Yes, it can be a pretty tough choice…
On one hand, you could choose to beat the hassle and just secure an already complete house, and on the other, maybe you’d like the satisfaction and customization of building your dream home from the ground up.
But it’s a little bit more layered than that.
Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice for getting your ideal home will depend on your budget, preferences, and goals.
With this article, we’ll compare the costs, benefits, and challenges of buying vs building a house in Kenya, and ultimately help you make an informed decision towards your next home.
Ready? Jump in!
Factors to Consider When Thinking About Buying or Building A House In Kenya
Quick Look:
- Budget
- Customization
- Location
- Time
- Maintenance
Budget:
How much do you have?
Building a new home can allow you to be more flexible with your budget, spread it over a longer time, and make design choices that can reduce costs.
On the flip side, buying an existing home may require a larger upfront investment but means that your costs are fixed – no nasty surprises halfway through your build.
Customization:
Everyone has their preferences in house style, aesthetics, paint, material, decor, and more.
Building a house allows you to customize every aspect of your home, from the layout to the materials used.
However, buying off plan does allow a certain amount of customization, and means you don’t have to spend hours choosing bath tiles and taps!
Time & patience:
Are you patient enough?
Building your own house is well known to be one of the most time-consuming and stressful things you can do. But if you have time and patience on your hands, this can be a better option as although it takes more time to build than buying a home, it’s often cheaper.
On the other hand, if you are keen to sit back and relax as someone else builds the house and takes on all that stress, then buying off plan is for you.
Maintenance:
Owning a new home means you will be responsible for its maintenance, which can be a significant ongoing expense.
Buying an existing home may come with some maintenance issues, but these are typically less frequent and costly than those associated with a new home, and developers will provide a certain guarantee time frame and maintenance handbooks.
Pros and Cons of Buying a House in Kenya
Pros
Quick turnaround time:
Buying an existing home allows you to move in quickly, with a shorter time frame from the beginning of the search process to the acquisition.
Lower utility bills:
Newer homes tend to be built on the aspect of eco-friendliness and conservation, making them more energy-efficient, resulting in lower utility bills than new homes.
No need for permits:
When buying a house, you don’t need to worry about obtaining permits, as the seller typically handles them for you.
Less maintenance:
Newly built homes may require less maintenance than new homes, as developers usually make sure to address any existing issues before sale.
Cons
Limited customization:
When buying an existing home, you might be restricted to the properties available on the market, which might offer less flexibility.
Green Heart of Kenya allows you to buy off plan (purchase before completion) to give you some level of customization if you need it.
Pros and Cons of Building a House in Kenya
Pros
Customization:
You might like a certain style of home, and your kids may like a certain color in their rooms, right?
Building a house allows you to customize every aspect of your home, ensuring it meets your specific needs and preferences.
Cost-effective:
Building a new home can be more cost-effective, as you can choose the materials and labor costs according to your budget.
Flexibility in location:
Building a house in Kenya often gives you the mobility to choose the location for your needs.
Still, developments like Green Heart of Kenya in Kilifi give you the option to choose the site where you’d want to build your home from a general area.
Cons
Longer construction time:
Building a house takes more time than buying an existing one, from hiring a developer, inspections, construction bottlenecks, and more, you’ll have to be a little patient.
Limited by financial constraints:
Building a new home may be limited by your financial constraints, as the style you adopt is most likely to be determined by the amount of money you have.
Conclusion – Should You Buy or Build A House in Kenya
There’s no straightforward answer, and both decisions of building or buying a house in Kenya can be great depending on your personal preferences, financial situation, and lifestyle.
Most people today are looking at buying homes for quicker turnaround times and lower utility bills.
Nevertheless, if you enjoy the process of building and want a tailored home, building a new house is a solid option.
Ultimately, when you evaluate your needs and preferences, you can choose the path that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Green Heart of Kenya has houses and land suitable for comfortable, family-friendly, and community-focused coastal living.