You will discover why off-plan apartments in Westlands are delivering better ROI than completed units. Learn the market trends and opportunities savvy Nairobi investors are quietly seizing.
Nairobi’s Evolving Property Investment Trends
For decades, Nairobi’s property market has been a dependable playground for investors seeking both rental income and long-term capital appreciation. From leafy suburbs like Karen to high-rise havens like Kilimani, certain neighbourhoods have consistently stood out. In recent years though, one area has been outperforming expectations — Westlands.
What’s even more surprising is that it isn’t just the completed properties in Westlands making waves; it’s the off-plan apartments that are turning heads with impressive returns on investment (ROI).
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about investing in Nairobi real estate, you might want to pay close attention to what’s happening in Westlands — because the numbers are telling a very clear story.
Why Westlands Continues to Dominate
It’s no accident that Westlands has become a prime residential and commercial hub. Its strategic location near the CBD, Upper Hill, Parklands, and major road networks like the Expressway makes it a hotspot for both corporate offices and upscale residential developments.
The demand for modern apartments in this neighbourhood has remained consistently high, driven by:
- Expatriates seeking secure, high-end residences
- Young professionals prioritizing convenience and amenities
- Corporate tenants willing to pay premium rates for location and quality
In this environment, properties that offer modern designs, lifestyle amenities, and accessibility aren’t just desirable — they’re highly bankable.
Off-Plan vs. Completed Units- the ROI Gap
At first glance, one might assume that completed properties would offer better returns since they can be rented out immediately. However, when you take a closer look at market data, off-plan apartments in Westlands have quietly been outperforming their completed counterparts in both capital appreciation and rental yields.
Here’s why:
1️⃣ Lower Entry Price Point
Off-plan properties are typically sold at 10–25% below the expected market value upon completion. Early buyers benefit from this pricing advantage, and by the time the property is finished, the value has often risen significantly due to market appreciation and inflation adjustments.
For instance, investors who bought off-plan units in select Westlands projects 24 months ago have seen capital gains of up to 30% before completion — a return difficult to replicate with already completed properties.
2️⃣ Flexible Payment Structures
Completed units usually require a hefty lump-sum payment or significant mortgage financing upfront. Off-plan apartments, however, often come with flexible, staggered payment plans spread over the construction period. This allows investors to manage cash flow more efficiently while securing a valuable asset at a discounted rate.
This financing flexibility is one reason why off-plan investments in Westlands have become particularly attractive to both first-time and seasoned property buyers.
3️⃣ Higher Demand for Modern, Amenity-Rich Developments
Modern buyers and tenants prioritize lifestyle over square footage. Rooftop infinity pools, coworking spaces, gyms, and panoramic views have become the standard for upscale living. Many existing completed units in Westlands, especially those built more than 5–7 years ago, lack these contemporary amenities.
Off-plan apartments, being brand new, are typically designed with these features in mind. As a result, they command higher rental rates and better occupancy compared to older, less-equipped buildings in the same area.
4️⃣ Customization Opportunities
Unlike completed units, off-plan buyers often have the opportunity to influence interior finishes, layout modifications, and sometimes even minor structural adjustments — making their investment truly tailored to market demand.
Investors who take advantage of this customization benefit by creating high-demand, premium apartment units that appeal to niche rental markets like expatriate families or corporate lets — groups willing to pay a premium for modern, well-appointed homes in Westlands.
5️⃣ Future-Proof Value Appreciation
The Nairobi property market, and Westlands in particular, continues to attract significant commercial and infrastructure investments. New roads, improved security, and corporate headquarters moving into the neighbourhood ensure that off-plan projects coming up now are strategically positioned for future value growth.
Completed units, unless they’re part of newly developed or renovated projects, risk stagnating in value while newer, more attractive properties come onto the market.
Market Numbers Don’t Lie
Recent market research reports from property analysts in Nairobi indicate that:
- Off-plan apartments in Westlands have appreciated by an average of 22–30% over their construction periods
- Rental yields for newly completed highrise units stand between 8–12% per annum, outpacing older apartments averaging 5–7%
- Off-plan projects with rooftop amenities and modern designs enjoy near-full occupancy within six months of completion
These statistics not only highlight the growing investor confidence in off-plan developments but also underscore how the right project in the right location can outperform conventional investments.
Why Smart Investors Are Quietly Buying Now
Off-plan apartments in Westlands provide a unique combination of low initial investment, capital growth, flexible payment plans, and high rental demand. It’s no wonder savvy investors — both local and diaspora Kenyans — are quietly reserving units in the most promising projects before prices spike.
While Westlands is filled with highrise projects, not all developments offer the same investment potential. Those that combine premium locations, luxury finishes, lifestyle amenities, and reputable developers are the ones outperforming the market.
A Thought for the Discerning Buyer
It’s interesting to note that some of the most talked-about upcoming projects in Westlands already have over 50% of their units booked off-plan — and they haven’t even broken ground. What this suggests is that seasoned property buyers have done the math and recognized the unmatched ROI potential these projects hold.
If one were to look closely at current listings and upcoming highrises in the area, a few names consistently appear on investor shortlists for all the right reasons. Modern design, location close to malls and hospitals, and amenity-rich living experiences seem to be the winning formula.
What This Means for You
For anyone considering investing in Nairobi’s real estate market, the writing is on the wall. Off-plan apartments in Westlands are outperforming older, completed units both in capital appreciation and rental income. The key is in selecting a project backed by a credible developer, featuring in-demand amenities, and offering flexible financial plans.
If you’ve been observing the market trends and waiting for the right opportunity, this might be the time to discreetly explore some of these upcoming projects while introductory pricing is still in place.
There’s a lot happening in Westlands — and from what seasoned investors are saying, it’s worth paying attention to one or two highrise developments quietly making headlines for all the right reasons.