DEMAND FOR REAL ESTATE BY KENYANS INCREASES

The demand for real estate by Kenyans

 

 

 

By Lydia Kanyoro

 

 

 

 

When you think of a gated community, what comes to mind?

Probably fully-fledged ‘cities’, of well-planned luxurious homes

which incorporate strict safety and security measures, privacy and

amenities surrounded by high perimeter walls. But what else lies

beyond those gates? And is a home in one of these neighborhoods

the right fit for you and your family, or as an investment?

 

 

 

The demand for real estate in many developing countries such as

Kenya has been increasing over the years. However, sustaining an

urban environment whereas balancing the demand and supply has

become a major challenge. The challenge has been brought about by

the inability to sustain adequate infrastructure and proper

planning. As a result, a majority of real estate developers are mainly

led by demand rather than infrastructural capacity.

 

 

 

Kenya as a fast-growing nation with a high population grapples with

the lack of implementation of an urban plan, hence, the rise of

unplanned residential estates coming up everywhere. However,

Superior Homes Kenya, East Africa’s award-winning development,

is one such developer that is working to curb such challenges, with

well-planned gated community concept. It is a controlled

development with a set of rules and regulations laid out in an

agreement, and signed by all the homeowners.

 

 

 

At the present time, the prevailing housing development trend is

gated communities. With the COVID- 19 pandemic that restricts us to

avoid overcrowding; many have opted to shift to gated communities

that bring out restriction of movement due to availability of

amenities and families’ safety from the virus infections. For others,

living in a gated community could also be a sense of belonging to a

‘nyumba kumi’ initiative, or for prestige and luxurious lifestyle.

 

 

 

With the rising cases of burglaries however, the security element is

the biggest perk of gated communities for privacy and safety that

residents enjoy. It is proven that safety comes in numbers. People

naturally feel secure when living within communities than in

isolation. Living in a gated community allows homeowners to form

associations that look after their interests.

 

 

 

Most gated community estates are managed by an estate

management company and each resident owns equal shares in the

company. The estate management company is tasked with ensuring

the estate is well secure with a security protocol where there are

strict entry and exit points manned by security guards, as well as

perimeter walls and an electric fence to safeguard the property and

its residents. Security guards are also doubling efforts to check

temperatures and enhance COVID- 19 measures of hand washing

especially for visitors.

 

 

 

Secondly, gated communities are a safe haven for children. One of

the greatest advantages of living in a gated community is that it is

built for families with kids. While the benefits can be reaped by

both singles and families alike, the safety and security in gated

communities are especially good for the little ones with aspirations

for exploring. Since there are no open roads with fast moving

traffic, it is safer to allow your kids to play outdoors; you wouldn’t

have to worry about them bumping into strangers either. With

communal areas set for the kids to play, it is also easier for parents

to monitor them.

 

 

 

Another pleasant benefit of living in a gated community is the sense

of pride and belonging it elicits, and the integrated lifestyle it

enables one to enjoy. Gated communities usually offer various

amenities such as a golf course, tennis courts, football pitches,

children playground areas, clubhouse, schools, adequate parking

spaces, swimming pool, efficient water supply, shopping centers,

garbage collection points, sewerage systems, back-up power, solar

systems, water filtration systems, internet provisions, and home

working stations which are all part of planning when it comes to the

construction of a controlled environment.

 

 

 

Human beings have since time immemorial been accustomed to a

sense of belonging and pride when living within a certain

community.  Additionally, the cost of purchasing a home in a gated

community is usually higher compared to unplanned communities.

This is because homeowners are assured of a unique lifestyle

convenient for you and your family within the desired

environment. When you buy a home in a gated community, you are

assured of getting a good return on your investment.

 

 

 

These are just some of the perks you would benefit from while

staying in a gated community, which would otherwise cost you an

exorbitant amount of money. Having such a well – integrated

community with such shared facilities makes a comfortable living

experience.

 

 

 

The home is where people typically spend most of their time, a

common avenue for social contact and, for most, a major financial,

emotional and personal investment. One’s choice of residence also

reflects one’s choice of the surrounding neighbourhood, which has a

significant impact on one’s well-being and quality of life.

 

 

 

Obviously the housing choice is not a simple decision to make,

housing is very important for individuals as the fact that it is their

home. Choosing the right residential location is essential as it also

influences the whole family life, their activity, well-being, social life,

work, and education among others. And the way I see it, gated

communities are indeed the future for sustainable living.