What It's Like Buying An Apartment In Nairobi Kenya

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  • Опубліковано 7 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  •  День тому +4

    I have being following you Ryan and i do like the way you ask and putting your question simply so that one can get to understand. Iam a Kenyan please take it from me the young man is great knowledge on what he is doing trust me you made the rigth move

  • @sirprestige8803
    @sirprestige8803 День тому +4

    Firstly, congratulations on your investment purchase. Great buy. I was actually about to put down a offplan deposit on a similar 5th floor unit at this same development just before I found another elsewhere at my preferred higher floor.
    Thanks for showing us around. Having repeatedly seen the showrooms on UA-cam and when i visited its good to see an empty unit at handover. Btw, the electric socket under your sink is for the water filter. Also you should consider putting a little extra budget aside to customise and improve these mid-price apartments - including the finish.
    Great conversation. Let me expand and add to some of the discussion for the benefit of those interested;
    One way to lock in that dollar price and avoid the fluctuations is to agree your purchase price in dollars (or Sterling/Euros) next time. Most prominent developers will have bank accounts for these options. Ofcourse you also risk the possibility the k/sh exchange rate could later swing in your favour so consider based on your risk appetite. For instance, I saved nearly $5000 dollars when my English pound pounded that shilling late 2023/early 2024.
    Regarding property tax in Kenya conversation;
    - You pay when you buy. Stamp duty at 4% of government valuation when unit is complete (not necessarily the low offplan price you paid).
    - You pay when you rent. 7.5% of rental income if you’re a Kenyan resident (spending more than 183 days per year in the country) otherwise 30% if non-resident.
    - You pay when you sell. 30-40% on the Capital Appreciation. Fortunately - and unlike most other countries theres no inheritance tax if you pass on the property to your spouse or your own children. Or if your transfer if to a family trust or limited company where these same family members are the shareholders.
    Yes, as mentioned elsewhere in these comments theres annual land rates etc but these are insignificant small amounts annually. Just be sure to pay them.
    Another thing to note that most dont talk about is Nairobi (and other major Kenya cities and especially in prominent areas) is mostly freehold land owned by the Government of Kenya. Yup, read that again. Thus, most of all these apartments and homes are on land that are 99 year leaseholds that date back to 1963 (independence year) and presently are not being renewed when resold/transferred. So in about 48 years from now owners will be required to extend their Sectional (individual unit) leases. Fortunately its a Constitutional entitlement (The Land Act) for owners to get the extension as the Government has no intention of becoming the nation’s landlord. And this applies to both citizens and non-citizens buying land/homes in the capital cities.
    So, as long as you apply for it and have no embursements on your rates etc you are good to get the lease extension. West Africa and most other countries globally would never - when lease expires there the freeholder automatically retains ownership. So consider that another benefit of investment buying in Kenya. In Ghana for example non-citizens only get 50 years of ownership before it reverts to the Government. Another example in UK when your lease expires the freeholder (who has the option to allow extension
    The extension in Kenya is at a fee (thus another tax in future) ofcourse - expect this to be the equivalent of the 4% Stamp Duty on valuation at that time. And you cant renew till the last 5 years of the lease so presently you wont get full info about this (yet). Be sure to consider planning how your successors will do the lease renewal to retain that generational wealth.
    Thumbs up if read all that and learnt something new to note. 😜

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  День тому +3

      Thank you, very detailed clear and helpful.

    • @BlessedMammy
      @BlessedMammy 22 години тому +2

      Very kind of you to put down all the knowledge 🎉🎉🎉🎉am too planing to buy an apartment in Kileleshwa off plan .

    • @brosteve-qu2cj
      @brosteve-qu2cj 20 годин тому +1

      I've liked ua analysis except where u said leasehold r going to expire in next 48yrs,,no not so..in such circumstances the duration is pinned from the date of acquisition,,mo'so a lot of that land has got title deeds

    • @angellowagz2207
      @angellowagz2207 17 годин тому +1

      There is annual land rates

    • @sirprestige8803
      @sirprestige8803 13 годин тому +1

      @brosteve-qu2cj Thank you bro but please look it up. Theres a very common theme with the lengths of leashold title-deed tenures for many of the land of these city apartments. They all date back to around Kenya’s independence when the Government took back ownership and started selling. Very very few have fresh 99 year leases when the land is bought/sold.
      Its not necessarily a bad thing cos its applicable for all - and more importantly, its renewable in the future. For instance, I have just received a sectional title last week for an apartment i bought offplan two years ago and it clearly states its 99 years leasehold dates back to commencement in 1972 (when the Gov first sold that land post-independence). And I have other similar examples. Regards. 😁

