Whether you are buying your first home, adding to an investment portfolio or purchasing from abroad, buying property in Nairobi follows a clear set of steps. This guide takes you through each one, from setting your budget to collecting your keys.
Step 1: Set your budget and financing
Start by working out how much you can spend in total, not just the purchase price. Add roughly 6% to 8% for stamp duty, legal fees, valuation and other buying costs.
If you are using a mortgage, speak to two or three lenders and compare their rates, fees and terms. Most Kenyan lenders will ask for:
- Pay slips or audited accounts if you are self-employed
- Six to twelve months of bank statements
- Your KRA PIN and tax compliance certificate
- Your national ID or passport
Many off-plan projects also offer developer payment plans, where you pay a deposit and spread the balance over the construction period.
Step 2: Choose your neighbourhood
Each of Nairobi's prime residential areas has its own character:
- Kilimani: central, busy and popular with a wide range of tenants. Good for rental demand and convenience.
- Westlands: Nairobi's business and lifestyle hub. Strong demand from professionals and expatriates.
- Kileleshwa: quieter and greener, with larger units. Suited to families and long-term investors.
- Riverside: exclusive and close to Westlands and the CBD. Popular with diplomats and senior executives.
Think about who will live in the apartment, whether that is you or a tenant, and what matters most to them: commute, schools, nightlife or quiet.
Step 3: Decide between off-plan and ready
Off-plan units are usually cheaper and come with payment plans, but you wait for completion and carry the risk of delays. Ready units cost more but you see exactly what you are buying and can move in or let them out immediately.
Step 4: Carry out due diligence
This is the most important step. Do not skip it.
- Have your advocate run an official title search on Ardhisasa to confirm ownership and check for charges or caveats
- Confirm county planning approval and NCA registration for the building
- Ask when the unit's sectional title will be issued
- Research the developer's completed projects if buying off-plan
- Get the service charge in writing and find out who manages the building
- For resale units, inspect the apartment carefully, ideally with a professional
Step 5: Make an offer and negotiate
Ask what is included in the price, such as parking bays, kitchen appliances or wardrobes. On off-plan purchases, developers often offer discounts for larger deposits or cash payment. On resale units, comparable recent sales in the same building are your best guide to a fair price.
Step 6: Sign the sale agreement and pay
Your advocate will review the sale agreement before you sign. A deposit of around 10% is common on signing, with the balance paid on completion or according to the payment plan.
Only pay into accounts confirmed by your advocate. Be cautious of any change to bank details sent by email or WhatsApp, as payment fraud is a real risk.
Step 7: Transfer and registration
Once the balance is paid, your advocate will handle the transfer:
- Valuation for stamp duty purposes
- Payment of stamp duty, currently 4% for urban property
- Lodging the transfer at the Lands registry
- Issue of your title or sectional title in your name
Step 8: Handover and next steps
At handover, inspect the unit and note any defects in writing. Most developers allow a defects period during which they must fix issues at their cost.
If you plan to let the apartment, decide whether to manage it yourself or hire a property manager, and remember that residential rental income is taxed monthly.
Buying from abroad
Diaspora and foreign buyers can complete the whole process remotely using a registered power of attorney and a trusted advocate. Non-citizens hold property on leasehold of up to 99 years, which is how most Nairobi apartments are sold anyway.
Final word
Buying property in Nairobi is straightforward when you follow the right steps and work with people you trust. Know your full budget, choose your location carefully and never skip due diligence.
Njogu Real Estate guides buyers through every stage, from the first shortlist to handover. Book a free consultation through our Contact page and let us help you find your dream home.