Real Estate

If you’ve been apartment-hunting in Nairobi lately, you’ve probably noticed a worrying trend: service charge inflation in Nairobi apartments. What used to be a manageable KES 5,000–10,000 monthly fee in 2015 has, in some developments, more than doubled to KES 20,000–30,000 by 2025. Buyers and investors are asking: Are these rising charges sustainable? And if not, is it time to consider gated...

The Nairobi property market in 2025 is more dynamic than ever. Young professionals, growing families, and investors are all asking the same question: Is it better to buy an urban apartment in the city or a home in Nairobi’s satellite towns? The truth is, both options have advantages — but the smarter buy depends on lifestyle, cost, and long-term investment goals. Here’s a data-backed look at...

Honoring the Constitution, Upholding the Right to Affordable Housing 27th August 2025 marks a historic milestone for Kenya — 15 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, a living document that has shaped our democracy, rights, and aspirations. At Willstone Homes, we proudly join millions of Kenyans in celebrating Katiba Day, with a special focus on Article 43(1)(b) — the constitutional...

Buying property is rarely just about the list price. In Nairobi, negotiation is part of the process — but how much room there really is depends on the seller, the market, and the type of property. Some buyers walk away with millions saved, while others overpay because they didn’t understand the local dynamics. Here’s what actually works when negotiating property prices in Nairobi, and what...

Buying property in Nairobi isn’t just about the sale price. Once you own land or a home, property taxes in Kenya kick in — and these can significantly affect your long-term cost of ownership. Many buyers focus on stamp duty during purchase, but forget that annual land rates, rent charges, and capital gains tax also play a role. Here’s a breakdown of what every buyer and investor should...

What Is Stamp Duty in Nairobi Real Estate? Stamp duty in Nairobi real estate is a tax charged on the transfer of property ownership. It is paid to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and is one of the biggest upfront costs buyers face when acquiring a home or piece of land. This fee applies whether you are buying an apartment in Kilimani, a townhouse in Lavington, or land in Kiambu. For many buyers,...

What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown? A mortgage rate buydown is when the seller (often a developer in Kenya) pays money upfront to lower the buyer’s interest rate for the first few years of the mortgage. Instead of reducing the property’s price, the developer partners with a bank to make monthly repayments more affordable at the start of the loan. This is becoming more visible in Nairobi’s...

What Are Seller Concessions in Nairobi? Seller concessions in Nairobi are incentives a seller offers to reduce the upfront cost of buying a home. Instead of lowering the asking price, the seller agrees to cover certain expenses — making the home more affordable and attractive to buyers. In Nairobi’s market, this often shows up as: A developer paying part of your stamp duty. A seller...

Rent vs Own in Nairobi isn’t just a financial choice — it’s a stress test on your lifestyle, resilience, and future security. With mortgage rates hovering around 15–17%, rents escalating in hotspots like Kilimani and Ruaka, and inflation pushing up everyday costs, the decision goes far beyond a monthly payment. The real question is: under stress, which option actually holds up?. 1. The Starting...

Flexible Home Ownership That Works Around Your Life, Your Budget, Your Future 💡 "Is Owning a Home Even Possible With Everything I Have Going On?" You're not alone. Every day, people are stuck between a rock and a hard place— The rising cost of rent School fees for children Daily expenses that can’t wait And the overwhelming dream of owning a home But what if we told you...