Mag 19 by property zone

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ISSUE 19 2013

Everything real estate

[POF

Focus on Kiambu:

Kiambu goes urban Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawing developers to this county? Interview with key players

Interests under which land can be held in Kenya

Serena Road, Mombasa City

Real Estate The ultimate investment

| The Property Zone

The Property Zone |

Editor’s note

The Everything real estate

ZONE

Managing Editor:

Christine Mweteeli info@propertyzone.co.ke

Contributing Writers: June Mukee Katunge Kyambo Njoroge Regeru

Creative Design: Gathua Joshua

Advertising Sales: info@propertyzone.co.ke

Published by:

Property Zone Consulting Ltd

Welcome

e are living though a historical period in Kenya. We have recently elected a new President under the new Constitution which has brought numerous changes to our country. The shift in focus to the counties is one of these changes. With a decentralized Government, players in the Real Estate sector are bound to enjoy a great many opportunities for development as the concentration will no longer be in Nairobi and the other bigger cities. In recent years Nairobi has been bursting its seams and has spilled over to what was previously ‘up country’ – agricultural and strictly rural districts. Kiambu is one such district and is the county of our focus this issue. Whole cities are coming up in the Kiambu area and we examine the way this is affecting the lifestyles of the residents of this area. So as to get an insider’s viewpoint we sought out some of the leading players in the area, large scale developers for insights on what makes Kiambu tic. You will do well to read our Main Feature as well as the Interview section. The commonest of all human dreams and ambitions is the desire to own one’s roof – your own piece of the earth. Find the benefi ts of land ownership in Investment 101. And so as to go it legally, our Legal Expert - Njoroge Regeru breaks down the interest under which land can be held in Kenya, whether one be Kenyan or not. There is a rich menu in this issue – enjoy your read.

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The Property Zone is published by Property Zone Consulting Ltd. All rights reserved. The contents and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily representative of the view of the Publisher. All material published is deemed to originate from the author and publisher will not accept any liability whatsoever in respect to articles that have been sourced from contributors. The Vendors or purchasers are required to make their own judgment on the details contained in each advertisement. While every caution is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the publisher will not accept any liability for the effects arising thereof. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent from Property Zone Consulting ltd.

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In our next issue (next month) - Focus on Konza city Find out why some of the world’s most successful companies, the most talented people and major international investors plan to come to Konza - Do it yourself décor - Inspiration – the mindset of a winner Plus all your regular columns

The Property Zone |

property The

Everything real estate

zone

content 10

Main Feature Kiambu goes urban

under which land 24 Interests can be held in Kenya

Interview

Key players disclose the attraction that is Kiambu

Low Hanging Fruit Why Kiambu?

34 Love yourself regardless Inspiration

Published by:

Property Zone Consulting Ltd No. 2 Talbot Court Westlands Avenue P. O. Box 51370 00200 Nairobi 020 444 3161, 0787 402425 Tel | The Property Zone info@propertyzone.co.ke

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MAIN FEATURE

Kiambu goes Urban From expansive coffee farms to modern metropolis By PZ Writer

dd Kiambu to one of Nairobiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing estates in the next ten years, and you can take this to the bank.

What difference that eventuality will have for residents of either town may be unclear for now, but the disappearance of the coffee farms separating exclusive Runda estate and the less colourful Kiambu town is definite.

The scramble for the golden opportunities for the housing market in on

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continued overleaf.........

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MAIN FEATURE

Coffee farms are increasingly thinning, especially further from the road, where developers are racing to deliver massive housing projects following a growing demand for home ownership from the nouveau riche. Land economists expect that Kiambu Town as it is known today where rusty iron sheet roofs are strewn all over and colonial-time homesteads may be no more in by 2020 as Nairobi pushes its boundaries outward. crative has been the trade in coffee that It is the vibrant middle income class is the commodity has been at the centre of fueling the transformation of the area to recent robberies and murders, reaffirmthe North of Nairobi, with it the end of ing its value as the black gold, sought-aften or perhaps hundreds of villages as ter just like any other precious minerals, the reality of urbanization comes to the literally. doorsteps of many. And the undercurrents are only getting But while stronger, meaning the Kiambu It’s a race against time coffee dealonce known for the production have of the best coffee varieties for both developers and ers projected the world over, may as well further climb buyers be known for the best homes in prices indesigns in Africa within our ternationally, times. the reality is that land owners are finding turning The irony in the situation though is that to housing is far more lucrative, where coffee now is fetching the highest prices some have entered joint in history, with latest transactions closing ventures on mega housing projects with with a kilogram coffee beans selling at other private developers who will provide over Sh650, for speciality grades. So luthe financing. The best grades of coffee

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beans is fetching over Sh600 per kg at the Nairobi Exchange. Ann Njoroge, a land dealer in Kiambu, knows all too well that land prices will almost certainly never come down having seen values more than triple in the last five years alone – also the period when homes encroached into coffee farms most aggressively. In 2007 for instance, an acre of land in Mumwe area of Runda was selling at about Sh8 million but you would be lucky to close a transaction at Sh35 million now. “There has been a growing demand for land and the prices buyers are willing to pay is very attractive for landowners to resist,” said Ms Njoroge. She has already been contracted by a major landowner

MAIN FEATURE

levels and availability of financing options with mortgage products offered by almost every commercial bank. Kabaki Wamwea, a director at County Developers - the firm backing Runda View Apartments in Ruaka, said that several homes buyers It is providing an excellent were actually moving towards investment climate now, and the paying for their homes in cash over the construction period By Tamarind Roses and Eden Ville are town about 20 km north of Nairobi paying up to 40 per cent of the in different phases of completion- a purchase price when the home factor that has accelerated the apis at a tipping point is complete, buyers are to slash preciation of land values. The situtheir mortgage obligation and ation along Kiambu Road does not effectively reducing the monthly even get close to painting the whole mortgage repayments, according to Mr low. Their target market, the developers picture on how your need to own a home Wamwea. say, is presenting the highest demand will forever change lives in the County to owing to the general growth in income the North of Nairobi. to dispose a block of 40 acres around Paradise Lost, the recreational facility in the midst of coffee farms. The seller is quoting an acre at Sh25 million and Ms Njoroge says the price is fixed. In the surrounding area, several multimillion housing projects such as

Along Limuru Road, several developers are putting up huge projects, especially targeting the middle income class with homes selling from Sh10 million and be-

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MAIN FEATURE

From the East along Ruiru-Kiambu Road, Home Afrika Communities is developing a major golf estate on 776 acres, previously known as Migaa Coffee Estate- where until now a few coffee shrubs still stand revealing of the huge transformation in the area as the construction of homes gets underway. Maina Kamau, the chairman of the multi-billion housing project, said in a recent interview ease of access with the completion of the Northern and Eastern bypasses had opened up Kiambu to potential home buyers while private developers were only responding to demand. Most notable housing developments in the pipeline are two private municipalities expected to take out over 4000 acres of farmland when completed.

