The Nairobi viewing checklist: 30 red flags to look for before you buy

Most Kenyan property regret could have been avoided with 60 minutes of disciplined viewing. The signals are there if you know where to look. Here is the honest 2026 viewing checklist of 30 red flags to look for in a Nairobi property before you put down any deposit.

Compound exterior and grounds

1. Common areas tired (peeling paint, dead plants, broken pavers): compound governance is failing
2. Backup generator fuel running low or unmaintained
3. Water tanks visibly small for the building size
4. Perimeter wall in poor condition or incomplete
5. Security gate operation slow or manned by tired guards
6. Visitors’ book missing or chaotic
7. Cars parked in unauthorised spaces (signal of weak management)

Building structure

1. Visible cracks in walls (especially diagonal cracks; structural concern)
2. Damp patches on lower floors (water ingress, drainage)
3. Stained ceilings on top floors (roof leak)
4. Visible mould (humidity, ventilation)
5. Tile spalling or warped flooring
6. Doors that do not close cleanly (foundation movement)
7. Window frames misaligned

Services and systems

1. Run every tap; check pressure and consistency
2. Test every light fitting and electrical socket
3. Run the toilet; check the flush mechanism
4. Test the hot water (immersion or solar)
5. Check the kitchen appliances
6. Listen for noise from neighbouring units (poor sound insulation)
7. Cell signal inside the unit
8. Internet provider availability for the building

Paperwork on the unit

1. Title in seller’s name (not a relative or company)
2. Service charge paid up to date (ask for the latest receipts)
3. County rates paid up to date
4. Sectional Properties consent in place where applicable
5. By-laws of the body corporate (restrictions on short-stay, alterations)
6. Reserve fund position (request AGM minutes, audited accounts)

General signals

1. Seller pushing for fast completion without good reason
2. Asking price out of line with comparable units in the same compound
3. Seller refusing access to original title document
4. Tenant in occupation refusing to show the unit at reasonable times

Bonus checks

• Visit on a weekday and a weekend (different traffic, noise patterns)
• Visit during rain if you can (drainage and waterproofing)
• Visit at night (security, lighting, neighbourhood)
• Talk to existing residents in the compound (the most honest source)

The buildings tell you everything if you give them time. The signals are not subtle once you know what to look for. The buyers who walk through with their eyes open get the best deals; the buyers who walk through with their emotions in front buy the most expensive ones.

How Goldstay handles it

For sourcing clients we run the viewing checklist on every property we recommend. Read also our pieces on why property viewings matter and top mistakes Kenyans make buying property.