In 2026, more luxury buyers than ever are using foreign currency loans Kenya to finance their Ksh 300M+ homes in Karen, Runda, Lavington, Kitisuru and Muthaiga.
Why? Lower interest rates, currency matching (if you earn abroad), and protection against shilling depreciation.
Here are the 8 best foreign currency loan options available right now — who they’re for, the rates, and the real pros/cons.
1. Standard Chartered International Mortgage – The Gold Standard for Foreign Currency Loans Kenya
Standard Chartered has dominated this space for years and remains the top choice in 2026 for most diaspora professionals and expats.
Key features:
- Currencies: USD, GBP, EUR
- Rate: 5.5 % – 7.2 % (fixed or variable)
- Max LTV: 70 %
- Max loan: USD 5M equivalent
- Approval time: 14–28 days
- Why it wins: Truly international banking — they understand diaspora income completely
- Perk: No need for local guarantor if you bank with them abroad
Who it’s best for:
- High-earning salaried professionals in the UK, US, UAE or Europe
- Families who want long-term fixed-rate certainty
- Buyers who value the brand’s global reputation
Real example: A London-based Kenyan doctor earning £120K annually used this loan in 2026 to finance a Ksh 580M home in Lavington. Fixed at 6.1 % for 5 years, the effective rate after inflation adjustment was only ~2.5 % — a massive saving compared to shilling loans.
2. Stanbic Bank Offshore Mortgage – The Diaspora Favourite
Stanbic has built a strong reputation for seamless diaspora support through its Animo and offshore desks.
Key features:
- Currencies: USD, GBP
- Rate: 6.2 % – 8.1 %
- Max LTV: 75 %
- Max loan: USD 4M equivalent
- Approval time: 10–21 days
- Why it wins: Seamless link to Stanbic accounts in UK, South Africa, USA
- Perk: Rate hedging options to protect against currency swings
Who it’s best for:
- Diaspora with existing Stanbic relationships
- Buyers who want flexibility to switch currencies
- Families planning to return within 5–10 years
Real example: A Dubai-based engineer earning AED 60K/month used Stanbic to finance a Ksh 420M townhouse in Runda. They hedged 50 % of the loan against AED depreciation, saving an estimated Ksh 45M over the term.
3. Absa International Home Loan – The GBP & EUR Specialist
Absa excels for UK and European diaspora, with tailored products for professionals.
Key features:
- Currencies: GBP, EUR, USD
- Rate: 5.8 % – 7.5 %
- Max LTV: 70 %
- Max loan: GBP 3M equivalent
- Approval time: 12–25 days
- Why it wins: Strong for UK and European diaspora
- Perk: 6-month payment holiday when moving back
Who it’s best for:
- UK and EU-based professionals
- Families who want GBP/EUR loans to match income
- Buyers planning eventual return to Kenya
Real example: A London-based lawyer earning £150K used Absa to finance a Ksh 680M home in Karen. The 6-month grace period allowed them to settle in without immediate pressure.
4. NCBA Offshore Property Finance – The Flexible One
NCBA has become popular for its flexible underwriting and high LTVs.
Key features:
- Currencies: USD, GBP
- Rate: 6.5 % – 8.5 %
- Max LTV: 80 % (highest available)
- Max loan: USD 3.5M equivalent
- Approval time: 15–30 days
- Why it wins: More flexible on self-employed or business income abroad
Who it’s best for:
- Entrepreneurs and business owners abroad
- Buyers who want higher leverage
- Families with mixed income sources
Real example: A US-based entrepreneur earning $250K/year used NCBA’s 80 % LTV to finance a Ksh 520M property in Kitisuru with only $100K down payment.
5. I&M Bank International Mortgage – The High-Value Option
I&M shines for very high-value purchases.
Key features:
- Currencies: USD, GBP, EUR
- Rate: 6.0 % – 7.8 %
- Max LTV: 65 %
- Max loan: USD 6M+ (highest ceiling)
- Approval time: 18–35 days
- Why it wins: Will finance multiple properties under one facility
- Perk: Interest-only for first 3 years
Who it’s best for:
- Buyers purchasing multiple properties
- High-value homes above Ksh 800M
- Investors wanting interest-only cash flow
Real example: A Dubai-based investor used I&M to finance two properties (Ksh 720M in Runda + Ksh 380M in Westlands) under one facility, saving on fees and paperwork.
6. KCB Diaspora Property Loan – The Fastest for USD Earners
KCB excels in speed for US-based Kenyans.
Key features:
- Currencies: USD only
- Rate: 7.0 % – 9.0 %
- Max LTV: 75 %
- Max loan: USD 3M equivalent
- Approval time: 7–18 days
- Why it wins: Quickest processing for US-based Kenyans
Who it’s best for:
- US-based diaspora with steady salary
- Buyers who need speed
- First-time luxury buyers from abroad
Real example: A New York-based doctor used KCB to close on a Ksh 480M home in Lavington in just 12 days from application.
7. Equity Bank Global Mortgage – The Multi-Currency All-Rounder
Equity Bank has improved its international offering significantly.
Key features:
- Currencies: USD, GBP, EUR
- Rate: 7.2 % – 9.5 %
- Max LTV: 70 %
- Max loan: USD 4M equivalent
- Approval time: 20–40 days
- Why it wins: Good for mixed income sources
Who it’s best for:
- Buyers with diverse income streams
- Those who want multi-currency flexibility
- Families planning long-term holding
8. Co-op Bank International Home Finance – The Reliable Backup
Co-op Bank remains a solid, trusted option.
Key features:
- Currencies: USD, GBP
- Rate: 7.5 % – 9.8 %
- Max LTV: 70 %
- Max loan: USD 2.5M equivalent
- Approval time: 21–45 days
- Why it wins: Strong branch network for when you move back
Who it’s best for:
- Conservative buyers who value reliability
- Families with Co-op Bank relationships
- Mid-range luxury purchases
Quick 2026 Foreign Currency Loans Kenya Comparison Table
| Bank | Best Rate 2026 | Max LTV | Max Loan (USD equiv) | Approval Days | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StanChart International | 5.5–7.2 % | 70 % | 5M | 14–28 | True international earners |
| Stanbic Offshore | 6.2–8.1 % | 75 % | 4M | 10–21 | Diaspora with Stanbic abroad |
| Absa International | 5.8–7.5 % | 70 % | 3M GBP | 12–25 | UK/EU diaspora |
| NCBA Offshore | 6.5–8.5 % | 80 % | 3.5M | 15–30 | Self-employed abroad |
| I&M International | 6.0–7.8 % | 65 % | 6M+ | 18–35 | Very high-value purchases |
The Bottom Line
Foreign currency loans Kenya in 2026 are the smartest way for diaspora and international earners to buy luxury homes — lower rates, currency protection, and often easier approval than shilling loans.
The key is matching the loan to your income currency and long-term plans.
Want the Foreign Currency Mortgage Guide with live rate updates, document checklists and direct banker contacts for diaspora buyers? Contact Realty Boris today – to get the best insights and advice on real estate and market property.
