Author: Peris Gachago

  • Best Mortgage Loan Providers in Kenya

    Best Mortgage Loan Providers in Kenya

    Property financing could be the only way to help you become a real estate investor without much turmoil. We all know that investing in real estate requires a lot of money, which you may never be able to save your entire lifetime.

    However, you can invest in property if you have a steady income flow. All you need is select the best mortgage loan provider in Kenya to help you with your financing.

    This guide will help you know the following:

    • Mortgage loan meaning
    • Types of mortgage loans in Kenya
    • How to qualify for a mortgage loan in Kenya
    • 5 best mortgage loan lenders in Kenya

    The best loan providers we will discuss here have helped thousands of investors realize their investment dreams.

    What is a Mortgage Loan?

    A mortgage loan refers to money from financial institutions like Sacco and banks to invest in property or buy a home. In this case, you will get your dream house or invest in real estate. 

    However, the property you buy stands as security against the loan. Therefore, if you skip multiple installments, the lender will repossess the property regardless of how much you’ve paid.

    The more you pay your mortgage loan, the bigger your property equity grows. The good thing is that you can take another loan against the equity and invest in other businesses.

    In addition, you can also make profits if you get someone willing to pay a higher cost for the property. You will accept the offer, pay the mortgage in total, and then pocket the profits. 

    Types of Mortgage Loans in Kenya

    There are two types of mortgage loans in Kenya, fixed-rate and floating rate. The difference comes in the calculation of the interest rates.

    1. Fixed-rate Mortgages

    As the name portrays, these types of mortgages have fixed interest rates regardless of loan market changes. Nothing happens to your overal loan repayment if interest increase or reduces during your repayment period.

    Your only advantage here is when the market interest rates increase since yours will not change. However, if the rates reduce during repayment, you lose the benefits big time.

    1. Floating rate Mortgages

    With this mortgage type, the lender adjusts the interest rates as they change. So if the rates increase or decrease, they adjust your repayment accordingly.

    Your only advantage is when the market rates decrease for a more extended period since you will enjoy a low amount of installments. However, when the rates increase, you will pay higher installments.

    How to Qualify for a Mortgage Loan in Kenya

    To qualify for a mortgage loan in Kenya, you should have the following qualifications.

    • A National ID or Passport
    • A three months payslip
    • Bank statements of at least one year
    • An account with the mortgage loan provider
    • An offer letter from the seller, including the prices
    • A signed mortgage application form
    • Letter from the employer for those employed, including the nature of employment, either permanent and pensionable or contract.

    The 5 Best Mortgage Loan Providers in Kenya

    These financial institutions will help you buy or build your real estate property at affordable rates.

    1. Standard Chartered bank

    The standard chartered bank helps you get several types of mortgages, such as

    • Construction mortgages. This mortgage allows you to build property you like up to your desired standards. The bank disburses this mortgage as the construction takes place. And the good thing is youll pay interest on the disbursed amount.
    • Mortgages to non-residents. If you are out of the country, you can take this type of mortgage to buy a home where you’ll settle when you come back home. This loan takes up to 20 years to repay.
    • Home mortgages. You take this mortgage when you need to buy a complete home. 

    Standard chartered bank gives you up to 25 years to repay your mortgage. The loan amount is up to Ksh. 100 million. The interest rates 

    1. KCB bank Kenya

    The KCB bank’s home loan enables you to buy or build your dream home. The bank also gives you a loan to buy or build commercial property for renting or reselling.

    KCB bank has a property center at Aga Khan Walk, Nairobi, where you can visit to get insights about property buying or building. In addition, they have quarterly property tours in Nairobi and Mombasa metropolitan areas.

    The bank has a developers club where investors meet to exchange valuable ideas in the industry. The membership fee to this club is Ksh. 12,000.

    1. NCBA bank Kenya

    NCBA bank can help you with a property loan up to 105%. This bank has an offer of 11.9% p.a up to December 31, 2022. This is among the cheapest mortgage rates in Kenya in 2022.

    The interest is calculated in reducing balance, fixed in the first three years. You will have up to 25 years to repay your mortgage.

    If you need a loan from this bank, youll fill out an application form and submit it with the requirements. Afterward, if the bank approves your application, they send their property valuer to know the exact price of the real estate.

    1. Absa Bank Kenya

    Absa bank has a wide range of property loans, such as buying or building home loans, equity release loans, remortgages, and loans for buying-to-let properties.

    With re-mortgage, you can transfer a mortgage loan from another bank to Absa at affordable rates.

    Absa offers massive mortgage amounts you can rely on to buy or build your dream home or commercial property. The interest rate is at 14%, but it’s subject to change in the future. Absa gives you a maximum of 25 years to repay your mortgage loan. You can calculate your repayments here.

    1. Equity Bank Group Kenya

    Equity bank of Kenya offers affordable mortgage and equity loans to non-residents. The minimum mortgage is Ksh. 2 million, and there is no maximum. However, the maximum repayment term is 15 years, which is lower than other banks listed above. 

    In addition, Equity gives you up to 80% financing.

    Bottom Line

    Now that you understand more about mortgages, you can make informed decisions when applying for these loans. In addition, it’s essential to have very stable income sources to enable you to pay the mortgage for the required time.

    Navigating the Kenyan real estate market is easier with Property254 as your guide.

    Don’t miss out on expert insights and exclusive opportunities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Is taking a mortgage a good idea?

    Yes. It’s a good idea if you plan accordingly. It can help you possess more in a shorter period. We all know how saving money can be challenging. But with a mortgage, you’ll build equity as you pay the loan. That increases your networth within a short span.

    1. What are the risks of taking mortgages?

    An increase in interest rates can drown you financially if you have taken a floating-rate loan. In addition, you will stay in debt for more extended, and you’ll pay a lot of money as interest.

    1. Can I pay my mortgage early?

    Yes, you can pay your mortgage early. For instance, if you pay an extra installment each year, you’ll reduce the interest, overall loan repayment, and repayment term.

    1. What happens after paying off my mortgage?

    Well, you’ll have a higher networth since you’ll be the sole owner of the property. You don’t have to pay more money to the lender. 

  • Ultimate Guide on How to Increase Rent in Kenya

    Ultimate Guide on How to Increase Rent in Kenya

    Increasing rent for your commercial or residential tenants is tough during harsh economic times. However, everyone is feeling wrath, and we have to survive anyway.

    So, as a landlord, you can increase rent, but you should follow a good procedure that’s friendly to your tenants. Remember, an abrupt rent increment can send away your tenants, increasing the vacancy rate and reducing your returns.

