Nairobi – Kenya's housing market is thriving with increasing demand from buyers, expatriates and international investors.
The luxurious and affordable housing market is welcoming a moment with potential buyers.
These dynamics will take the centre stage at Pullman, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya at the 2025 East Africa Real Estate Investment Summit held in Nairobi from May 7th to 8th.
Kenya's housing market has seen significant growth across its revenue spectrum, with increasing demand from local buyers, expatriates and international investors.
This segment has become a focus for developers and stakeholders looking to capitalize on Kenya's evolving real estate landscape.
Kenya's housing market is divided into two segments: a luxurious and affordable market.
At the luxurious end of the housing market, Kenya's abundant individuals and expatriates are driving demand for premium properties in exclusive regions.
This demand for the premium property is driven by wealthy buyers, indicating further growth to become a billionaire of $16,900 by 2026, according to a 2024 African Wealth Report published in collaboration with New World Wealth by Henley & Partners.
Nairobi ranks among the top cities worldwide for its luxury property prices growth, and in some cases it outperforms cities like London and Paris.
The dynamics of Kenya's high-end housing market will be explored at the upcoming East Africa Real Estate Investment (EAPI) Summit. This is the best real estate event that brings together over 450 global investors, developers and experts in the real estate industry.
The 12th Annual Summit will be held in Nairobi from May 7th to 8th, 2025 at Pullman, Upper Hill.
This year's EAPI Summit explores how developers and investors can leverage investment opportunities in countries such as Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia.
These countries show promising signs of economic recovery, improved political stability and stabilization.
Real estate professionals unpack investment opportunities in Kenya's luxury housing market.
Institutional investors and development finance institutions are funding several development projects and are paying more attention to the country's housing market as they have ambitions to develop good regions.
These investors continue to fund complex use developments that combine residential space with retail and leisure facilities, attracting young buyers looking for modern living solutions.
Its financial solutions include mortgage financing to cover the sale price of real estate and closing costs such as stamp duty and legal fees. Financing for residential real estate construction. Funded product aimed at Kenyans looking for affordable housing solutions. Cost of residential lots in major towns. and blend finance options for sustainable and affordable student housing.
Stanbic Bank/Standard Bank is committed to supporting sponsors addressing Kenya's housing needs and promoting sustainability and economic growth in the real estate sector.
This is why Stanbic Bank is supporting this year's EAPI Summit as a gold sponsor.
The luxury end of the housing market remains shaped by a wide range of features that align with unit locations, unit sizes and buyer preferences and aspirations, but Stanbic Bank believes the luxury segment is not attracting attention from investors.
However, the affordable housing market is still neglected.
For this reason, financial services companies have chosen to support the affordable/middle income housing segment. This segment has strong demand and a rich influence.
“In that segment, the factors shaping the evolution of successful projects are the proximity of the project to the major business hub, accessibility to transport networks, and quality that offers trade-offs over price ranges.
It is useful to emphasize that demand for most of this market segment is driven by the rental market and the retail and institutional real estate investment market,” said Niyi Adeleye, head of Africa Regional Real Estate Finance for Standard Banking Group, a part of Stanbic Bank.
Stanbic Bank/Standard Bank sponsorship allows investors to understand and connect with industry experts over the two days scheduled for the EAPI Summit.
Financial services companies will help investors in line with their investment mission in affordable housing markets.
“In the case of standard banks/Stanbic banks, our interest will continue to remain in Kenya's active participation and contribution in the development and formation of the building environment of key countries in its critical footprint.
“Our activities provide opportunities to participate in projects that have important social impacts and deepen their impact in collaboration with project sponsors through the development of green evaluation characteristics and the provision of green loans to support their development,” Adeleye said.
“In addition, these projects will help shape the evolution of urban and national assets and improve the livability, growth and availability of more robust social infrastructure.”
Despite the potential for growth in the Kenya housing market, it faces significant hurdles.
Real estate developers struggle with access to long-term financing due to high interest rates and strict lending requirements, leaving them with limited financing options for housing projects.
There are also legal disputes over land ownership, which can delay projects and increase developer costs.
Another challenge is that demand for homes and luxury homes often outweighs supply, creating pressure for competitive pricing.
The EAPI Summit has key experts to help potential investors overcome these challenges.
Among the experts that will be attending is Hass Consult, a company that offers luxury homes for sale across Nairobi.
To demonstrate its commitment to supporting investors, Hass Consult joined Stanbic Bank as a sponsor of the EAPI Summit.
Hass Consult is bullish in the Kenya housing market, particularly the luxury segment.
Hass Consult CEO Farhana Hassanali-Hashmani said the Kenya luxury housing market is increasingly open to global buyers.
“As an East African economic and cultural hub, the city is increasingly captivating global and sophisticated consumers, which are subject to premium real estate and world-class hospitality standards,” Hassanali Hashmani said.
“This demographic has seen an increase in expatriates and includes mobile Kenyans worldwide, raising expectations for quality, design and lifestyle.”
This global impact has led to a significant increase in willingness to pay for luxurious and value-added amenities, says Hassanali Hashmani.
She added that real estate developers have more latitudes to invest in high-quality finishes, curated experiences, and thoughtful designs that enhance the lifestyle that it allows for, as well as properties.
“Today, Luxury is not just about physical assets. It's about the entire user experience,” Hassanali-Hashmani said.
“Homeowners and investors are looking for developments that offer seamless living, from top management to integrated wellness facilities and thoughtfully designed communal spaces.
“The focus on lifestyle is central to how value is perceived and how capital growth is maintained at the moment.
“There is a strong and growing demand for development that offers world-class lifestyle amenities. Health, wellness and fitness talk spaces are all delivered through a sophisticated user experience.
“Residents are looking for an environment that supports balance, happiness and convenience, reflecting global trends in urban life.”
There is also a significant change in the demographics of buyers in the luxury housing market.
Hassanali-Hashmani said:
“We see a diverse mix of young, aspiring buyers investing in compact yet premium residences.
Buyers are also more environmentally conscious and are actively hoping for housing developments built with an environmentally friendly, energy efficient and responsible footprint.
Whether it's affordable or the luxury housing market, Stanbic Bank and Hass consulting remains positive about Kenya and explores opportunities at the EAPI Summit.
The 12th East Africa Real Estate Investment Summit Conference will be held on May 7th and 8th, 2025 at Pullman, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya. For more information, please visit https://eapisummit.com to join the EAPI Summit.
