What Overseas Property Owners Should Consider Before Building in Kenya

Demo photograph: a building in Nairobi

Building in Kenya while living overseas is possible, but it needs more planning than a project you can visit every week.

Choose how you will stay informed

Agree how often you will receive updates, and in what form, such as photographs, written reports or video calls.

Have everything in writing

Scope, drawings, payment stages, responsibilities and timelines should be written down and agreed before work starts.

Tie payments to progress

Agree payment stages that match completed work, so you always know what has been done and what remains.

Verify the plot and approvals

Take independent legal advice on ownership and permitted use, and confirm which approvals your project needs.

Have someone on the ground

Consider who can visit the site on your behalf, and visit yourself when you can.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice.

Planning a project of your own?

Tell us what you have in mind. We will explain how we would approach it and what we would need from you.

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