Category: Buyer Guides

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

The world of creating or of making good and quality content is rapidly growing and there is a high competition rate all over the country. Working to achieve your best when making content can be difficult at times but when you realize your content is falling flat, try to avoid the following content marketing mistakes that people make so that you can have quality and legit content that gets the attention it deserves.

1.     Failing to be the master of your content’s destiny

There is a lot to be done when you want to shoot the best shot pertaining to your content.  The first thing you need to know it is not all about one pitch email you need as many as possible. You need to be much careful and consider the angles related to your content targeting different groups of journalists. This is because the more unique angles you consider the more chances you have. This is because many journalists will always go for the content that is much targeted on them depending on their writing topics.

Work hand to hand in all the social media platforms not only one or two. Make use of the different channels that you can use to blow up your content out there. Start posting your content on different accounts like Quora, Reddit, and mix among others. Always remember that journalists as well look for stories in these channels so work extra hard for you not to miss potential opportunities.

2.     Creating Forgettable content

This is another content marketing mistake that is done by many of us. When creating content, it is up to you as the content marketing expert to advise and persuade your clients on the reason as to why you feel that your content is the best for them. When creating content, think widely and see if the content you are making will be suitable to be posted on your own social media platforms. If not then you need to put more effort and post something that will bring a positive vibe to your channels and to your followers.

3.     Being too Corporate

Being corporate is a good thing but you need to understand that Content marketing is not making an advertisement.  Many people always have the idea of assuming brandings to be adverts and this makes them switch off just the same way you will have a desire to skip an advert on YouTube when waiting to watch what you’ve searched. So, you need to have in mind that corporate content won’t be picked by media as they will also assume it is an advert.

4.     Competing against the noise without an angle

By this, I mean working on content that has been done reputedly by others. This indicates that you can’t major on a topic that has been done many times and expect to be pitched by a journalist it won’t just happen. So, what you need to do to make your content stand out is to think big and find a different and attractive way to bring it out. Because repackaging an old idea and making it stand out makes it more appealing than before.

5.     Being Comfortable

In the content marketing field, one should not be contented. What you need to do is to continue working aiming at different ideas that will make your clients stick much to your content. You need to ask yourself self-questions like when was the last time you introduced a new content marketing campaign format? When did you pitch out an idea that you were not sure will work? All these questions remaining not answered tell you that comfortability is a wrong choice to make.

6.     Overemphasizing Keywords

This is a common mistake because I have realized that many companies overemphasize the use of keywords in their content. What they need to know is that the search engines have evolved past the use of keywords. What you needed to do is to focus on building context, answering questions, and creating the best user experience possible.

Conclusion

We have learned much about the common mistakes that we make in the content marketing field. What we need to know is know what our audience want and major in providing valuable insights that will make us gain new traffic and our older readers will keep coming back to us. Make sure you read the above mistakes and see the best ways to solve them for better content marketing.

Everything in Nairobi is expensive especially the cost of land, so if you want to invest in Nairobi, you will have to dig deep into your cash. Despite the high land prices in Nairobi, the future profits are always higher, causing investors to not be afraid to invest.

If you are thinking of buying land in Nairobi, these are the most expensive places to buy land in Nairobi.

1.Upper Hill

Upper Hill is located 4 kilometres from central business district of Nairobi. It is one of the most expensive places to buy land in Nairobi. Its hosts Nairobi’s tallest building. It remains the most important commercial center after the CBD and Westland’s. Upper Hill Estate is a prominent business place in Nairobi with prominent towers. In addition, the estate is home to Nairobi’s greatest hotels, corporations, clubs, government agencies, and residential units.

All of the estate’s roads are paved, and golfing is located in the heart of the Upper Hill estate. It also hosts the British High Commission in Kenya as well as the offices of the World Health Organization. Upper hill is a safe place for everyone for a variety of reasons. Many hotels in Upper Hill Estate are worth visiting, including Sarova Panafric, Fairview, Radisson Blu, and others.

This is the most expensive place in Nairobi to buy an acre of land. According to a HassConsult 2021 Real Estate analysis, an acre can cost up to Kshs.550 million.

