Pros and Cons of Investing in Real Estate in Nairobi, Kenya

 

All investment opportunities come with their own set of challenges and advantages and investing in properties or real estate is no different. It comes with the advantage of securing a financial future but at the same time can also put you in a lot of debt. This is why it is of primary importance that one should first understand before they take up an investment. In this article, we detail out both the pros and cons of investing in real estate in Nairobi, Kenya.

Let’s first take a look at the pros of investing in real estate.

Advantages of Investing in Real Estate in Nairobi

Creates a cash flow: You can lease your real estate to third parties and generate current cash flow or you can wait for its value to appreciate and achieve substantial returns on your investment. Cash flow also refers to the profit you make after you have paid off your mortgage and all operating expenses. You can use the returns on your investment in various ways, from supporting your family to building a business or reinvesting in other properties. 

Acts as leverage: You can use your real estate to get a loan to buy more real estate. The bank will create a mortgage with your property undertaken as security to back up the loan. This can help you generate more income with your lying funds instead of having to block them in a property, which eventually means more cash flow for you

Lower risks: When you invest in securities and stocks, there are usually dramatic and short term gains and losses, which is quite the opposite of real estate investments. With real estate, the markets do not fluctuate as often as with other types of investments, making them more secure and safe. These real estate investments, also at the same time add diversity to your investment portfolio without completely exposing you to the threats of market volatility. 

Less complicated: It is fairly easy to understand real estate compared to any other type of investment. To invest in real estate, all you need to know is about inflation and market prices, while for securities and stocks, there is a whole lot of literature that you need to get your hands on before you can start investing for good returns. 

Cons of Investing in Real Estate in Nairobi

Having discussed the benefits or advantages of investing in real estate, now let’s take a look at the disadvantages that you may face while investing in real estate.

Slow liquidity: A major drawback of investing in real estate is that you cannot quickly sell it if you are in urgent need of liquid funds. This depends on various factors such as the demand for real estate in that area, market prices and the state of the economy. This can cause you a delay in accessing money in case of an emergency. 

Overhead costs: When you buy a property, you should also consider the overhead costs that you will bear in the future for its maintenance and upkeep. Apart from the maintenance costs, you will also have to bear the mortgage, taxes, insurance and other such charges. 

Issues with the property: While it may be fairly easy to buy a property, it can often be a bad buy if you don’t have the right team by your side. An already constructed house or apartment can be prone to mould which may not be apparent when you buy it, or it can have other issues like termites in the walls or poor quality materials used in construction. This is why it is very important to do a thorough home inspection with knowledgeable people by your side to identify any issues that may come up later.

Cash flow restriction: When you buy a house, you block a chunk of money in that investment, which can restrict your cash flow. If you are taking a home loan, then you will have to also adjust your cash flow as per the changes in the interest rates. 

Mi Vida at Garden City Nairobi, Kenya

In other words, a real estate investment can be both good and bad for you, depending upon the kind of things you consider before you make the purchase. Thorough research and understanding of real estate is key to making a good investment. An ideal real estate investment in Nairobi, Kenya would be Mi-Vida Homes that is a perfect combination of design, modern engineering, trusted construction, on-time delivery and an impeccable record.

Why should you buy artisan handmade jewelry?

 

Style is all about adding personality to fashion and what better way to do that than with a unique accessory. Jewelry has the ability to completely transform an outfit. Naturally, a lot of thought and personal taste goes into putting together the right jewelry for an outfit. Jewelry is very clearly distinguished into the two separate categories of handmade and mass produced. Handmade artisan jewelry often comes with a higher price tag and a greater appreciation.
So, where does this added value come from?

Let’s understand the main reasons why artisan handmade jewelry is a great investment art piece.

A personal connection with the artist

Handmade jewelry is a direct result of an artist’s love for their craft. Each artisan is telling a story or sending a message through their work and it shows. In turn, when you buy this art piece you become a part of that story, forming a direct connection between you and the artisan who created the jewelry.

