The Kenyan Dream for most people definitely involves owning some apartments and getting paid rent every month. The security and predictability of rents as an income stream beats many investments hands down. However, while many people fantasize about this, very few talk about the problems that come up during operationalizing of the property. The myth out here is that rental properties are a “set-it and...

Real estate is the most preferred investment vehicle in Kenya today and it is for a good reason. While investment companies are slowly selling to Kenyans the idea of paper wealth in the form of stocks, T-Bills and Bonds, Kenyan’s still want property. And this makes a lot of sense, the tangible nature of property makes an owner feel a sense of security. Moreover, you have much more control over your asset...

Waiyaki Way is a corridor located West of Nairobi CBD. The area hosts a number of estates that are not only affordable but come with security, greenery and a semi-urban vibe. If you are into nature and wellness, I would definitely recommend moving along this area. However, what sets this zone apart from the rest is its proximity to working nodes like CBD and Westlands. Majority of people living within...

Over the years, some of the complains I have received from tenants is that their units are too expensive for the quality they are getting. While I had ignored this issue earlier, in recent times, it seems that the issue is becoming a growing concern. In developed countries where systems work, there is often a Fair housing act or some laws set to protect renters from this exploitation. However, in Kenya,...

According to statistics, over 75% of Kenyan landlords prefer to self-manage their properties. A big reason being the cost savings made when they take over the operations of their own property. However, this is not without its share of stress. Countless landlords I have spoken to quickly tell me how stressful self-management can be. On inquiring further, many of them lack a system that can help them ease...

Many people have been sold to the idea that real estate is a passive investment. However, once you dip you toes into the world of rental property, you discover how far from passive real estate is. I normally tell my clients that the work starts after construction. This work is called property management and it could make or break your investment.  I have seen many beautifully built apartment blocks that...

If you are a landlord, then one of your monthly obligations is paying the Monthly Rental Income (MRI) tax. This is simply a 7.5% cut from your gross residential rent and it applies to individuals and corporate tenants earning yearly rents of about KES 288,000 – KES 15,000,000. For clarity, if you rental units combined bring in a gross of KES 24,000 – KES 1,250,000 monthly, then you are eligible for MRI...

A while back, I was scrolling through Instagram and one video by a Kenyan “investment” coach took me by shock. He was explaining on how to invest in Real estate and mentioned a strategy I had heard before on the internet. It is the BRRRR strategy, which is an acronym for Buy-Rehab-Rent-Refinance-Repeat. If you are a real estate student like me, then you probably have encountered this mouthful of a...

Most landlords and property owners I have spoken to always seem to have some tenants who are causing them sleepless nights. Whether this is due to difficulties in paying rent or engaging in activities that cause disturbance. The truth is that all this could have been prevented if proper screening had been done. Tenant screening refers to the process used by landlords and property managers to evaluate...

I have spoken to many landlords in Nairobi who keep on reiterating one common problem when we meet. The issue normally goes to the tune of, “the rental business isn’t profitable” or “my tenants are always moving out.” Most of these issues and complaints are symptoms of a larger problem called high tenant turnover. In simple words, this is when many tenants move in and out of your property in...