    This guide will show you how to increase rent without violating the tenant’s rights and losing clients. 

    In Kenya, we have the landlord and tenant act that will guide you. As much as rents and property costs are rising, tenants and buyers are protected against short-term rent increments.

    This bill applies to residential and tenancy for business premises. 

    Here is a breakdown of how to increase rent in Kenyan houses. 

    • The landlord and tenant bill
    • Why you should raise the monthly rent 
    • How to calculate rent increment 
    • What to know before rent increment

    The Landlord and Tenant Bill 

    This bill protects both tenants and landlords from misusing each other. For instance, a landlord can only increase rent once per year for residential properties and once in two years for commercial properties. 

    The landlord should also give the tenant written notice of 90 days before increasing the rent. Failure to do that means a tenant can obtain a court order to allow them to stay on the premises until they get somewhere else. 

    The bill also says that a landlord cannot deny tenants water and electricity even after defaulting on rent. 

    Why You Should Increase Rent 

    There are various reasons that trigger landlords should raise the rent.

    1. Market trends 

    As you all know, real estate investment is expensive, and property costs always increase. So, to gain enough cash flow, a landlord should increase the rent. 

    Although the tenants never receive news of rent increments ceremoniously, you should always find a way to increase rent to gain from your investments.

    1. High cost of living 

    Everyone feels the cost of living, whether a tenant or a landlord. The cost of living also increases property prices. In addition, maintenance costs also rise with the cost of living. Therefore, as a landlord, you should increase monthly rent to cope with the current market.

    1. Property improvements 

    Let’s say your rental houses had no ceilings or tiles. Once you renovate to add them, you should raise the rent to cover the new standards. The landlord and tenant bill allows landlords to terminate the tenancy, renovate their buildings, and use them for desired purposes.

    1. Improved neighborhoods 

    As neighborhood standards rise, so should the rent in the area. An improved neighborhood calls for more tenants hence raising the demand. As a result, landlords increase the rent to cover high standards like improved local roads, security, and other social amenities.

    1. Property tax increments 

    Once the government poses more tax on properties, you should increase rent to cover that new expense. 

    How To Calculate Rental Increment In Kenya 

    Rental increment should be a percentage between one and ten of the monthly rent. 

    For example, if you charge a monthly rent of Ksh.5000 and would like to increase it by 4%.

    The rental increment will be:

    4%×5000=200 

    So, the total rent will be 5200.

    After settling on the final rent increment, write a letter to each tenant explaining when the new rent requirements will be effective. You can tell them your reasons for increasing the rent if you wish. But it’s not mandatory. However, to avoid losing tenants, you can reason with them about why you are increasing rent.

    What to Know Before Increasing Rent in Kenya 

    • While thinking of a rent increment, consider abiding by the landlord and tenant act (2021). You should ensure your timeline adheres to that recommended on the bill.
    • Always research market and neighborhood trends before coming up with an increment figure.
    • The property status should match the new rent. Don’t charge more rent for an average-looking house. Instead, renovate before hiking the rent. 

    Summing Up 

    As long as property costs keep skyrocketing, rent will also increase. Therefore, as a landlord, prepare to raise your house rent by a small percentage so that you stay in business. Remember that negative cash flow can result in closing down your real estate business, which is a bad idea.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can a landlord evict me for no reason?

    A landlord should follow eviction procedures as stated in the landlord and tenant bill. However, there are exceptions, like when a tenant fails to pay three consecutive monthly rents or when a tenant violates the law and also damages the property. The landlord should give tenants at least three months’ notice before evicting them.

    1. What happens if a tenant fails to pay a rent increment?

    The best solution is to end their tenancy after the fixed term ends. There is no need to drag each other around.

    1. What happens when a landlord decides to sell their property?

    The tenants can stay. The new owner will carry on with the property management. However, the new landlord can issue an eviction notice of three months if they wish to renovate the houses.

    1. What’s the fair price to increase the rent?

    A percentage of less than 10% of the rent is enough to increase the rent. A bigger percentage can result in a high vacancy rate, which is not a good indication of your returns.

  • Expert Tips and Tricks for Setting Competitive Rental Prices That Attract Tenants

    Expert Tips and Tricks for Setting Competitive Rental Prices That Attract Tenants

    You’ve already bought your buy-to-rent property in one of the thriving Kenyan markets. Now, it’s time to determine the right rent to charge your tenants. The rent you charge your tenants should be a determinant of whether your real estate business will thrive or not. 

    If you are a first-time landlord, ensure you are conversant with the landlord and tenant act (2021) that protects you and the tenant. Alternatively, you can ask your attorney to pinpoint the critical and commonly used rules in real estate developments.

    This guide will take you through the essential factors to consider while setting your rental price for the tenants. 

    Factors to Consider When Determining the Rental Prices in Kenya

    Location/neighborhood

    You’ll agree with me that different locations have different rent standards. Rich and middle-class individuals stay in areas with high-standard houses like gated communities and so forth. For instance, renting in Kileleshwa is different from renting in Mathare. 

    However, your houses should match the standards of the neighboring apartments to compare rent with them. Don’t expect to charge a low-class home like a well-maintained apartment.

    Mortgage monthly installments

    An excellent monthly rental income should cater to all expenses, mortgage, and property insurance. That’s why you should consider your monthly mortgage payments before coming up with rent. 

    From your monthly rental income, 50% should go to property expenses, including insurance, while the other half should pay the mortgage, and the rest is cash flow. 

    While setting up a rent value, ensure you can cater to all those and still have a reliable cash flow to care for emergency needs.

    The landlord and tenant bill

    The landlord and tenant bill (2021) sets clear rules on what landlords should not exceed when determining their monthly rent. This bill also sets standards on how landlords should increase the monthly rent and how they should notify the tenants.

    In terms of rent payment, the Act explains the rights of landlords and tenants as well. 

    Therefore, when setting a rent amount, consider going through this bill or ask your attorney to brief you on what or not to do.

    Cost of maintenance materials

    The cost of living is very high nowadays. And inflation is at its peak. That means that everything, including construction materials, is growing more expensive day by day. As a result, you need a higher monthly rental income to maintain your property to higher standards.

    When setting up your monthly rent, consider the market prices of construction materials.  That will help you factor in those costs to generate a fair monthly rent. Furthermore, the standard of your house determines how much it’s gonna spend during renovations.

    What’s your desired cash flow?

    You are left with cash flow after paying all expenses, including monthly mortgages. If you need a higher cash flow, you need to set a higher rent amount to cater to that. 