2.Kilimani

Kilimani Estate is one of the most prominent commercial and residential neighborhoods in the city. The estate lies 4 kilometers outside of the city core. Land in Kilimani is among the most expensive in Nairobi. It hosts the statehouse, the president’s official residence. It has some of the greatest international schools, as well as good security, a clean environment, and a great residential estate.This is an expensive place in Nairobi with both residential and commercial real estate.

 In Kilimani, an acre of land costs approximately KSh.433 million.

3.Westlands

Westland’s is located approximately 3.2 kilometres northwest of the central business district of Nairobi. Westland’s is an affluent neighborhood with several costly homes. It’s a big commercial complex with both local and international investors. It is one of Nairobi’s most expensive places to buy land due to its high quality of life and social living standards. It hosts so many business headquarters, including Safaricom, which is the best performing company.

High-end facilities and excellent amenities are just a few of the features that make Westland a great area to live and work. There are numerous schools, hospitals, banks, shopping malls, and top-rated hotels.

An acre land in Westland’s costs approximately ksh. 400 million but price range with location.

Read: Why location is important factor when buying land in Kenya.

4.Lavington

Lavington is a prominent suburb with high-end residential homes, located 10 kilometers from the city center. Due to its excellent quality of life and social living standards, it is one of Nairobi’s most expensive places to buy land. Furthermore, Lavington is a well-protected neighborhood with excellent security and high-quality shopping centers. In Lavington, an acre of land will cost you ksh. 320 million.

5.Kileleshwa

Kileleshwa is an uptown mixed-use development that includes both residential and business apartments. Despite its status as an upper middle-class estate, the estate is rapidly rising to become one of Nairobi’s most expensive estate due to large number of wealthy residents.Kileleshwa estate has the best road networks, schools, and good apartments due to its location.

In Kileleshwa, an acre of and costs approximately ksh. 300million.

6.Muthaiga

Muthaiga is one of Nairobi’s expensive estates to buy land in. Because of its proximity to the UN headquarters and various embassies, it has a high level of security. Muthaiga is the greatest place to live in Nairobi due of its excellent connecting roads that connect you to various estates more quickly. For example, Westlands, Thika Road, Runda, and the city center are all easily accessible. 

In Muthaiga, an acre of land costs around Ksh 180 million.

7.Spring Valley

Spring Valley is a small estate on Nairobi’s northwest outskirts. It borders the Nairobi estates of Kitisuru, Loresho, and Lake View. It is the ideal place to live in Nairobi because of its good roads, security, and gated avenues.

In Springs valley, an acre of land costs approximately ksh 168 million.                                      

8.Runda

Runda estate is 14.4km form the city centre.It has long been known as one of Kenya’s most expensive places to buy land. It is home to both wealthy locals and international visitors. Privacy, proximity to the CBD, and security are some of the features that make it an expensive but desirable area to live.

In Runda, an acre of land costs approximately Ksh 120 million.

9. Kitisiru

Kitisuru is a elegant estate on the outskirts of Nairobi’s Westlands city. In comparison to competing and most expensive estates in Nairobi, the estate features some of the smoothest roads. Kitisuru’s proximity to Nyari, Lower Kabete, Runda, and Westlands Estates is one of the reasons it is the best place to live.

The location is ideal for investment, and the wealthy people go to the area to build their dream homes. One acre of land in the Kitisuru costs approximately Ksh 90 million.

10.Karen

Karen is located 19 kilometers from Nairobi city. Karen is a fast-growing estate which makes land to be more expensive. High-end corporate leaders, foreign expatriates live there. It’s the home residence for Kenya’s Deputy President. Furthermore, Karen is the only expensive estate in Nairobi with numerous and excellent tourist attractions.

Karen Estate is one of Nairobi’s safest and nicest neighborhoods and residents are well-protected by both private and government security services.

Karen estate has several interesting sites to explore like Giraffe center, Karen Country club,Polka Dot Art Gallery among others.

It also borders the Ngong forest which makes the estate benefit from fresh air provided by the extensive indigenous forest.

An acre of land in Karen estate will cost you approximately 60 million.

 Conclusion

Buying land in one of these places is the best decision you can ever make. These places host greatest people, peaceful environment, good security etc.