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Different surveys have revealed that home prices have continued to rise steadily since 2001, with projections that they may be yet to reach a peak as demand continues to lag supply. Real estate firms Knight Frank and HassConsult found out in their 2011 housing surveys that property values gained in the year overcoming sharp hikes in interest rates and soaring inflation- which many analysts had projected could significantly slow down the housing market. The more detailed HassConsult report has showed of strongest rises in the middle income segment where inner city

estates such as Buru Buru and South C fall, and incidentally Kiambu. What is common in all the zones that home prices are rose highest is that zoning requirements allow for high density residential buildings, which allows developers to maximize on the limited land while distribution the land cost over more units. While different experts may attribute the property boom to different reasons, one thing that they certainly agree on is that both land and property prices will climb further on average- meaning that this is the best time to get in, if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already. PZ

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INTERVIEW

As stated already, Kiambu and its environs is an attractive investment option and many Developers have seized the opportunity and are investing there. To get an Investorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insight on the Kiambu County, THE PROPERTY ZONE spoke to Mr. Kabaki Wamwea, a director at County Developers, the company behind the Runda View Apartments, and Mr. Idris Ezzi of Olive Tree Development Co. Ltd, the Developers of the Olive Tree Apartment along Kiambu Road.

PZ: What has been the market reaction for you as a developer in Kiambu /North of Nairobi? Mr. Kabaki: The demand from buyers for our development has been overwhelming. Runda View Apartments are among the very few modern apartment projects being offered for sale to buyers in Kiambu County. PZ: What would you attribute the strong pull for both buyers and developers, going by the number of upcoming projects in that side of Nairobi? Mr. Kabaki: Kiambu County is an ideal location for development of Residential and Commercial Real Estate, due to a variety of reasons. First, Kiambu has agricultural land which is mostly undeveloped this is easily convertible to a modern metropolis. It is like giving an artist a blank canvas. Kiambu County is likely to emerge as the most modern metropolis even beyond Nairobi. The proximity of our project to many amenities e.g. shopping malls, key offices, schools, and by-pass linkages to Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road and Thika Road is a major pull for most buyers. Kiambu is located in the suburbs of Nairobi and there is a major push for both residential and commercial development away from the inner city into the leafy suburbs.

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There are also major real estate projects coming up around the region like Centumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Runda Closeburn expected to offer shopping malls, hotels and office blocks. Also, the proximity to UN- Gigiri, US embassy, Canadian embassy among other key institutions makes the area very prime real estate. PZ: How much are the houses Runda View is developing, and what is the profile of your buyers? (young, old, cash buyers etc) Mr. Kabaki: The Runda View Apartments are ranging between Kshs. 6.5 m to Kshs. 7.75m. We are targeting middleincome to high end buyers looking for a higher quality of life. The Runda View residential complex will have modern amenities including an equipped gym and entertainment terrace, swimming pool, 24 hour security, borehole water, solar water heating, advanced waste water recycling systems, world class design by leading architects and a recent addition of a cool wooded park with mature trees for our residents to relax and un-wind while enjoying the country air. PZ: What options do villagers in Kiambu caught up in the urbanization have, because they would certainly be pushed out or bought out at some time? Mr. Kabaki: Kiambu residents especially those who own land should capitalize on

the rising demand for land in their neibhourhood by partnering with reputable developers to create modern development projects through joint ventures where they benefit by exchanging their land for a share of the development project or developed property. This way they benefit by graduating from agricultural land owners to modern property owners and they can enjoy healthy returns from the increased value of their asset and healthy rental income from their property. PZ: Does Kiambu offer any advantages over the other satellite towns around Nairobi, say Kitengela, Thika for the developer and the eventual buyers? Mr. Kabaki: Yes, Kiambu borders the blue zone area approved for UN staffers. Kiambu also borders the high end estates of Lower Kabete, Kitisuru, Kihingo, Runda Estate Rossylyn, among others. This means land in Kiambu is more expensive, but is also ideal for high end developments. In terms of proximity to Nairobi Kiambu County with the development of the recent by-passes is very close to key strategic locations in the City and therefore living and working in Kiambu from the point of view of proximity is as good as being in Nairobi. PZ: Which kind of development would offer the best returns for a land owner who owns say a half-acre of land?

continued overleaf.........

The Property Zone |

INTERVIEW Mr. Kabaki: A multi-dwelling or apartment block would give the owner a higher return as he has the air rights above his property and he can build up to 7 floors with lifts. Depending on the location e.g. first row main road access among other factors, the land owner can also consider developing a commercial building on that location. PZ: The housing market has reported very strong capital gains since 2001, how much longer do you project the trend will be sustained in your particular area? Mr. Kabaki: The capital gains in the real estate sector are a mirror of the economic growth and major infrastructure projects happening in Kenya. The demand for housing or the increase in the population with the capacity to purchase housing has been and will continue being influenced by the pace of our economic growth. The availability of affordable mortgage funding will also continue to spur further growth. While currently mortgage rates remain un-affordable a decline in interest rates would certainly further increase demand for new housing units. In the foreseeable future since demand for housing still outstrips supply, in the medium to long term home buyers will continue to enjoy handsome capital gains. PZ: For someone seeking a guaranteed stream of income, say for retirement, would you advice an individual with Sh10 million to investment in rental property? Mr. Kabaki: Yes, we would definitely advice a retired individual to invest in either residential or commercial property with steady rental income. For example an off-plan investment of Kshs. 10 m 2 years ago in a shop space in a prime Nairobi area would today fetch an investor a net rental income of up to 16 per cent per annum. PZ: Are there any specific threats that could erode property prices in the foreseeable future that a prospective buyer would need to know about? Mr. Kabaki: The main threat to property prices would be an economic slowdown as this would slow demand for additional housing and commercial property. Rental vacancy rates would impact further on the declining demand and increased supply of units for sale. A high interest rate regime (like we have currently) is also a

| The Property Zone

major threat to property prices especially if it is sustained beyond a year. The ability to develop new units will be diminished and the ability to purchase property will also diminish and this will affect the property prices. However we are not there yet. PZ: Why did you decide to buy additional land for a Wooded Park at the Runda View Apartments even after you had already sold over 60% of the apartments? Mr. Kabaki: Our main aim as County Home Developers is to improve the quality of life of the residents of our developments. Even at the onset, we made Runda View Apartments a green development. We have invested in an advanced waste re-cycling system from New York for waste water treatment; we have provided solar water heating for each apartment to cut on power bills, what we needed to add to create an ideal living space was a mature tree garden where residents can relax and un-wind.