    However, cash flow depends much on the rate of occupancy. So, you may get your desired cash flow if the houses are over 90% occupied. 

    A good cash flow ensures you can save some funds for sorting out emergency needs of the property before tenants pay their rent.

    Conclusion

    Owning real estate is one thing and getting the returns is something else. To gain high returns, you should set reasonable rent standards that will bring your more tenants. Remember to research the neighborhood cost of living and the rent standards before settling for a rent amount.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. When should a landlord increase rent?

    Landlords are free to increase rent once per year for residential houses and once in two years for commercial rentals. The landlord can increase rent whenever the cost of living is high because the maintenance cost will alos be high.

    1. How do I calculate rental yield?

    Take your monthly rental income and multiply it by 12 months to get your annual rental income. Afterward, divide the yearly rental income, then multiply it by 100%. You’ll get the annual and monthly yield in percentage.

    1. How do you budget your rental income?

    The best way to budget your rental income is to assume that 50% of gross monthly rent goes to expenses. Take out monthly mortgage installments from the remaining half, and the balance should be the business cash flow.

    1. Is the rental property worth it?

    If maintained well, rental property could give you a steady passive income for many years. Therefore, you can retire early if you wish to. Real estate investment is the most reliable long-term investment in Kenya. 

    Ready to achieve your real estate goals?

    Our team of experts can help you sell your property quickly and for the best price.

  • 5 Tips for Finding New Tenants on a Budget

    5 Tips for Finding New Tenants on a Budget

    The main goal of building or buying a rental property is to get continuous passive income through rental income. That’s why you should make an effort to find new tenants. In addition, your cash flow and investment returns depend on your house’s occupancy level.

    There are many ways out there to find new tenants, but what is among the cheapest ways? Well, this guide will show you simple ways to find new tenants, which are cheap too. 

    The tips discussed here have helped hundreds of landlords find new tenants in Kenya. So, keep reading to learn.

    How to Find New Tenants

    1. Ensure your houses are super good in your area

    One thing that sells products and services is quality. And that will apply to your rental houses. If your houses are of high quality, you’ll get tenants and may also have a 100% occupancy rate.

    Ensure you do regular repairs so that your apartments are the best in the neighbourhood. People will move kilometers looking for standard houses with steady water and electricity. Therefore, always strive to provide clean water to your tenants, and you’ll never suffer from high vacancies.

    Good houses will automatically sell themselves off. In addition, if someone doesn’t need a house at the moment, they can spread the news to their friends to move into your houses since they are the best in the area.

    1. Open business social media accounts

    Social media is currently a big village with people from all over the blog. Businesses have thought of meeting their clients on social media, and it is working wonders for them.

    You can still do the same for your rental business. All you need to do is open a business social media account and introduce your business to clients. The most used social media app is Facebook, with over 1.9 billion daily users globally.

    When opening those accounts, customize them to where you are located. Remember that you’ll meet with people all over the globe, and the best way to get your preferred clients is by stating your location. 

    Take pictures of your apartments, both in and out, and post them on social media. Caption the images with phrases like houses to let, apartments to let, etc. Don’t forget to include the location and directions to your premises. 

    In addition, include a call to action button like a WhatsApp or a Messenger button on Facebook. Fair enough, the interested tenants will contact you, and you can schedule a house viewing date and time with them. Once they like your apartments, you’ll have your new tenant through social media.

    In addition, with social media, you can create ads to run on the accounts of people in your region. That will help you reach your target customer without much involvement in sharing your vacancy posts. It’s cheap to create these ads since Facebook costs you at least Ksh. 500 per week to run your ads. And it will be worth the price since you will get more profits if you get the right tenants.

    1. Advertisements through posters

    This is somehow a traditional advertisement method since it doesn’t need the internet to reach clients. All you do is write on paper that you have vacant houses to let in a certain region. Add your phone number on the paper where people will contact you. In addition, don’t forget to add location and directions too. You can have the advert printed, or write it using a marker pen. 

    Once your copies are ready, you can start pinning them outside your apartment’s gate, electricity posts, and outside the shops in the area. However, with the shops, you should seek permission from the owner before pinning your posts.

    Actually, this method is the cheapest, and it yields quick results. Most people searching for houses end up contacting numbers on those posters. So it’s an effective method if you don’t have much money to dispose of in doing advertisements.

    1. Word of mouth

    Word of mouth is another inexpensive way to find new tenants for your rental business. After buying or building your mixed-use property, you can start by telling your close circle (friends, family, or colleagues) about it. If they need to relocate, they may first see your rentals, and if they look good, they will definitely stay.

    Those who are not relocating can help you spread the news of your good apartments to their friends and family, and you may end up with your new tenants.in addition, the neighbours can also invite their friends to have a look at your apartments, and you can get a new tenant through that.

    Word of mouth costs you no shilling when looking for new tenants in your region. All you need is good-looking apartments, and boom, tenants will flow in through referrals from your friends and family.

    1. Landlord and tenant networks

    Most landlords in the same region are friends, and they regularly meet in town for a cup of coffee. Once you join these groups, you may get your first tenant from these guys. For instance, let’s say that someone was looking for a house on one of the landlord premises, but unfortunately, they were full. That landlord can refer you to their client and invite them over to view your houses.

    Furthermore, tenants also have merry-go-round groups and ‘chamas’ where they meet on a regular basis. You can join them if they don’t mind and you can show them your vacant apartments. If your houses are better than their current ones, they™ll come to you.

    Summary

    Investing in rental real estate is one thing and getting good and reliable tenants is the catch. You need to get good tenants if you want to get good cash flow and returns on investment. 

    In addition, once you get your tenants, ensure you treat them well by providing solutions to the in-house problems. 

    Treating your clients well ensures they don’t move, and your commercial real estate will always be full.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How do I get tenants faster?

    The only sure way of getting tenants faster is by advertising your rental property on posters and by word of mouth. Kenyans are not that versed in buying online. They believe most online advertisements are scams, but you can try them since some believe in genuine sellers.

    1. How do  I attract tenants into my apartments?

    You can attract a typical Kenyan to your property through good, and highly maintained houses, a parking lot, a big compound where kids can play, a steady water supply, and the list is endless.

    1. How do I know a good tenant?

    Ask your new tenants for contact information for their former landlords. Enquire about the tenant’s overall behaviour, including rent payments. A tenant with good credit reports can prove to be a good tenant.

    1. What should I ask my new tenants?

    Ask your new tenants the following questions to ensure they are genuine.