If you are planning to buy land in any of these places visit our Website and check our property listings.

Also read :Top areas to buy most affordable in Kenya

                   Factors to consider when buying land in Kenya

As real estate players, we already know how important land is as an investment avenue. When trying to convince a buyer, maybe you only highlight a few. Now let’s help you identify more reasons to give your customers.

Let’s go!

1.Your land is unique.

Plots of land come in different in sizes, location and shape. You can never find an identical piece to yours. It’s easy to attract a good price when selling because a willing buyer can never find the same exact land. If you are in the rental business, tenants can compare houses and prices as features could be identical.

2.Land is a Finite Resource

Elon Musk is trying to go to look for land in Mars, but in Kenya, no one is making any more land. There is only so much land that is available in Kenya and I do not think we are going to colonize another country and take their land. As a limited resource, land will always be in demand. 

3.You don’t need to be an expert.

You do not need to be an expert on any area to make returns on land. There are various ways in which you can make money after owning land. If you buy land and wait, then the land appreciates with no input needed from you.

You do not need to deal with any tenants not paying rent on time. Once you buy land… it sits there, it behaves itself like a good child and makes you money.

5 things to consider and think through before you buy

4.No maintenance costs.

The major difference between owning land and residential property is that land doesn’t need any maintenance or attention while properties require a lot of work and time.

Once you invest in Land, you do not need to maintain the land in any way. There are no electricity bills, no water bills to pay and property taxes are incredibly cheap. If you want to park your cash somewhere and forget about it, buying land is one of the best avenues you could rely on.

5.Land Gives you peace of mind.

Once you buy land, it becomes a long-term asset that doesn’t wear out and doesn’t depreciate. There is nothing in land that can get broken and needs fixing. Land cannot be destroyed, and you can sleep soundly knowing your investment is safe. No additional effort is needed from you. There’s nothing to protect, maintain, or renovate. The land just stays in its natural state and makes you money as you sleep.

6.Land is a Tangible Resource

We know there is people out there who can try con you out of your land. Other than these dubious characters, the land you own cannot vanish or disappear. With rising usage of digital currency, the world may decide that paper money is now useless. This risk makes country store their wealth in gold. However, land will always be something of value. Once you buy land, it will be of value irrespective of what the global economic situation is.

7. Land is affordable

Depending on the amount of money you have, chances are that there is a place you can buy land. We have plots on sale from as low as Ksh 100,000 for an acre in Kitui. You even get to pay this amount across 12 months!

Once you buy land, there are no additional costs, bills and payments needed. There are no roofs to be repaired, no drainage to be cleaned or internet costs to be paid. There is no insurance costs. Your land sits quietly in the background, costing you nothing while silently increasing in value.

8.Little or no government control

When purchasing and investing in land, there are no risky government legislations that you must know. Its not like investing in items like bonds or stocks and shares. For land in municipalities, you need to pay nominal amount of land rent. But for land not in urban areas, once you receive your title, there is no other government regulation you need to abide by.

Land Owners Guide to Land Rates and Land Rent Payment in Kenya

9.Land is Easy to Purchase

When purchasing land, you don’t need to go to school and learn how. Its easy buying land and the steps are easy to understand. Read more on the 6 steps to follow when buying land in Kenya.

10.Land Gives You Freedom

Buying land allows you numerous opportunities to use it to make money. You can hold the land and wait for it to appreciate. You can lease it out to others or hold it for a lifetime and leave it as part of inheritance. You can purchase land, save up some money and hold it for a decade, and then build your dream home.

11.Sense of Fulfillment.

Owning land comes with a sense of fulfillment, especially in our African tradition. It is more of a success to have a piece of land than other forms of acquired wealth.

12.  You can use the title as Security for a loan

Once you buy a piece of land, you need to ensure that you get a title in your name. with this Title, you can walk into a bank and get a loan using the title deed as security. You can use the loan to carry out any other business and this time, the land keeps appreciating in value. You can even buy land in cash, take a loan using the title and use that loan to buy another piece of land.

