Kenya’s real estate landscape takes on a peculiar pattern. Each year, buyers pay keen attention to a particular location, and buy everything they can find, while the prices are still affordable. And once that location is out of trend, they move on to the next. Some locations are lucky to stay popular for a couple of years, and others…not so much. Let’s look at the some of the most popular real estate locations in Kenya this year.
Search Volume
This list is not based on personal opinion or basic observations. It is based on a list of the most googled locations. Compiling the list involved an analysis of data from several search engine research platforms that summarize the monthly search volume for specific google searches. The locations are arranged in order, from those with the highest to the lowest search volume.
Other additional locations that had way less search volumes were left out of the list. Let’s dive into the list of the most popular real estate locations in Kenya for land sales.
Nakuru
Over the last one year, Nakuru’s real estate market has hit the headlines for many good reasons. The once small, but vibrant town was upgraded to a city in June, 2021. Perhaps, this is one of the main reasons savvy investors are betting their money on Nakuru. While researching for this article, it emerged that properties in Nakuru had the highest search volume of all locations in Kenya.
Nakuru is among top five of the most popular counties for land sales, alongside, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado. Neighborhoods like Pipeline and Milimani are attracting more buyers each year. Several factors could be influencing Nakuru’s growth. For starters, the town has several attractions like Lake Nakuru, home to flamingos, Menengai crater and several historical sites like the Lord Egerton castle.
Business hubs are also mushrooming in different areas of the town, thus creating opportunities in rental and commercial real estate. Pipeline, for instance, has grown into a thriving business hub attracting a growing population of entrepreneurs who need apartments, shops and residential plots for the future.
Kamulu
Number two on the list is an old time favorite for many real estate enthusiasts. Kamulu, located along Kangundo Road in Machakos county has been trending for years now. The location shot to fame a few years ago when expansion of the 25km Kangundo Road, began. It has since grown to attract a growing middle class population.
But what has kept Kamulu trending for so long? First the property prices have been increasing at a reasonably steady pace. In addition, the supply and demand for plots have maintained a healthy balance. Kamulu has also attracted a diverse set of developments, from gated communities, to commercial developments and residential neighborhoods. This kind of diversity attracts a wide range of buyers, making the location, perfect for almost everyone.
Malindi
It’s not surprising that Malindi is on this list, but the location’s search volume comes as a surprise. Malindi, in Kilifi county is almost a misfit on this list. Most of the popular locations are either in cities or close to the country’s capital, Nairobi. Malindi, however, defies the criteria and tramples many big real estate names.
It is almost obvious why this small town is attracting high search volumes. The property prices are the lowest, a buyer will ever see in this market. In addition, Malindi is in a tourism hotspot, which increases buyers’ curiosity and interest. Though the locations on sale are not so close to the tourism hubs, buyers are allowed to dream, speculate and anticipate.
Read more on Malindi Real Estate: Is a cheap parcel of land in Malindi a wise investment?
Nanyuki
Just like Malindi, above, Nanyuki is also a misfit, but not new to the popular markets’ club. Nanyuki has presented some interesting patterns as a popular real estate location. From skyrocketing property values, to forming a bubble that threated to bust, and finally achieving stability.
There are two or three, maybe four reasons why Nanyuki is so popular. First, the property prices are still affordable. Second, it is a tourism hotspot, with opportunities in hospitality, commercial real estate and future settlement. Third, the town has a cosmopolitan location, which makes it favorable for many buyers who want to invest in a quiet town, that is not too politically charged.
Juja
From Malindi, we come back to the metropolis. Juja, in Kiambu county is not only popular but also prime. It is the kind of neighborhood where you can live, report to work in Nairobi’s CBD and take your children to school comfortably. The most famous landmark in Juja is the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Juja is also very close to the Thika superhighway and not so far from the Eastern Bypass making it highly accessible. It is the perfect location for anyone looking for a pinch of Nairobi’s urban chaos and a pinch of calmness.
