Why Nairobi’s Luxury Rentals Are Getting Smaller
As the city evolves so does the real-estate and market of Nairobi’s Luxury Rentals. This is becoming troubling as over the last decade, apartments once spacious are shrinking.
In high-end areas like Lavington, Kileleshwa, or Kilimani, there is a shift with the sprawling, airy apartments fading away. If you’ve been hunting for 2 or 3 bedroom you will find that the sqm of living spaces is reducing.
Why This Is Happening To Nairobi’s Luxury Rentals
You ask why? Simple answer:
1. Scarcity and Rising Price of Land
The new mantra now with developers is maximization.
Land in central areas is becoming premium and expensive just like a finite canvas. Developers economics of development is to mazimize returns.
Picture this! You’re a developer, you buy a small yet expensive plot. Do you build a 10-unit building that is small yet efficient or a 5-unit building with expansive apartments?
So, to meet soaring demand for housing the first compromise is square footage. Fitting more homes into a unit building is more profitable.
2. Cost of Construction Materials
In Nairobi construction materials, regulatory compliance, and labour have gone high. Building small apartments reduces the cost per unit.
With smaller apartments using less bricks, smaller HVAC units as well as less paint, developers get to control final unit price.
3. Market Econmics
Cost per acre in these high-end neighborhoods is astronimical. Developers view the piece of land as pie. To maximize return on investment they either have to cut land into many smaller economical slices or into a few large luxurious ones. Financial reasoning favors the former.
Developers rely on the price point strategy. In real-estate, there is a particular market price that attracts customers. So, here they will design units to achieve this market price.
At the end buyer ends up with a home that is efficient on paper but in reality is cramped.
4. Demand for Convenient Living
Over the years, the way of living in Nairobi is shifting. Economics and urban lifestyle push and pull from each other. For some smaller isn’t really a compromise but a choice.
Also, Nairobi is the hub of hustlers and professionals. These people will choose convenience, proximity to work, or modern amenities over sheer space. All they seek is low-maintenance modern apartments. For them compact homes are for an experiential lifestyle.
5. Shift in Lifestyle
Let us be honest, developers now sell a lifestyle. Properties now aren’t just walls and roofs. They offer landscaped gardens, a gym, core-working space, children playing area and even a swimming pool.
To most this is a clear trade-off. So wh pay for a living room you barely use when you can get a stunning communal lounge? Here the home is a sanctuary and the building just an extension.
In part the developer is giving the market what it wants. But, they end up overlooking young families that need rooms for thriving not just sleeping.
6. Urban Planning
The reason Nairobi’s luxury rentals are fewer is cause of changes in the zoning regulations and urban planning. Each building footprint under urban planning shows the certain size of plot allowed. Architects then design tighter vertical layouts.
It is structurally prohibitively expensive for developers to build sprawling apartments 15 or 20 floors up. Efficient footprint for each unit is favorable with a compact and stacked design.
7. Vertical Growth
Horizontal land is scarce and expensive. Therefore, only way to develop buildings is up. Now Nairobi’s skyline is full of vertical buildings.
With narrower floor plans developers focus on utilization of vertical spaces. Vertical growth is necessary for urban migration.
8. Rise of Micro-neighborhoods
Growth of micro-neighborhoods is from the economic theory that density creates urban centers. So, density fosters community. This theory makes individual homes smaller so as to create one apartment block.
Pros Of Compact Living
This is what a smaller home offers:
- Reduces the cost of buying or renting per unit.
- Most likely to have modern amenities and finishes like high-speed lifts, 24-hr security, gym or shared facilities.
- Positioning of these properties is oftenly in central and convenient areas. Offer proximity to social amenities just a walk away.
- Have lower utility and service expenses.
Cons For Families
- Less space from smaller bedrooms, common areas like dining and living area are tighter and limited storage.
- Here you have to compromise on comfort. Such homes come with minimal outdoor spaces and less breating room.
- As a family grows like getting a newborn you get less room for expansion.
- Less privacy when you’re in communual spaces. In the traditional sense it may feel less like a home.
These smaller Nairobi’s Luxury Rentals in high-end surburbs are perfect for professionals, singles, or young couples.
Gap Between Family Needs vs. Market Offers
Growing families imagine a living room filled with laughter not constantly bumping into furniture. A kitchen spacious enough to cook while assisting kids with homework. Longing for a bedroom that fits a bed and still have extra floor space.
Therefore, their top needs are:
- Comfort
- Space
- Safety
- Long-term suitability
What the market offers:
- Smaller layouts
- Quick turnover
- Compact units
- Convenience
- Affordability
Although from the point of view of a real-estate company it is both a challenge and opportunity. Challenging as there is an underserving of larger, family-oriented apartments. But offers Azizi Realtors an opportunity to source and position apartments that meet your needs and build trust.
How Azizi Realtors Bridges the Gap
At Azizi Realtors we understand the reasoning of developers. However, we don’t see an end to sprawling living instead we use this knowledge to target the right buildings.
We know where the older low-rise buildings are hidden. Additionally, for those in need of a family-sized layout we have insights into new developments incorporating this.
Here we understand the economics and as the city climbs skyward we can advocate for your family’s need for connection, peace and space. We listen to you and know you’re seeking for a sanctuary for creating precious moments.
Featured Family-Centered Rentals at Azizi Realtors
Spacious 4-Bedroom All-En-Suite with DSQ – Valley Arcade
Rent Price: KSh. 200,000 per month
Why it works for the family:
- All-en-suite bedrooms I Bright and airy rooms I High security
3 Bedroom Apartment with DSQ – Gitanga, Othaya Road
Rent Price: KSh. 150,000 per month
Some features families will enjoy:
- Bright and open plan kitchen I Borehole I 2 Balconies I Ample parking space
Two Storey 5 Bedroom All-En-Suite Villa – Lavington
Rent Price: KSh. 400,000 per month
Great features for the family:
- 2 detached DSQ I Ofiice space I Laundry room I Gated estate
Checklist While Hunting For Spacious Living
- Look at the flow of the house not just footprint. Ask yourself does the floor plan ease movement? Can I breathe without feeling suffocated?
- Do a storage test. Beyong the size of bedrooms, does it have built-in wardrobes? Is there ample storage or utility area?
- Spacious outdoor space. Check the balcony as a chair and a small table fitting is standard.
- Natural light as they make the space feel larger and uplift the spirit.
- Thickness of walls. These offer better soundproofing and offer privacy.
Though the market is shifting, don’t negotiate on the needs of your family.
Let Azizi Realtors begin this journey of sourcing the perfect rental that for your family’s santuary. Book a viewing today 0703790095.