    • Why are they moving?
    • When are they moving into your house?
    • Their monthly income
    • Do they have pets?
    • How long have they stayed with their former landlord?

    These questions will help you know the type of tenant you’ll be dealing with. You can do further research on the answers you receive from your tenant.

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  • 10 Essential Tips to Be a Good Landlord

    10 Essential Tips to Be a Good Landlord

    Let’s agree that being a good landlord contributes to the number of happy tenants you’ll keep. You probably have walked a long way to earn your first coin from your rental investment. Of course, you’ll be happy to have 100% property occupancy. But how do you do that?

    This blog explains ten tips to help you be a good landlord, which will make your tenants stay longer. And if they have to move, they’ll refer their friends to your premises, because you are a good landlord.

    So, 

    How Do We Explain Good Landlords?

    1. Always have spare cash for emergencies. 

    One thing that will make you collide with your tenants is failing to repair their houses. Indeed, the sink can block, the roof may need some fixing, and also cabinets may need some repairs.

    Once the tenant requests you to repair them, and you don’t have money, you may lose them. Anyone can be financially broke, especially when the cost of living is high. But that doesn’t mean a tenant should stay in a house with a blocked sink or toilet. 

    Therefore, always save something from your cash flow and use it when things go wrong. This criterion will help you maintain long-lasting relationships with your tenants since you are available for their needs.

    1. Act swiftly to tenant problems and complaints. 

    You have to be a present landlord if you need long-term tenants in your apartments. 

    Suppose your tenants fight over a clothes-hanging line. If the fight persists, someone may get hurt, and that’s a bad sign for your real estate investment. So, what should you do as a good landlord? The best solution will be to add more clothes-hanging lines to solve such disputes in the future.

    In addition, always be available to solve anything that needs your attention. That will ensure you live harmoniously with your tenants. Therefore, they will love to stay and refer their friend to your apartments.

    1. Always be professional.

    Keep a professional relationship with your tenants ~ always. Don’t ever let personal issues dictate how you run your rental business. 

    For instance, don’t come to your tenants borrowing money for an ’emergency at home. One, they’ll disrespect you, and two, they’ll start delaying rent payments because you borrow them and there is no interest. 

    Don’t let personal desires cheat you into being intimate with any tenants. That will be the beginning of your downfall, and you won’t know when it will happen.

    The main goal of maintaining a professional relationship is to respect your tenant, and they’ll reciprocate the respect.

    1. Keep clear records. 

    Treat your real estate investment like any other business. Keep all tenant rent payment records and provide them with a receipt acknowledging their payment.

    These records will help sort out issues resulting from misunderstandings between you and tenants regarding the payment of rent. As a result, you won’t have to lose your tenant due to a small misunderstanding.

    In addition, keep records of electricity payments, insurance, mortgages, and all other expenses. These records will help you when dealing with KRA returns. No one will come to frustrate your tenants by disconnecting electricity. Any system can go down, so ensure you keep both manual and electronic records to help you in case of system failures.

    In one way, that will protect the tenants from unnecessary disturbances from KRA, banks, and other government officers.

    1. Hire a house manager. 

    A house manager will be your close eye on the premises. They will tell you what’s happening in the houses and what needs maintenance.

    A good apartment manager or caretaker (as we commonly call them) will keep the compound clean. The manager will supervise any maintenance to ensure everything is done perfectly.

    Caretakers can also help solve small disputes among the tenants when you are not around. 

    Everyone will call you a good landlord when everything is running smoothly in your rental apartments.

    1. Always improve your house standards. 

    No one likes to stay on outdated premises. Therefore you should strive to keep your houses up to date. Research industry trends to ensure your apartments satisfy your tenant’s needs. 

    Instead of letting your tenants share electricity bills, install a token on each house. That will be an excellent way to allow your tenants to use electricity, knowing they will pay justly.

    In addition, instead of putting the floor, consider adding tiles. Remember, the better your houses are, the more you will increase rent, increasing your overall cash flow.

    1. Get good clients. 

    Always strive to have good tenants. Remember, there are still bad tenants who will push you to the limits. They will make sure to paint your name badly. A bad client can make you take drastic measures that may push other tenants away.

    Therefore, search for new and good tenants who respect you and your property.  Always research about any tenant you are taking in. You can ask them why they are moving from their previous area. If possible, ask them for contacts of their former landlord or caretaker. 

    That will help you know the kind of person you are dealing with. After all, you don’t want to stay with a rent defaulter or a tenant who destroyed their former landlord’s property.

    1. Set clear rules

    Let every tenant know their boundaries when in your rentals. Print and laminate your apartment rules and give them to every tenant. 

    Whenever you get a new tenant, give them a copy of the rules of your house. In addition, include the consequences of breaking the rules. 

    Setting clear rules helps eliminate jockers from joining your premises. As a  result, you’ll get good tenants you can treat well without colliding. 

    1. Write customized welcome notes to your new tenants. 

    Show your new tenants how you appreciate them joining your houses. You can drop them welcome notes. They’ll feel good, and they may even refer their friends.

    If you have a moving vehicle, offer them cheaper costs of moving to your apartments. You can also give them some toiletries to use while settling before they buy theirs. 

    1. Respect tenants’ privacy. 

    No one likes a nagging landlord who is always on the back of their tenants. Be a good landlord by staying out of the personal life of your tenants.

    As long as your tenants pay rent, don’t misuse your house, and don’t break the rules, let them be. Do not invade their privacy unless it proves dangerous to the parties involved. For instance, if couples are ever fighting and throwing insults at each other, you can get involved before your apartments become a crime scene.

    To Sum Up 

    A good landlord can maintain long-lasting relationships with their tenants. As a result, they will have a high occupancy rate and get good returns on investments from their rental business.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1. What does it take to be an awesome landlord?

    The secret of being a good landlord is ensuring your tenants are comfortable with everything in the apartments. 

    1. What do I check for when renting out apartments?

    To get a good tenant, you should scrutinise their past to ensure you are not dealing with a bad tenant. Ask them about their jobs, recent apartments they’ve stayed in, and why they are moving out.

    1. What do I need to know before becoming a landlord?

    Before thinking of becoming a landlord, ensure you are good at listening. Do you know the saying, ‘the customer is always right? Well, it also applies to your rental business. You should listen to the complaints of your tenants and resolve what they request.