13.You Can Pass Real Estate Down to Your Heirs

If you want to leave a legacy behind but don’t think going cash is a good idea, passing real estate down can be even better. Not only will you give your heirs an income-producing asset, but it’s also an appreciating asset. So they can either keep the property and let the legacy continue or sell it and earn profits.

Now that we have decided that land is a good investment, where can we find land to purchase? There are several listings websites in Kenya with a focus on buying and selling land.  You may also contact a real estate agent who can help you find property and help you in the buying process.  While not the best option, you can find properties for sale by driving within your target neighborhood and look out for ‘plot for sale signs.

Important: The Top 7 Real Estate Listing and Agency Sites in Kenya

Investing in Land in Kenya: 5 ways to get maximum returns

Review the following questions as you consider buying land in Kenya:

Where is the plot located? While location is not the only thing investors should evaluate, it is the most important. The location of a land determines the income potential. The land you have could be big in size and affordable, but if it’s in a remote area, it may not make have high growth potential.

How is the property zoned? A property zone essentially designates what you can use it for, like agricultural, industrial, commercial or residential space. Always make yourself aware of a property’s zone before investing to avoid the shock of any new regulations. You can read more on the various zones of Real Estate in Kenya. While zones are important, they can always be changed through application to local counties.

Do not miss: Ultimate guide to the process of change of user for land in Kenya

Are any utilities available? It’s important to consider availability of utilities like water, electricity and roads before making a purchase. These factors influence the overall cost of the land and the growth potential.

What is the history of the land? Do your due diligence. including a complete a title search. Pay special attention to how long the current owner has had the property. If they are trying to sell quickly after owning it, it could signal there is an issue with the property. Hiring a land surveyor to check out the accuracy of the property size.

The bottom line?

Land ownership is a great investment, as long as you enter the deal with awareness of all of the risks and pitfalls. By conducting careful research, investors can take advantage of the simplicity offered by land ownership and the potential returns.

When buying property land in Kenya, location is one of the important factors to consider Importance of location in real estate purchase always seem most underestimated yet it is what translates into profitability for the investment. The Hass consult has revealed most profitable areas you can invest in land and have high returns within a very short period of time. Despite the high prices, the occupation is also high and this provides an opportunity for investors looking to put up rental apartments or put up houses for sale.  There so many best places to invest in real estate in Nairobi.  

These are the most profitable areas in Nairobi suburbs that you can consider investing in.

1.       Karen

Karen is a high-end neighborhood in Nairobi located approximately 16 km South West of the Nairobi CBD. It was predominantly a residential area but relaxation of zoning regulations has seen an increase in commercial developments, the most notable ones being The Hub Mall along Dagoretti Road, Galleria Mall at the junction of Magadi and Langata Road and the recently opened, Karen Waterfront along Langata Road.

 In terms of land for development, Karen remains relatively affordable for developers in the high-end market. During the first quarter of 2021, an acre of land in Karen was selling at Ksh62.8 million. As the year came to a close, the same acre of land was selling at Ksh64.4 million – indicating a Ksh1.6 million spike.

2.       Kileleshwa

Kileleshwa is one of the oldest estates in Nairobi, a middle classs suburb to live in. Kenton College, an international primary school, is located here. There are no supermarkets but dukas sell essentials such as fresh fruit, bottled water, toilet paper, painkillers, milk and bread. The beautiful Nairobi Arboretum, which is popular with families and prayer groups on Sunday, divides Kileleshwa from the city centre. Investors looking for high return investment avenues have an opportunity here. An acre of land rose from Ksh231.3 million to Ksh232 million

3.       Muthaiga

Muthaiga is about 2.5 miles northeast of Nairobi City Center. On the north, it is largely surrounded by the Karura, the city’s largest urban forest. Limuru Road and the Mathare River are on the southern side, and the Thika Super Highway and Kiambu Road are on the east. Six Parklands Avenue form the western border. It is  Nairobi’s most-affluent neighborhood, offering Privacy and lush landscapes. Some of Kenya’s wealthiest business owners live in this area with close proximity to the city center.  it’s  a very prime place those with wealth and social standing want to own property.

Muthaiga indicated an increase of Ksh3.7 million (from Ksh185.7 million to Ksh189.4 million).  

