Offshore Guidebook | Real Estate Investor Magazine Offshore Guidebook 2013 | Page 48

AFRICA KENYA BY GAYE DE VILLIERS Residential Development In Kenya • Population: 41.6 million • Language: English / Swahili • Currency: Kenyan Shilling • Main Export: Black tea • Capital City: Nairobi • Inflation: 10% E xisting and new residential development properties are currently in demand in Kenya, reports Kunaal Samani, a director of Pam Good buying opportunities “At present, from a local home buyer perspective, areas such as Athi River and Syokimau, which are located in “The most sought after properties are located in areas such as Muthaiga, Kileleshwa, Runda, Gigiri, Loresho, Lavington and Kitisuru, and are mainly in the price range from approximately Kes (Kenyan shilling) 20 million to 100 million (approximately US $235 000 – US $ 1.2 million). Positively, the development sector is presently experiencing the most growth in demand as many apartments and townhouses are now coming to fruition and becoming available for purchase, helping meet a high pent-up demand from the domestic market,” he says. He says middle income buyers are attracted to areas such as Nairobi west, Langata and South C, where prices range from Kes 10 million to 20 million (approximately US $ 117 000 - $235 000), while for higher income buyers, areas such as Lavington and Brookside are popular, with a price range of Kes 25 million - 50 million (approximately US $ 295 000 – US $ 588 000). High net worth buyers purchase in areas such as Runda and Muthaiga, where properties start from Kes 50 million upwards (ie from approximately US $588 000). Golding Properties in Kenya, which has an office in Westlands in Nairobi, and is looking to expand soon in the Mombasa area. Samani says there is a high demand among business executives and young professionals who seek to boost their standard of living and experience a more luxurious lifestyle. 46 Offshore Handbook 2013 the outskirts of Nairobi, offer affordable prices for two to three bedroom apartments starting from about Kes 5 million (approximately US $ 58 000).” Samani says areas with high appeal for South African home purchasers are those such as Gigiri, www.reimag.co.za