RHAPTA ROAD: WHERE WESTLANDS FEELS JUST RIGHT

For many years now both local and international real estate investors have looked into owning a Westlands Nairobi investment, and for very obvious reasons.Prior to 1987 you were only allowed to have 1 house on about half-acre plot. Between the late 90s and early 2000s the Nairobi city council (now the Nairobi City Council),after pressure from investors, revised the zoning laws for zones 3,4 & 5 to allow legal conversion of residential plots into commercial offices or high density apartment blocks. Westlands started out as a more affordable, newer and less congested business location option for companies in comparison to the Nairobi CBD.These businesses relocated to Westlands and the Upper Hill areas of Nairobi. As years have gone by Westlands has gained popularity in commercial spaces even being termed as the new CBD.  There a noticeable presence of many international names e.g 3 out of 4  of the Big 4 i.e PWC, Deloitte, KPMG and Tech giants like Google and Microsoft, telecommunication market overlords like Safaricom, within Westlands, further emphasizing the attractiveness of this location to many businesses.  Over time, due to the concentration and growth of the area as a commercial hub, Westlands has been steadily witnessing an increase in residential real estate development and is slowly transforming into a mixed -use real estate location. Throughout all these changes Westlands has experienced, the Rhapta Road area has continued for years to enjoy the zoning jackpot, retaining a Zone 3C status to this day. This has allowed it to remain a primarily residential area. 

As corporates and expatriates moved closer to their Westlands work stations a cultural shift began and continues to be observed within the area. While the CBD is  dominated by Government offices, Westlands has quite a share of non- governmental and private local and p;international companies. What this means is that Westlands has evolved into one of Nairobi’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas. There is a great presence of expatriate population and foreign investors, immigrants and tourists. This presence means that Westlands is a melting pot of culture, religion and cuisine. The social scene of Westlands is arguably the most diverse and colorful in Nairobi. With Malls, restaurants, hotels and night clubs all over the expanse of Westlands. The residential scene at Westlands is also evolving. Areas like Rhapta road have been seeing an increase in the development of residential buildings and boast of residents from various nationalities and ethnicities. Westlands spans over several known locations e.g. parklands, Riverside, Brookside, General Mathenge and Spring Valley . All these areas house a notable number of the upper middle class of Nairobi. The young professionals who are looking for a great  work life balance. Those areas have for a long time seen residential developments especially highrise residential buildings, but there is one area within Westlands that is a fairly new entrant into the apartment scene, Rhapta road.

Located somewhere between Riverside and Lavington is this quiet Westlands area that still carries a very homely feel. Essentially this, is ‘The Goldilocks zone’ of Westlands.This is because although fairly developed, Rhapta Road still enjoys a green and serene feel. The length of it has walkways lined with greenery,and in comparison to the liveliness and activity otherwise found in central Westlands, Rhapta Road is quiet and unassuming. The neighbourhood still  enjoys convenience with shopping centers like the Rhapta promenade and the stop that hosts supermarkets like , Chandarana, Carrefour and many more. This is a residential and investor sweet spot. With its proximity to businesses and social spots, its location superiority truly unrivaled. Whatever side you approach Rhapta Road from, you are met with a cool breeze and an immediate shift to the quietness that lets you know you are on a very different side of Westlands. This charm is what draws investors to this wonderful location.

Here are the numbers that matter to you as an investor when it comes to your Rhapta Road investment. Let’s begin with the average cost of the units here.A 1 bedroom units start from about Ksh 6m, 2 bedrooms from 10m and 3 bedrooms from about 16m. Rental rates start from Ksh 60,000/= for a 1 bedroom unit and go all the way up to Ksh 300,000 or more. This places the R.O.I for rental units from 6% -15% depending on the specific units and the value addition. The capital appreciation rates in this area are still very high as the area is still very desirable to investors.Capital gains per year in this area are estimated to be up to 30%, as developers and investors keep exploring the opportunities that a Rhapta Road investment offers.  

More developers are focusing on being part of the growth in this area. One such developer is Lionston Real Estate, who last year launched their new project, Galaxy One. Set to change how people experience Rhapta Road. If you are  looking to  get a piece of the Rhapta Road pie, this is the best project to kick off your investment journey. These luxury 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments are already changing the face of real estate in Westlands, There location is prime, situated at the heart of Rhapta Road. Which means you get to experience the convenience of Rhapta Road in its entirety. You are close to The convenience  stores, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and the general social scene, but you are still tucked within the homely nook of Westlands. The prices at Galaxy.One starting from Ksh 6.7m for a one bedroom unit, ensure you will enjoy good returns on your investment. With a completion date set for q4 of 2027 you will be able to experience this project in no time. It features great architectural design e.g High ceilings of up to 3.15m, Floor to ceiling artistic curved glass windows with 270 degree panoramic views of the city and an expansive 9.3m frontage. Another thing that makes this a great buy is the numerous amenities offered from a gym, rooftop infinity pool, lounge, kids play area , a yoga wellness deck , rooftop art garden and one of the most exclusive rooftop sky clubs in the city. The pioneering vision of an international developer. 

As more areas of Nairobi keep developing Westlands will always stay among the modern real estate pioneers of Nairobi. As an investor here is why this is important for you. As  the city grows and gets busier, people still need moments to unwind and disconnect from the everyday rush. As such people are moving away from major towns and cities to live in leafy metropolitan suburbs. The biggest question remains “what if they could still get that lifestyle right within the city?”. That lifestyle can be achieved in Rhapta Road. Galaxy.One offers investors looking for that city comfort the opportunity to own it. With its precise balance of every good thing, it feels just right.