property buyers, especially those investing in satellite towns and emerging urban centres, that promise is enough to influence a purchase. The thinking is simpl
Why Most Kenyans Fear Mortgages (And Whether They Should)
For many Kenyans, mortgages have become synonymous with financial risk. Many aspiring homeowners simply assume a mortgage is out of reach before they have even explored their options. Financial institutions typically have structured processes that include reminders, discussions with borrowers and, where possible, loan restructuring before taking legal action. Homeownership should provide stability, not become a constant source of financial stress. Mention the word mortgage in a conversation, and chances are you’ll get one of two reactions: “I’d rather build slowly than owe a bank for 20 years,” or “Banks are just waiting to auction your house.” For many Kenyans, mortgages have become synonymous with financial risk. The idea
Stalled Housing Projects: How to Spot the Warning Signs Before You Buy
According to recent news reports, Members of Parliament have summoned the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development over concerns about stalled housing projects across the country. While the discussion has largely centred on government-backed developments, it raises an important question: How does a housing project end up stalling in the first place? The reality is that stalled projects are not unique to the public sector. Private developments can also experience delays, and in some cases, construction comes to a complete halt. For anyone looking to buy a home or invest in property, understanding why this happens can help you make more informed decisions before committing your hard-earned money. So, what exactly is a stalled housing project? When people hear the term “stalled
If Many Kenyans Can’t Afford Homes, Who Is Buying Them?
Over the years, property prices have risen much faster than incomes. Like any other market, real estate follows demand. But more importantly, it follows people who have the financial ability to buy. Building a housing project requires significant capital, and developers naturally focus on markets where buyers are able to purchase. As we celebrate investment and growth, we must also ask whether enough is being done to make homeownership more accessible for ordinary Kenyans. Earlier this year, I wrote an article titled ‘ Why Kenya’s Real Estate Is So Expensive (And Where It Ranks) ’, where I explored why owning a home feels increasingly out of reach for many Kenyans. Contrary to popular belief, Kenya isn’t necessarily the most expensive real estate market in East Africa. The bigger
Open Kitchens Are Everywhere. But Why?
Whether it’s a new apartment in Kilimani, a townhouse in Syokimau or a family home being built from scratch, there’s a good chance the kitchen opens straight into the living room. For anyone living in an apartment where every square metre counts, that can make a huge difference. The kitchen is no longer seen as a room where one person disappears to prepare meals while everyone else carries on elsewhere. It’s become part of everyday life. If you’re buying, building or renovating, don’t be swayed by what’s fashionable alone. Ask yourself how you actually live. If you’ve been house hunting recently, you’ve probably noticed something. Whether it’s a new apartment in Kilimani, a townhouse in Syokimau or a family home being b
The History of Land Leases in Kenya: From Communal Ownership to 99-Year Leases
Land ownership systems existed in Kenya long before colonialism. It just looked very different from the systems we know today . Before the arrival of colonial rule, land was largely communal. It belonged to clans, families, or entire communities rather than individual people. One of the most significant changes introduced during the colonial period was leasehold tenure. Over time, the government moved away from issuing 999-year leases and adopted 99-year leases as the standard for most leasehold properties. The recent conversations around freehold and leasehold land ownership have left many Kenyans asking questions. What exactly is a leasehold title? Why do some properties have a 99-year lease? And where did these systems come from in the first place? To understand the answ
Freehold vs Leasehold: The Land Ownership Debate That Got Kenyans Talking
Most people only start paying attention to land tenure when they’re buying property, inheriting family land, or when a headline like this starts making rounds online . In simple terms, freehold land is land that you own indefinitely. For many Kenyans, freehold ownership represents permanence. With leasehold land, you have ownership rights for a specified period of time. In Kenya, this is often 99 years, although shorter lease periods also exist. Whether the recent claims were based on fact or misinformation, they succeeded in bringing an important conversation to the forefront. For the past few weeks, if you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably come across conversations about freehold and leasehold land. The discussion picked up after claims
How AI Is Quietly Changing Property Search in Kenya
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is quietly changing the way people search for property. Property seekers today have very different expectations compared to even a few years ago. People are no longer just looking for listings. They are looking for experiences that help them find the right property faster and with greater confidence. A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of attending the East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit. As expected, there were plenty of conversations around investment opportunities, market trends, and the future of real estate in the region. One discussion, however, stood out. It was a conversation about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is quietly changing the way people search for property.
Are Nairobi’s Prime Neighbourhoods Losing Their Charm?
Nairobi’s population has grown significantly over the years. From a developer’s perspective, the math is straightforward. A plot that once housed a single family can now accommodate dozens of apartments. Growth should improve a neighbourhood, not diminish what made it attractive in the first place. As we continue building higher and denser, it’s worth asking whether we’re creating neighbourhoods people genuinely want to live in. Growing up, one of my favourite places to visit was Westlands. Back then, going to Westlands felt like a treat. Sarit Centre was the mall. The roads were quieter, there were trees everywhere, and the area had a certain charm about it. Most of the buildings weren’t particularly tall, and it wasn’t u
Kikuyu Neighbourhood Guide 2026: Why More Nairobians Are Moving West
Kikuyu has quietly become one of the most sought-after satellite towns around Nairobi. Located approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre, the area offers a blend of affordability, accessibility, quality social amenities, and growing investment potential that continues to attract families, professionals, and first-time homebuyers. Unlike some rapidly growing satellite towns that are still developing their social infrastructure, Kikuyu benefits from established schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centres, and transport networks. Combined with its proximity to Nairobi and improving road infrastructure, the town has emerged as one of the strongest residential and investment locations in Kiambu County. Whether you’re considering buying a home, investing in land, or relocating from Nairobi, here’s what you need to know about living in Kikuyu in 2026.