ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTION IN KENYA-FLATS.
To get the estimated cost of construction for flats in Kenya, we will first need to identify the target market.
The target market is divided into 3 classes
1. High income earners
2. Middle income earners
3. Low income earners.
High income earners:
Projects in this range are located in areas such as Hurlingham, Kileleshwa e.t.c
The land location must be in a very prime area, near a tarmac road and in close proximity to CBD.
Construction cost is estimated at a minimum of KES 35,000 per square meter.
The house size is mainly 2 ,3 and 4 bedroomed, with a minimum size of 100 m2.
The two bedroomed unit will cost approximately KES 3.5m to construct.
Middle income earners:
Projects targeting this range are located in areas such as Umoja, Kitengela, Ngong, Kikuyu, Ruiru. Generally, the areas are located around 25 to 40 km from CBD and are in close proximity to tarmac roads.
The house size is mainly 1 and 2 bedroomed with a floor plinth area of approximately 35m2 for the 1 bedroomed and 60m2 for the 2 bedroomed.
The average construction cost per square meter for this type is KES 25,000.
The 2 bedroomed unit will cost approximately KES 1.5m to construct.
Low Income earners:
Projects targeting this category of people are located in Kayole, Ruai, and in most towns at a distance of over 1 km from the main tarmac road.
The house type is mainly single and double rooms, self contained or sharing a communal bathroom facility.
The construction cost is approximately KES 20,000 per square meter.
A double room of 25 m2 will cost KES 500,000 to construct.
CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES BREAKDOWN
The construction cost estimates include labor, materials and professional fees.
The actual cost of construction is derived from the actual agreement that the land owner has with a building contractor. This amount varies from contractor to contractor depending on several factors.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
Professional fees are constant and are set by the Kenyan Laws.
Chapter 525 of the laws of Kenya guide Architectural and Quantity Surveying Services.
Chapter 530 of the Laws of Kenya guide Structural, Civil, Mechanical and Electrical services.
Architectural fees are charged at 6% of the total cost of construction.
Quantity Surveying fees are at 3% of the total cost of construction.
Engineering fees vary between 1.5% to 3% depending on the complexity of involvement.
EXAMPLE
6 units on 0.5 acre plot in Kiambaa, Kiambu county.
The best target for this region is the Middle income earning class.
Therefore, the 6 units will cost 6 units x 60m2 x KES 25,000=KES 9,000,000.00.
The Architectural fees for full service from design until construction supervision to completion will be 6% x KES 9,000,000=KES 540,000.
Architect Francis Gichuhi Kamau.
+254721410684
www.a4architect.com
info@a4architect.com
Comments
90 responses
Great insights here. A point of clarification though. I think the minimum cost of construction for a house with basic finishes should be pegged at Kshs. 40,000 per SM. I think of late with the inflation that’s going on, it’s safe to work with that figure rather than the Kshs. 25,000 – Kshs. 35,000 figure.
Hi Kbaab. Construction cost is determined by the house owner’s choice of the materials to be used. This is classified in 3 categories-low cost, middle and high cost materials.Each category has an average cost per m2. The figure of 25-35,000 per s.m . is for middle to high cost finishes. This ammount will increase in tandem with the inflation.
Check out more info here
http://www.a4architect.com/2011/09/01/difference-between-low-middle-and-high-cost-finishes-in-construction-kenya/
What abt costing a masoniatte arnd Sagana area,per square metre?
construction cost throughout the country is more or less the same.
These rates should be calculated and not fixed
am george a contractor from geoben limited . i have done construction engineering, my quiz is about estimate , i do have a bill to fill and i should be -10% or +10%, the estimate of the QS, ADVICE ME THE CONSTRUCTION IS IN GITHUNGURI COMMERCIAL HOUSE’ GIVE ME THE BEST OUT OF YOU I WHAT TO BE WITHIN THE RANGE
KIND RGD
GEORGE GITHIBNJI
0713631542
Hi
Do the above rates fit for residential units only or can also be applied to commercial properties?
A simple and innelligett point, well made. Thanks!
hi am impressed with your lay out or calculation gat a question am planning to build a house in south b or c what would be an approximate price for a 4 bedroom plix
curruently interested in buliding a commercia flats in utawala area near kangudo road, what would be the approximate price of buying a piece of land and building a one storey bedsitter flat in this area
hello,i have liked your knowledge, i have bee reading your work and i have become informed. am a student in Technical university of Kenya, i would like to get some attachment as from august this year and have an opportunity to work with you sir. thank you.
regards
Kariuki
Hi,I have 60 by 35 pc of land at kahawa west and I wish to develop a flat but only ground floor but am not sure how much I should save for the same.
i have a plot in kamulu and i intend to build 4 stories with 4 units of 1 bedroom ,kitchen toilet and bathroom in each unit the piece of land is unit 30 by 60.
how much will it cost me to build individual storey and also the whole 4 stories.
thanks
I would like to build a 2 bedroom house in Kisumu 1KM from the airport, ground & 1st floor, just a standard but modern house, for family rental. kindly advice on the approximate cost, size is 50 by 100. thnx
I have a 40X80 plot in Juja farm and would like to build bed sitters in a three story although I would like to start with on ground floor at the moment. Please let me know the estimate so that I can plan as I want to stat soonest possible.