4.       Parklands

Parklands, is a neighbourhood in the city of Nairobi, the capital and largest city in Kenya. It is divided into numbered avenues. The name arises from the proximity of the area to City Park, Nairobi.

Parklands indicated an increase of Ksh9.9 million – with the price skyrocketing from ksh 375 million to ksh 384.9 million. 

5.       Nyari

Nyari is a suburb located at Red Hill Road, Red Hill Drive ,Nairobi. Its the on of the best areas you can consider investing in

Nyari was the best performing suburb with prices increasing by 7.18 per cent 

6.       Spring Valley

Spring Valley is located beyond Westlands and it is a beautiful neighbourhood surrounded by trees and a natural environment. Local amenities are convenient and accessible to residents with shopping centres, sporting venues and entertainment spots in close proximity. The roads are well-maintained and most of the developments sit on mature gardens that are ideal for those who enjoy the peace and serenity that Mother Nature provides.

Spring Valley recorded the highest price increase in the final quarter (2.2 per cent).

Read: 8 Best Places to Live in Nairobi for Under KSH20, 000 Monthly

7.       UpperHill

Upper Hill is a district of the city of Nairobi, with several multinational corporations setting up offices.  In the 2000s, as land and office space became scarce and exorbitantly priced in the central business district, businesses relocated to Upper Hill and Westlands, where land and office space were more readily available and less expensive. Today, Upper Hill possesses a new modern skyline that is still being filled by modern skyscrapers of different and prestigious designs in the architectural world

An acre in UpperHill is the most expensive in the city at Ksh509.7 million

8.       Westlands

Westlands is located approximately 5.9 km North-western of Nairobi CBD and is accessible via Chiromo Road. The area is surrounded by upper middle-income neighborhoods such as Parklands, Riverside, Kileleshwa and Spring Valley it  is one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing districts in the upmarket area of Nairobi. The area of focus is well endowed with both infrastructure and amenities such as good roads, hospitals, education institutions, shopping malls, restaurants, and financial institutions. It is is well developed and connected, hence the demand for land is high whiles the supply is limited.

Westlands had an acre of land hit Ksh191.1 million in December 2021 from the initial price of Ksh30.3 million in December 2007.

9.       Langata

Lang’ata is a predominantly middle-class residential suburb of Nairobi. It lies southwest of the city’s central business district, east of  karen, approximately 18 kilometers  by road, from the centre of Nairobi. The suburb consists of many smaller housing developments, estates which include Nairobi Dam, Otiende, Southlands, Ngei, Jambo estate, Onyonka, Madaraka Estate, Kutch Prant, Rubia, NHC Langata, Akiba, Sun Valley, Royal Park and many others. These developments are primarily maisonettes or apartment blocks. Wilson Airport, the largest private airport in Kenya, is found in Lang’ata. Strathmore university,the Nairobi japanesse school main campus of catholic university of east Africa and brookhouse school are found in Langata. It is fairly a good place for real estate investment

Langata recorded an increase in prices gaining 6.1 per cent from ksh63.7 million an acre in 2020 to Ksh67.6 million last year

10.   Kilimani

Kilimani is an affluent neighborhood in the city of Nairobi. State House Nairobi, the official residence of the President of Kenya is located in Kilimani, on State House Road. Kilimani Primary School, Milimani Primary School, St Hannah’s School, St. Nicholas School, St Christophers School, Cavina School are all located in the neighborhood .The Lyce Denis Diderot, the French international school, is in Kilimani. Adam’s Arcade is the oldest shopping centre of its kind in Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya, as well as East and Central Africa as a whole. The Nairobi Arboretum, featuring more than 300 exotic and indigenous tree species, is located in Kilimani, adjacent to State House

The land prices in Kilimani per acre have changed from 114M in 2011 to 385M in 2021 and its currently at 413.1M. The significant change has been brought about by the development of infrastructure and social amenities in the area.

