Kenya’s residential real estate market is on an upward trajectory, driven by strong demand from local buyers, expatriates, and international investors. This growth, spanning both the luxury and affordable housing segments, will take the spotlight at the 2025 East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit, scheduled for May 7–8 at Pullman, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
The country’s housing sector is undergoing significant transformation as developers and investors respond to the evolving needs of a diverse buyer demographic. On one end, affluent Kenyans and expatriates are fueling demand for upscale homes in Nairobi’s premier neighborhoods. On the other, the affordable and middle-income housing market continues to draw attention due to persistent demand.
According to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth, Kenya is projected to have 16,900 dollar millionaires by 2026, a trend that is already influencing the luxury property market. Nairobi has emerged as a top contender in global luxury real estate price growth, even outperforming cities like London and Paris in some cases.
The 12th edition of the EAPI Summit will provide a platform for over 450 global investors, developers, and real estate professionals to explore opportunities in Kenya and the broader East African region, including Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. These markets are showing positive signs of recovery, underpinned by improving political stability and stabilizing interest rates.
Key discussions will center on unlocking value in Kenya’s high-end housing market while addressing the gap in affordable housing. Financial institutions and development finance bodies are increasingly backing residential developments, particularly mixed-use projects that combine homes, retail spaces, and leisure facilities to meet modern urban living standards.
Stanbic Bank/Standard Bank has emerged as a gold sponsor of this year’s summit, underlining its commitment to shaping Kenya’s housing landscape. The bank supports both luxury and affordable housing developments but is placing strategic focus on the affordable/middle-income segment, where demand is strongest and the social impact most significant.
According to Niyi Adeleye, Head of Real Estate Finance for Africa Regions at Standard Bank Group, successful affordable housing projects are shaped by proximity to business hubs, access to transport, and a value-driven approach to design and pricing.
“In this segment, rental demand and institutional investment are key drivers. We believe that the impact potential of affordable housing far outweighs that of luxury properties,” Adeleye said.
Stanbic Bank is also investing in sustainable housing solutions, supporting green-rated developments through green loans, and offering blended finance options for student housing. Their focus remains on long-term partnerships that transform cities while improving quality of life and livability.
Despite its potential, Kenya’s residential market still faces challenges such as high interest rates, restricted access to long-term finance, and land tenure issues that delay or derail developments.
The EAPI Summit aims to provide investors with insights and strategies to overcome these barriers. One such investor is Hass Consult, another sponsor of the summit and a key player in Nairobi’s luxury housing market.
CEO Farhana Hassanali-Hashmani says the demand for premium homes is being driven by a new breed of globally minded, affluent buyers—expatriates and younger Kenyans seeking more than just square footage.
“Today’s buyers are looking for curated experiences. Luxury is no longer about size; it’s about quality, convenience, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Hassanali-Hashmani. “They want homes with wellness amenities, efficient management, and eco-conscious design that support balanced urban living.”
Hass Consult reports a growing demand for properties with high-end features such as fitness centers, wellness facilities, and thoughtfully designed communal spaces. Buyers are also increasingly eco-aware, favoring energy-efficient homes with a smaller environmental footprint.
Both Stanbic Bank and Hass Consult see Kenya’s housing market as primed for growth and are confident in the investment potential across all segments. As the EAPI Summit approaches, the event promises to chart the next phase of transformation in East Africa’s most dynamic real estate market.