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  • How to Thrive in Both Property Buyers and Sellers Markets

    How to Thrive in Both Property Buyers and Sellers Markets

    In every market segment, there are always buyers vs. sellers with different interests, but they work together, so each person achieves their goals. However, in some instances, the market favours the buyers, and in other circumstances, it favours the sellers.

    The real estate market in Kenya has been booming due to higher population growth. That’s why in some instances, sellers have the market favour due to high demand. According to Statistica, the real estate market grew by 6.1% by the first Quarter of 2022.

    This guide will show the buyers’ vs. sellers’ real estate market in Kenya. It will help you make the right choices when investing in property.

    What is a Buyer’s Market in Real Estate?

    A buyers market shows that the property favours buyers at the moment. The buyers’ market favour happens when the properties listed for sale are more than those willing and able to buy. These circumstances force the property sellers to reduce the price. After all, they need to make money. However, these circumstances are rare in Kenya since citizens try to own homes.

    Real estate investors who need to get high returns on their investment will hold a little bit longer to wait for the right time to sell their property. And that could bring down the buyer’s market if most investors choose to wait.

    As a buyer, you need to negotiate further when buying property. You should also research the price tags of the houses in the neighbourhood to ensure you are getting a good deal. In addition, always check the house’s condition to know how firm you should be with your negotiation. 

    In Kenya, buyers have the right to inspect the property they are planning to buy, and they can also set up contingencies in case something goes wrong during the purchase.

    How to identify a buyers market

    As a property buyer, you should learn to identify the best time to purchase your desired home. That’s why you should be keen on the following signs.

    • When you find so many houses for sale in a certain region.
    • General home prices. If there is low demand, prices go down to attract demand. And you should buy before the prices hike again.
    • High interest on mortgages. When home loans are expensive from all banks, fewer people will not risk getting the loan. As a result, the demand will reduce, and the sellers will reduce property prices.

    What is a Sellers Real Estate Market in Kenya?

    A property seller’s market favours the real estate investor. At this point, the demand for housing is so high that it exceeds the current houses for sale. If you’ve invested in properties for sale, it will be a good idea to sell them at the peak of the seller’s market. At this time, you’ll earn the maximum possible returns on investment.

    You don’t have to be desperate to sell your property since you may even receive multiple bids from people willing to buy. You should work with someone who has attached a proof of funds letter, which will help you save time and sell more properties.

    The sellers go with the highest bidder with a proof of funds letter. Therefore, buyers don’t have much to bargain with when it’s the seller’s market. In Nairobi, it’s like a property seller’s market because the houses are in demand due to the large number of people working in the city. Most houses are listed in Kitengela, Mlolongo, Ruiru, Limuru, and other metropolitan areas.

    How to identify a seller’s market

    As a real estate investor, you should be keen to notice the seller’s market because here is where you get your profits. You can always wait for the right time to sell your property. After all, your property doesn’t expire. All you need to do is maintain the quality standards of your properties.

    Here is how you can easily identify the seller’s market:

    • With few houses and a lot of demand, investors get multiple bids from property buyers.
    • You can hear from your investor groups where you share industry trends.
    • When the economy is doing badly, at these critical moments, people focus more on maintaining what they have, so the frequency of building new houses will be low. As a result, the current house prices will drastically increase.

    To Sum Up

    It’s a good idea to target the market you are interested in. If you are a buyer, focus on buying your property at a cheaper cost. Also, ensure you bargain to the maximum and save as much as possible.

    If you are an investor, always have patience and sell your property during the seller’s market. This criterion will help you get maximum returns on investment from your property business.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How is Kenya’s property market?

    The property market is on the rise due to the large population in the country. Houses are in demand, either for renting or buying. That’s why investing in Kenyan property can be an excellent idea to help you gain financial freedom.

    1. What is the best time to buy a property?

    The best time to buy houses or commercial property is during the buyer’s market when the demand is low. Use the tips in this article to determine a buyer’s market.

    1. Is real estate investment a profitable idea?

    Yes. If done well, property investment can make you a lot of money, such that you can retire early. You need to follow the correct guide before starting the investment.

  • Guide to Invest in Income Property In Kenya

    Guide to Invest in Income Property In Kenya

    Investing in income property in Kenya can be the decision away from gaining financial freedom. Property investment serves as a long-term solution to your financial needs.

    But do you know how you should do it? Well, this guide explains how you can invest in income property in Kenya.

    We have an actionable plan that has helped thousands of investors across the region.

    Keep reading.

    What is an income property?

    As the name suggests, income property is meant to bring income to the owner. As a real estate investor, you can earn money with property in two ways. One is through renting to residents or commercial tenants. The other way is selling the property at a higher price, although this may take time before getting a reasonable profit. 

    However, selling can be better since you’ll get your profit as a whole while renting might take years to realise your dream annual returns on investment

    Step-by-Step Guide to Investing in Income property in Kenya 

    1. Be sure of your finances. 

    One thing you should know about property investment is that it requires a lot of money. That’s why you should be sure about the sources of the funds. A mortgage loan will do good, but you must have a stable income flow. 

    Notify your bank that you need a buy-to-let property and your preferred location. The bank will assess your income statement to determine whether you can afford the mortgage. Afterward, you can go ahead with the next step. 

    However, if you are buying your property for cash, you only need to keep your funds in one bank account to ease the transfer. 

    1. Search for a property agent 

    A property agent knows the ins and outs of all property listings in a specific location. For instance, if you need property in Nairobi, get an agent from where you plan to buy the property.

    If you are a new investor, let the agent tell you about the areas with high returns.

    1. Choose the best location with a high population. 

    The property agent should help you with this stage. They should help you search for a more populated area where you’ll experience an almost 100% occupancy rate.

    Good areas for high returns include areas near colleges and universities and towns near the Nairobi CBD. 

    In these locations, you can either buy to rent or buy to resell. Either way, you’ll still get the returns you need.

    1. Search for property to buy.

    A good property should be located in a place with all social amenities. These houses tend to attract more people to rent or buy.

    The property should also be in good condition. Hire someone to check the roofs and the internal section of the house. If some places need some fixing, notify the owner about it. If they are willing to fix it, good, and if they are not willing, you can negotiate the buying price. The seller will accept the bargain since you hold the cards here, especially if it’s a buyer’s market

    1. Do a title deed search

    A title deed search should help you escape any form of fraud. Once you log into your eCitizen account, do a title search to see the property ownership history. 

    Always request the seller for his property title deed and search for its authenticity. 

    1. Send an offer to the seller. 

    After you are satisfied with the quality of the property, you can notify the seller you are willing to buy. 