However, the report indicates that the satellite towns have had land values increase 9.61 times since December 2007, compared to Nairobi suburbs where land values have increased by only 6.32 fold despite being the priciest.  The satellites includes,  Ruaka ,that recorded the highest land value where an acre costs an average of Ksh89.1 million followed by Kiambu town at Ksh39.3 million, Mlolongo Ksh31.4 million, and Ruiru Ksh26.9 million. These are the area that you can also consider owning a land

Important to Read: Property Prices Increase Fastest In Nairobi And In Satellite Towns Around Nairobi

If you need to sell your home quickly, working with cash buyers is one of the best methods. Always keep in mind that not all cash buyers are the same. Most sellers fall into certain traps, while some deals are abandoned as a result of a few mistakes. Are you planning to sell your property? In this article we will look at common mistakes to avoid when selling to cash buyers.

1.     Asking too much money

When selling your property to cash buyers, one of the pitfalls you should avoid is asking for too much money. Learn about the fair market value of your neighborhood’s properties and the homes that have recently sold in the area. It also establishes a restriction for you. When dealing with cash buyers, you should keep in mind that you’re unlikely to acquire full market value for your house.

Cash buyers can help you sell your property quickly without having to take listing photographs, make renovations, or deal with brokers. You don’t even have to keep your house spotless in order to receive a decent offer. However, hiding the places that need repair is not recommended since it may reduce the cash buyer’s pricing.

2.     Failure to create a move out strategy

Another mistake to avoid when dealing with cash purchasers is failing to have a move-out strategy. Remember that one of the advantages of selling your home for cash is that the transaction may be completed in as little as a week or two. You must vacate your property as soon as they pay cash. If you don’t make such preparations, you’ll find yourself scrambling to figure out what to do or where to go. Prepare a move-out strategy, especially if you’ve opted to deal with a cash buyer, to avoid this.

Make your move-out strategy many weeks before dealing with cash purchasers as soon possible. You’ll be more prepared for yourself and your things if you do it this way. It will also give you more time to look for a new home when you sell your home.

3.     Choosing the wrong cash buyers

With cash buyers, you may save more time when selling homes for cash. They may easily buy properties that are offered to them as long as they suit their requirements. However, one mistake might derail everything. As a result, you should always avoid cash purchasers who aren’t fair in their price and may make false promises. When looking for a cash buyer, do your homework and pick one that has years of expertise and a good reputation in your area. With a qualified cash buyer, you can expect a fair offer and a quick closing.

4.     Spending huge amount on the home

While it’s a good idea to keep your house in good repair, you won’t have to worry about that after you find a cash buyer. The reason for this is that if you sell your home to cash buyers, it’s unnecessary to spend a lot of money on it because they’ll buy it as-is. Cash buyers are ready to buy houses in any situation or condition. They’ll renovate old or out-of-date floor layouts to build lovely residences for the new owners. They are also investors that will buy your home as an investment property in order to maximize their profits.

Avoid this mistake when selling your home to cash buyers if you don’t want to lose money in the long run. Renovations, on the other hand, are a worthwhile expenditure if you want to sell through a realtor.

5.     Listing your property with a real estate agent.

When selling houses to cash buyers, most people also make mistake of listing with real estate agents. You must realize that the technique you choose to sell your house can make a difference. A listing agreement is needed when you engage a real estate agent. This agreement might involve a contract with the agency that lasts for a set amount of time. For example, even if you find a buyer or use other techniques to sell your house, you’ll have to pay a commission charge. When selling your property in cash you don’t have to sign any agreement. They’ll handle the entire process of selling your home promptly.

Also read: To hire or not hire a real estate agent in Kenya. The pros and cons.

Conclusion

You have complete control over how you sell your property. Selling your property on cash, is the fastest method. It’s also a simple, safe, and effective choice. Just make sure you find a reputable cash buyer to ensure a smooth transaction and the best possible returns.

Related: Mistakes when selling properties in real estate.

Buying land in Kenya as a foreigner is possible but subject to several limitations of property ownership. These limitations can be found in the Constitution (2010) and the Land Control Act (Cap 302). According to the Constitution, a “person who is not a citizen may hold land on basis of leasehold tenure only, and any such lease, however granted, shall not exceed 99 years”. On expiry of the leasehold term, a renewal of the lease may be sought.

