How We Review Properties

What we look for first

The first review is simple: can the property be understood clearly enough for a serious buyer to ask the right questions? A useful listing should identify the area, property type, price basis, unit mix, completion status, seller or developer context and the next action available to the buyer.

For apartments, details such as bedroom type, floor area, parking, lifts, service charge and management rules can affect both living comfort and resale. For houses and villas, access, tenure, boundaries, maintenance condition, security and long-term upkeep may matter more.

• Confirm the exact property, unit type, size, floor, parking and asking price.
• Check whether the price is current, negotiable, a range or a starting figure.
• Understand the area context: roads, noise, density, demand and resale depth.
• Ask whether the property is completed, under construction or off-plan.

How we think about price

Price is reviewed against the property and its market. A lower price can still be poor value if the building has weak management, high service charge, limited parking or slow resale. A higher price may be easier to understand if the location, specification, developer record and tenant demand support it.

The right next step is to confirm the current price for the exact property and compare it with similar options in the same area or buyer category.

• Compare price by unit size, floor, parking, completion stage and payment terms.
• For rentals, test expected rent against service charge, furnishing cost and vacancy.
• For resale, consider whether future buyers will understand the price story.
• For diaspora buyers, request written price confirmation before making arrangements.

Documents and property checks

A property review does not replace the buyer's advocate or technical inspection. It helps identify what should be requested before the buyer moves from interest to commitment.

Completed property may require title documents, searches, management information, service-charge records and building-condition questions. Off-plan property may require approvals, project documents, payment milestones, construction progress and handover terms.

• Ask for title or project documents before reservation where possible.
• Confirm who is authorised to sell, receive instructions or issue receipts.
• Review the draft agreement before paying significant funds.
• Book a viewing, site visit or video walkthrough before relying on photos only.

When a property is worth shortlisting

A property is worth shortlisting when the buyer can see why it fits the budget, area, use case and risk position. For example, an apartment near Westlands office demand may suit a rental investor if the service charge, rent level and building management make sense. A Kileleshwa family apartment may suit an owner-occupier if access, noise, parking and school routes work.

Once a property reaches that point, the next step should be concrete: request current availability, compare alternatives, ask for documents, review the payment plan or book a viewing.