  • @The-Man-Right-Chea
    @The-Man-Right-Chea 10 годин тому +3

    🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 Nairobi is like What Atlanta was 15-20 years ago with the real-estate. Atlanta was a low cost of living and very affordable property. Atlanta was growing and becoming the New trending hip city and people started moving to Atlanta. So people who brought property in Atlanta 15-20 years ago are benefitting right now ,and people who are trying to rent or purchase property today are complaining about the high prices . So right now is the best time to invest in Kenya and Nairobi

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  10 годин тому +1

      Funny you say that I’ve been saying Nairobi is like being able to buy property in New York in the 80’s. Same idea! 🧠

    • @discounthub1401
      @discounthub1401 9 годин тому

      @@RyanFagan_RealEstate Not in Africa. An election is coming up in 2027 that's going to be rough. We'll see. In Africa, you never know. Very unpopular government right now and the economy has all but collapsed. If they try to rig, the country might go to hell.

  • @mikimiki3355
    @mikimiki3355 2 дні тому +4

    23:38 actually, there is yearly land rates that you pay at City Hall if you own land in Nairobi.
    So let's say, you buy a house on a piece of land, you need to pay tax for the land. Same if you buy an empty lot, you will still pay the same tax.

  • @mosy2049
    @mosy2049 22 години тому +3

    I live in the same building. Welcome neighbor!🎉

  • @artbrutnewyork
    @artbrutnewyork 13 годин тому +1

    Congratulations. Looks nice. Agree, that there are some cosmetic final finish issues/lack of attention to details (especially in the bathroom) that should be addressed. Hopefully you will keep us updated in terms of any quality issues that arise over time.

  • @jameskamotho7513
    @jameskamotho7513 День тому +3

    19:28 You shouldn't worry of a property bubble here. Our population is still growing and is set to reach 70-80 million by 2050, all factors held constant of course, although even if our growth declines, there is a huge backlog of rural and young people.
    On property tax (we call it land rate here), (your guy didn't seem to know) we have three types land tenure. Lease (pays annual rate to counties) mostly found in cities. Freehold (doesn't pay county land rates) and communal land. The government has never been able to introduce taxes on land since people fight it so much but may be in future, they might succeed in it.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  День тому

      @@jameskamotho7513 that’s a great point cause when I look around all I see is development. Like who is gonna live in all these new buildings?

    • @jameskamotho7513
      @jameskamotho7513 День тому +2

      @@RyanFagan_RealEstate The only challenge is lack of income. I for one, cannot afford them, but there are people who will. They were talking of a bubble a decade ago but that kinda didn't stick and those fears are largely gone. Also, there are those who buy and rent out.
      Don't you worry. Also, Nairobi is what they call a primate city (you don't have such in US) which is a city that dominates its country's economy(27% of GDP according to the latest survey) and politics. Most African cities are like that. I see it growing to 15-20m people by 2050, with 8-10m within the county, all factors being equal of course. I would worry for you if you had bought in a small rural town.

  • @julietnthenya1138
    @julietnthenya1138 3 дні тому +4

    Congratulations 👏

  • @mandah2445
    @mandah2445 2 дні тому +2

    I also just done the hand over for a 1 bedroom space in Lavington! Such a nice neighborhood and for the price, not so bad. Although I know the finishings aren’t best but US citizen based abroad in Asia so I’m used to these kinds of apartments.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  2 дні тому +1

      @@mandah2445 yes being from the US some places aren’t up to standard I’m always looking at what would be considered “average” in this market and where you can find higher quality

    • @mwanafalsafa3613
      @mwanafalsafa3613 2 дні тому

      Can you guys kindly mention the property companies you are dealing with?

  • @USSEIN_WAJEER
    @USSEIN_WAJEER 3 дні тому +4

    Love this. With about same or even less price, you could own a beachfront apartment in Mombasa with a very demanding Airbnb return. Except Mombasa is a little too hot lol. Not sure if you ever been but it’s tropical 🏝️ weather

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  3 дні тому

      @@USSEIN_WAJEER yes Mombasa is very hot, I just like there are so many things to do in Nairobi, I don’t know as much about Mombasa

    • @nicoledinga9948
      @nicoledinga9948 День тому +1

      Nrb with Airbnb is better...the coast is only seasonal.

