In the last year, four estates in the Nairobi and its neighboring satellite towns have emerged as highly appealing options for city residents seeking affordable yet quality apartments.
Among these estates are Lang'ata and Ngong Town, which have garnered significant attention and preference among Kenyans looking for housing in 2023, as highlighted by reputable real estate companies like HassConsult.
Ruaka and Ongata Rongai have also witnessed a surge in popularity over the past year, further solidifying their position as attractive destinations for prospective homebuyers.
Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at each of the estates and why they are gaining prominence in the real estate market.
Ruaka
Located in Kiambu County - the satellite estate has seen demand for houses increase owing to numerous development of affordable houses and its proximity to the Nairobi Central Business District.
Just 20 minutes from the CBD, most transport operators charge an average of Ksh60 to town.
In its 2022 Q1 report, HassConsult also attributed the growth in rental occupancy to the neighbouring affluent suburbs such as Rosslyn and Kitusuru which has seen property developments spill over.
Availability of retail shops and facilities such as the Two Rivers Mall has also attracted Kenyans.
"Ruaka has therefore become the largest stockholder of apartments within the satellite as it presents the ability for the working population to enjoy both housing affordability and reduced transportation costs," the HassConsult report read in part.
Additionally, residents can also get high-end apartments that are relatively affordable. For instance, an average two-bedroom apartment ranges between Ksh25,000 - Ksh40,000.
Lang'ata
The high demand for housing in Lang'ata has been attributed to the spillover of property and infrastructural development in the neighbouring Karen estate.
In terms of connectivity, the completion of the Southern Bypass and Ngong Road have been integral in opening up the estate for investments.
The rental pricing has also been appealing to the middle class in the city.
One-bedroom apartments range between Ksh12,000 to Ksh15,000. With others that target the upper class going above Ksh40,000.
Ngong Town and Ongata Rongai
Similar to Lang'ata, the recent developments in the two estates in Kajiado County have been caused by the investments in Karen Estate.
"Ngong Town and Ongata Rongai posted strong rental growth rates with Ngong Town posting a house rental price increase of 17.6 per cent in the last year and Ongata Rongai posting a 22 per cent apartment rental price increase in the same period," HassConsult documented in its 2023 Q2 report.
On the other hand, cheaper land prices in the two areas have also attracted investors seeking to build apartments.
For instance, an acre of land in Ngong Town retails at Ksh32 million on average while a similar sized house in Ongata Rongai goes for Ksh23 million.
In terms of rent, one-bedroom apartments range between Ksh15,000 to Ksh18,000. Two-bedroom apartments range between ksh20,000 and Ksh35,000.
However, those desiring houses at lower or higher price points can also get them.
