Typical deposit required: 10% to 30% of the purchase price
Off-plan apartments: usually 10% to 20% deposit, balance paid in instalments
Mortgage-financed purchase: banks typically require 10% to 20% down
KMRC-backed affordable mortgages: deposit can go as low as 10%, with some 105% financing offers
Stamp duty on top of deposit: 4% urban, 2% rural (Ministry of Lands)
Buying an apartment in Nairobi is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Before anything else, most buyers want one number: how much deposit is actually required.
The answer changes depending on whether you are buying off-plan, buying a completed unit, or financing through a mortgage. This guide breaks down the real figures for 2026.
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How Much Deposit Is Required to Buy an Apartment in Nairobi?
In most cases, buyers pay between 10% and 30% of the purchase price as a deposit.
The exact figure depends on the developer, the payment plan on offer, and whether you are financing through a mortgage.
Many developers in Nairobi offer flexible payment plans, especially for off-plan projects, which lowers the cash you need upfront.
Worked Example: KES 8,000,000 Apartment
DEPOSIT SCENARIOS
Apartment price: KES 8,000,000
10% deposit: KES 800,000
20% deposit: KES 1,600,000
30% deposit: KES 2,400,000
Deposit for Off-Plan Apartments in Nairobi
Off-plan apartments typically require a lower initial deposit than completed units.
The initial deposit is usually between 10% and 20% of the purchase price.
The remaining balance is paid in monthly or quarterly instalments until the project is completed.
This structure means buyers do not need the full purchase price upfront, which is why off-plan units remain popular.
Benefits of Buying Off-Plan
Lower initial deposit compared to a completed apartment.
Flexible payment plans spread across the construction period.
Potential property value appreciation before the project is even complete.
A wider range of unit layouts and floor options to choose from.
EXPERT TIP
Before paying any deposit on an off-plan unit, confirm the developer is registered with the National Construction Authority. This single check protects you from stalled or unlicensed projects.
Deposit When Buying a Completed Apartment
Completed apartments generally require a larger upfront payment, particularly for cash buyers.
Cash buyers often need to commit a bigger lump sum since there is no construction period to spread payments over.
Mortgage-financed buyers typically contribute 10% to 20% of the property's value, with the bank financing the rest, subject to approval.
KMRC-backed affordable mortgages, a facility regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, allow deposits as low as 10% for qualifying buyers and properties, with some lenders offering up to 105% financing under promotional campaigns.
Buyers comparing mortgage options against ready-to-move-in stock often start with apartments for sale in Westlands, where completed units sit alongside strong rental yields.
What Happens After You Pay the Deposit?
Once your deposit clears, the transaction moves through a fairly standard sequence.
Preparing and signing the sale agreement between you and the seller or developer.
Paying legal fees and stamp duty, where applicable to your transaction.
Continuing with the agreed payment schedule until the balance is cleared.
Completing the transfer process once full payment has been made.
Always confirm the full payment timeline in writing before signing any agreement.
Are Booking Fees the Same as Deposits?
Not always.
Some developers request a booking fee simply to reserve a unit while you finalise financing.
This amount is usually deducted from your total deposit once you proceed with the purchase.
If you decide not to continue, the refund policy depends entirely on the terms you agreed with the developer.
Always ask for the booking fee and refund terms in writing before making any payment.
Other Costs to Budget For Beyond the Deposit
Your deposit is only one part of the total cash you need at the start of a purchase.
BUDGET CHECKLIST
Stamp duty: 4% of property value in urban areas, 2% in rural areas (Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning)
Legal fees: minimum KES 35,000 for property valued under KES 5 million (Advocates Remuneration Order, Kenya Law)
Registration fees payable during the transfer process
Mortgage processing and valuation fees, if you are financing through a bank
Service charge due after handover, for apartments within managed developments
Planning for these additional costs upfront helps you avoid unexpected shortfalls close to completion.
Can You Buy an Apartment Without a Deposit?
In most cases, no.
Developers and banks generally require some level of financial commitment through an initial deposit.
Some developers occasionally run promotional payment plans with lower deposits during special sales campaigns.
Certain KMRC-linked lenders have offered up to 105% financing for highly qualified borrowers, effectively removing the deposit requirement, though interest rates on these offers tend to be higher.
It is always worth asking your property advisor about current promotional offers before assuming the standard deposit applies.
VERDICT
Most buyers in Nairobi should budget for a deposit of 10% to 30% of the purchase price, plus roughly 6% to 10% more for stamp duty, legal fees and other closing costs. Off-plan units and KMRC-backed mortgages offer the lowest entry points.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum deposit to buy an apartment in Nairobi?
Most buyers should expect to pay between 10% and 30% of the purchase price, depending on the developer, the payment plan, and whether a mortgage is involved.
Is the deposit lower for off-plan apartments?
Yes. Off-plan apartments typically require 10% to 20% upfront, with the balance spread across the construction period in instalments.
Is a booking fee refundable?
It depends on the developer's terms. Always confirm the refund policy in writing before paying a booking fee.
Can I get a mortgage with a lower deposit?
KMRC-backed affordable mortgages can bring the deposit down to around 10% for qualifying buyers, and some lenders have offered up to 105% financing under limited promotional campaigns.
References
Central Bank of Kenya, Monetary Policy Committee statements and Bank Supervision Report, 2026.
Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), affordable mortgage publications, 2026.
Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, stamp duty and land transaction guidelines.
National Construction Authority, contractor and developer registration requirements.
Kenya Law (National Council for Law Reporting), Advocates (Remuneration) Order.