Thanks and regards
Hi,
Contact me Mister. I will give you a very insightful information about the proposed project. I stay in Ruiru and will design for you the project at a very reasonable rate.
I have a 40X80 plot in Thika near leather company and would like to build bed sitters in a three story although I would like to start with on ground floor at the moment. Please let me know the estimate so that I can plan as I want to stat soonest possible.
Thanks and regards
Hello, I was wondering if the information that you have on your website is upto date or if I were to instruct you, the prices would be different.
updated
I’m having a three acre land and I want to construct a hotel and Resort, how much do I need to complete it? And how long will it take a contractor to hand over the project?
I’m having a three acre land and I want to construct a hotel and Resort, how much do I need to complete it? And how long will it take a contractor to hand over the project? I’m in Bungoma town, please advise.
Regards. Maurice Odiko
What would be the estimate for constructing a 2 story building measuring 12m by 20m. If ground floor is reserved for a supermaket/shop space. first flow for shops and second flow for residential? I wish to start with only the ground flow, how much do I need?
Hello. Please tell me some of the high income projects you have done in Nairobi. Am interested in service on half acre off thika road.
Halo, are the costs mentioned still relevant now (end of 2015)?
Could u also advise on getting approvals for the building project
yes i can
Hi
Thank you the useful information. I have a piece of land in Kinoo and am looking to build flats. Would you be able to advice of where I might get reasonable priced funding for the project?
Hi Liz, yes i can. Visit us at our offices we discuss https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/
Hello Architect Francis, your help and answers are greatly appreciated. Now I have a question,
1. How much would it cost me to put up a six story apartment block 4/5 apts per floor
2. What are the estimates per unit
3. Would you charge me for the design if I had my own design (I have something in mind I would like you to put on paper)
4. Where are your offices located?
Asante sana Bwana Kamau….
Hi Mwai, check the map to our offices here https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/.
Yes, we can work with you on your project.
Hi am looking to put up a three story building to rent out shop space in an uprising gated community just off kitengela town next to an upcoming major road, on an eighth acre piece of land. Please advise me how much it will cost me roughly.
Thank you.
Gladys.
Hi
I want to put up high cost apartments in ongata rongai rimpa area. 4 floors 2apartments per floor.
*how much can this cost from design to finish.
*is it viable
*how do I get people to buy these houses. Thanks. Jacqueline
How many bedrooms? Is there an sq?
hello, would like to do single and and double rooms in upcountry how much do i need for a single unit on a 50 by 100 plot
I would like to ask some questions in regards to your figures.
Kindly i would like to ask the cost of building a single room 30 units with communinal washroom a septic tank as well a perimter fence in mlolongo .its 50*100 plot.
with thanks
have the rates per m2 changed since 2011 fast forward to 2016
if yes by how much
Thank you very much for this!!! I really needed the information.
I just bought land and I was wondering what to do with it.
When I get enough money to put up rentals, I’ll definitely consult you.
God bless you.
Hi
are the 6 units flat or how will they look like please
Want to construct a 3 storey residential in a 50 x 100 in kitui. How much can it cost.
How many bedrooms?
Very informative. I would like to put up bedsitters in Kangemi. I have an eighth plot ready for development.
I think I would like to go couple of floors up to the required number without a lift. Kindly advice the cost and likely number of rooms I can get from this plot.
I find rather different because what I know,the mode of construction,use and finishes details will sum up the cost of the project.Again,the cost of the project is also determined by other factors including foundation details and architectural details. Therefore cant give an exact figure
architects and contractors are equal to the task in request.
your solution to architectural design,cost n estimation of your project and interior design is ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS.
I have a 60×100 ft plot in Kahawa Wendani. I would like to construct a block of flats. I am thinking of a mix of good and reasonably sized bedsitters and one bedrooms (equal or varied in no.) to target new employed or young families.
Please advice on how many units I should be able to put up with four or five levels.
Thank you.
Thanks for the good work.
I have a 50 * 50 plot in Mwiki kasarani area and i wish to put up a 4 storied residential houses for letting how much will it cost me per floor.
Thanks
Want to put up 2&3 bedroomed apartments just behind masai mall at ongata Rongai. Drawings already done nd submitted for approvals.
Can you assist in getting financiers and also identifying a good contractor.
Steve
Have you done the project yet.
Hi, I have a 50 by 70 piece of property in Kitengela and would like to put up 2 bedroom flats. how much would it cost? Thanks
Would like to put up a 6 units two bedroomed apartments in the outskirts of Kericho. Please advise on estimated costs.
Would like to put up 6 units, 2 bedroom apartments at the outskirts of Kericho. Please advise on estimated costs.
Hi. I have a 40*80 plot in thika,kisii estate. How many 1bedroom units can fit and at what cost.
I have a 100/100 in Kamulu, how much would it cost me to put up a 4 bedroom?
Do you know a developer who can develop my plot – developer to supply capital and expertise and I will provide the land. plot is based in lower kabete, Kiambu country.
