As the real estate market in Kenya continues to evolve, investors are constantly seeking avenues to maximize their returns and secure promising investment opportunities. Diving into 2024, Eden Heights can see some emerging trends that present exciting opportunities for both local and international investors. If you are interested in exploring the exciting possibilities of real estate investment, from premium off-plan properties to choice plots of land, Eden Heights Realty is a valuable resource. You can confidently enter the off-plan market and unlock the potential for significant returns on your investment.
1. Increasing Off-Plan Opportunities: Off-plan property purchases have gained significant traction in Kenya’s real estate market in recent years, offering investors the chance to secure properties at pre-construction prices. This trend has gained momentum in recent years, driven by factors such as urbanisation, population growth, and increasing demand for affordable housing solutions. “Our core business is of course within Nairobi,” says Vinod (Vini) Shamji, Managing Director of Eden Heights, “but we are trying to see how we can go out of Nairobi and see what we can sell off-plan, or assist in a way, design-wise or put something up.” In 2024, this trend is expected to continue, with developers increasingly offering off-plan opportunities to buyers. These projects often provide attractive payment plans, allowing investors to spread payments over the construction period, making it an enticing option for those seeking long-term investment prospects.
2. The Rise of Nairobi Suburbs: Nairobi’s suburbs have seen remarkable growth and development, attracting investors seeking affordable options with great potential to appreciate. With improved infrastructure, amenities, and security measures, areas outside of Nairobi – such as Mlolongo, Syokimau, and Kitengela – have become hotspots for real estate investment. “There’s a lot of development coming up with the bigger chunks of land; 200-300 units or townhouses,” says Vini, noting that Tilisi and Tatu City are offering “more of a community living atmosphere.” As demand for housing in these areas continues to surge, Eden Heights is focusing on high-quality residential and commercial projects to meet the growing needs of urban dwellers.
3. Holiday Homes in Key Areas Throughout the Country: In 2024, we’re witnessing a rise in demand for holiday homes in key areas throughout the country, including coastal towns like Mombasa, Nyali, and Diani, as well as scenic locations in the Rift Valley and Mount Kenya region. “Naivasha is picking up in holiday homes,” Vini acknowledges, adding that Nanyuki too is rapidly growing in the rise of holiday homes. Investors are capitalising on this trend by investing in vacation properties, which offer not only potential rental income but also personal enjoyment for themselves and their families. “It’s typically not the Mombasa people that are investing. It is typically the Nairobians because they want that coastal life,” says Vini. “There’s a new express highway which is coming from Mombasa all the way to Lamu. So, you know, Kilifi, Vipingo, that area, there’ll be a lot of growth.” These trends present diverse opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on Kenya’s dynamic real estate market, and now is an opportune time to explore the exciting prospects available in the real estate sector.
4. Subdivision of Large Plots: Large plot owners in Kenya are increasingly subdividing their land, allowing them to sell the land in smaller, more affordable pieces. Vini notes the benefit to large land owners, who can reach a wider buyer pool and maximise the total value received compared to selling one large plot. This trend also has benefits for investors, particularly those with smaller budgets to participate in the market. By purchasing smaller plots, investors can enter the market at a lower cost while still benefiting from the appreciation of land value over time, Vini explains.
5. Opportunities for Smaller Investors: As mentioned above, subdividing of large land plots has lead to increased opportunities for those with smaller budgets, a trend we see across the market this year. Off-plan properties, in particular, offers several distinct advantages. Firstly, they are an opportunity to purchase properties at pre-construction prices, often at a significant discount compared to the market value upon completion. For example, “buying a studio for 2.5 million,” explains Vini, “you don’t need to have a huge deposit. Even if it’s 10%, which is 250,000, you can still buy and then the rest is on mortgage.” This allows investors to leverage their capital more effectively and potentially realize higher returns on investment. Additionally, off-plan purchases typically come with flexible payment plans, enabling investors to spread payments over the construction period, thus reducing the financial burden of upfront costs. The “standard interest rate is 14%, but within this cap, less than KSh. 5 million or less than KSh. 8 million borrowing, [the interest] will be at 9%. So, it’s benefiting, as well, the person who is actually taking the mortgage and investing in property,” says Vini.
The Kenyan real estate market in 2024 offers a variety of profitable opportunities. With its potential for attractive returns, customization options, and flexible payment plans, off-plan investing offers a strategic approach to building wealth and diversifying investment portfolios. However, it is essential for investors to conduct thorough due diligence, mitigate risks, and stay informed about emerging trends to capitalize on the full potential of off-plan investments. At Eden Heights Real Estate Agency, we are committed to empowering investors with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the off-plan property market successfully and achieve their investment goals.
Contact us to learn more about real estate investment, and to connect with an experienced agent who will help you find the perfect property! +254 721 700 363 | adam@edenheightsrealty.com