Buying a house with no money in Kenya may sound impossible—but it’s not entirely out of reach. While you can’t get a home for absolutely free, there are realistic pathways to homeownership even if you have little or no upfront capital.
With government programs, flexible payment plans, and smart financial strategies, many Kenyans are stepping into their first homes without a lump sum. Here’s how you can do it.
1. Start with NHF (National Housing Fund) Contributions
One of the most accessible ways to begin is by joining the National Housing Fund (NHF) under the National Housing Corporation (NHC).
- Pay KSh 500 per month into your NHF account.
- After six months, you become eligible for a low-interest mortgage.
- The loan covers up to 85% of the house price, with repayment over 25 years.
💡 Example:
You want a KSh 4 million house.
- NHF loan: KSh 3.4M (85%)
- You pay: KSh 600,000 as deposit (can be saved gradually)
- Monthly mortgage: ~KSh 35,000 (at 12% interest)
👉 You don’t need money now—just consistency in saving.
2. Use Developer Payment Plans (No Upfront Deposit)
Many private developers offer zero-deposit or low-deposit plans for affordable housing projects.
Examples:
- Pam Pam Estate (Machakos): Pay KSh 10,000 booking fee, then KSh 30,000–50,000/month over 3–5 years.
- Soweto Estate (Ngong): 10% down, balance in installments.
- Tatu City & Eko Atlantic: Staged payments during construction.
These plans allow you to secure a unit today and pay as you go—perfect if you have a steady income but no lump sum.
3. Apply for a Mortgage with Minimal Deposit
Some banks and SACCOs offer home loans with as low as 10–15% down payment:
| Equity Bank | 15% | NHF member, 6+ months payslip |
| KCB Mkombozi | 10% | Sacco members, church employees |
| Housing Finance (HFC) | 10–20% | Salaried or self-employed |
You can save the deposit over time while your mortgage application is processed.
4. Pool Resources with Family or Friends
Joint ownership or group savings can help you buy faster:
- Form a housing group with relatives or colleagues.
- Combine incomes to qualify for a larger loan.
- Buy a house together and co-own (with legal agreement).
This is common among siblings, married couples, or diaspora families investing back home.
5. Leverage Employer or SACCO Housing Schemes
Many organizations offer staff housing loans at low rates:
- Mwalimu SACCO: For teachers, offers up to KSh 10M with flexible terms.
- Stima SACCO: For civil servants and private sector employees.
- Nyumba IMARA (by Co-op Bank): Bundled mortgage with insurance and savings.
These schemes often have lower deposits and interest rates than commercial banks.
6. Rent-to-Own Programs (Emerging Option)
A few developers and NGOs are piloting rent-to-own models:
- Pay monthly rent that contributes to future ownership.
- After 3–5 years, you gain title or option to buy.
While still rare, this model is growing in affordable housing zones like Syokimau and Kitengela.
What You Can’t Do (Avoid Scams)
❌ Buy land with no title deed
❌ Trust “free house” giveaways online
❌ Skip land search or lawyer verification
❌ Pay cash to unverified agents
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get a house for free in Kenya?
A: No. There are no legal free house programs. Beware of scams promising “government free houses.”
Q: How much do I need to start buying a house with no money?
A: As little as KSh 500/month into NHF or KSh 10,000 as a booking fee with developers.
Q: Can I buy a house with only my salary and no savings?
A: Not immediately, but yes over time. Use NHF, mortgages, and payment plans to build equity gradually.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fortune to start buying a house in Kenya. With consistent savings, government programs, and developer flexibility, even those with no money can work toward homeownership.
