Factors to Consider When Buying a House in Kitengela, Kenya

Are you ready to become a property owner in Kenya? It is a significant milestone and a dream for many. Buying a house means you can say goodbye to monthly rent, build equity, and enjoy a peaceful stay, flexibility, and freedom, among other advantages. Nonetheless, the process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Quick research, such as considerations when buying a house in Kitengela, can set you on the right path. You’ll know more about the process and must-dos to facilitate a smooth purchase. So, now that you know the process, what factors do you need to consider and ensure you buy a house you’ll treasure? Here are a few factors to get you started.

Financial factors

As you look for a house, your budget is a full check. You want a house within your reach, which you can establish by getting a mortgage pre-approval. Besides the set price, also consider the costs of running the house. This includes utilities like water and electricity since they significantly impact your stay. Once you’ve narrowed your budget range, it’ll be easier to search and buy a house that won’t frustrate your immediate and future stay.

Besides the price, keep in mind that a house is an asset, and you should look at it as so when buying. This means doing the math, not just on the price you pay but the financial potential the house offers. Kitengela is a fast-growing setting, but not all neighbourhoods are the same. Some are gated communities, others are highly concentrated with apartments, and others are a mixture of residential and business properties. Consider the financial potential, such as if your investment is secured should you want to sell later.

Your situation

Are you single, recently married, have a young family, or are your children already grown? A perfect house for a single person may not cut it if you have a family. For instance, you need a bigger house, including kitchen size and the number of bathrooms and bedrooms if you have a family. This offers the convenience and comfort needed in a home. Take inventory of your situation, including the minimums you can’t afford to sacrifice. This way, besides the square footage and utilities, you will pick and buy a house that can efficiently handle all your needs, making your stay comfortable.

Location

You’ve narrowed it to Kitengela, but what neighbourhood best matches your needs? Proximity to your workplace, schools, medical facilities, and shopping centres, to mention a few, are virtually available in any location across Kitengela. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean your work on location is done. You have your unique needs. For instance, would you be alright living in busy and noisy settings, or is a more serene environment like in gated communities a priority?

Each Kitengela neighbourhood is different. This is from security levels, environment, and neighbours, among other considerations. Do your homework since location is among the real estate factors you can’t change after buying. For example, if you buy a house close to a busy highway, you can’t move it further when the noise becomes almost unbearable. Therefore, a site visit is essential, giving you a sense of the vibe the location offers to ensure it aligns with your needs.

The house age

Do you fancy a newly built house or an old one? Architectural designs keep evolving. A house built a decade ago is not similar to what you’ll find being developed today. For instance, greener constructions are becoming a norm as more consumers continue to look for ways to keep the environment safer.

Today, more houses feature bigger and strategically positioned windows to get the most out of natural lighting, energy-efficient appliances installed and featuring tech advancements to facilitate home automation. While you can remodel older houses to capture as many benefits, your budget and situation, like your schedule, might not facilitate such extra steps. As you browse through Kitengela houses for sale, the construction year is an essential yet most overlooked factor.

House condition

You might assume that a new house is in the best possible condition. This is a significant pitfall you should avoid at all costs. A thorough house inspection is critical even on new properties, especially since some contractors are notorious for cutting corners. A professional inspection can help you uncover structural flaws. Some could even mean the house is unsafe.

The last thing you want is to buy a house only to notice developing wall cracks due to foundation problems or roof caving due to poor installation. Considering house conditions when buying a previously occupied property is common. The same efforts should apply when looking at a newly built property.

House ownership

You’ve found the dream house and are ready to make an offer, negotiate, and close the deal. Not so fast, though; remember the buying process? Establishing ownership doesn’t stop at looking at the title deed. You might buy a house, only to realize it has pending cases. It might have accrued significant property rates, or the land it is built on has pending disputes, among other concerns. A deep dive is critical. Do your homework and learn as much as possible. The history can be enlightening. This can make you care for the house more and even have an exciting stay.

Don’t discount professional help

Finding a house for sale is not as easy as you might anticipate, even with modern digital solutions. Sites like hauzisha make it easier to find available properties. Nonetheless, engaging a real estate agent and other professionals like a property lawyer is essential. The agents can help fast-track your property search, help with negotiations and certain paperwork, and make it easier to avoid common pitfalls. Property lawyers are excellent as you navigate the legal process. This includes ensuring you understand the contract and all the clauses, giving you peace of mind that they won’t come back to haunt you.

Buying a house is a huge step, demanding due diligence to ensure you invest in the right property. It is a decision you’ll live with for years as the house becomes your home, emphasizing the need to consider key factors as you shop, narrow your options, and lose the deal.

Guest Contributor: James Njunge