Buying a dream home in Kenya or refinancing an existing mortgage can be a reality with the right mortgage options. This guide explores the various mortgage options available in Kenya, focusing on those offered to qualified UN staff and other UNFCU members.
Who is Eligible?
Qualified UN staff in Kenya earning Kenyan shillings can secure a variable or fixed rate mortgage for up to $500,000. They will need a 25% down payment. All other qualified UNFCU members eligible for Kenya mortgages can secure a variable or fixed rate mortgage for up to $700,000. They will need a 20% down payment. Additional eligibility requirements may apply for Kenya mortgages.
Mortgage Features and Options
Here's a breakdown of key features and options available for mortgages in Kenya:
- Loan Amounts: Up to $500,000 for qualified UN staff earning Kenyan Shillings; up to $700,000 for other qualified UNFCU members.
- Down Payment: 25% for UN staff earning Kenyan Shillings; 20% for other qualified UNFCU members.
- Rate Types: Variable or fixed rate mortgages are available.
Members approved for a Kenya mortgage can choose to have their monthly payment amounts calculated over 25 years. The term of the mortgage will still be 15 years. This can mean lower monthly payments over the 15-year term, however the remaining mortgage amount will be due at the end of the 15th year.
| Borrower Type | Maximum Loan Amount | Down Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified UN Staff (earning KES) | $500,000 | 25% |
| Other Qualified UNFCU Members | $700,000 | 20% |
Understanding Variable Rate Mortgages
For variable rate mortgages, the quoted rate is fixed for the initial period of either 3 or 5 years, as applicable. Thereafter, it will be subject to change annually and may increase. The variable rate is calculated each year by adding the applicable margin to the WSJ Prime rate. All rates are subject to change.
Read also: Applying for a Mortgage in Nigeria
Eligible Property Types
A Kenya mortgage can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Purchase of new or existing residential property
- Purchase of undeveloped plot or land
- Construction of residential property on a previously purchased land
- Financing the purchase of a unit being built by a reputed developer
- Take over of existing house loans from other financing institutions
- Top-up of existing Home Loan with l&M Bank
- Renovation, repairs, or extension of existing property
- Equity release - raising funds from the value of your existing house
- Residential plot purchase
Ineligible Property Types
- Commercial mortgage - purchase of commercial property, plot, or construction
- Mortgage in Foreign currency - US Dollar-denominated
Your primary residence or second home would qualify as long as you plan to be in the home. You can also refinance an existing mortgage in Kenya.
Important Considerations
Here are some important points to keep in mind when considering a mortgage in Kenya:
- Pre-Approval: Once we receive your application with the required documents, we will provide you with a pre-approval.
- Loan Amount: Your approved loan amount could be less than the amount you requested. This may be due to other existing loan obligations you have.
- Down Payment: The more money you put toward your down payment, the less you will need to borrow.
- Restrictions: Mortgages cannot be combined with one of the UNFCU international home loans or Local Staff Loans for the same property.
- Rate Caps: Rate caps limit how much your rate can change.
THE REALITY OF MORTGAGE RATES IN KENYA | WHAT IT TAKES TO OWN A HOME
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