Made with care and intention

Each piece of this jewelry comes directly from the artisan’s own two hands. They spend an incredible amount of time, attention and devotion to creating pieces that reflect their vision. So, rest assured, they have a personal connection with each piece and they strive to deliver the best possible result.

Always one of a kind

The artisan can only create a finite number of pieces in a particular design and each of these pieces is made by hand. This guarantees that no two pieces will look exactly alike and not everyone has access to these pieces. Each piece of artisan handmade jewelry that you buy is limited edition, custom, and something that can be just yours.

A close eye on quality

The passion that goes into making handmade jewelry also indicates that the materials used to make it go through a lot of consideration. Mass produced pieces are difficult to regulate in terms of quality while artisans dedicatedly working on each piece of handmade jewelry gives them the time to track and control the sourcing of excellent materials from the most reputed suppliers. They are dedicated in the creation of the jewelry from start to finish which means that they aren’t going to let bad quality work reach their customers.

All that being said, the next time you want to add flavor or personality to an outfit, remember to opt for the exclusive masterpieces that we call artisan handmade jewelry. It’s local, it’s artistic, it will be worn on no one else but you, and it’s valuable – both in price and in intention.

The Miraya Store – https://mirayastore.com

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Ace that office look or bring grace to weddings, make your travel-look chic and girl’s night out more glam. From handcrafted artisanal Jewellery to flamboyant, bold pieces, we have carefully curated something for every mood and occasion.

Why invest in a Garden City apartment on Thika Road, Nairobi?

 

As the first integrated residential, retail, and office development in Kenya, Garden City brings the well-rounded lifestyle of ‘live, work, play’ all in one thoughtfully designed location. It offers the popular Garden City Mall with world-class retail, a Business Park with Grade-A office spaces, plenty of leisure options, and upcoming facilities including a hospital and a hotel.

These are all situated at the doorstep of cutting-edge Garden City residences that include 150 modern apartments and duplexes along with 56 elegant townhouses. The mixed-use offering of this project combined with its strategic location along Thika Road in the capital city of Nairobi makes it an excellent opportunity for real estate investments.

Garden City Mall

Garden City is located just 15 minutes away from the Central Business District and is quickly being established as the focal point of the rapidly growing Thika Road, Nairobi. Location and connectivity are crucial factors to consider when it comes to investments and Garden City scores high on both of those counts.

The Thika Super Highway, completed in 2012, attracted the development of a number of residential and commercial projects in the area. Meanwhile, Garden City is also conveniently located amongst up-and-coming industrial and commercial areas including Baba Ndogo, Thika, Ruiru and the Eastern Bypass. The Outer Ring Road facilitates a reduced travel time of around 20-40 minutes to and from JKIA International Airport.

The Garden City Business Park will drive further demand and occupancies for these apartments, attracting housing for medium to senior staff of the big corporates that occupy the offices. This demand is also boosted with the availability of great infrastructure in terms of water, electricity, and sewage as well as road connections.

The availability of great infrastructure, in turn, drives growth for all sectors at Garden City, including investment opportunities in real estate.

The main benefits that investors must consider are:

a. Higher demand resulting in increased property values.

b. Improved accessibility to previously inaccessible areas.

c. Lower cost of development and construction costs.

d. Greater odds of achieving high returns due to constant growth.

Shapoorji Pallonji Construction Projects in 2021

 

Shapoorji Pallonji And Company Pvt. Ltd. has a specialized unit in the engineering and construction segment in India which goes by the name of Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering & Construction (SP E&C). This unit provides end-to-end solution solutions in its specified sector and has a lot of firsts marked to its name. 

SP E&C was the first Indian company to execute a project overseas, back in 1975 and is also India’s first ISO 9001-2000 certified construction company. It has made numerous contributions to the growth of the economic sector in India. 

In this article, we take a look at the numerous projects that SP E&C has undertaken in 2021 and how it is continuing to make changes in the overall landscape of the world. 

Shapoorji Pallonji Construction Projects, 2021

Shapoorji Pallonji undertook various projects in 2021, some international and some domestic. Let’s take a look at them below.