On the passing of the Constitution in 2010, any foreigner holding freehold land in Kenya had their title automatically converted to a leasehold title with a remainder interest deemed to expire after a maximum of 99 years. Thereafter, the interest reverts to the Government of Kenya which holds the reversionary interest.

Can foreigners own Agricultural land in Kenya?

Agricultural land or land within land control areas in general terms, is land that is situated outside a municipality, a township, or a market or land that the Minister of Lands designates as being controlled and subject to the protections in the act.

Under the Land Control Act (CAP 302), foreigners are not permitted to own agricultural land unless a special dispensation has been obtained from the President or if the land is an initial grant from the government.

The greatest exemption is that a public company can own agricultural land even if some of its shareholders are foreigners.

What if a foreigner partners with a Kenyan private company to buy land?

For a company to own freehold property, the company must be FULLY owned by one or more Kenyan citizens.

A company for purposes of property ownership, is regarded as a Kenyan company only if it is wholly owned by one or more Kenyan citizens. Therefore, a private company with one or more foreign shareholders is regarded as a foreign company and cannot own freehold land.

Can foreigners own freehold land through a Trust?

A trust is an arrangement where the owner of property transfers it to the ownership of another person, on condition that the trustee uses the property only for the benefit of others (the beneficiaries).

In summary, foreigners can own:

·         Leasehold property and can apply for lease renewal.

·         Apply for an exemption to own freehold property and once approved, this is published in the Kenya Gazette.

·         Own agricultural land indirectly through owning shares in a public company that owns agricultural land. 

 Please note that such transfers are still subject to the normal process of buying and selling land in Kenya. And remember to pay your taxes! Please note that this guide has only covered land and did not cover other real property like apartments, houses and other immovable property. A specific guide is available for such including how a foreigner can transfer property to a Kenyan citizen.

 Buying land is a long-term investment and requires a large amount of money. Before getting into investing in the land it is important that you do thorough research on the land you want to buy so as to make sure it will meet your needs. On your way down this road, you will be faced with very sweet deals of lands in perfect locations. It’s not until you do due diligence on such lands that you will realize that they are far from what you saw them be at first sight.

Below are the considerations you should make before purchasing a piece of land in any part of the country.

Zoning classification

The national government through the ministry of lands has a very strict land-use plan for all lands in the country. Lands have been segmented for different purposes, which include, commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural, historical, or a combination of either.  If your purpose of buying the land is for example commercial purposes and the government has listed it as a residential segment, then you can only put up residential property unless you get a change of user.

Zoning restriction

This is the restriction of the size of the property you build in a certain area. Mostly in Kenya, it restricts the height of the property. You cannot build a 10 storey building in an area whose restriction is of 5 storey building. Also, check with the ministry of Land for long-term zoning plans. The government may have long-term plans like constructing a highway that will affect your property in the future.

Legal considerations

Do a thorough assessment of all legal documents before buying any piece of land. Some properties have legal disputes that may be a burden to you after you buy the land. Consider getting the legal history of the property from the land ministry office in that area and I can assure you this will not be in vain.

Location of the land

Location is the primary factor to consider when buying land. For whatever purpose you are buying the land, you should consider that it is in close proximity to amenities such as schools, hospitals, and police stations.

Environmental risks

Most natural calamities are unavoidable and unpredictable. But there are those that could have happened in the recent past whose occurrence is likely to happen again. Before you buy land, make sure it is not in an area that has been faced with risk in the recent past. An example of such an area is that which is prone to floods. It is advisable you do research of risks that have been faced in that area in the last 20 years.

Access to Utilities

Access to utilities such as public transport, water, electricity, and gas should be of high consideration. Do research on how the cost is compared to other parts. In some areas getting these utilities is too expensive.

The terrain of the land

When buying a piece of land, don’t just go for its cost. Put development considerations first. For example, if the land is too steep, then it will require a lot of cash to level it. It will also be difficult and expensive to install septic systems.

Accessibility

When buying land in rural areas make sure you put this into consideration first. Before you buy land, make sure that there is a passable road or a provision for one.

Area climatic conditions

There are many aspects that are affected by the climate of an area. The range of the temperature, yearly rainfall, and seasonal changes will determine how you do the insulation of your house, the types of plants and vegetation that will do well, the accessibility of the area, and many other factors.