PZ: What has been the market reaction for you as a developer in Kiambu /North of Nairobi? Mr. Idris: There has been a very positive response, we sold 25% of the project even before start of mass media marketing! PZ: What would you attribute the strong pull for both buyers and developers going by the number of upcoming projects in that side of Nairobi? Mr. Idris: The main pull is because of infrastructure and amenities present in the area and proximity to Nairobi CBD PZ: How much are the houses Olive Tree Deveopment Co. is developing, and what is the profile of your buyers? (young, old, cash buyers etc) Mr. Idris: There are 3 types of apartments on offer: 2Br for 5m 3Br type A for 6m 3Br type B for 7m PZ: What options do villagers in Kiambu caught up in the urbanization have, because they would certainly be pushed out or bought out at some time? Mr. Idris: One option is to partner with

developers to develop their land. This way they would hold a stake on their land and also benefit from the value add that is brought with the development. PZ: Does Kiambu offer any advantages over the other satellite towns around Nairobi, say Kitengela, Thika for the developer and the eventual buyers? Mr. Idris: As I mentioned before, the infrastructure and amenities in the area; eg excellent roads, the northern bypass, shopping malls, Nakumatt, Two world famous golf clubs, universities like Kenyatta University and USIU, recreational and leisure centres - eg Paradise Lost, major banks, local and international schools and the list goes on. Added to that, the proximity to Nairobi CBD makes the area unrivalled. In short, it is close enough to the heart of Nairobi, yet just the right distance away from the hustle bustle and traffic of the city. PZ: The housing market has reported very strong capital gains since 2001, how much longer do you project the trend will be sustained in your particular area? Mr. Idris: Extremely high prices as well as congestion has brought about a trend whereby the middle class population is moving to areas that are slightly away from the city and other high end areas. Inevitably, demand in places like Kiambu is increasing which is leading to the strong capital gains. The trend will continue for the foreseeable future. PZ: For someone seeking a guaranteed stream of income, say for retirement, would you advice an individual with Sh10 million to investment in rental property? Mr. Idris: Kenya has one of the most attractive buy to rent returns. Annual returns on investment of up to 12% are quite common which is unheard of any where else. So investing in buy to rent would be a very prudent investment.

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LOW HANGING

FRUIT

Why Kiambu? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole basket of goodies for Property investors By PZ Writer

fter decades of providing Kenya with the best coffee varieties and home to the wealthiest class, Kiambu is arguably one of the best options for a home buyer, a developer or an investor hunting for capital gains. The push from Nairobiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever-growing population is gifting the town, just outside the city, and this is certainly the best

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moment to join in on the highly lucrative property market. Several developers we talked to provided us with insights to why Kiambu seems to be the latest suburb of choice

Capital gains Since the main economic activity in Kiambu has almost entirely been agriculture, the value on land has remained

depressed despite lying just outside of the city. This means that the true value of land and by extension any property that would be developed on it still has lots of headroom. Lee Karuri, the chairman at Home Africathe company developing the 774-acre Migaa Golf Estate says that there is lot of hidden value in Kiambu because it is the only area mapped within the Nairobi Metropolis where vast parcels of land are still available but close to the city.

LOW HANGING “There is nowhere else where you will find affordable land in huge parcels within the Nairobi metropolis, meaning there is a lot of value yet to be unlocked,” said Mr. Karuri, who is an established architect. In his view, the true value of property will be discovered when huge real estate projects like Migaa are complete. “The massive housing projects like Migaa will create a lot of value for property when complete,” he added.

Low land prices Daniel Ojijo, managing director at Mentor Holdings, a property development firm says that the low pricing of land is attracting major real estate projects- alluding to an undervaluation in property prices. “Land is Kiambu is much cheaper compared to inner city estates, but the demand from home buyers and developers only means values will rise,” said Mr Ojijo.

Infrastructure The newly completed Northern bypass, that was once a muddy stretch, is a major push in opening up Kiambu to housing development, providing ease in access to and from the City Centre, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and

the diplomatic hub around the United Nations’ offices in Gigiri. Availability of other supporting infrastructure like sewerage and water, unlike the other newly opened up areas offer a premium on valuation for property, now and in the future. Set standards Mr Ojijo added that the upcoming developments in Kiambu have been dictated by the high end estates like Runda, meaning that the property values will compare closely to the high end homes at the edge of the city. Land dealers are quoting an acre of land anywhere between Sh10 million to Sh30 million depending on the distance from the edge of Nairobi and access from the main roads. For the discerning home buyer, the advantages of considering Kiambu are obvious but availability supporting infrastructure perhaps comes tops because it offers huge savings at the end of the day. An investor, hunting for capital gains, stands to make wide margins if the trend in property values in the last five years is anything to go by. Developers seeking to put up major housing projects will find Kiambu a natural choice because large parcels of land are readily available. One developer equates the real estate opportunities in Kiambu to giving an artist a plain canvas and colours to do their thing.

FRUIT

....For the discerning home buyer, the advantages of considering Kiambu are obvious but availability of supporting infrastructure perhaps comes tops because it offers huge savings at the end of the day.....

Intersection of the Northern bypass and kiambu road

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ASK OUR LEGAL EXPERT

INTERESTS UNDER WHICH LAND CAN BE HELD IN KENYA “No man but feels more of a man in the world if he have a bit of ground that he can call his own. However small it is on the surface, it is four thousand miles deep; and that is a very handsome property.” Charles Dudley Warner By Njoroge Regeru

eople will, often, state that they have an “interest” in land or that they would want to own, purchase or transfer an interest in land. However, the question that begs an answer is: - What are these interests that one can own or transfer in land? It is important for persons purchasing property to understand the various interests under which land is held in Kenya. This has important ramifications, amongst them:- the period under which the land can be held by a particular owner, various terms and conditions under which the land

| The Property Zone

is held, due diligence to be conducted on acquisition of the property, consents to be procured in the transaction and the various title and security documents appurtenant to the various interests in land. What is an interest in Land? Article 40 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya guarantees the right of every person to acquire and own Land in Kenya, either individually or in association with others. This right does not however extend to property that is found to have been unlawfully acquired. The right is further subject to Article 65 of the Constitution which will be explained in this article.

In this regard, Kenyan citizens have the right to own land of any description and in any part in Kenya. Further, they cannot

Article 40 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya guarantees the right of every person to acquire and own Land in Kenya,either individually or in association with others.

be deprived of their right over or interest in land unless under exceptional circumstances provided by the Constitution. The interests in land protected can either be legal or beneficial. Legal interest refers to formal ownership of an interest in or right over land. Beneficial interest on the other hand refers to the right to receive the benefit of any supplies made of the land, such as sale proceeds or rental income. A beneficial interest can be held and transferred separately from the legal interest in the land. It is important to confirm in what nature the interests in land are held, legally or beneficially. These rights and interests which persons have in land can be divided into two classes:1.Freehold; and 2.Leasehold. Freehold Interest The Blacks Law Dictionary defines freehold interest as an estate in land held in fee simple, in fee tail or for term of life. The word “fee” means an estate of inheritance. It is an estate which on the death of the owner is capable of descending to the heirs and the estate may continue forever. A fee simple descends to the heir generally and even to collaterals while a fee tail descends only to lineal descendants and was originally designed to keep land in the family. On the other hand an estate for a term of life is not an interest of inheritance and cannot continue forever.

