An apartment purchase has two parts: the unit you can see and the legal and management structure around it.
A good kitchen does not compensate for a badly run building.
Confirm what you are actually buying
Ask how the unit is registered and what document the buyer will receive.
For sectional property, understand the individual unit, the common property and any interests attached to parking or storage.
Do not assume a parking bay belongs to the apartment because the current occupant uses it.
Read the service-charge position
Ask for the current service charge and what it covers.
Common items include:
- security
- cleaning
- lifts
- common lighting
- water systems
- waste collection
- insurance
- management
- repairs
Also ask whether the unit has arrears.
Test the water setup
Check the actual building rather than relying on the neighbourhood’s reputation.
Ask:
- source of water
- storage capacity
- pumping arrangement
- rationing history
- whether units have individual meters
Inspect common areas
Walk beyond the show unit.
Look at staircases, basement, roof areas where accessible, lifts, drainage, refuse areas and parking.
Poorly maintained common areas can indicate future costs for owners.
Check defects inside the unit
Look for damp, cracks, plumbing leaks, loose tiles, damaged windows and signs of hurried repairs.
If the purchase value justifies it, use an independent professional inspection.
Review management and by-laws
Understand the rules governing the building.
They can affect pets, renovations, short-term letting, use of common areas and other day-to-day decisions.
For off-plan apartments
The risk profile is different because you cannot inspect the completed unit.
See our separate guide to buying off-plan property in Kenya.
Before completion
Run the same core due diligence you would for other property:
- verify the seller
- verify the registered interest
- review the unit documents
- check charges or restrictions
- confirm the completion documents
- use your own advocate
Our property due diligence checklist is a good starting point.
