Riverside — the quiet, leafy enclave tucked between Westlands and Parklands — remains one of Nairobi’s most consistent short- and medium-term rental performers in 2026. Its concierge-style apartments, proximity to business hubs, diplomatic offices, Village Market, and top-tier security make it a magnet for expatriates, corporate relocations, diplomats, and young professionals who prioritize convenience without the bustle of core Westlands.
In this high-demand pocket, studio and 1 bedroom units in Riverside consistently outperform larger 2- and 3-bedroom units when the goal is high ROI (return on investment) and quick turnover (fast letting, low vacancy, rapid cash flow). Smaller units benefit from lower entry prices, broader tenant appeal, higher percentage yields, and faster resale liquidity — making them the preferred choice for investors focused on velocity and net monthly income rather than absolute prestige or long-hold appreciation.
This 2026 analysis compares studio vs 1-bedroom units in Riverside across purchase price, rental performance, occupancy, cash flow, costs, tenant profiles, and exit strategy — showing exactly why these smaller units continue to deliver superior ROI and turnover in one of Nairobi’s most resilient upmarket rental markets.
1. Entry Price & Capital Required (Mid-2026 Averages)
- Studio units in Riverside Size: 40–65 sqm Price range: KES 12.5–22 million (furnished/serviced gated blocks) Average entry: KES 15–18 million Typical down payment (20–30%): KES 3–5.4 million
- 1 bedroom units in Riverside Size: 60–95 sqm Price range: KES 18–32 million Average entry: KES 22–27 million Typical down payment: KES 4.4–8.1 million
Advantage: Both unit types offer significantly lower entry barriers than 2- or 3-bedroom units (KES 35M+), allowing investors to deploy capital across multiple properties for diversification and scale.
2. Rental Yields & Cash Flow (Short- & Medium-Term)
- Studio units in Riverside Nightly rate (furnished/short-let): KES 7,500–13,500 Monthly rent equivalent (long-term furnished): KES 75,000–130,000 Gross yield (short-let at 70–80% occupancy): 8.0–10.5% Net yield after expenses: ~6.5–8.8% Monthly net cash flow (short-let): KES 140,000–260,000
- 1 bedroom units in Riverside Nightly rate (furnished/short-let): KES 12,000–22,000 Monthly rent equivalent (long-term furnished): KES 110,000–200,000 Gross yield (short-let at 70–80% occupancy): 7.5–9.5% Net yield: ~6.0–8.0% Monthly net cash flow (short-let): KES 220,000–380,000
Key Insight: 1 bedroom units generate 50–80% higher absolute monthly net cash flow, while studios edge out on percentage yield. For pure cash-flow investors, 1-bedrooms deliver the bigger monthly cheque.
3. Occupancy & Turnover Speed
- Studio units in Riverside Average occupancy: 70–85% (strong from solo expats, business travelers, short contracts) Average length of stay: 5–21 nights Letting speed: 1–4 weeks
- 1 bedroom units in Riverside Average occupancy: 72–88% (families, couples, small corporate teams) Average length of stay: 10–45 nights Letting speed: 2–5 weeks
Winner: 1-bedroom units show slightly higher occupancy and longer average stays — reducing churn and platform/marketing costs.
4. Monthly Ownership & Operating Costs
- Studio units in Riverside Service charge: KES 7,000–13,000/month Cleaning/laundry (short-let): KES 12,000–25,000/month Platform fees + utilities/maintenance: KES 15,000–28,000/month Total monthly expenses: KES 34,000–66,000
- 1 bedroom units in Riverside Service charge: KES 10,000–18,000/month Cleaning/laundry: KES 20,000–40,000/month Platform fees + utilities/maintenance: KES 20,000–38,000/month Total monthly expenses: KES 50,000–96,000
Advantage: Studios are 30–40% cheaper to operate — boosting net cash flow percentage.
5. Tenant/Guest Profile & Booking Stability
- Studio units in Riverside Dominant guests: solo business travelers, young expats, digital nomads, short-stay contractors. Booking lead time: 1–3 weeks Sensitivity to seasons: Moderate
- 1 bedroom units in Riverside Dominant guests: couples, small families, mid-level corporate teams, diplomats on mid-term contracts. Booking lead time: 3–8 weeks Sensitivity to seasons: Lower (more advance bookings)
Edge: 1-bedroom units attract higher-spending guests who book further ahead — creating more predictable cash flow.
6. Capital Appreciation & Exit Liquidity
- Studio units in Riverside Appreciation: 7–10% YoY in quality blocks Resale liquidity: Very high (large pool of young professionals/investors)
- 1 bedroom units in Riverside Appreciation: 8–12% YoY Resale liquidity: High (families, couples, investors)
Winner: 1-bedroom units slightly outperform on appreciation; both are highly liquid in Riverside’s active market.
7. Which Wins for Different Investor Profiles in Riverside 2026?
| Investor Goal | Best Choice in Riverside 2026 | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum net monthly cash flow | 1-bedroom unit | 50–80% higher absolute income |
| Highest % yield on capital | Studio unit | Slightly higher yield percentage |
| Lowest vacancy & longest stays | 1-bedroom unit | Broader guest types, advance bookings |
| Lowest monthly operating cost | Studio unit | 30–40% cheaper to run |
| Portfolio building (multiple units) | Studio unit | Lower entry price |
| Strongest long-term appreciation | 1-bedroom unit | Slightly higher growth |
| Quick exit / liquidity | Either (both highly liquid) | Strong resale market |
Bottom line for 2026 in Riverside short- & medium-term rentals:
- Choose 1-bedroom units if your priority is maximum absolute cash flow, stronger booking stability, and higher total monthly income — the clear winner for serious short-let operators.
- Choose studio units if you want higher percentage yield, the lowest possible entry cost, and easier portfolio scaling — still very strong, but lower overall income.
In Riverside’s fast-moving short-term market, 1-bedroom units lead for cash flow dominance in 2026 — delivering significantly more net income per property.
Call to Action: Ready to explore 1-bedroom or studio units in Riverside for high-ROI short-term rentals? Visit Realty Boris offices today for a private, in-depth discussion with our expert team. We’ll show you current high-demand listings and help you choose the best unit type for your cash flow goals. Contact us to schedule your visit and take the next step toward building your elite portfolio.