In Kenya, freehold interest is recognized under the Registered Land Act (Cap 300, Laws of Kenya). In such case, the title document is a Title Deed or a Land Certificate and the concept of freehold is referred to as an absolute proprietorship. The Registration of Titles Act (Cap 281, Laws of Kenya) also recognizes the concept. The title documents will typically be a Certificate of Title or Grant and the proprietor will more often be stated to hold the estate in Fee Simple. The Government Lands Act (Cap 280, Laws of Kenya) also confers freehold interests, usually in Fee Simple and the title document will generally be a Conveyance. These interests are capable of being descended to heirs and transferred. Leasehold Interest Leasehold interests, unlike freehold interest, are granted for a fixed term of years. The terms can be 50 years, 99 years, 999 years or otherwise stated in the title document. Various types of leasehold interests exist. The common thread that however

Kenyan citizens have the right to own land of any description and in any part in Kenya. runs through them is that a leasehold interest in land is an interest for exclusive possession and profit of land for a fixed period or a certain duration and usually in

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consideration of payment or rent, which at times is nominal and denoted as “a peppercorn.” Simply said, it is a contract for the grant of time in land. When purchasing such properties it is therefore important to consider the term of the lease and the various conditions under which a proprietor holds it. On expiry of a leasehold term, the property reverts back to the Government. Proprietors of leasehold titles should therefore ensure that they adhere to the conditions under which the land is held and apply for the renewal. The process of application for renewal should be commenced at least 2-3 years before the expiry of the term. The leasehold interest is recognized under the Registered Land Act (Cap 300, Laws of Kenya.) wherein the title document is a Certificate of Lease. The Registration of Titles Act (Cap 281, Laws of Kenya) also recognizes leasehold interests where title

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ASK OUR LEGAL EXPERT

On expiry of the leasehold term one may however seek a renewal of the Lease

documents can either be a Grant or a Certificate of Title, with the term and annual rent indicated. The Government Lands Act (Cap 280, Laws of Kenya) also confers leasehold interests.

Foreigners and Interest acquired in Land While the constitution grants all persons the right to own land in Kenya, Article 65 is to the effect that foreigners can only hold land in Kenya under a leasehold tenure.

Such a leasehold tenure cannot exceed a term of 99 years. On expiry of the leasehold term one may however seek a renewal of the Lease. Any document which purports to confer on a foreigner an interest in land greater than a 99 year lease is deemed and regarded as conferring on the foreigner a 99 year lease and no more. This means that foreigners can indeed purchase freehold land and leasehold land for more than 99 years. Even so, the implication of the provisions of the Constitution is that same will be deemed as only conferring on the foreigner a 99 year leasehold interest. This amongst many issues were addressed in our article “Foreigners and Ownership of Property in Kenya” appearing in issue No. 15 of The Property Zone, September, 2011. It is therefore important for persons purchasing land to be aware of what interest they are acquiring and the conditions under which the land is held. It is important to note that some financiers will not accept titles for land with less than a leasehold term of a certain number of years as security. The issue of the various interests held in land can be ascertained by engaging qualified professionals in land transactions.

DISCLAIMER This article is not a substitute to obtaining Legal Advice and is not intended to constitute any form of legal advice to any party on any issue. No reliance whatsoever should therefore be placed solely on any of the contents of this Article in undertaking any transaction and the authors of the Article neither assume nor accept any responsibility whatsoever for such reliance. Readers should take specific advice from a qualified professional when dealing with specific situations. CONTACT DETAILS Njoroge Regeru & Company Advocates Arbor House, Arboretum Drive P.O. Box 46971 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) (020) 2718482/3/4, Cell: 0722 206 884, 0733 608 141 Email: info@njorogeregeru.com, Website: www.njorogeregeru.com

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Home and office cleaning SERVICES OFFERED: Cleaning of homes, office building and other commercial areas: •Floor scrubbing •Furniture cleaning and polishing •Curtain washing •Carpet cleaning •Window cleaning •Pre-cleaning of new premises

ONLY

UNITS REMAINING

Supplier of consumables: •Cleaning detergents and chemicals •Personal protective clothing and equipment Cleaning personnel

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS OUR COMMITMENT Call: 0723-800112, 0733-542304 sequinenterprise@gmail.com Mombasa road, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 20 261 5346 Cell phone: +254 722 776056 +254 710 720777 www.greenzone.co.ke info@greenzone.co.ke

FOR SALE Rahma Gardens - Hurlingham

A lovely new development comprising of 4 bedroom apartments & 5 bedroom penthouses. Set on well landscaped gardens and beautifully finished with all bedrooms en suites, high quality internal and external fittings including UPVC window frames, fitted kitchen with granite work tops, cooker, hood & oven, imported sanitary ware & fittings,elevator on each block, basement parking . Solid mahogany doors, intercom, electric fencing, security grills on all external windows.

for common lights ITALIAN cooker & hood.

Price Kshs. 25M

with elecric

Other amenities to include swimming pool, gym with changig facilities, standby generator, borehole, underground water tanks with automatically controlled pumps & switches, staff quaters attached to each unit, internet ready, centralized TV cabling in place, cabro paved driveway with ample parking. Price on Applicatin

Call: 020, 4443161 0787 402425 Particulars not/warranted. The Property Zone |

INVESTMENT 101

Real Estate Investment You can hardly go wrong when investing in human settlement By Katunge Kyambo In this age when job security is a thing of the past the only way you can secure your family’s future is to become an investor. Real Estate offers a superb avenue for investment both for short and long team returns. Investment in Real Estate can take various forms. You could buy land and develop it by building either for residential or commercial use. You could hold on to the land for capital gain. You could buy

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old houses and renovate them to raise their value for rental or later re-sale. The options are endless. It all depends on

Keep in mind that this is the business of investment and not gambling – returns may take a while to be realized how much you intend to invest and the expected returns.

How does this kind of investment compare with stocks, bonds and shares? This must be a question on most people’s mind. Property never goes to zero value – for me this is the biggest plus for real estate. Granted there may be up’s and down’s in the market but you can hardly ever loose out completely. In fact with the right kind of know-how you could end up making even more money when the market is down.

INVESTMENT 101

Investment capital While it is obvious that you need some capital to go into investment of any kind, there is any number of ways to raise the said moneys. Since property is in itself the best collateral, the banks are the first consideration when one wants to raise investment capital. Of course there is the no-money-down strategy (which is beyond the scope of this article and will be discussed at length in a future edition) in which you go into investment without putting a single penny of your own money. The investment property literally pays for itself. Do I need experience? While it is a great help to have some background experience, you could be a complete novice and wind up rich in this sector. In a developing economy like ours, there are numerous opportunities no matter where you look. The key is to learn the right investment strategies and become great at negotiating. Be sure to get the best deal possible and you will soon be on your way! You can only

do this by gathering all the information you can about the particular are of your interest. Talk to the people who live in the area, make friends with a few estate agents and gather all the information you can. How do I determine where to invest? There are a few tell-tale signs that the value of land in an area will rise in the

Property never goes to zero value â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is the biggest plus for real estate. near future. Keep an ear in the ground for information on what may be coming ups. The areas in which Nairobi is expanding are clearly visible, for example. Buying land in such areas will bring you a profit sooner than later. If for example and University Campus is coming up in the nationhood, there will obviously be a need for accommoda-

tion for the students and staff, which will translate in a raise in value of Property. Old buildings in such an area may also provide an opportunity for one who seeks to buy and renovate. Opportunity for Kenyans in the Diaspora I can hardly think of a better Investment Opportunity for Kenyans who may live and work away from home. Almost all the people I know who have left home in search of a better life, have the dream of coming back home in the future. Whether one has the lump sum or wants to pay in installments, buying Property guarantees you the nest-egg you need for your retirement. This is essentially an area where everyone can benefit. The elementary principle is, as in any other trade, buy cheap and sell at profit. As we said already the key is to gather all the information to evaluate the property in question. Above all, you would need the will and attitude to take swift action at the right time. Such enterprising qualities may be rather difficult for a beginner, but things will become easier once you have gained experience.