Hi,
I have a 50 by 100 piece of land in Kiambu County.The current market is for single rooms and double rooms.However this will change as the demand goes ups.My idea is to do the building as per the current market and do a ground floor with a floor to allow taking care of the future demand.
My question are
1.How many units of single rooms i can do that can fit.The plot is around 41 feet across and the rest of the size is on the length.
2.What is the approximate cost for doing the ground floor that can accommodate the future continuation.
did you get response to this, i am interested …
good morning can 700,000shs be enough to construct a 3 bedroom house in juja farm
I Need a three bedroom house from one million to one point five.pls advice
this article is awesome.?
Hi. I’m Mokua and working at Nakuru. I’m new and I ‘m required to give an estimate per sm of block of 12 rooms size 23×10.8m. Any body with accrue on the construction rate around the place?.
Thak you.
Mokua Mosigis Benard
Hi, Francis,
Am looking for a joint venture financing to develop my plot in Clayworks Nairobi only a few meters from Thika super highway. All feasibility are done including architectural drawings, BQs as well as all legal/statutory requirements have been finalized.What am lucking is capital to develop. If this is something you can offer am willing to go for the joint venture agreement.
I look forward to hear from you to the earliest.
Regards
HOW MUCH CAN FLAT OF TWO BEDROOMS COST TO BUILD WITH 22 UNITS
Good morning. Well this is such a nice and informative forum and thank you Arch. Francis a space where potential developers can be able to get eye opening information and possibly a way forward on how to proceed with their developments. I am in the quantity surveying profession and from what i have gathered from above comments; cost of development is a major concern for most developers. I wish there was a way we could help all these hardworking Kenyans who wish to provide decent housing and on the other have make a sound investment. From a quantity surveyor’s perspective there are a few tricks to enable a potential developer deliver an affordable construction at its best value. Let’s divide this developer into two categories as follows:
A developer who will would like to build for themselves
A developer who would source out the services of a contractor.
So, how does developer 1 get to put up a development that is affordable and of quality?
I. You will require properly and complete designs from a registered architect and engineers.
II. You will also need what we call a material schedule which details the quantities of materials you require during construction for your cost planning purposes.
III. Another tool is the Bills of quantities which are vital since you can use them to engage a contractor on labour only contracts since the BQ details what needs to be done.
Developer No.2 – one who sources the services of a contractor.
For this type of a developer, the following tools are vital in ensuring that you put up a development that is cost effective, affordable and time cautious.
I. You need complete designs from the architect and engineers to avert future changes in designs that lead to cost variations.
II. From the above designs you need complete and detailed bills of quantities from a competent quantity surveyor. The quantity surveyor will provide you with accurate estimates for your project and also guide you through the best practices of sourcing for a competent contractor and at the best rates in the market.
III. You will need to seek supervision services from the same architect, engineers and the QS to ensure that the contractor does not cut corners and delivers as intended.
Finally, for all those seeking for a close to accurate idea of how much it would cost to put up a development with up to date market rates, it is much possible if you have the architectural designs ready or have a building resembling yours which could be used in a comparative cost estimate.
Hy…the KSH1.5M that you have indicated for the case of the middle income earners is it the cost of constructing one two bedroomed house only?
maggie
Good questions asked but has anyone found a trust worthy constructor/company please update us all
because we seem share the same problems.
i have a plot in kahawa west and i intend to build 4 stories with 4 units of 1 bedroom ,kitchen toilet and bathroom in each unit the piece of land is unit 40 by 80
how much will it cost me to build individual storey and also the whole 4 stories.
thanks
apprx 25M
Is this the same cost as utawala?
Hi thanks for the advise.Please give me an estimated cost of a simple but smart 3 bedroomed house for my family in the rural(nyahururu)
Hi,am in need of constructing a modern
Level two house with roof deck,balcony and car gaurage,how much can it cost me?I.e two story building.
GIVE THE PLINTH AREA
hey..,am planning to build a 5 story flat with 8 bedsitter per story,approximately how much will it cost me?
Can you post the latest estimated costs per square meter. The last once you posted were dated 2011.
Thank you for all the insights.
I’m looking at building 2 units of 2 bedroom flats in Umoja, the foundation is already laid, how much would these cost please? As I intend to go 3 storeys high how much would the total cost be? The plot measures 76ft by 30. Thank you. Would you be able to help with drawings and approval from the county government?
Yes, call me 0721410684 or email me info@a4architect.com or visit our office located here https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/
hello everyone,
I am looking for someone/company to build me a residential house along Kangundo road Koma hill on a quarter hectre land.
Thank you
How does someone get the response of the questions we post here?
Email to info@a4architect.com or call/whatsapp Architect Francis Gichuhi on 0721410684 or visit our office located here https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/
Hi I want to set up 7 story self-contained rooms in Embakassy. Kindly how much do I need plus the cost of the land. Will appreciate your reply. Looking forward to engaging your company
So informative…100% recommend.
Based on the total cost of construction, what percentage would go to professional fees paid to architect, quantity surveyor, plus structural, mechanical, electrical & civil engineers?
10 to 15%