In our last insight, we looked at why Nairobi's apartments are under pressure. There's too much similar stock in the same areas, while buyers increasingly prefer standalone homes.
But the averages hide an important detail: not every apartment is losing value. In the first quarter of 2026, Westlands apartments fell 2.8%, while apartments in Muthangari rose 3.8% and Riverside rose 1.8% (HassConsult). These areas are only minutes apart, yet they moved in opposite directions. What made the difference?
- Location with limited new supply
Prices are dropping fastest where new towers keep going up. Neighbourhoods with fewer new launches and steady tenant demand are holding firm. When you evaluate an apartment, look at the cranes on the street as well as the building itself. Every new block nearby competes for the same buyers and tenants.
- Green space
Knight Frank's H1 2026 report found that buyers are willing to pay more for developments with substantial landscaped and natural areas. Those projects are also outselling comparable ones without them, and the trend now extends to high-rise buildings. Outdoor space has moved from a nice extra to part of the price.
- Security and community
Gated, well-managed developments are attracting young families, retirees and professionals. Security is expected, and buyers are also looking for a managed environment, shared amenities and a sense of belonging.
- Good management
Working lifts, clean common areas, fair service charges and a real maintenance plan protect value over time. Two identical buildings can end up worlds apart in price within five years, depending on how well they're run.
- A clear tenant and buyer base
The strongest apartments are built for real, identifiable demand: downsizing retirees, empty nesters, expatriates and investors looking for rental income. A good test is whether you can name the person who will live there. If you can't, the market may struggle too.
What this means for you
In an oversupplied market, you don't need to avoid apartments. You need to be selective. Prices have softened in many areas while suburban rents keep rising, so the right apartment, bought well, can deliver strong returns. The ones to avoid are the generic units in crowded corridors.
The bottom line: In a crowded market, the apartments that hold their value are the ones that don't look like everything else around them.