The Property Zone |

INVESTMENT 101

The key is to learn the right investment strategies and become great at negotiating

may take a while to be realized. But there are profits to be made – that is for sure. Let the number of banks going into mortgage be the clue you require to open your eyes to the great opportunity before you – trust me, there is not better time to have been alive in Kenya. Over the past few years, prices for houses have skyrocketed in many areas of the country. This will continue to be the case since there is not land being manufactured any time soon, and population is constantly rising.

Kenyans. Benefits in brief: - t’s simple. Real estate is often a more easily understood than other investments channels such as bonds and stocks. - Insatiable demand. Owning one’s home is considered a core – value among

- When you invest in real estate, you invest in something tangible. You can look at it, feel it, drive by with your friends, point out the window, and say, “I own that”. For some people, that’s important psychologically. - It’s more difficult to be defrauded in real estate compared to stocks if you do your homework because you can physically show up, inspect your property, run a background check on the tenants, make sure that the building is actually there before you buy it, do repairs yourself ... with stocks, you have to trust the management and the auditors. - Using leverage (debt) in real estate can be structured far more safely than using debt to buy stocks by trading on margin. - Except on very rare occasions, real estate prices go up, meaning that the value of your investment will be on the rise. This makes Real estate Investment a terrific inflation hedge to protect against a loss in purchasing power of the currency.

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W O O DL AN DS APAR T ME N T S

U P P E R H IL L

A pristine development of 30 luxurious apartments set in Upper hill, next to the heart of Nairobi CBD, with excellent road links, with an unbeatable panoramic view of the whole city. The development comprises of 21 three bedroom apartments, 7 four bedroom apartments and 2 penthouses.

3 BEDROOM - 18 M 4 BEDROOM - 21 M FEATURES INCLUDE: • Elevators to all ﬂoors • Generator Backup • Extra water storage • Spacious Living Room • Separate Dining Room • All bedrooms ensuite • Separate DSQ • Fully ﬁtted kitchen • Boundary wall • Electric fence • Basement car parks Contact: 020 4443161 / 0787 402425

email: info.nawiri@gmail.com

Contact: 020 4443161, 0787 402425 Email: info.nawiri@gmail.com The Property Zone |

BOOTSIE ENTERPRISES Real Estate & Managing Agents Looking For Buyers

Malindi

Rongai

This is a 2br fully furnished bungalow located at Malindi sitting on 2 acres going for Kshs 60m.

This is a 5br house located at Rongai after Laiser hill academy .It is sitting on 1/8th acre and is going for Kshs 7.5m.

Other Properties 1.Southlands 3br with sq 13m. 2.Burburu ph 3 3br bungalow 7.5m. 3.South b plainsview 3br sq 16m. 4.Lavington 4br town hous with 2sqs 70m. 5.Valley arcade 5br town house sq 35m. 6.Villa Franca 3br bungalow 9m. 7.Kileleshwa 3br new apartments with sq 16m. 8.South-b 2br new apartments 6.5m 9.South-b Kariba 4br maisonette 11m. 10.South-b river bank 3br sq 10m. 11.Akila 1 4br maisontte sq 19m. 12.Mombasa road Bustani villa 3br sq 12m. 13.Mombasa Nyali 4br town house located on Jamhuri road 38.5m. 14.Mombasa Mariakani 3br bungalow on 1/8th acre 4.8m. 15.Block of flats Umoja innercore going at 28m with income 200k. 16.Apartment block with 50 bedsitters income 380k. 17.Upperhill 4br maisonette corner house located at Matumbato road 30m. 18.Diani South-coast 3br house on 1/8th acre 19m. 19.Malindi and Northcoast beach hotels quick sale 950-1.3b. 20.Ongata-Rongai 5br sitting on 1/8th acre near exciting joint 7.5m 21.Loresho Crescent 4br double storey house on 3/4 acre 60m. 22.Mombasa road 3br new apartments all ensuite 7.5m. Narshi House Moktar Daddah St. Opp. Jivanjee Garden. 1st Floor Suite 2, P.O.Box 00100-27559

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PLOTS FOR SALE 1.Voi 1000 acres 6b. 2.Mlolongo commercial plot 40 by 80 ft 5.5m 3.Isinya 5 acres touching tarmac 20m. 4.Ridgeways 1/2 acre red soil 20m. 5.Syokimau 1/8th-5acre plot. 6.Kilimani,lavington,kileleshwa 1 acre plts. 7.Limuru 100 acre tea farm 900m. 8.Naivasha 75 acre touching lake @2.5m 9.Kitengela prime plots for sale 10.Lower kabete located on farasi lane 1acre 100m.

Cell: 0722-899288 / 0733-233995 Email: tbootsie2004@yahoo.com

At Kuyanza Glass Art and Décor, we believe that to be unique is to be priceless. That’s why every one of our décor art pieces reﬂects the belief that the best style is original, understated, and strictly tailor-made for you, your personality, and your space. Whatever your taste, creed, or function, we will create the perfect piece for you. After all there is only one you.

Tel: (+254) 20 2244181, (+254) 20 3563901. Cell: 0722 311 535 dkuyanza.engrave@gmail.com

The Property Zone |

INSPIRATION

Learning to love yourself Raising your self esteem regardless of your background By June Mukee

ove your neighbour as you love yourself”, the Bible says. The first person we are commanded to love here is our self. This is not as obvious as you may want to think; self love does not come easy for us all. And yet you really cannot expect others to love you anymore than you love yourself. Depending on the circumstances of your life, and especially your childhood experiences, it may not be that easy to love yourself and to have healthy self esteem. The story is told of a woman (let’s call her Susan) who had not enjoyed much love in her life. Her family that was in seemingly unending disputes and none of the family members seemed to ever get along with each other. In the pursuit of this elusive love, she had had a string of boyfriends with whom she seemed to break up for all kinds of flimsy reasons. Eventually she moved in with a young man with plans to get married. They had a child and for

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the first time in her life, she felt what pure love must be. And yet the relationship with her boyfriend was rocky and they had frequent fights and she very often vented the anger on her baby, sometimes shaking her or just neglecting her for hours on end. When one day without any notice at all, her boyfriend picked the baby and left, Susan was completely devastated. She broke down and sobbed for hours. She finally got the courage to phone a friend, and tearfully poured her heart out. Fortunately for her this friend was older and wiser and she diagnosed that the problem was her lack of self love. Her childhood had been devoid of compassion and this was the main reason for the current predicament she was in. After this conversation and a later meeting, the young woman was able to get some help. It would be difficult for Susan to give any love to her child as she didn’t have any love to give, if she didn’t get to the bottom of her own problem. There was a

void in her heart. It was impossible for her to give what she didn’t have. Though counseling, Susan found that she must learn to love herself before she could give or receive the love of others. If she loathed herself, constantly criticized herself, this reflected on others as she related to them. With the help of her therapist she began to review her past life and the source of her low self esteem. She got a diary and wrote down all the