• Admiralty Evercare Hospital, Nigeria: SP E&C was responsible for the construction of this 165-bed hospital complex that included a hospital building, car park building and ancillary buildings.
• Thanaya Residential Building, Abu Dhabi: The construction of this project consisted of 84 dwelling units which included basements, underground and overhead water tanks, swimming pool, pump room, staircases, elevator cores, vehicular ramps and more.
• Jammu General Bus Stand, Jammu & Kashmir: SP E&C was involved in the design, engineering, procurement and construction of this project which involved a general bus stand and a multi-level car parking plus commercial complex. In addition to that, the project included a chiller plant room, substation work, DG and HSD yards, various water facilities, vehicular ramps, elevator cores, and associated external development works, among others.
• Aquatic Gallery, Ahmedabad: Home to almost 190+ species of fishes from different aquatic and marine ecosystems around the world, this 5th-generation, world-class public aquarium takes its visitors through a sensory experience filled with information, interaction and education.
• Green Peak Adventure Resort, Oman: This resort involved the construction of 52 independent 4-star standard villas (208 keys), along with buildings housing 45 keys hotel suites. It also included the construction of the main facility building and the development of the external adventure area.
• Mediclinic Hospital Expansion, Abu Dhabi: This project is an extension to the Al Noor Hospital. It included the construction of a campus that consisted of a 130-bed capacity block, VIP areas, specialty treatment rooms, external works and a link bridge of the old hospital to a central utility plant.

With a few months remaining in the year, SP E&C might have more projects under their belt.

Why is it the ideal time to invest in Binnypet, Bangalore?

 

Growing neighbourhoods, a thriving manufacturing industry, brilliant developed as well as emerging infrastructure – that’s what the bustling Binnypet in Central Bangalore has become known for in the recent years.

Now is the time to make the most of investment opportunities in this area as it steadily grows to meet a number of real estate gold standards. Let’s dive into it.

In the decade of 1880s to the 1890s, Binny Mills in Bangalore peaked in its success while employing more than 7,220 workers. It manufactured fabrics of superior quality that received high demands throughout the country while supplying materials to the army as well. This success eventually led to what we now know as Binnypet. It became a hot residential as well as manufacturing hub for the mill workers while also benefiting from the surge in West Bangalore migration that led to the birth of various neighbourhoods. 

Even as Binny Mills started to decline, the location had already become a prime real estate area. It attracted development due to its land magnitude and became a growing residential neighbourhood that offered livelihood to workers, in the same way that the Mumbai mills attracted progress and growth in that city. 

Binnypet is also situated amidst Bengaluru’s historical and ecological charm. Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Bangalore Fort add historical charm to the region while a number of parks and gardens including Lalbagh, Cubbon Park, Freedom Park, and bring beauty to Binnypet. It also helps that there are a number of renowned educational and medical institutions located in its vicinity.

Location is everything when it comes to wise real estate investment and Binnypet definitely delivers on that front. It offers easy access to the Central Business District while enjoying proximity to a host of transport options. It is close to the Metro Station, Majestic Bus Stand, and City Railway Station. Mysore Road that grants access the the Magadi Main Road and KSR Railway Terminus is also nearby. It is conveniently set at the intersection of 2 prominent metro lines – Mysuru Road to Kengeri and Byapanahalli and Whitefield. 

It also has high potential of attracting demand from homebuyers for its abundant civic amenities from shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment options to and schools, hospitals, commercial complexes, and other lifestyle amenities. 

All of these benefits attract the attention of renowned developers that set a new benchmark for real estate in the area with luxurious townships. These projects are the catalyst for price appreciation in the area and now is the right time to get in on it. The current real estate prices in Binnypet sit at a very reasonable amount with the potential to reach enormous returns, even as per conservative estimates. Just in the last three years, it has seen a growth of approximately 15%.

In this golden period of rising real estate potential, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate has launched the new phase of its massive 46-acre residential development. This Parkwest project promises hundreds of luxury apartments and 75% open space within its total area. 

