In areas that have a very high young population, such as areas near Universities - around Juja[JKUAT University] , Lower Kabete[University of Nairobi-Lower Kabete Campus], or Kahawa[Kenyatta University],1 bedroomed units will have a very high demand due to the large influx of parallel degree students. These are also in high demand near major towns and tourist locations such as Mombasa whereby holidaying tenants can rent for a short period of time.

Comparison on Rent.

In a 50 by 100 plot, you can put up to 7 No. I bedroomed units per floor for 5 floors=35 units.
At a modest rental income of minimum KES 8,000 per month this brings the amount to 8,000 x 35=KES 280,000.
The same area can contain 4 units of 2 bedroomed each x 5 floors =20 units.
At an average rent of minimum 12 k per month this brings the total to 12,000x 20 =240,000 per month.
These rental incomes are on the lower side-it you put quality finishes, the rents can double.

Comparison on cost of Construction.

With high quality finishes, the construction cost also increases significantly.

Read more on http://www.a4architect.c...edroomed-vs-2-bedroomed/

@ a4architect.com

What is the cost for an architectural plan for such a building?

@ a4architect.com

What about the cost for design only? Maybe have a design in place and then work towards getting adequate resources.

Thanks for the information, i did not know about the CAP 525 law on construction. For someone planning to have a plan and do the foundation and the first two floors, it sounds unrealistic charging as a percentage of the total cost? is there a flat fee or a workable plan for such a scenario?

@a4architect. You are a professional. many of us are interested in finsing out what the fees are. why not just quote. Even lawyers fees are guided by some statute but thats only a guide (cap if may), every advocate decides on their own pricing strategy based on the target clientele.pls answer how much you would accept for plans alone

for the design alone, this brings it to 1.5% [Part A -Stage 1 and 2] of the total estimated cost of construction.

@ Architect

It seems architects are costly, but I would also think with a good architect the customer alleviates headaches arising from "trial and error" type construction foremen. Thanks for the feedback.