    You can attach a proof of funds letter to your offer, which will draw the seller’s attention in case the bidders are many. 

    1. Notify your bank. 

    After you agree with your seller, it’s time to get funds. Notify your bank and give them the property details, including the price. 

    Most banks in Kenya will send their property evaluator to assess the property’s value again. You will cover the cost of this evaluator, but it will be calculated in mortgage repayment. 

    If the bank’s evaluation agrees with the seller, you can go ahead to hire your attorney.

    1. Get a real estate attorney. 

    Buying property is a complex task. And sometimes, you may need to attend court sessions if something goes wrong with the property. 

    A real estate attorney will draft legal proceedings of property transfers. In addition, they can attend court sessions in the future if anything goes wrong. 

    1. Close the deal 

    After everything is right, you can close the real estate deal. This stage is important because it makes you a new property owner. During the transfer of the property, you should have your attorney and witnesses, as well as a bank representative. The bank representative does the job of transferring the money to the seller on your behalf. 

    1. Market your property 

    You’ll need to reach new tenants for your property, so you should market it. You can use both free and paid advertisements. 

    Whether you want to rent or sell your property, you should target the audience in your property’s location. 

    Social media could be a good leverage to advertise your property to target clients.

    In addition, you can use posters on nearby buildings and electricity posts to reach your next tenant or buyer. 

    1. Manage the property 

    If you aim to resell the property, you don’t need this step. However, you can still maintain the property to high standards before getting your preferred buyer.

    Those who want to rent should hire a property manager to maintain their income property to high standards. You should also learn the 50% rule to help you in proper management. To get the best out of your income property, you should ensure you earn at least 2% of the total property price.

    Summary 

    Income property is a good way to create a long-term passive income stream. Property investment is an excellent way to facilitate your early retirement.

    Once you follow the above guideline, you will make the best choice for your investment. 

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1. Is income property an excellent investment?

    Yes. Investing in income property is a great way to build a long-term passive income stream. Property is known for its appreciating nature. Therefore, you’ll profit from your income investment if you plan well.

    1. Which is the best type of income property?

    In Kenya, commercial properties generate a higher monthly income than residential properties. However, you should consider getting property in a highly populated area that will attract business people.

    1. How do income property owners make money in Kenya?

    The main ways of making money through income real estate are by renting or selling. Other ways include Airbnb, leasing land for agricultural purposes, and leasing to industry owners.

    1. Can I make a living from property investment?

    Of course, yes. You can create an income stream by building or buying rental property to generate monthly rental income. Once you get your monthly income, 50% should go to expenses. From the remaining half, pay your mortgage, and you’ll be left with cash flow. You can pay yourself and leave something for emergency needs concerning the property.

    Don’t settle for a limited selection!

    Our website offers a comprehensive search tool with advanced filters to find your perfect property.

  • 7 Essential Steps for Long-Distance Property Investment In Kenya

    7 Essential Steps for Long-Distance Property Investment In Kenya

    Long-distance property investment is possible in Kenya, but with the proper guidance. It’s possible to contact everything from property search to closing the real estate deal while you are abroad. You don’t have to book tickets to return home to facilitate a property-buying procedure.

    Following the correct guide like this one can significantly help you avoid unnecessary losses after falling prey to fraudsters. Most Kenyans in the diaspora have bought homes, commercial properties, rental apartments, land for development, and other properties without visiting home.

    The internet is good leverage and should help you get the best location to buy your property. Keep reading to learn how you should invest in property while abroad.

    Guide to Diaspora Property Investment in Kenya

    To succeed in long-distance property investment, you should start by joining diaspora Kenya investment groups on social networks. These groups could help you leverage the best locations to buy property in the country. Recently, Kenyans in the diaspora launched the Kenya diaspora investment fund to discuss investment ideas back in the country.

    1. Research the best location.

    The success of a real estate business largely depends on location. In addition, if you need a home to settle in when you come back, you should choose the best site with adequate security.

    Consider areas with:

    • High employment levels

    For your residential or commercial real estate to thrive, you should consider buying in areas with high employment potential. As you all know, employment attracts many people from rural and semi-rural areas. As a result, the migrants will need residential houses to rent during their employment term. In addition, it’s rare to have vacancy rates in these areas.

    • Growing colleges and universities

    Colleges and universities attract businesses to the area. Therefore, a commercial or residential property could do well in these areas. Alternatively, you can invest in mixed-use property in these areas.

    • Places with high population

    Investing in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, and other big towns in Kenya with huge populations could see you succeed in your property business. Remember that these locations have a high house demand, so the returns are also good.

    • Proper distribution of social amenities

    No one likes to stay in places with poor distribution of social amenities. Parents would love to take their children to nearby schools. They would also like a steady water and electricity flow in the area.

    Therefore, research on the internet about where you want to buy your property. A good location with a complete set of evenly distributed social amenities will attract more people to the area, hence more developments. 

    • What is the vacancy rate of the current houses in the area?

    Always research the number of vacant houses in the location you want to invest in. If the vacancy rate is high, research the reasons, and if you can improve your houses to fit tenant needs, you can try it. If the vacancy rate has to do with the distribution of social amenities, forget about that area. 

    After choosing the best location, contact a licensed property agent in your preferred area. Property agents tend to know more secrets about listed properties than anyone else in the business. The truth is they have handled many buyers and sellers, and they understand why each property is listed for sale.

    1. Contact your preferred seller.

    After getting the best property to buy with the help of a real estate agent in Kenya, you can contact the owner. You could involve a trusted family member like a spouse to meet with the owner and assess the property’s condition.

    You hold the cards here, so you should get pictures and videos of the houses you are about to buy. Set up Skype or Zoom calls to ensure that no one is playing mind games with you.

    Ask the seller to send you the title deed document via mail. Afterward, open your eCitizen account and run a title deed search to ensure you are buying the right property.

    1. Talk to your Kenyan bank.

    You should contact your preferred Kenyan bank if you are getting a mortgage to buy your property. Most banks have special mortgages for Kenyans in the diaspora. In addition, you get a bank representative to reassess the property value to ensure no one is overcharging you. 

    Alternatively, if you will buy the property with cash, you can make the transaction online via your bank’s online portal.

    1. Get a property attorney in Kenya.

    A property attorney ensures that all legal proceedings of property transfers are intact. Always contact a renowned legal firm to help you get the most experienced and trusted property attorney. 

    An attorney can represent you in court if anything is wrong with the ownership of the property. Since you are away, an attorney should ensure that the property is successfully transferred to you. 