Shapoorji Pallonji Parkwest, Binnypet Bangalore

It is a great time to invest in the 2 and 3 BHK homes at Parkwest, Binnypet with prices that start at Rs.1.25 Cr. and Rs.1.85 Cr. respectively. Select units in the Pine Tower and Oak Tower of Parkwest can be booked with a special 5:95 scheme. This is a flexi payment scheme/CLP Pre-EMI scheme offered by Yes Bank where the customer contribution of 20% in addition to the initial contribution of 5% will be payable on receipt of occupation certificate.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home via a Real Estate Agent

When you go to buy a house, you come across various channels, from purchasing directly from the real estate developer to going via property consultants and real estate agents. The tough choice of picking a channel falls upon you – what is the best way to go in your journey of becoming a homeowner. Many people opt for real estate agents, as they come with a lot of benefits, such as reducing hassle, saving time, and more.

However, there are also some disadvantages that they may come with. In this article, we take a detailed look at both the advantages and disadvantages of buying a home through a real estate agent. 

Pros of having a Real Estate Agent

• Better utilization of time: When you are working with a real estate agent, you do not have to worry about carrying out all the responsibilities of tasks involved in the purchase of a house. They can help you close a deal quickly with their knowledge and expertise in the area. In other words, real estate agents ensure that you don’t spend all your time looking for a place to buy, comparing properties and finding banks for your mortgage. They do the handy work for you.
• Improved bargaining and negotiations: A good real estate agent will not only bargain on your behalf but also ensure that you get the property at the right price. With their art of persuasion and knowledge in the field, you can rest assured that you will be offered a reasonable price by the seller. They will also help you avoid making any financial mistakes.
• Knowledge of market trends: A certified real estate agent knows his trade and understands the local market in a way that you cannot. They are aware of the market trends and hold better judgment when it comes to setting price points and locations. And in cases, where they may not have enough information about a particular area, they know where to find it. They can advise you on better areas or places that you should avoid buying a house in. 
• Legal work and contracts: In simple words, there are better chances of you avoiding any scams and mistakes when you are going via a real estate agent. They can help you with the finalization of your contracts and any paperwork that is required to ensure a legal contract. 

Cons of having a Real Estate Agent

• Divided attention: Most real agents are swamped with work and dealing with multiple clients, which may result in a lack of attention to you. This can cause delays and slightly less profitable deals sometimes. It is important to ensure that your real estate agent will be regular and available at your service at every stage of the buying process.
• Paying high commissions: Hiring a full-time real estate agent is not a cheap option, you will have to shed a good amount of money. They have standard commission rates that are quite high, usually ranging between 5 to 10 percent of the selling price.
• Dealing with a middleman: Engaging with a real estate agent for the purchase of your house may lead to a loss of power from your hands as they would be the ones dealing with all the interactions. This may lead to loss of crucial information from reaching you or a conflict of interest in some cases. It is very important to have trust with the agent as they would be sharing your interests with the seller. 
• Credibility: It is very important that you do your research before you decide on an agent. Look for experiences, certifications, past dealing and so forth to ensure that your real estate agent meets the mark. Making sure that the person who is working on your behalf is trustworthy and credible is half the problem solved. 

In conclusion, know that a real estate agent is superb at selling themselves as that is a part of their job, but just because something looks good, it doesn’t mean it will be good. Do your research before you pick any person to help you find the house of your dreams.

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate offering luxury 2 BHK Flats in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, & Bangalore at a prime location with all luxurious and modern amenities.

How does a Water Treatment Plant work?

Shapoorji Pallonji Water Treatment Plant

At a time when consumers are becoming more aware of the need to save water and transitioning towards greener practices, the lesser-known water treatment plants are capturing more attention. These plants are responsible for transforming waste water that would otherwise be discarded and become pollutants into reusable water for agriculture and in plumbing or even further distilled and enriched with nutrients for drinking water. 

The water treatment process at these plants takes place in stages through a network of sewers that are connected to homes, commercial buildings or other infrastructure such as streets and schools. These sewers continuously deliver the waste water and solids to the treatment plant’s tanks or basins.