    • @USSEIN_WAJEER
      @USSEIN_WAJEER День тому

      @@nicoledinga9948 Ma’am I’m speaking from experience! Nairobi doesn’t have “beachfront” keynotes, you make more money on a season in Mombasa than what you make in a year in Nairobi. I own properties in both cities

  • @jambatvee3803
    @jambatvee3803 3 години тому

    On the tax part, city property which is mostly leasehold, almost always attracts some annual tax. If you have rental income, you have another tax obligation. But still taxes are relatively low compared to US

  • @ifrazkhan7143
    @ifrazkhan7143 День тому +5

    The finish is the biggest problem with alot of the kenyan artisans. I think is the lack of proper tools to do a clean job. Also alot of trainees on the work site.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  День тому

      I notice it a lot with tile work where if there is a cutout or and edge it’s usually not very clean cut so could be a lack of the right tool. Most of the developers are Chinese companies so I have no idea what their process looks like or how they equip their workforce but it’s something I’m interested in learning more about how construction works here as I do a lot in the US

  • @Ladybae-q9k
    @Ladybae-q9k 2 дні тому +1

    Great video bro. Good job

  • @willisdedan
    @willisdedan 2 дні тому +1

    Give cleanify that work to remove the stains we do post construction cleaning ..

  • @rukam3
    @rukam3 2 дні тому +5

    Chinese developers fail in doing finishes. After 2 years, it starts to peel.

  • @ObengBash
    @ObengBash 3 дні тому +4

    They do have property tax in SFRs in Kenya called Land rates and or Levied by county governments on properties within urban areas, based on the property's value as assessed by the government.and Land Rent: Charged by the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning for leasehold land allocated by the government. One other Thing, I doubt you can make 130,000.00 per month in Rent for a one Bedroom house.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  3 дні тому

      The long term rental rate is 65,000 ksh I suppose the 120k would be Airbnb rate if you had very high occupancy but that’s what I’m not sure what the vacancy rate would look like on Airbnb

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  3 дні тому

      @@ObengBash thank you on the clarification on the taxes 😊

    • @freedomm
      @freedomm 2 дні тому

      Land rates are extremely low, though. Like in Nairobi, land owners pay 0.115% p.a. which is basically negligible.

  • @Bigflos
    @Bigflos 3 дні тому +7

    As a German i was horrified by the Craftsmanship of some things of a NEWLY Built Apartment building. The finish on e completed Place SMH but i guess Price beats everything. im going to do a tour of my place as well soon , same problems 🙂

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  3 дні тому +2

      @@Bigflos yea some of the places I have seen the concrete is already chipping away and the finish work in some places isn’t so good. I think you have to work with developers that emphasize quality which can take more time and research for sure. I’m used to US construction which most things are made with wood vs concrete so I’m not so familiar with these building practices.

    • @Bigflos
      @Bigflos 2 дні тому +1

      @@RyanFagan_RealEstate yeah, im fsmiliar with some houses in the us, not much apartments. china investments building crews or African in some places not sure if the Quality defers from each other much though

    • @freedomm
      @freedomm 2 дні тому +3

      You generally get what you pay for. If it's super cheap, there's definitely a catch.

    • @AfricanUSA-th9ov
      @AfricanUSA-th9ov День тому

      ​@RyanFagan_RealEstate same things is going to happen where your 1 Bedroom is located. Generally maintenance is a big problem in Africa. In 3 to 5 years, the exterior is going to look bad because of the kind of painting that they are using

    • @freedomm
      @freedomm День тому +1

      @@AfricanUSA-th9ov There are much older buildings that are very well maintained in that area of Lavington.

  • @shaystar9347
    @shaystar9347 День тому +2

    So buying a apartment in Nairobi it's no property taxes only a 4% extra when buying the apartment? and 5000 Kenyan shillings for maintenance per month 38 USD?

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  День тому

      There are some city council taxes but it’s a very small amount. But yes 5000 Ksh condo fee basically.

