Ten questions today’s homebuyer wants interms of quality and style

By kevin oguoko

1. What is your take on the country’s infrastructure?

With the devolved system of government in place, the infrastructure development should start at the county level with the national government also playing its part. It does not make sense for developers to pay infrastructure levy and still end up paying for the infrastructure in their locality. This forces us to pass the incurred costs to consumers. This is partly why housing prices are high.

2. What are some of the latest trends in the market in terms of residential buildings?

We have found out that our clients prefer a garden setting in their backyards and value privacy, all of which we have incorporated in our latest projects.

3. What is Chigwell’s cutting edge in the real estate market?

Our exterior and interior designs are unique, with a touch of modern affluence. We have also incorporated a system where we take into account clients’ input of what they have in mind in terms of building and design. Most of them are personalities who have travelled all over the world and know what entails quality and style. Our buildings are also affordable.

4. As a gated community developer, what is your take on security?

 Crimes have been reported in gated communities although the perception is that gated communities are much safer. We have a two-tier management system within Phenom Park, one of our residential gated community developments, with each cluster, consisting of 20-24 units, having its own gate with its own management. This ensures efficiency in each cluster on top of the general Phenom Park Management and increases competition, understanding and sharing of knowledge in management of each cluster. This is not common in many gated communities.

5. How do you reduce the overall cost of a project?

We frequently travel around the world to get the best deals on the market and also get an insight on some of the new products or technologies available in the market. We also buy materials in bulk, thus taking advantage of economies of scale, which enable us to push factories to give us good prices.

6. Many developers are shunning using local contractors. Does Chigwell use local contractors?

We mostly use Chinese contractors who are very efficient and deliver projects in time. Many local contractors seem not to understand the plans as designed and thus need closer supervision. Many also have a problem with time management and complete the project far beyond the scheduled time.

7. What shape do you see the country’s residential property market taking in terms of design in the next few years?

There will be more houses being built of glass. Building with glass is still considered expensive but as time goes by, we will have much cheaper solutions. Open floor plan houses will also become hugely popular.

8. What is your take on open floor plan kitchens?

Young families want to be in the kitchen but at the same time interact with people in the living room or even look after the baby. The living arrangement is no longer secluded. It is a very social society; that is where we are now.

9. What are some of the current projects that Chigwell is working on?

There is the Sidai Village in Athi River, which sits on 100 acres on the main Nairobi-Mombasa Highway and hosts three-bedroom maisonettes with self-contained domestic servants quarters.

10. What can be done to improve the real estate industry?

Changes at the Lands offices need to be made quickly and fast if the real estate industry is to move forward. We have had problems in the past with the registration process, which takes ages and the bureaucracy of moving from one office to another can be very time consuming. City Hall planning department automated their operations. Why not the Lands Ministry?