At the water treatment plant, it all begins with the pre-treatment phase. It mainly involves the removal of large particles in the water which may include chunks of garbage such as rags, plastic, leaves, branches, cans, stones, and other waste. This is raked away through screens within the water basins that are also capable of handling overflow of water in case of heavy rainfall. At this stage, smaller particles like bacteria, chemicals, and oils can still remain in the water as it passes on to the next stage. 

Next comes the primary treatment phase where a more thorough filtration and clarification of the water happens. Here, the water collects in large basins or sedimentation tanks allowing the smaller particles to settle at the bottom due to gravity while the grease and oil rise to the surface. The fats and chemicals are therefore skimmed off at the surface and scrapers direct the solid matter into the sludge treatment equipment.

This is followed by secondary treatment where the water is further agitated and aerated to break it down and add microorganisms to remove carbon and nitrogen from organic waste. For instance, some plants mix biomass with the waste to develop activated sludge that will be recycled while other plants pass the waste over a biofilm. Other technologies may also be used such as biological aerated filters and membrane bioreactors. The treated water is then collected in a secondary tank for further clarification.

Finally, the sludge treatment phase begins. Here, the remaining water and sludge is treated with the help of gravity that separates the organic waste from heavy particles which will be transferred to a landfill. The leftover sludge is centrifuged through a thickener where the then stabilised sludge can be transformed into fertilizer. The waste water on the other hand is treated again to remove other unwanted chemicals and disinfected before being returned to the water supply. 

All in all, throughout this whole process, the water treatment plant cleans sewage to remove pollutants and restore the oxygen content for cleaner water. 

How do Solar Panels work in the cloudy or rainy season?

 

The benefits of choosing solar panels over other forms of electricity generation are undeniable. It is a great renewable source of energy that is also cost effective.

So what about accessibility?

We all know that solar panels use sunlight to create electricity for all kinds of residential and commercial uses. However, when deciding whether to choose solar power as the main source of electricity, we often have to consider how much sunlight will be accessible for the solar panels. What might come as a great consolation to those facing heavy rains or cloudy days is that solar panels can still receive sunlight in those conditions.

The photovoltaic cells in the solar panels absorb solar radiation from the sunlight and then convert into a flow of electric current. This can be done even in the cloudy or rainy season because solar panels are able to absorb indirect sunlight even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. There will always be visible light that can penetrate through clouds and rain even in harsh storms. Solar panels work the same way as they do on a bright day although the direct sunlight is more effective than on a rainy or cloudy day.

Solar panels are generally able to only generate 30-50% of their full capacity due to cloudy weather or 10-20% of their full capacity due to heavy rain. For instance, if a solar power system is able to generate 4kWh of electricity on a normal summer day, it can reduce to generating around 1-2 kWh of electricity on a cloudy day or 0.5-1 kWh of electricity on a rainy day. 

So, what is the solution to managing this reduced capacity of electricity generation?

It all depends on the type of solar power system that has been installed. 

For Utility Grid Solar Power Systems

These systems are connected to a main utility grid operated by the electricity providers. Extra electricity that solar panels generate is sent to the grid, leaving only the electricity that is required by the consumer. This way, in situations where the weather doesn’t allow the solar panels to perform at their peak, the extra energy that the consumer requires is pulled from the main grid. The electricity provider will then charge the consumer for those extra units at the end of the month. Similarly the consumer can earn when solar panels  generate excess power in sunny weather that is supplied to the utility grid.

For Off Grid Solar Power Systems

Although these systems are not connected to the utility grid, they do have a Solar PV Energy Storage System connected in case of electricity shortage. There needs to be adequate storage capacity in these batteries for situations where it rains or is continuously cloudy for multiple days. Extra batteries or a small diesel generator are good precautions for worst case scenarios. It is also advisable to oversize when opting for an off grid solar power system, allowing for a guaranteed supply of extra electricity stored in the batteries. 

Sterling and Wilson Solar

Sterling and Wilson Solar offers a complete range of Turnkey and Balance of System (BoS) solutions for our utility-scale, rooftop, and floating solar power projects. Our solutions include design, solar epc and project management and operations and maintenance.