    1. Let your attorney close the deal. 

    The real estate attorney will close the real estate deal on your behalf. You can ask a family member to be present while signing the transfer documents if you wish. However, you can sign the documents electronically and send them your copy, thanks to the internet! 

    This is the time you should do the funds transfer if you are buying in cash. If it’s a mortgage, your Kenyan bank representative should handle that.

    After the successful transfer, request your attorney to send you the ownership documents to you electronically and to your diaspora physical address. The papers will be much safer with you than with anyone else. 

    Now you own the property, and you have the documents. What next?

    1. Hire a property manager.

    You should hire a Kenyan property manager with experience in the real estate sector. Your diaspora Kenya investment groups should help you get the best property manager from their recommendations. 

    Once you get your manager, your attorney can help you draft an employment letter and let the manager sign it before starting to work. 

    1. Market your property.

    With the help of your property manager, bring your property into the eyes and ears of potential tenants or buyers. The manager should supervise local advertisements like posters and word of mouth. 

    You can also hire experienced copywriters to write social media Ads that will attract many clients. The good thing is you can monitor your Ads while you are abroad.

    1. Get tenants.

    This stage is the most interesting in Kenya’s diaspora property investment journey. Everyone loves to reach this stage as soon as possible. However, following the correct procedure is the only way to get you here.

    Good tenants can help you get to the peak of returns on investment faster. After getting reliable tenants, Let them send their rent to your Kenyan bank. You can hire a virtual accountant to help you balance between expenses and help you determine your cash flow.

    Another thing you should do is install CCTV cameras in and outside your property. You can get local installers with a simple Google search. The good thing with technology is you can get live feed on your computer or a phone while you are outside the country.

    Summary

    Indeed, it’s possible and easy to venture into property investment in Kenya while you are away. All you need is a perfect guide to help you actualize your investor dreams. 

    Join diaspora groups of people who have invested successfully in the country. This way, you will get real estate mentors to help you in the journey.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How much do I need to invest in property in Kenya while in the diaspora?

    This depends on the quality and size of the property you are buying. Big properties need a huge mortgage downpayment of 20%. 

    1. Is real estate investment in Kenya a good choice while in the diaspora?

    Well, for it to be a good choice, you should research the best and most trusted property attorney to help in property transfers on your behalf. Real estate investment in Kenya is a good investment strategy to help you retire with a reliable passive income stream.

    1. What real estate is most profitable while abroad?

    Commercial real estate is a good investment strategy that has the highest returns in the real estate market. However, location determines everything, including the occupancy vs. the vacancy rate. Remember, you’ll get higher returns with minimal vacancy rates. 

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  • Top Real Estate Investment Skills Every Investor Should Hone Right Now

    Top Real Estate Investment Skills Every Investor Should Hone Right Now

    Like any other business, you should have essential real estate investment skills to help you scale your property business. Of course, you need to master these skills before investing in the property business. 

    Buying and managing a real estate business is not a walk in the park. That’s why you need actionable skills to help you thrive in the sector.

    A real estate investor’s ideal skill set should help mitigate all risks involved in property ownership.

    This post explains the skills you need to succeed in your property business, even if you are a new real estate investor.

    Most successful property investors in Kenya possess the skills discussed in this blog. Therefore, be attentive to learn what other successful investors are doing.

    7 Essential Skills a Property Investor Should Have 

    1. Digital skills 

    It’s underrated to say that the internet is good. Actually, we should say that the internet runs our daily activities. See, social media have proven to be most people’s online space to express ideas. For instance, Facebook alone has approximately 1.9 billion daily users, according to Statistica.

    That means it is a good leverage for all business owners to capture their target customers in Facebook feeds.

    That’s why you need digital skills to help you reach your target customers or tenants when needed. You can take free courses on digital marketing on sites like Coursehero, Hubspot, or Udemy.

    1. Research skills 

    Researching is a good skill for everyone. Who doesn’t like learning about new trends and what’s happening worldwide?

    Well, as a real estate investor, you should know more about property investment before starting.

    You can get quality information from property investment social media groups. However, when using social media as a source of information, always give it the benefit of the doubt till you confirm from somewhere else.

    Make use of Google and  YouTube to get investment ideas in locations you are interested in. However, you should only follow trusted bloggers and vloggers with authentic and verifiable information.

    Top-notch research skills help you to know the ins and outs of buying real estate in Kenya.

    1. Communication skills 

    Proper communication is a skill that the majority of people don’t know how it can help in business. It costs nothing to be humble and listen to other people’s ideas. As an investor, you should possess this skill to help you in different ways in the market. You will definitely encounter the following.

    • Tenants/buyers 

    If you own an income property, you will encounter buyers or tenants in your journey. How you communicate with them determines how you will close the deals

    Tenants or buyers are the biggest determinants of whether you will earn good returns on investment or not. 

    • Other investors 

    Other investors in the real estate industry can help you scale your business through referrals. However, bad communication skills can put them off, and you will be losing. Good communication skills can help you get long-term property partners with whom you can invest together.

    Setting up a proper communication channel with your tenants/buyers and partners can help you scale your investment.

    For instance, let your tenants or partners know where to reach you, whether it’s through calls, Messages, WhatsApp or via Mail. In addition, let them know the time they can reach you to discuss business.

    You should always have a quicker turnaround in responding to your clients or partners. This strategy helps in building trust, and it results in building a huge investment empire. Your tenants should trust you to handle their needs. In addition, great communication skills help in improving your property’s quality and income through timely repairs.

    1. Marketing skills 

    Every business person needs high-quality marketing skills, including real estate investors. Once you have your property ready for buyers or tenants, you will need to get that first tenant or buyer. So what do you do?

    You’ll need to tell your potential clients what they will benefit from renting or buying your property. Learn to convince them with words, and they will contact you for more details. Ensure your property is among the best in the area, and that will bring more clients with less effort.

    You can market your property through paid Ads, social media influencers, TVs and Radios, and posters. 

    1. Negotiation skills 

    Everyone loves to be on the winning side in a negotiation. As a real estate investor, you should learn negotiation skills to help you get high-value clients without losing them. 

    Always ensure your property is in good condition to be on the upper hand during negotiations. A good negotiation technique settles with a mutual benefit, and no one loses. 

    1. Management skills 

    Remember the managerial skills we learned in school? You will need them in real estate investment

    You need to be a good problem-solver and decision-maker, possess excellent communication skills and be a good planner and leader.

    You should manage your real estate business like any other business. Possess all the managerial skills to help you succeed as a real estate investor.