Depending on the circumstances of your life, and especially your childhood experiences, it may not be that easy to love yourself and to have healthy self esteem

positive things in her life for which she was grateful. This she did in great detail recounting the happy times they had at home between the fights. This exercise was intended to shift her focus to the positive aspects and make her grateful rather than bitter in her perspective on life. With the change in perspective she was now able to focus on what was good in her life. She took her therapist’s advice and began to get herself some small gifts, cook herself a nice meal and even leant enjoy the pleasure of her own company. She began to take better care of herself and happiness just began to stream in day by day, though there were some days she definitely felt alone and insecure, she still strived not to go back to her ‘old-self’. To her great surprise she began to make new friends and enjoy warm relations at her place of work. Within a few months she was reconciled with her boyfriend and the baby, whom she was now able to love properly. The culmination of Susan’s journey was the wedding that came about two years after the birth of her child. This baby was now the most loved and joyous child anyone knew and so was her new husband. Life had turned out for the best and just with a little happiness and appreciation of self-worth.

There is an obvious lesson here. There is no such thing as the ideal life; we all have to overcome some challenges of our childhood and youth. All of us have some unpleasant things happen to us.

INSPIRATION

Our parents are human and are likely to have made some mistakes when raising us. Many of us have had some really unfair and cruel experiences in the past or even in the present. But we must never let these things cloud our love for ourselves. We must never think of ourselves as undeserving of good things. If we do, we repel the very desires of our hearts. Do you want a life of happiness and prosperity? Then don’t be the kind to sit around and sulk, and wait for everyone to love you above your own self love. Don’t keep a mental list of reasons why you will never have this or that happen to you, why others are better than you. If you do, you will convince yourself and them. Like Susan, admit those things in your life that were less than ideal, and then make up your mind to overcome them. Only when we are at peace with ourselves, when we love ourselves, are we able to be pleasant company for anyone around us.

Forgive those who have hurt you. The people you love the most are the same people who are likely to hurt you the most. Forgive them – this is really the only way to overcome the pain of the hurt. Even when they have not said sorry, forgive them anyway. When you carry a grudge, it hurts you more than it does anyone else. Don’t fall in the trap of thinking that forgiving someone makes you weak. “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Mahatma Gandhi. Forgive even those who don’t deserve to be forgiven. In fact, forgive them for your own benefit and not for theirs. The love for oneself is not a complex matter after all. It is really just a simple of way of saying that if you’re not happy with yourself then no one is really going to be happy with you.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Mahatma Gandhi.

Location

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+ expert zone

Turning a Relic into a An expert’s wisdom on how to improve the value of your property

Follow These Doctors’ Orders To Improve Asset Health.

oday, property managers are no longer just asset managers; they’re asset-value physicians. For some, this means providing emergency, life-saving care. The first order of business is to staunch the bleeding and address the infection. Outside of the distressed-assets war zone, however, property owners and managers play the role of general practitioner. They check a property’s vital signs, recommend preventative measures, and call in a specialist when necessary. If an asset looks weathered and needs a boost, they might even recommend cosmetic surgery. In all cases, whether the property is stable, on life support, or somewhere in between, the goal is to avert emergencies and increase immunity against plummeting values. All savings translate into added value. However, in this epidemic of declining fundamentals, reduced expenses may not be enough to ward off value-eating afflictions such as unexpected vacancies, deferred maintenance, and unrealistic financial statements. Owners and managers must monitor even the healthiest properties. But like every patient, every property requires a slightly different approach. The following strategies constitute a checklist for all property doctors faced with lagging fundamentals, looming loans, and an asset with the will to live. 1. Examine the Financials If the foundation of any property preservation plan is to reduce expenses without compromising value, a forensic analysis of an asset’s financials may be the best place to start. The income ledger reveals if the property is being marketed at a competitive level, if leases are being properly administered with respect to operating expense billings, and whether delinquencies have been addressed. The expense side of the ledger will reveal whether the appropriate services are being rendered at the property at the appropriate level. The budget versus actual operating expenses should be reviewed at least quarterly. Typically tenant charges for operating expenses are set at the beginning of the year, based on budget projections. If the actual costs are exceeding the budgeted projections, tenants should be notified to increase the monthly payments. An asset may be sound in the short term but

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gem

headed for trouble in the future. Avoid potential pitfalls by reviewing the assumptions built into the financials, which are often unrealistic. There are often positive assumptions in internal rate of return or net present value projections that income will increase at a given rate and expenses will not rise as fast as reality might prognosticate. Thus, the interest rates are too optimistic, and the appreciation projection is unreasonable. Once adjusted, these projections can reveal a more realistic picture of a property’s value and its cash-flow potential. 2. Prescribe the Best and Highest Use Since the value of a property and its use are closely linked, its highest and best use is that which results in the highest present value, and brings in the greatest net return over a given period or the foreseeable future - within the applicable constraints. It is crucial that the asset always undergo ‘functionality stress test’. This is a unique process, which can be applied during any stage of the property life cycle. It validates whether an asset’s current use is actually the most relevant in today’s marketplace. When a property fails this test, it may be time to reposition. A highest and best use appraisal must take these four factors into consideration: (1) legal permissibility, (2) physical possibility, (3) financial feasibility, and (4) maximum productive use. For example, many property owners in the CBD are converting shops on ground floor into exhibition stalls reaping huge benefits in increased rental income. 3. Target the Right Tenants Managing a buy-and-hold property can be a breeze if you select the right tenant, but it can be a nightmare if you don’t. The tenant who pays one year rent in advance, all cash, no paperwork, no questions asked, might seem like the ideal tenant but repairing those bullet holes in the walls and ceilings can take a bit of the gloss off the situation. Its stressful having a vacant property and you’ll be in a hurry to fill it, but the stress of a vacancy is nothing compared to the stress of trying to dispose of a nightmare tenant. Renting to the wrong person is an expensive mistake to make and time consuming.

Looking for a joint venture? Are you a land owner? We have investors willing to enter into a joint venture arrangement for development of apartments, townhouses and offices in up and middle class market. Talk to us Nawiri Properties

Talbot Court, Suite No. 2, Westlands Avenue P.O.BOX 51370, 00200 NAIROBI, CALL: 020 4443161, 0787 402425 EMAIL:michael@propertyzone.co.ke

Continued from the previous page

Successful property managers know selecting the right tenant can make the difference between profit and loss, happiness and anguish. Screen your tenants carefully at every given point and opportunity you get. You have every right to examine and select your tenant as long as you do not discriminate against sex, religion, beliefs, race etc. The tighter your screening process, the more likely you are to end up with a quality tenant and longer relationship. 4. Nip and Tuck The inside of a home is not the only place that needs a new look from time to time. The outside of a house can use a face lift as well. Cosmetic changes, parking upgrades, new plants, new garden furniture etc usually translate into higher rents and

longer lease periods. Often overlooked is the most basic and cheapest upgrade of all: exterior painting. A contemporary color scheme can change a building’s image more than any other improvement! Like dental checkups, regular property maintenance isn’t fun. But you must do it if you want to take care of what is likely your biggest single asset. Adding increased functionality can set a property apart from the pack. And tenants love to see owners investing in their success. 5. Detoxify Sustainable upgrades are hot right now — and for good reason. They can help owners and tenants save money on utilities and they make properties more marketable. The key concern when considering ex-

pensive modifications like solar installations, ventilation, air-conditioning systems and rainwater harvesting, is the return on investment, which can be unclear. One can quantify items like the savings on utilities. However, other items, such as better air quality leading to less time off for employees, are more difficult to quantify. These and other utility cost savings can be another way to attract residents.

