Introduction
Riverside, Nairobi, has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods for luxury apartment buyers — and for good reason. With its mix of upscale residences, strategic location between Westlands and the Central Business District (CBD), and strong rental demand, Riverside is attracting attention from expatriates, diplomats, and diaspora investors who value security, exclusivity, and convenience.
However, for foreign buyers, owning property in Kenya involves unique legal frameworks and specific investment guidelines. From land tenure restrictions to due diligence requirements, understanding each step of the buying process is critical to avoid legal pitfalls and protect your investment.
This guide outlines 7 essential steps foreigners must follow when purchasing an apartment in Riverside — ensuring your investment is legally sound, financially secure, and positioned for long-term growth.
1. Understand Kenya’s Property Ownership Laws
Foreign investors in Kenya are not permitted to own freehold land, but they can legally purchase leasehold property, typically with a 99-year lease term.
Most Riverside developments fall under leasehold tenure, making them ideal for international buyers seeking luxury apartments without violating ownership restrictions.
💡 Pro Tip: Always confirm the tenure type on the title deed before making an offer. Your lawyer can verify this via the Ardhisasa platform to ensure compliance.
2. Engage a Qualified Real Estate Lawyer
Navigating Kenya’s property market as a foreigner requires expert legal guidance. A reputable property lawyer will protect your interests by:
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Conducting due diligence on the seller and property,
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Verifying ownership and encumbrances on Ardhisasa,
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Drafting and reviewing your sale agreement, and
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Ensuring all transactions comply with Kenyan law.
(Related Reading: Why Ardhisasa Matters in Property Ownership Verification)
Hiring a lawyer early prevents common mistakes such as signing incomplete contracts or transferring funds before ownership is confirmed.
3. Conduct Comprehensive Due Diligence
Due diligence ensures you are buying a legitimate and dispute-free property.
This process involves:
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Confirming the property’s title registration,
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Checking for caveats, unpaid land rates, or ongoing legal disputes,
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Verifying compliance with Nairobi County zoning and building laws, and
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Reviewing the developer’s approval and NEMA compliance certificates (for off-plan projects).
For foreigners, this step is critical since leasehold rights must be properly registered to guarantee long-term ownership and transferability.
4. Budget for Hidden and Additional Costs
Beyond the purchase price, foreign buyers should plan for associated acquisition costs that can significantly impact total expenditure.
Typical charges include:
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Stamp Duty: 4% of the property’s value (for Nairobi).
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Legal Fees: Between 1–2% of property value.
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Valuation Fees: Around 0.25–1%.
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Service Charges: Typically KSh 10,000–40,000 per month in luxury apartments.
(Related Blog: Hidden Costs When Buying Luxury Property in Nairobi)
💡 Tip: Keep official receipts for all payments — they are required for tax and registration purposes.
5. Secure the Right Financing Option
Foreigners can acquire property in Riverside either through cash purchases or mortgages offered by local banks.
Several Kenyan financial institutions now provide diaspora and expatriate mortgage facilities, although these typically require higher down payments (20–40%) and proof of income from abroad.
📊 For up-to-date information, visit the Central Bank of Kenya’s Mortgage Data page to compare lending rates and policies for non-resident buyers.
Having pre-approved financing strengthens your negotiation position and speeds up the closing process.
6. Draft and Sign a Legally Binding Sale Agreement
Once due diligence checks are completed, both parties’ lawyers will draft a Sale Agreement outlining key terms — including:
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Agreed property price,
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Payment schedule and deposit conditions,
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Transfer timeline, and
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Remedies in case of breach.
Most agreements require a 10% deposit upon signing, held in escrow by the seller’s lawyer until the title is transferred.
⚖️ Always ensure your lawyer reviews the agreement before signing or releasing any funds.
7. Register and Transfer Ownership
This final step completes the ownership process.
Your lawyer will lodge transfer documents at the Lands Registry, pay stamp duty, and ensure the title deed is registered in your name.
Once approved, you will receive a registered leasehold title, officially recognizing you as the apartment’s lawful owner.
🗂️ Keep both digital and physical copies of the registered documents in secure storage for future transactions or renewals.
Conclusion
Buying an apartment in Riverside as a foreigner can be a rewarding investment, but only if done correctly.
By understanding Kenya’s ownership laws, engaging professional legal support, and conducting proper due diligence, you can confidently invest in one of Nairobi’s most promising luxury real estate markets.
While freehold land restrictions exist, leasehold apartments in Riverside provide international buyers with excellent access to rental income, appreciation potential, and a premium lifestyle — all within one of the city’s safest and most connected locations.
Call-to-Action (CTA)
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