    1. Patience 

    Patience is a virtue that most people don’t have. Starting from controlling your anger to giving other people a chance to express themselves is a good way of exercising patience.

    In real estate, don’t expect to earn good returns overnight. Don’t even expect to get tenants or buyers after the first attempt. Always give it time.

    If you are not good at expressing patience in everything, you may make drastic decisions that may negatively affect your investment.

    Therefore, you should learn to have patience in every step of your real estate investment journey.

    The Bottom Line 

    The skills discussed in this blog are a good asset to start investing in real estate. Remember, everything has a risk, that’s why you’ll need to have these skills to help you in proper decision-making.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1. What are the qualities of a good real estate investor?

    A good real estate investor should be patient, have excellent money management skills, be a good researcher, have top-notch communication skills, and be a critical thinker.

    1. What is the most important real estate investment skill I need before investing?

    You need to be a good researcher. This will help you learn new industry trends and make proper investments in good locations. A good location is the biggest determinant of your success in real estate, which you get through researching.

    1. What are the best skills a good real estate agent should possess?

    A good real estate agent should be honest and have excellent communication skills, negotiation skills, listening skills, and the ability to learn new technologies in the property sector.

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  • 7 Best Real Estate Investment Strategies in Kenya

    7 Best Real Estate Investment Strategies in Kenya

    Investing in property is an excellent idea that produces long-term results. However, it can be tough to succeed in the sector without the best real estate investment strategies.

    This article alienates the property investment strategies to help you make the right choices depending on your ability. People who have successfully implemented these strategies have made a fortune.

    Keep reading to learn about the best real estate investment strategies you don’t want to ignore. 

    Property investment strategies that work in Kenya

    1. Choose the best location 

    Your success in the real estate business, no matter the type, depends on location. Each type of real estate has its suitable location. 

    For instance, a residential property may not do well near an industrial property due to emissions of gases harmful to the environment. So, no one would love to stay near factories. That’s why factories have designated areas in each city.

    A good location determines the occupancy vs. vacancy ratio of your property. That’s why you should be so keen when choosing the location to buy real estate.

    1. Buy-to-let 

    Buy-to-let properties are income-generating houses that you charge monthly rent. These houses can be for commercial or residential use. 

    The good thing about buying to-let properties is that you won’t undergo the whole process of building the property. You will get property that is ready to start generating income. 

    Buy-to-let real estate tends to bring in returns on investment faster than buying undeveloped land.

    1. Consider Airbnb 

    Airbnb is a modern way of earning through real estate. Actually, once you start an Airbnb business, you will earn more in a month than a typical residential house. 

    If you have extra rooms in your house, you can get clients to stay on a short-term basis. Furthermore, if you don’t stay in your house that is near tourist attraction sites, you can earn money by renting to Airbnb clients. 

    What makes Airbnb stand out in the real estate sector is that you charge your houses per day, not per month or year. That’s why it’s easy to earn lots of money with Airbnb.

    However, the location of your house determines whether you’ll get customers. Mostly, Airbnb users are tourists visiting the country. And as you know, not every town has an attraction phenomenon. 

    In addition, even when you have a house in a tourist attraction area, you won’t get clients throughout the year. For instance, Kenya’s coastal region is a tourist attraction site, but it’s rare to get someone on the beach during winter. 

    1. What real estate brings the highest returns 

    Do your research to know what type of real estate has huge returns. This real estate investment strategy will help you make the right investment choices.

    Analyse the options you have after choosing a suitable location. Commercial real estate comprising retail stores, office spaces, and hospitality buildings goes hand in hand with residential houses. However, due to the business nature, commercial properties have high returns because of high rent rates. 

    Work out the possible returns and cash flow of the property you want to buy. 

    1. Consider buying undeveloped land 

    Undeveloped land is cheaper than developed land with buildings. It’s even easy to save enough cash to buy land. 

    However, the appreciation rate of land is different in all areas. For instance, the land appreciation rate in Nairobi differs from that of Narok. That’s why you need to choose your location wisely if you want to buy raw land. 

    In addition, future projects can improve the appreciation rate of a piece of land. For example, since the announcement about the development of Konza city, the land in that specific area became expensive, and is still going upwards. 

    However, you should research the authenticity of the mentioned project before investing in a bad location. 

    1. Renovate old properties and resell 

    An old property will definitely have a lower price than a new property in the same area. You can research the market value of the nearby houses to know the price range. 

    Before buying an old property, also on the cost of building materials and repair services. This will help you know the rough estimate of renovating costs. 

    The estimated repair costs plus the buying cost should determine whether you’ll gain after selling at the current market value in the area.

    1. Are REITs a good idea?

    REITs are companies that enable low-income earners to invest in real estate without much capital. These companies pool investor funds to invest in residential, commercial, or industrial real estate. 

    The investors earn a percentage of returns that these companies get, basically depending on the amount of money they have invested. 

    If you want to begin real estate investment, REITs can be a good place to start because you won’t carry the burden of property buying and maintenance. You can learn through these companies till you are fit to buy real estate property.

    1. Mixed-use properties 

    Mixed-use properties mean that the property can be residential in one part and commercial in the other part. There are two main types of mixed-use properties:

    • Vertical mixed-use 

    This comprises vertical buildings with several floors. You can segment the floors such that the ground floor has commercial stores and the upper floors have residential apartments. 

    • Horizontal buildings 

    These buildings are common in Kenyan rural areas where businesses have the front side and residentials carry the back side. 

    Due to different incomes from commercial and residential properties, a combination of both can help you realise your investment goals.

    To Sum Up 

    Now that you know the best investment strategies in Kenya, why don’t you go ahead with your investment plan? When done well, real estate investment can be an excellent long-term solution to your financial needs. 

    However, never get tired of doing research, actually, it’s among the skills you should have as a real estate investor. 

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1. Which is the most reliable real estate in terms of long-term financial freedom?

    A rental property in a good location is suitable for long-term financial solutions. With a low vacancy rate, you will earn a regular income for a long time with little effort, just maintenance once in a while.

    1. What is the fastest real estate strategy to earn money?

    Buying to renovate and resell is the fastest strategy to get your return on investment faster. However, to succeed in this strategy, you must be good in marketing and financial planning to ensure you don’t make losers instead of gaining.

    1. How do beginners make money in real estate?

    Being a beginner investor has its set of risks. That’s why it’s advisable to start with less risky operations such as earning a commission by renting an investor’s property on Airbnb, REITs, and managing other people’s property. These strategies can help you earn as you learn how the business is done.

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