SYLVESTER NDUNGU B.A. LAND ECONOMICS (HONS) NRB REGISTERED VALUER & ESTATE AGENT snjonde@yahoo.com

The Property Zone |

FOR SALE

Balozi Housing Estate Garden Estate

This fabulous 3 bedroom house features the following:• Three En-Suite Bedrooms Upstairs • One Family or Study Room Downstairs • Co-joined Sitting Room and Dinning Room • Guest Bathroom Downstairs • Kitchen with a Pantry area • Large Staircase Window overlooking the entrance area. • Self Contained DSQ with two spacious rooms. • House is 98% complete and has just recently been leased out.

Price on Application

Contacts: 020 4443161, 0787 402 425 email: info.nawiri@gmail.com | The Property Zone

".#"44"%03*"- #&%300. 7*--" FO

MUTHAIGA NORTH

An elegant and exceptional double storey villa located at Muthaiga North in Nairobi’s very up market location. Muthaiga Golf Course, Karura Forest, UN Headquarters, US Embassy And CID Headquarters are within the same address

Access to and from the villa is easy with two options of either Thika Super Highway or Kiambu Road. The Villa Seats On Half An Acre. The villa is a modern, tastefully and efficiently designed ambassadorial villa with generous spaces and top of the range finishes necessary for modern living. Plinth area is approximately 600 sqm

FEATURES Ċ 4QBDJPVT -PVOHF Ċ 1PSUF $BDIFSF

Ċ ,JUDIFO Ċ .BTUFS #FESPPN with a walk-in closet Ċ &OTVJUF CFESPPNT Ċ (VFTU )PVTF Ċ 1BUJP Ċ (VFTU XJOH Ċ 4FMG DPOUBJOFE %TRT Ċ 8FMM TFDVSFE perimeter wall

KES 72 Million

0718 636362 | 0708 722 753

VILLAPOINT COMPANY LIMITED Upper hill, Ralph Bunche Road, Prof. Nelson Awori Center, 5th Floor, Suite B2 info@villapoint.co.ke | www.villapoint.co.ke

Nawiri Properties, Talbot Court, Suite No. 2, Westlands Avenue, P. O. BOX 51370, 00200 NAIROBI CONTACT: 020 4443161, 0787 402425 EMAIL: info.nawiri@gmail.com

Upperhill - 3 bedroom apartment with DSQ FOR SALE 24M

The Property Zone |

your dream house, at an affordable price

4 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms townhouse

Kshs 9.5 M

Starview Estate is a new development of

spacious and well designed townhouses in Donholm. They are located within a gated community with close links to Tusky’s Mall and Mama Lucy National Hospital and near the Outer Ring Road. The estate is being built in Phases, and Phase One is nearly sold out with only a few units remaining. Currently we are selling Phase Two of this development Features include • Water storage, with underground tanks • Solar Panels for all the hot water • Inbuilt cupboards in all the rooms • Separate DSQ, with its own access • Fully fitted American Style kitchen • Electric fence on the boundary wall • Two cark parks each with additional visitors car parks 40

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5 km to Thika Road

5 km to Central Bussiness District

4 km to Jomo Kenyatta Airport

4 km to Industrial Area

3 km to Upperhill

2 km to Donholm subway

1 km to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital

Should you require any assistance in understanding or obtaining information on how to obtain a mortgage from a ďŹ nancial institution, then please contact is and we will be happy to assist you in this. We have associations with a multitude of various Financial institutions and would be happy to Introduce you to them. The actual details will vary according to your terms and conditions With your ďŹ nancial situation.

or via

FOR ANY SALES ENQUIRIES CONTACT US ON:

CELL : 0732 999 555

email: info@starview.biz The Property Zone |

3 Bedroom Houses on 80 x 40 Own Compound in Thika

Introductory Price Kshs. 6.5 M

Also Available: Commercial Plots Residential Plots

80 x 40 80 x 40

Kshs. 5 M Kshs. 1.5 M

4443161, 0787 402 425 email: info.nawiri@gmail.com 42Contacts: | The020 Property Zone

Temus 2 and 3 bedroom Apartments for sale

Prices 2 BR - 6.5 M 3 BR - 7.5 M

THREE BEDROOM

These new attractive 2& 3 bedrooms apartments are in Ruaka which is 4 km from Village Market and neighboring Roselyn and Runda Estates. The apartments have an elegant finish that is appealing and attractive. The apartments are nicely done with very good finishes. It is recommendable for a buyer to consider buying for investment because there is a high demand of people looking to rent. These people are working with UN agencies, being very close to UNITED NATIONS, GIGIRI, American Embassy and Canadian Embassy, Bank employees working at the village Market as it houses five banks.

Contacts: 020 4443161, 0787 402 425 The Property Zone | email: info.nawiri@gmail.com

Naiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;posha Holiday Homes

These homes are the latest holiday ho Naivasha along South Lake Road. Th tial development for people who desi home away from home. The homes a community by leading architects, eng specialists to give the homes a cut abo

This project will consis bearing log home elem either 3 or 4 bedrooms envious and quiet, in o area in Naivasha.

The hom

Landsca Live fen Free sta Natural Water p 8 ICT Re Gate ho High tec

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omes situated at the terraces of Lake his project delivers the ďŹ nest residenire a holiday home or an exotic beauty are developed as an up-market gated gineers, space designers and landscape ove the very best.

st of 2 holiday home architectural designs ments. The choices for the 2 designs are s houses. The tranquil surrounding is very other words it is a privileged and secure

Gate View

Recreation Center

mes feature:-

aped gardens, nce, anding electricity fence, stone paving, power eticulation, ouse & guard posts, ch sewage treatment.

