Are Foreign Buyers Driving Up Local Property Prices in the Nairobi Market?

The Controversy That Just Won’t Die.

If you live in Nairobi—or any other major Kenyan city—you’ve probably heard the complaints: “Foreign buyers are making it impossible for locals to afford homes.”

It’s a story told across online forums, barbershop debates and Twitter/X threads. As more apartments for sale shoot up in Westlands , Kilimani and Syokimau, many locals are starting to believe it.

But is it true? Are diaspora investors the villains in this story—or just an easy scapegoat?

What the Numbers Say.

Let’s step away from the emotion and look at the data.

• In Kilimani , property prices have risen 18% between 2021 and 2024 . Nearly 1 in 3 buyers in that market are foreigners.
• In Syokimau , demand for gated communities pushed prices up by 25% in just 2 years .
• Meanwhile, outer areas like Ngong and Rongai have seen less aggressive price growth—suggesting diaspora capital is targeting specific urban zones, not the entire market.

The trend is clear: diaspora investment does impact pricing , especially in high-demand, high-development corridors, but it’s not the only factor—land scarcity, inflation and developer incentives also play major roles.

A Policy Caught Between Two Truths.

Governments across Africa actively encourage diaspora investment. Why? Because remittances are a critical economic engine , contributing to national GDP, infrastructure projects and real estate growth.

But here’s the tension:

When foreign demand rises faster than housing supply, local affordability takes a hit.

It’s a classic case of development meets displacement —and policymakers are still trying to balance both.

Where Roots Africa Comes In.

At Roots Africa , we recognize the complexity. That’s why we don’t just push listings—we build trust structures that work for both the diaspora and local buyers.

Here’s how:

• We vet properties with due diligence and ROI analysis —protecting buyers from inflated or speculative markets.
• We partner with developers to ensure ethically priced projects make it to market.
• We help local professionals access government-backed home financing options , leveling the field with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.
• We provide legal structuring to simplify co-ownership, investment trusts and long-term estate planning.

In short, we offer a tech enabled platform with a people-first lens —making sure real estate remains a wealth-building tool.

The Bigger Picture: Ownership Shouldn't Be Exclusive.

It’s easy to turn diaspora buyers into the “bad guys.” But the real issue is access . Who gets to benefit from Nairobi’s real estate boom? Who gets left behind? And what are we doing to change that narrative?

At Roots, we believe real estate can be both aspirational and accessible . By combining tech, community and expert guidance, we’re building a new kind of real estate experience—one that includes everyone .

Final Thought: It’s Not Myth or Reality—It’s Both.

Yes, diaspora demand is impacting prices. Yes, locals are being priced out in some zones. But the solution isn’t blame—it’s better systems, smarter financing, and platforms that bridge the gap.

That’s exactly what Roots Africa is doing: making property ownership fairer, safer, and smarter—no matter where you’re buying from.

Investing, buying, or just curious about what’s out there?

👉 Explore our home financing options , and check out our listings on RootsAfrica.co .