 Size and shape of the land

This is also a consideration you should make and should depend on the type of home you want to build. There are different property designs that require different sizes and shapes of the land. Other properties may not fit in certain shapes of lands.

 Soil type

Before buying land it’s important you have the soil tested for its quality and composition.  The soil composition affects the foundation of buildings, how much it would cost to do the earthwork, and also the stability of the buildings. It’s one of the factors that make buildings have cracks.

Bottom line

When buying land, don’t just buy because it’s on sale. Let not your decisions be made in haste. Bring the needs of you to own a piece of land forth and go for the land that measures up to those needs. Then make sure it aligns with the above-mentioned factors.

If you are looking to buy a home in Kenya, whether to live in yourself, family for friends, or as an investment property, one always considers the location to which he or she will settle for. You must consider transportation, high-rated estate, parks, shopping, and even areas with great schools. You should always know that no matter your preference on the inner-city vibe or out of town, your choice of location still matters.

We should always know that where we live can always shape our lifestyle and a quality estate can bring some good values to our lives and to our families as well. Good neighborhoods make it easy to resell a property.

The community is safe and secure

It is obvious that we all want to live in an estate with good security and where you are free and so safe from crime and theft. A good estate is where you are free to walk around and explore, breathe in some fresh air from the surroundings, and even chat with the locals and know your neighbours.

You are likely to enjoy Higher capital growth

Good estates tend to top in capital growth league tables. You may pay more to buy in a desirable estate, but it is likely to be a wise investment due to price appreciation. These locations tend to outpace fewer desirable suburbs. So, there is always a good chance of faster growth in your investment.

A choice of Quality schools

Even if you don’t have school-aged kids, a neighbourhood with good quality of education will work in your favor. Families always look at the calibre of local schools and healthy independent options as part of their buying decision. Be smart and remember the better the school zone the more value your property has.

Access to easy transport Links

A good estate is one with easy access to public transport and decent roads. Choose a good location that is close to trains, buses, or trams. If you are further out, being near major arterials can appeal to potential buyers commuting to town.

Easy access to shops, cafes, and Restaurants

If you don’t love cooking this will be an advantage since you may have readymade food at your favourite eatery. Having a good selection of shops cafes, restaurants, gyms, cinemas will add value and boost your lifestyle. It may also add value to your home in terms of future capital growth.

It offers a variety of housing types

A great estate offers a variety of different types of houses that have different price ranges even in sizes from small studios to big houses. In that, if you are looking for a small one you can find and fit in or rather for a big family all can fit in comfortably. A good estate should cater to all needs.

A good estate is one with good features interesting architecture and design which is comfortable and appealing. It should also have clean streets with some good lighting, flowers, and some trees that look welcoming. It should make you feel cool and relaxed feel happy when you call it home sweet home.

A good estate is one that is in sync with your current lifestyle, that caters to your needs at this specific time. However, there are some characteristics that define any good estate, some must-have amenities that will make it a great place to live in. A good estate will support each other no matter what times it can be when one loses a loved one, family emergencies, good estate will offer support and encouragements to each other.

Being part of good estates creates a strong and good bond between homeowners and different families that are highly valued and appreciated in both good and bad times. It is also rare to see houses for sale in Naples because people simply will love to live there. Being part of a close-knit community lets residents enjoy a built-in social network that they are welcome to take part in.

Conclusion

Getting a good estate is a smart way for residents to ensure the security of their homes and enjoy some of the advantages of belonging to a community network. When homeowners come together and extend their generosity and support to one another, a true neighborhood is born or created and will be a good enjoyment to all the residents.

The key thing is never lose sight of something important to you more so in a good neighborhood. It is all about what works for you in life as well as what makes your life easier if you are still being mindful of what’s attractive to buyers because at a point you are likely to upgrade to your next home. That is when the value of a good neighborhood translates to value in your pockets.

Finally, when purchasing a property in a neighborhood, ask the real estate agent or the builder to provide you with a copy of restrictions and other documents that govern the neighborhood to help guide you on the moves of the neighborhood.