“I want to buy a house in Kenya” —if that’s you, you’re not alone. Thousands of Kenyans and foreigners are entering the real estate market every year, drawn by affordable options, growing cities, and long-term investment potential.
But where do you start? With so many listings, locations, and financing options, the process can feel overwhelming. This clear, practical guide walks you through exactly what to do—step by step—so you can buy your dream home in Kenya with confidence in 2024.
Step 1: Define Your Budget
Before you start house hunting, know how much you can afford.
✅ Ask yourself:
- Will I pay cash or need a mortgage?
- What’s my monthly income and savings capacity?
- Am I buying to live, rent, or invest?
💡 Tip: Use the 30% rule—your housing costs (mortgage or rent) should not exceed 30% of your monthly income.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
Kenya offers diverse options—from city apartments to coastal villas. Pick based on your lifestyle and budget:
| Nairobi (Syokimau, Ruiru) | Proximity to city, good ROI | KSh 4M – 30M |
| Mombasa (Nyali, Bamburi) | Beach living, rentals | KSh 8M – 80M |
| Nakuru / Eldoret | Affordable family homes | KSh 5M – 25M |
| Tatu City / Pam Pam | Master-planned, payment plans | KSh 4.5M – 20M |
| Karen / Runda | Luxury, security, prestige | KSh 50M – 200M+ |
💡 First-time buyers: Start in affordable satellite towns like Syokimau, Kitengela, or Ruiru.
Step 3: Decide on Financing
You don’t need millions to start. Here are your options:
✅ Cash Purchase
- Fastest and most secure
- Ideal for investors or those with savings
✅ Mortgage
- Banks: Equity, KCB, Co-op, HFC
- Deposit: 10–30%
- Repayment: Up to 25 years
- Requirements: Payslips, ID, KRA PIN, NHF membership
✅ Developer Payment Plans
- Pay 10–15% deposit, then monthly installments over 3–5 years
- Popular in Tatu City, Pam Pam, Eko Atlantic
✅ SACCO Loans
- Mwalimu, Stima, Harambee SACCO offer lower interest rates
- Great for teachers, civil servants, and salaried workers
Step 4: Work with Licensed Professionals
Never go it alone. Hire:
- A licensed real estate agent – To find verified listings
- A property lawyer – To conduct due diligence and handle transfer
- A valuer (if using mortgage) – Appointed by the bank
Verify credentials via:
- Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
- Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
⚠️ Avoid unlicensed brokers offering “too good to be true” deals.
Step 5: Conduct Due Diligence (Must Do!)
This is the most important step to avoid fraud.
Your lawyer must:
- Perform a land search at the Ministry of Lands
- Confirm the title deed is clean (no disputes or liens)
- Verify the seller is the registered owner
- Check for unpaid land rates and service charges
✅ Only proceed if the title is clear.
Step 6: Make an Offer & Sign Agreement
Once satisfied:
- Pay a 10% deposit (held in escrow)
- Sign a Sale Agreement with all terms
- Set a completion date
The agreement should include:
- Full property description
- Price and payment schedule
- Handover date
- Penalties for delays
Step 7: Complete Transfer & Get Keys
- Pay the balance (via bank transfer)
- Pay stamp duty (4–6%), legal fees (1–2%), and registration costs
- Wait 4–12 weeks for the title to be registered in your name
- Receive your updated title deed and keys
Top Tips for First-Time Buyers
✅ Start small—upgrade later
✅ Focus on security and infrastructure
✅ Buy in master-planned estates with titles
✅ Avoid unregulated developments
✅ Use escrow services for payments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I buy a house in Kenya with no money?
A: Not outright, but yes over time. Start with NHF (KSh 500/month) or a developer booking fee (KSh 100,000–500,000) and pay in installments.
Q: How long does it take to buy a house in Kenya?
A: 6–12 weeks for ready homes. Off-plan purchases take 1–3 years until completion.
Q: Can a foreigner buy a house in Kenya?
A: Yes. Foreigners can own property on leasehold (up to 99 years), especially apartments and townhouses in approved estates.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can buy a house in Kenya—whether you’re a local, diaspora member, or foreign investor. With the right planning, trusted professionals, and smart financing, homeownership is within reach.
