Buying Off-Plan Property in Kenya: A Buyer’s Checklist (2026)
Buying off-plan property in Kenya means paying for a home before it is built, usually with a deposit of 10–30% and the balance in instalments during construction. Off-plan prices are typically lower than for ready homes, but you take on the risk of delays. Before paying, check the developer’s track record, county approval, NEMA licence, NCA registration and the title, and make sure payments are tied to construction milestones.
Last updated: October 2026 · By the Sir Francis Homes team
- What is off-plan?
- Pros and cons
- Real payment plans
- Off-plan checklist
- What the sale agreement should say
- Off-plan or ready?
- Warning signs
- Handover and snagging
- FAQs
What is off-plan property?
Off-plan property is sold before construction is finished, sometimes before it starts. You buy from plans, show houses and specifications, and pay in stages until handover. Many new apartment projects in Nairobi are sold this way, especially in Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa and Gigiri.
Pros and cons of buying off-plan property in Kenya
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower prices than finished homes | Risk of construction delays |
| Payment plans spread over 1–3 years | No rent or use until handover |
| Choice of floor, view and layout | The finished home may differ from the show house |
| Potential value growth by completion | Risk if the developer runs into money problems |
Real payment plans from current projects
Here are payment plans from projects Sir Francis Homes has marketed, to show what is typical when buying off-plan property in Kenya:
- Golden Street Residency, Kileleshwa – 30% deposit, balance over up to 25 months (now ready)
- Kings Vintage, Racecourse – 20% deposit, balance within 30 months (now ready)
- DG JKIA Hotel Apartments – 15% reservation, 15% on agreement, 50% over 18 months, 20% at handover; occupation expected December 2027
- Silva Gigiri – early investor pricing, completion expected 2029
- Bahari Homes, Kilimani – 20% deposit with a flexible plan (now ready)
Terms change as projects progress, so always ask for the current payment plan in writing.
Off-plan checklist
Before buying off-plan property in Kenya, check each of these:
- Developer track record: visit projects they have finished and ask past buyers about delays and quality.
- County approval: the approved building plans from the county government.
- NEMA licence: the environmental impact assessment licence for the project.
- NCA registration: the contractor and project registered with the National Construction Authority.
- Title: an official search on the mother title, and how unit titles (usually sectional titles) will be issued.
- Who holds your money: payments to a named escrow or project account, or to an advocate as stakeholder.
- Service charge estimate: an estimate of the monthly charge once the building is complete.
You can check contractor and project registration on the National Construction Authority website and environmental licences with NEMA.
What the sale agreement should say
- The unit number, size, floor plan and specification of finishes.
- A payment schedule tied to construction milestones, not just dates.
- The expected completion date and what happens if it is missed, such as compensation or a right to cancel.
- How and when the sectional title or lease will be issued to you.
- Whether you can sell (assign) the unit before completion, and any fee.
- A defects liability period after handover, during which the developer fixes faults.
Have your own advocate review the agreement before you pay any deposit. See our guide on how to buy property in Kenya for the full process.
Off-plan or ready: which suits you?
Buying off-plan property in Kenya suits buyers who can wait for completion and want a lower price with a payment plan, such as investors planning ahead or diaspora buyers saving monthly. A ready home suits buyers who need to move in or earn rent quickly, or who want to inspect exactly what they are buying.
Many projects offer both: early units at off-plan prices and, nearer completion, ready units at a higher price. Compare the total cost, including the rent you would miss while waiting, before you decide.
Warning signs when buying off-plan
- The developer cannot show approvals, the NEMA licence or NCA registration.
- You are asked to pay into a personal account or in cash.
- The price is far below similar projects in the same area.
- There is no clear completion date or milestone payment schedule.
- The developer has no finished projects you can visit.
Handover and snagging
When the unit is complete, inspect it carefully before you accept the keys. Make a written “snag list” of anything unfinished or faulty, such as cracked tiles, doors that do not close, leaks or missing fittings, and ask the developer to fix them within an agreed time. Check that the building has its occupation certificate and that water, power and lifts work.
Related guides and listings
- Stamp duty in Kenya
- Land title search in Kenya
- Apartments for sale in Nairobi
- Apartments for sale in Westlands
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy off-plan property in Kenya?
It can be, if you check the developer’s track record, approvals, NCA registration and title, use your own advocate and tie payments to construction milestones.
How much deposit do I need for off-plan property?
Deposits are typically 10–30% of the price, with the balance paid in instalments during construction or at completion.
What happens if an off-plan project is delayed?
It depends on your sale agreement. A good agreement sets a completion date and states the compensation or cancellation rights if it is missed.
Do off-plan apartments come with a title deed?
Most new apartments are issued sectional titles under the Sectional Properties Act 2020 after completion. Confirm the process and timeline in the sale agreement.
Can I sell an off-plan unit before completion?
Many developers allow an assignment of the sale agreement before completion, sometimes for a fee. Check this before you buy.
Talk to Sir Francis Homes
Sir Francis Homes has helped buyers in Kenya and abroad find apartments, houses and land across Nairobi. Call us for a free consultation, current listings and introductions to independent advocates and lenders. Call us to view any of the buy property in Kenya listed above. We regularly help clients buying property in Kenya from the diaspora, from the first video viewing to handing over the keys. We can help you compare projects when buying off-plan property in Kenya and check the documents with your advocate. Ask us how to buy property in Kenya with confidence.
Sir Francis Homes, Riara Centre Offices, Lavington, Nairobi · Call or WhatsApp +254 722 720 812 · info@sirfrancismarketingltd.co.ke
