Looking for the best places to buy property in Kenya as a foreigner? Kenya has many great options depending on what you want, from busy cities to calm coastal towns. The top places recommended by our experts include Nairobi, Diani, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, and growing satellite towns like Syokimau, Kitengela and Tigoni.
These areas are popular because they are safe, developed, and have good internet access, private hospitals, and various transport options. This guide explains why these are the best places to buy property in Kenya as a foreigner and what to know before you invest.
Why location matters when choosing the best places to buy property in Kenya as a foreigner
The location of buying land in Kenya makes a big difference. Cities give hospitals, schools, banks, stable internet and easy means of resale. Beach towns give a relaxed life and holiday rental income. Small towns often give lower prices and good returns if the area grows. Today, many investors look beyond Nairobi to towns like Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret because those places are growing fast.
Legal tips for foreigners buying in Kenya
- Foreigners cannot hold full freehold ownership in Kenya; they can hold leasehold — up to 99 years. Any paper promising more is treated as a 99-year lease by law.
- Agricultural land (farms) needs Land Control Board (LCB) approval; LCBs usually block transfers to non-citizens. So, foreigners typically avoid buying farm land directly.
1) Nairobi — best for work, services and security
Why choose Nairobi: Nairobi is Kenya’s capital. It has the best hospitals, international schools, banks, reliable internet in many suburbs, and many jobs therefore making it an ideal place for work, services and security.
Suburbs popular with expats and investors include Karen, Westlands, Kilimani, Runda and Gigiri. These areas have gated communities, embassies, and consistent rental demand. If you want property that is easy to rent or sell, Nairobi is the top choice.
What to watch: Prices are highest here. Expect stamp duty, management fees for gated estates, and sometimes traffic.
2) Diani & the South Coast
Why choose Diani: Diani is a fast-growing beach town with strong holiday rental demand and beach life. It attracts digital nomads, tourists and holiday-makers. If you want a holiday home or short-let income, Diani can be very profitable. It also has growing cafe and co-working scenes for remote workers.
What to watch: Internet and power can be less reliable away from the main strip. For rentals, choose properties close to the beach and with backup power and good Wi-Fi.
3) Naivasha
Why choose Naivasha: Naivasha is near Nairobi, on a freshwater lake, and has become a holiday and weekend destination. Prices are lower than Nairobi and developing fast, with tourism projects and holiday estates that can give good returns. Naivasha is popular with retirees and investors in holiday homes.
What to watch: Check for road access and planned projects nearby; being close to the lake and main roads helps value.
4) Nakuru & Kisumu
Why choose them: Nakuru and Kisumu are expanding affordable cities with improving infrastructure, hospitals and schools. They are cheaper than Nairobi and attract local renters and families. These towns work best for lower entry cost renters and have steady rental demand and capital growth potential.
What to watch: Quality of private healthcare and international schooling is lower than Nairobi — important if you move with family.
5) Eldoret & other Rift Valley hubs
Why choose Eldoret: Eldoret is an agricultural and industrial hub. It has expanding housing demand, land development and a growing middle class. Foreigners who want to invest in rental housing or commercial projects can find competitive prices and rising demand.
What to watch: Confirm local utilities and survey plans; rural outskirts can be cheaper but need clear roads and services.
6) Satellite towns & planned cities: Konza, Kitengela, Thika, Kikuyu
Why choose satellite towns: Satellite towns around Nairobi: Kitengela, Kikuyu, Thika and the Konza areas are cheaper and benefit from road and rail links to Nairobi. Konza (a tech city project) and areas near new roads often see fast land price rises. These are good if you want long-term capital growth.
What to watch: Some development projects slow down. Only buy where infrastructure is concrete (roads, power, sewer) or where you can verify developer credentials.
Here’s a comparison table of the best places in Kenya for foreigners to buy property in 2025.
(USD conversions approximate, assuming 1 USD ≈ KES 129)
| Location | Avg. Monthly Cost (KES/USD) | Why It’s Great for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | KES 30k–75k / $233–581 | Top hospitals, fast internet, jobs, embassies, easy to rent or sell. |
| Diani (Coast) | KES 22k–52k / $171–403 | Beach life, strong holiday rentals, and a growing tourist town. |
| Naivasha | KES 15k–37k / $116–287 | Peaceful, lake views, good roads, popular for holiday homes. |
| Nakuru | KES 18k–37k / $140–287 | Affordable city, growing demand, improving healthcare. |
| Kisumu | KES 18k–37k / $140–287 | Lakeside city, trade hub, rising real estate market. |
| Eldoret | KES 15k–30k / $116–233 | Industrial hub, growing middle class, good rentals. |
| Satellite Towns (Kitengela, Thika, Kikuyu, Konza) | KES 12k–30k / $93–233 | Close to Nairobi, cheaper entry, fast growth with new roads. |
Practical tips when choosing the best places to buy property in Kenya as a foreigner
- Plan for leasehold: build your investment plan around a 99-year lease if you are a non-citizen.
- Use trusted agents and law firms: pick established real estate firms and licensed Kenyan advocates for contracts and registration.
- Check infrastructure: buyers who want rentals must check internet, power backup, and access roads (very important for digital nomads and short lets).
- Do an official title search: confirm ownership and encumbrances through government records (use Ardhisasa/eCitizen or your lawyer).
- Avoid agricultural land unless you understand LCB rules: LCB consent is required and often refused for non-citizens.
How to choose among the best places to buy property in Kenya as a foreigner
- Work & services: Choose Nairobi or major city suburbs.
- Beach & rentals: Pick Diani or Mombasa coast. Ensure good Wifi and backup power.
- Retire or relax: Naivasha or Nanyuki offer calm, nature and lower cost.
- Budget & growth: Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret are affordable with rising demand.
Costs, Taxes and Returns
- Stamp duty and transaction costs vary by area. Expect to pay transfer taxes and legal fees — include these when you budget. Check current rates with your lawyer.
- Rental yields are usually higher outside Nairobi but capital growth can be faster in satellite towns as infrastructure improves.
Final checklist before you buy
- Confirm lease/freehold status and lease length.
- Run an official title search.
- Verify seller identity and original deed.
- Check LCB consent if land is agricultural.
- Inspect property in person and confirm utilities (internet, power).
- Use a licensed Kenyan lawyer and pay through an escrow or trust account.