  • @liliannjau5585
    @liliannjau5585 День тому +2

    Please involve an advocate who deals in land when buying a house and take care

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  День тому

      @@liliannjau5585 I feel like some of them were trying to overcharge me

    • @liliannjau5585
      @liliannjau5585 День тому

      @@RyanFagan_RealEstate unfortunately it's possible take care

  • @maureenwm
    @maureenwm День тому +1

    We pay land rates annually for house and apartment owners.

  • @ablasalim7378
    @ablasalim7378 Годину тому

    What's the cost of this 1 bedroom? Nice!

  • @NilajaT-p5x
    @NilajaT-p5x 17 годин тому +1

    As a senior, I want to buy a house in Kenya, but I'm afraid since I've heard so many horrible stories where foreigners, especially seniors, being defrauded of their money. In Nairobi, people had to go through hell to get their money back, some never get back their money. In the United States, scams are uncommon and, if they do occur, rules are in place to deal with them. This is extremely scary.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  17 годин тому +1

      To be honest I think people just are too idealistic coming to Africa and don’t act intelligently. Yes people will scam but there’s also tons of good people that’s why I was sharing my interaction with Dennis and Sydia as they’ve been great. Also buying off-plan from a developer that has had successful developments previously is probably the best lowest risk entry point. When you get into land and private sellers and things like that, that’s where you are gonna need good people looking out for you, or do a lot of research. There’s a lot of foreigners that’s travel expecting things to work the same way as their country and it just doesn’t work like that and they get taken advantage of. I don’t find it very difficult to navigate Kenya and doing business so far you just have to have common sense and research things.

    • @discounthub1401
      @discounthub1401 9 годин тому

      Why as a senior do you want to be there? the medical care system is not good and they are no emergency services if anything happens.

    • @NilajaT-p5x
      @NilajaT-p5x 32 хвилини тому

      @discounthub1401 Not true. Nairobi has one of the best medical care in the world. I have been in Kenya for six months, I suffered no more from high blood pressure, why, because the food us far better than food on the west. I eat natural organic. My only draw back is purchasing property, besides Kenya is beautiful.

  • @IhtiClasses
    @IhtiClasses 2 дні тому +6

    it looks nice until you start living there. the developers have a similar project in syokimau, mombasa road. i lived in one of their houses and let me tell you, the electricity bill because of those tiny heaters will be huge, the doors are not real doors, they are hollow, on exposure to water they start peeling off, the skirting also starts peeling off. if they stay in management you're in for a ride because they water bills will be high. they were charging 250 per cbm. otherwise congratulations. just advising anyone else who might think of buying a property with these developers. due your due dilligence

  • @freedomm
    @freedomm 2 дні тому +6

    Very informative video, even for us Kenyans. Paying a lifetime tax on a property you live in is WILD 😂😂😂. Like paying rent for the rest of your life smh Defeats the purpose of buying.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  2 дні тому +2

      Exactly! It’s normal to us in the US so when I really thought about it, in other places you don’t have to pay it sounds so much better!

    • @AfricanUSA-th9ov
      @AfricanUSA-th9ov День тому +1

      Here In USA That My Condo Is Paid Off. I Am Paying $300 Each Month For HOA And $5,000 A Year For My Property Tax Forever. And Electric And Gas Monthly

    • @AfricanUSA-th9ov
      @AfricanUSA-th9ov День тому

      My Property In West Africa 🌍 I Don't Pay Property Taxes

  • @MohamedAbdalla-c8u
    @MohamedAbdalla-c8u 3 дні тому +12

    So buying in Kenya is way much better than in USA 😅😅😅

    • @margaretnjenga7127
      @margaretnjenga7127 2 дні тому +1

      Absolutely 💯

    • @AfricanUSA-th9ov
      @AfricanUSA-th9ov День тому +1

      That Is If Foreigners can own outright

    • @brosteve-qu2cj
      @brosteve-qu2cj 20 годин тому +1

      I think the right word is that it's much cheaper with a high likelihood of a good return

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  20 годин тому +1

      If you paid the same money in the states you probably can’t buy almost anything and/or it would be in a really bad area. In comparison you can buy into the most desirable areas of Nairobi for the same amount with a lot of growth potential. That’s at least how I’m looking at it.
      As far as owning outright as a foreigner, with a condo like this you don’t have a master deed. You have a deed tied to the master deed that the developer holds from my understanding which you can own outright. Buying land or property not in a building would have to be leasehold 99 years then renewed unless you buy with a citizen or a business with a citizen on the board.

