When viewing any Kenyan property for the first time the following is a list to help you be thorough and organised. Remind yourself of questions that you should ask before you decide to take the property. It has been compiled for rentals but many aspects relevant for buyers. 

• What bills if any are included?

• Is it clean, if not will it be cleaned prior to the tenancy start date? Check the places that are often forgotten by the previous tenant such as the oven, the cooker hood and the toilets.

• Is it secure? Is there a security lock on the front door? If it is a ground floor flat are there window locks. If there is an alarm fitted is it in working order? Did the security guards question you when you entered?

• If the property is furnished make a note of any additional items that you require. You may be able to request these as part of the negotiating process.

• Does the property have the appliances that you require; washing machine and fridge  freezer?

• Is there a shower. Does it have sufficient pressure? How often does the area have water shortages? Does the property have its own supply, i.e. water tank and pumping system.

• Are there any obvious repairs that need doing? Note them down and request them to be done prior to the tenancy starting.

• Are there any external sources of noise such as busy roads, matatu routes, restaurants?  You may need to re-visit during busy periods to see if you can live with it.

• Is there allocated parking? If not where is the nearest safe parking?

• Does it have access to the garden? Is it private or communal? Who will be responsible for maintaining it? (usually the tenant)

Does the area suffer from regular electricity shortages? Remember in some areas excessive building has resulted in lack of fundamental infrastructure capacity.

*"Propertyleo - Kenyas No1 Property website serving the Kenyan Real Estate
sector"*.