Stay ahead of the curve with the latest real estate news in Kenya for 2025. From major infrastructure milestones to new housing launches and regulatory changes, these updates are shaping how buyers, investors, and developers make decisions across Nairobi, Mombasa, and emerging towns.
Here’s what’s trending in Kenya’s property market this month.
🔴 Top Real Estate News – June 2025
1. NHC Launches 10,000 New Affordable Homes in 5 Cities
The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has rolled out a massive new phase of the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), launching 10,000 units across:
- Ruiru
- Mavoko
- Kitengela
- Nakuru
- Mombasa
- Price Range: KSh 3.5M – 8M
- Payment Plan: 10% deposit, balance over 15–20 years at 7–9% interest
- Target: Formal sector employees earning KSh 30,000–150,000/month
👉 Impact: Increased homeownership access and reduced pressure on rentals.
2. Lamu Port Opens Phase 1 – Real Estate Boom Expected
Phase 1 of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor has officially opened, marking a transformative moment for northern Kenya’s economy.
- First cargo ships docked in May 2025
- Expected to drive industrial, logistics, and residential development in Lamu, Isiolo, and Mandera
- Land prices near the port up 25% in 12 months
👉 Investment Tip: Areas along the Isiolo-Moyale highway are now attracting early investors.
3. Ardhisasa Fully Live: All Land Transactions Now Digital
The Ministry of Lands has launched the full rollout of Ardhisasa, its digital land management platform.
Now you can:
- Conduct land searches online
- Pay stamp duty and land rent via e-citizen
- Apply for title transfers and caveats digitally
- Verify ownership in real time
👉 Benefit: Faster, more transparent process—reducing fraud and delays.
4. Rental Yields in Ruiru & Ruaka Hit 8%
New data from Knight Frank Kenya shows rental yields in Ruiru, Ruaka, and Athi River now average 6.8–8.3%, surpassing central Nairobi (5.2%).
- Demand driven by affordable housing, remote work, and Expressway access
- 2-bedroom apartments rent for KSh 45,000–75,000/month
- High occupancy in gated estates with backup utilities
👉 Opportunity: Top-tier returns for investors in well-located satellite towns.
5. Diaspora Real Estate Investment Surges to KSh 68 Billion
Kenyans abroad invested an estimated KSh 68 billion in property in 2024, up 42% from 2023, according to Central Bank data.
- Top destinations: Ruiru, Diani, Mombasa, and Ruaka
- Most use WhatsApp, Zoom, and M-Pesa for remote purchases
- Developers now offer diaspora-specific packages with flexible timelines
👉 Trend: Digital-first buying is now the norm.
6. New Green Building Code Now Enforced
As of May 2025, all new developments with 50+ units must comply with Kenya’s Green Building Regulations.
Mandatory features include:
- Solar water heating
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Energy-efficient lighting and insulation
👉 Incentive: Developers who comply get tax rebates and fast-tracked approvals.
7. Saccos Now Finance 50% of Mid-Income Property Purchases
Saccos like Stima, Mwalimu, and Harambee are dominating real estate lending, now financing over half of mid-range property purchases.
- Interest rates: 10–13% (lower than banks)
- Minimum salary: KSh 30,000/month
- Faster approvals and flexible terms
👉 Good News: More Kenyans can now qualify for homeownership.
Market Outlook: What’s Next?
- Affordable Housing Momentum – Government and private sector to deliver 70,000+ units by 2027
- Digital Transformation – AI chatbots, e-titling, and virtual tours becoming standard
- Coastal Growth – Diani, Malindi, and Watamu attracting international investors
- Urban Decentralization – Satellite towns absorbing 60% of new housing demand
FAQs
Q: What is the biggest real estate news in Kenya in 2025?
A: The launch of 10,000 affordable homes by NHC and the opening of Lamu Port are the most impactful developments, driving access and regional growth.
Q: Are property prices still rising in Kenya?
A: Yes—especially in Ruiru, Ruaka, and coastal areas, with annual appreciation averaging 7–12%.
Q: How is technology changing real estate in Kenya?
A: From Ardhisasa e-titling to live video sales and AI-driven ads, tech is making property buying faster, safer, and more accessible than ever.
