NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – Kenyan investors can now invest in residential property in the United Kingdom with as little as about Sh3.2 million ($25,000), as firms seek to expand access to overseas investment opportunities.
The investment opportunity, being promoted by Dubai-based Tokinvest, is tied to Great Hampton Street Works, a historic property in Birmingham valued at £8.55 million.
The property has 29 fully occupied apartments, with investors set to earn returns linked to rental income and potential proceeds from the future sale of the property.
According to Tokinvest, the property has an estimated net rental yield of about four percent per year.
The firm has also cited forecasts showing that residential property prices in Birmingham could grow by about 4.5 percent annually between 2026 and 2030.
The investment gives Kenyan investors an opportunity to put part of their money in an overseas property market and hold an asset linked to the British pound.
However, changes in the exchange rate could affect the amount investors eventually receive when their returns are converted into Kenya shillings.
Mark Pearson, Managing Director of Baron & Cabot, said Kenyan investors were increasingly looking beyond the local market as they seek to diversify their investments.
“We are seeing a growing awareness that African investors do not have to limit their wealth to their home markets,” Pearson said.
He pointed to the recent approval by the Capital Markets Authority for eligible Kenyan investors to participate in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO through a Global Depository Receipt structure as another example of growing access to international investments.
Michael Leighton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of API Global, said investing in overseas property had traditionally required large amounts of money and involved complex processes.
He said the new investment structure could make established property markets more accessible to eligible investors.
“Birmingham is an established UK residential market with strong underlying fundamentals,” Leighton said.
The investment is open to professional and high-net-worth investors who meet the required eligibility, regulatory and compliance requirements.
The promoters say investors will have exposure to rental income from the property as well as potential gains if the property is sold at a higher value in future.
A Nairobi investor briefing will be held on October 13 at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi to provide more information on the property, expected returns, risks and requirements for participating in the investment.
The offering comes ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, when some investors may consider increasing diversification into assets outside the country.
