By Harold Ayodo
State-of-the art developments have made Westlands a city within a city. Modern architectural designs are common in this up-market hood as developers scramble for the remaining space.
Real estate has shifted into top gear with hardly any land left. Developers here are forced to buy old property, pull them down and erect apartments.
More high-rise residential buildings are coming up especially along Lower Kabete Road where Garden Apartments and Nuriana Park are under construction.
Majority of the upcoming apartments in Westlands are either three or four bedrooms, which private developers say are in demand.
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An apartment block in Westlands. Most buildings in the area have modern architectural designs. [Photos: Martin Mukangu/Standard] |
Cosy life
Shopping malls and modernly furnished apartments are among the latest developments in commercial and residential real estate.
Residents of this area, popularly known as Westy, live cosily as infrastructure and social amenities are not a problem.
Westgate, Nakumatt Ukay, Sarit Centre and The Mall are among the many alternatives to shop in the area. High cost learning institutions, private hospitals, banks, financial institutions and sports bars explain why the area is lucrative.
Modern multi-storied buildings host corporate firms.
The little available land costs an arm and a leg. An acre along Waiyaki Way goes for Sh150 million while the same size off the area is Sh100 million.
Famous Hangouts
A three-bedroom house that cost Sh4.5 million in 2003 and rose to Sh9 million in 2007 currently sells at Sh12 million.
Homes Kenya Ltd marketing executive Louis Agili and Brooks Estate Agents partner Edwin Tubei say units in Westlands are hot cakes. Bungalows and mansions dominated the area before developers embarked on apartments to meet demand.
A host of party lovers troop to the many entertainment joints in the area especially on weekends. Crooked Q, Size, Rezorus, Havanna, Red Tape, Black Diamond, Indigo Spice and Las Vegas Casino are among the many hangouts.
Cafeterias and eateries in petrol stations are also common in this hood.A number of churches, a mosque and the Gurudwara temple are within the estate.
Proximity to the city centre and availability of number 23 matatus late into the night or taxis along main streets are a plus to the fun lovers in Westlands.