Commercial Center

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ADDRESS BOOK

UNLIMITED BROADBAND

Talbot Court Suite No. 2 Westlands Avenue P.O.BOX 51370, 00200 NAIROBI CALL: 020 4443161 0734 037 010

INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

FOR THE NEXT ONE MILLION KENYANS MONTHLY UNLIMITED USAGE STARTING AT KSHS 2,900 /month SCRATCH CARDS AVAILABLE (PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE) AT KSHS 1/minute NO ANNUAL CONTRACT

SERVICES AVAILABLE

AGENCY @ Amee Arcade, 3rd floor, suite 18

Mombasa road, Nairobi Kenya Parklands Road, Westlands IP Camera Email Free VOIP calls View traffic Telephone: +254 20 2615346,Broadband P.O. BOX 57358-00200 Nairobi internet Surveillance Services within3747605 Network conditions online Tel: +254 020 +254 2217385 PRODUCT PRICE LIST Mob: 0733 465 966 / 0728 829 871 Cell phone: 0788 450023 Service Chosen (Kshs. 4,000.00 per installation) info@realtimeagency.co.ke

Monthly Service Charge for Shared Bandwidth

Charge in (Kshs.) Per Month VAT Inclusive

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512 kbps up/down Link _________________________________________ 2,900.00 1 Mb up/down Link ________________________________________ 4,640.00 1.5 Mb up/down Link _________________________________________ 7,221.00 2 Mb up/down Link _________________________________________ 11,020.00 2.5 Mb up/down Link _________________________________________ 14,500.00 3 Mb up/down Link 20,300.00 _________________________________________ Titan 4 Mb-down-link / 1 Mb up-link 36,134.00 _________________________________________ 0723-800112, 0733-542304

Call: sequinenterprise@gmail.com Monthly Service Charge for

IP Surveillance Cameras

Installation Indoor Kshs. 28,000 Out door 44,000/-

Monthly (Kshs. 5,000 to 15,000)

Domain Registration Annually & Mail Hosting (up Free Setup Building Rd Off (Kshs. 4,500) To 5 Accounts)Ground Flr, Chaka

Kodhek RD, Hurlingham. Public IP Address P.O.Box 46146-00100, Nairobi. Charge in (Kshs.) Per Free Setup Annually Month VAT Inclusive Dedicated Bandwidth (kshs. 8,000) Tel: 020 260 4283/4 9,280.00 Cell: 0722 272 193, 0723 302 462 1 Mb up/down Link _________________________________________ 17,400.00 _________________________________________ 2 Mb up/down Link sales@decorpebbles.co.ke 30,160.00 _________________________________________ 3 Mb up/down Link

Argwihgs

45,820.00 _________________________________________ 4 Mb up/down Link 54,285.00 5 Mb up/down Link

* Other specialised packages available NOTE: 1. We charge an installation fee of Kshs, 4,000 only. 2. You need to buy a Router If connecting more than one Computer (Form Kshs. 5,500). 3. Free equipments apart from the Router, but remains, Skyband Property upon termination of service.

Search for our wireless signal in: Westlands, Parklands, Nyari, Runda, CBD, Industrial Area, South -B, Kasarani, Eastlands, Hurlingham, Lavington, Ngong Road,New Muthaiga Shopping Mall, Nairobi Westland’s Kiambu, Lang’ata and Many other places near you. Thigiri Ridge road.

P.O. Box 32845-00600, 3 Ring road Parklands P.O.Box 14283-00800 Nairobi. Tel: 020- 8155798/9 Tel: 0202662130/0723599391/0731288030 If you cannot find our signal, call the Cell: 0702 523116, 0733 523113 Skyband Customer Care team numbersEmail: info@rundaviewapartments.co.ke Email: info@equityhomesafrica.com below to get connected

Bridge the digital divide, ...true wireless broadband *Terms and conditions apply*

HALYCON PROPERTIES

Tel: 0723 775730, 0732 727 196, 0750 798 076

SkyBand

Communications Ltd

Please call us for more information Call: 020 2365283, 020 2365283, 0736-512164, 0713-078405 New Muthaiga Shopping Mall, 0733 512Thigiri 164, 0713 078Art405 www.skybandafrica.co.ke Ridge road.Glass At Kuyanza and Décor, we belie

P.O.Box 14283-00800 Nairobi. www.skybandafrica.co.ke priceless. Tel:be 0208155798/9 That’s why every one of ou

belief that the best style is original, Cell: 0702the 523116, 0733 523113 Email: info@rundaviewapartments.co.ke tailor-made for you, your personality, an

your taste, creed, or function, we will c you. After all there is only one you.

KUYANZA GLASS ART & DECO

| The Property Zone

Tel: +254 20 2244181, +254 20 3563901 Cell: 0722 311 535 dkuyanza.engrave@gmail.com

+ realtor zone

House hunting Focus on doing it right rather than doing it fast.

Tips to take the pain off your search for a new roof over your head

et’s face it – looking for a house is a nightmare none of us looks forward to. But the joy of a new home is the gift that follows the pain – almost like a new mother’s birth pains, the reward is well worth it. Try not to be rushed as you make your decision. Remember that you will not have to so this again soon if you get it right the first time. Do not base your decision on your immediate short term needs alone. Think long term – if you will need to live here for years to come. For example are you likely to expand your family in the next year or two? Here are a few tips that will help in your search and hopefully take some of the stress out of finding your dream home. • Be proactive. Keep in regular contact with estate agents so you are first to know about properties recently put on the market. Don’t be afraid to “pester” them to get the job done. • List all the things you want in the new property. Use this as a check list when you go around – that way you don’t have to go back to confirm any details. • Research the area you want to live in properly. Remember you can change a house, but not the neighborhood. If you have friends in the area visit them often, ask questions, find out what their opinion is. • View as many properties as possible because a small number will not give a proper indication of what is on the market. • Take in as much as possible about each property. Make a few notes and take pictures, especially if you need to consult with a family member. Perhaps take someone you trust with you and ask them for an honest opinion.

tips

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the property. • If you are buying the property, avoid houses that have been on the market for a long time – there is usually a reason. Even if you love the property, it may prove difficult to sell. • Be sure about the house. Go and see any properties you like more than once and at different times of day. This will give you a better feel for the house.

Here are a few Quick Pointers:

Do a little homework - You’re already on the right track by reading this. Keep it up by gathering information about recent home sales prices, market trends, houses on the market and neighborhood statistics. Make a list - Use your house hunting checklist to start a wish list of those features you need vs. those you want in your family’s new home. Make a home comparison chart to eliminate the frustration of forgetting why you liked or disliked a home. Work with a good Real Estate Agent - You can search for a house on your own, but there are many advantages to using an Agent. Find one that will work with you to find that perfect house. This will save you a lot of time and effort. Remember that many times the agency fees is only charged on the Landlord. You are therefore getting the service ’free’. There are some unscrupulous agents out here though. Tips of how to tell a good agent will be in a future article. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage - Rather than guessing or estimating how much you can afford to spend, ask for an assessment and a letter stating how much you’re qualified to borrow. By getting your financial house in order, you will save time, aggravation and heartache. Side-by-side comparison - A scorecard to compare homes is a great tool to use after you have looked at several houses. But most of all: Relax - Maintain your perspective and your cool. You may find the house of your dreams on the first day or the 30th. Remember your goal is to find the right home for your family. PZ

The Property Zone |

A great night sleep for all

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King Size Beds @ 36,000/-

Queen Size Beds @28,500/Twin Beds @ 20,600/-

Kitui Road (off Kampala Road)Industrial Area, P.O.Box 47023-00100 GPO, Nairobi,Kenya. Fax: 254 (20) 6537479 , Tel: 020 2326207, Mobile : 0722 512273 , 0733 512273 sales@silentnightkkenya.co.ke , www.silentnightkenya.co.ke 48

| The Property Zone