Ruiru
Juja and Ruiru are neighbours, but in terms of “primeness” as an investment destination, Ruiru is likely to outdo Juja by a mile. However, property prices in Ruiru have increased exponentially thanks to infrastructure development. Ruiru is at the heart of major roads like the Eastern Bypass, Northern Bypass and the Thika Superhighway. You can literally access any location from Ruiru.
In addition to major roads, multiple industries have set up in Ruiru, making the once small town, a pivotal industrial zone. Needless to mention, property prices have increased gradually over the years, pricing out aspiring buyers.
The high property values have led to what would be termed as a continuum of development. To accommodate eager buyers who’ve been priced out of Ruiru, new prime locations are mushrooming and Juja is earning its place as a the first choice. Interestingly, Ruiru had slightly fewer searches compared to Juja.
Kikuyu
Our research takes us to the other side of Kiambu. Kikuyu is raking in the searches as more Kenyans explore this side of Kiambu that is so distinct from Ruiru and Juja. As development spread across Waiyaki way, at some point we had to branch off to the colder, greener and serene parts of Kikuyu.
Of course the Sourthern Bypass, has a lot to do with the rise of Kikuyu. And as expected, the most popular locations in Kikuyu and the ones attracting higher search volumes are pretty close to the bypass. Further research revealed that Gitaru is searched often. Others include Gikambura and Gathiga.
Ngong
Ngong is the only location from Kajiado county. Is this surprising? Not so much. Kajiado county was the go-to market for affordable properties. The county is home to some prime neighbourhoods like Ongata Rongai, Kitengela, Isinya and Kiserian. So what happened and why is Ngong the only popular real estate investment location in Kajiado.
For starters, the new zoning and subdivision guidelines might have scared away potential investors. Many media outlets reported that Kajiado county is limiting subdivision to a quarter acre. Given that 50 by 100 plots are the most popular and most affordable option for many Kenyans- such media reports discouraged many from considering Kajiado.
Read more about Kajiado’s Subdivision guidelines: FACT CHECK: Does Kajiado County Limit Land Subdivision to 1/4 Acre?
It seems, Ngong is still attractive, even with this shift. Probably, the Ngong-Kibiko-Suswa bypass has a lot to do with this. The now stalled, 70km road which was to be completed by December 2021 opened up new affordable locations in Ngong, diverting attention from the usual Kajiado markets. As per usual, speculative buyers pounced on the location when the Kajiado County government announced the road’s expansion.
However, the search volumes are still relatively low, compared to other locations of a similar standing and value on the list. To put this into perspective, Ngong’s search volume is about 80% less than that of the top location on the list, Nakuru.
Kisumu
Kisumu has not been a major player in the national real estate scene. But with devolution, this county is turning into a popular market for many buyers. Kisumu has a city status and its economy is growing at a good pace. It presents lots of opportunities for commercial real estate, as major companies and retail outlets turn their attention to the lake city.
For residential buyers, new locations have also opened up thanks to infrastructure development and growing transport systems. Just like Nakuru, it has high potential to turn into an independent commercial hub that does not need proximity to Nairobi to shine in the real estate sector.
Matuu
Matuu is one of the biggest surprises on the list. If you’ve been to the small town, along Thika road in Machakos County, its trajectory with surprise you further. Matuu, mushroomed in the middle of nowhere. It is not a tourism hotspot and definitely not a stopover for long distance trucks- (like many other small towns).
The town has a unique personality and a determination to outgrow people’s expectations. On a more logic note, Matuu is attracting a relatively high search volume due to its low property prices. It is one of the most affordable locations for low-income earning Kenyans. Besides, it has a rich road network that makes it accessible and great for both business and future settlement.
Gated Community Plots in Kiambu
We have to admit- it is an odd google search, with very specific wording. Kiambu County in general has dominated this list with locations such as Ruiru, Kikuyu and Juja. Therefore, it is not surprising that Kenya’s middle class wants to settle in Kiambu and they are quite specific on their preferences.
But this Google Search also signifies a growing demand for serviced plots. People want order, in their residential neighborhoods even when they cannot afford readily built houses in gated communities.
Is Kiambu meeting this demand, for serviced plots in gated communities? Absolutely.
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