    • @NilajaT-p5x
      @NilajaT-p5x 17 годин тому

      @MohamedAbdalla-c8u. Just be careful not to get scam out of your money.

  • @jambatvee3803
    @jambatvee3803 3 години тому

    Finishing is really wanting in Kenya esp if you’re used to US standards

  • @BenedictaIgpki
    @BenedictaIgpki 22 години тому +1

    Just asking if is lawful for foreigners to acquire property in Kenya?

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  22 години тому

      @@BenedictaIgpki yes, if you buy land or a property though you can only get a 99 year leasehold deed

  • @yohana7290
    @yohana7290 2 дні тому +3

    Chinese craftsmanship is highly questionable. The size, number of units, and overall layout feel congested. However, the cost is significantly lower than that of other builders, so I suppose there’s only so much one can complain about.
    Congratulations on making the investment.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  2 дні тому

      @@yohana7290 the Chinese aren’t doing the work from my observation it’s local Kenyans doing the building the Chinese i only see if the sales office.

    • @yohana7290
      @yohana7290 2 дні тому +1

      @ no I get that. I’m just speaking of the Chinese from a developers perspective.
      But I glad to see you and your business partner made the investment. Again congratulations.
      Wishing you much success!!

  • @debrawilliams2781
    @debrawilliams2781 2 дні тому +4

    The BAR POST on the TERRACE was LOOSE as he LEANED on it, CHECK IT OUT i!!!😊😢😢

    • @freedomm
      @freedomm 2 дні тому +1

      That type is supposed to be lose 😂 It's a Chinese development so they bring their earthquatke-proof regulations even though we don't have earthquakes here 😂

    • @AfricanUSA-th9ov
      @AfricanUSA-th9ov День тому +1

      Bathroom grouting is not properly done. Not neat.

  • @jameswilson1522
    @jameswilson1522 День тому +1

    Wow

  • @jjuice3327
    @jjuice3327 12 годин тому +1

    4000 a year?? Property tax?? 😮

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  12 годин тому

      There’s places that are more than double that for middle class homes

  • @EsthersBlessings
    @EsthersBlessings День тому +3

    I don’t Like the view facing the neighbors🫣

    • @brosteve-qu2cj
      @brosteve-qu2cj 20 годин тому

      A stand off she with a compound might suit u,,if ull be ready to go for it

  • @RonaldKatina73
    @RonaldKatina73 2 дні тому +3

    wow now that's a real hustle for us Americans. No long term taxes on ownership.

  • @adventureserieswithwangechi
    @adventureserieswithwangechi 2 дні тому +1

    🎉🎉❤❤👏👏

  • @jamesokoth6655
    @jamesokoth6655 5 днів тому +3

    Karibu kaka hit me up I'm in Western Kenya

  • @justfoundout
    @justfoundout 2 дні тому

    Did he meant garbage disposal or actually dishwasher?😂

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  2 дні тому

      @@justfoundout lol he was asking if there is space in the kitchen to add it 😂

    • @freedomm
      @freedomm 2 дні тому +1

      In Kenya we generally don't have garbage disposals.

    • @juniorkellytv6811
      @juniorkellytv6811 2 дні тому

      Depends Where You Live,Most Gated Communities Have Them​@@freedomm

  • @Al-cb4hf
    @Al-cb4hf 2 дні тому +1

    Bad move, bro
    You should have chosen West africa or the South of Africa or North Africa.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  2 дні тому +3

      Why???

    • @louisawambui4475
      @louisawambui4475 2 дні тому +2

      You know you have no reason to say that.

    • @Al-cb4hf
      @Al-cb4hf 2 дні тому

      @louisawambui4475 I have millions to say that and I didn't force him in anything.I know you hate free speech.
      I'm sure I was born in kenya before you.

    • @Al-cb4hf
      @Al-cb4hf 2 дні тому +1

      @RyanFagan_RealEstate too much corruption, too many taxes without any services.Also very expensive.
      Anyway to my fellow African Americans and African Europeans coming to Africa for a vacation is different than coming to stay in Africa.

    • @RyanFagan_RealEstate
      @RyanFagan_RealEstate  2 дні тому +5

      @ more corrupt than West Africa? No way