Studio or 1 Bedroom: Which Earns More Rent in Nairobi?
By Comex Homes, Nairobi. Updated 2026-11-03.
On our Astana Residence figures in Ngara, a studio and a one bedroom have the same expected gross yield, about 10%. The studio needs KES 1.95M less capital, and the one bedroom earns KES 16,000 more rent each month.
| Astana Residence, Ngara | Studio | One bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 291 sqft | 452 sqft |
| Price | KES 3,510,000 | KES 5,460,000 |
| Expected rent | KES 29,000 a month | KES 45,000 a month |
| Expected annual rent | KES 348,000 | KES 540,000 |
| Expected gross yield | 9.9% | 9.9% |
Gross yield vs net yield
Gross yield is annual rent divided by the price. Net yield subtracts vacancy, service charge, management and maintenance. Use the calculator on this page with your own assumptions; expected rent is an estimate and actual rent depends on the market when the unit is let.
Which should you buy?
- Studio: lower entry price, high demand from single young professionals and students, quicker to let
- One bedroom: higher rent per unit, tenants tend to stay longer, appeals to couples
- Two studios instead of one larger unit spread vacancy risk across two tenants
Rental yield calculator
Defaults use the Astana Residence studio (KES 3.51M, expected rent KES 29,000). Occupancy, service charge and management fee are example assumptions; change them to match the unit you are quoted. Rent is an estimate, not a guarantee.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Confirm the details for your purchase with a Kenyan advocate.
Related: Buy an Apartment in Nairobi from the Diaspora · Buy Property in Kenya from the UK · Buy Property in Kenya from the USA · Buy Property in Kenya from Dubai and the Gulf · Buy Property in Kenya from Canada · Buy Property in Kenya from Europe or Australia · Real Estate Investment in Nairobi: Studios and 1 Bedrooms for Rental Income · Off Plan Property Investment in Kenya
