Magnificent Migaa Estate in kiambu

The latest property development in Kiambu County, is offering middle class families homes at an affordable price
BY GUCHU NDUNGU
The word Migaa has many meanings. To some, it refers to the acacia tree, well known for its resilience. To others, it is a source of food and shelter. But to potential homebuyers it may acquire a new definition: an extraordinarily affordable life. Migaa is one of the more innovative real estate projects coming up in Kiambu.
Set on a 774-acre piece of land 16km from Nairobi, it will offer a beautiful living environment that is barely 20 minutes drive from the Central Business District. A few years ago, the expansive area was teeming with coffee farms. Now, architects and land economists transverse the region armed with grand housing sketches and  ideas.  “We want to create a new community that will enjoy everything life has to offer”, says Raymond Kanno, the project manager at Home Afrika, the firm behind the project.
Migaa is unique in several ways. Buyers can chose from six house designs that range from apartments, duplexes and cottages. The property is segmented into zones for each of the designs. The apartments range from two to three bedrooms with 100m square metres of land while the cottages are 4-bedroom and equipped with private gardens nestled amongst lush trees with 160 square metres of space.
The development provides for three and four bedroom duplexes and penthouses occupying 220 and 250 square metres of land. Delux cottages and apartments are also on offer with most of the designs incorporating a servant quarter. The masterpiece however is the four bedroom villa that is set on a 385 square metres of land.
“It provides a country living atmosphere with beautiful interiors,” says Mr Kanno.
The mix of potential developments means Migaa can meet the needs of many house buyers while giving them the freedom to choose what fits their lifestyle and pocket. Prices range from KSh4.75 to KSh33 million.
Another feature that sets Migaa apart is its focus on open spaces. According to Mr Kanno, 50% of the space will be left open. The average open space in upcoming developments ranges between 10-20%. The two rivers and natural dams will further accentuate the open communal spaces allocated. “Blue (water) is the new green and it gives the ultimate home feeling,” adds the project manager.
Migaa is packed with a set of amenities and facilities. Residents will enjoy a “signature” 18-hole golf course designed by David Jones, a world acclaimed designer. Other planned facilities include sports courts, gym, a hotel, school, business square and health facilities.
“We will be arranging tournaments and other activities to complement residents’ social life,” says Mr Kanno. Some of the facilities will be leased out to private operators. The development has embraced “green” design ideas to minimize impact on the environment. There will be no use of tar and bitumen due to their harmful effect on the environment. Rain water
harvesting and storage facilities and a water recycling system are planned. The target is to harvest 1500 cubic metres per day, minimizing dependence on municipal supplies. Recycled water will be used in bathrooms and for irrigation while fresh water will be piped to kitchens. Water consumption is expected to be high with the golf course alone consuming 1,000 litres.
Mr Kanno says sales are encouraging. “Over 250 plots have been sold.” Construction of the first 202 houses will start in August. Plot owners are given 18 months to start development and three years to complete starring January 2012.
Buyers have to take into consideration the poor quality of infrastructure. Roads were for instance neglected for many years as coffee fanning declined. The roads were designed for agricultural users rather than for high volume private users.
Mr Kanno says the developer will spend over KSh3.4 billion (US$40 million) to develop infrastructure and ease pressure on public amenities. “This will among others, include 20 kilometres of road,” he reveals.
Financing a high cost project is a headache not only for developers but buyers as well. Through a partnership with Equity Bank, qualified buyers can access up to 90% financing.
Migaa is one of the major real estate developments coming up on the city’s outer limits. Recent research shows prices for housing within the city are depressed particularly in the top end of the market.
In April, Hass Consult, a real estate consultancy firm, released a report showing demand for apartments was in decline as buyers focused on maisonettes and standalone units. Rising land prices have pushed house prices sky high and buyers are looking for properties whose value is assured.
A survey commissioned by Home Afrika and done by real estate agency Knight Frank found that up market buyers wanted “more than houses.” Mr Kanno, a civil engineer, says the project is designed with the needs of this segment in mind. “Migaa is offering more than just a plot,” says the project manager. “Buyers get value for money as well as an ‘explore life’-themed property.” Home Afrika has 120 shareholders and focuses on innovative property development projects.