How Gen Zs are redefining the blueprint for urban property ownership

For decades, the trajectory of land ownership in Kenya followed a familiar path: save diligently, buy a plot on the outskirts of a town or city, and eventually build a family home, often long after retirement.

But this narrative is undergoing a dramatic rewrite, driven by a digitally native, financially cautious, and highly aspirational generation—Generation Z—alongside a rapidly growing urban middle class.

Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age.

Their lives have been shaped by smartphones, high-speed internet, and global connectivity. Social responsibility, sustainability, and technology are not afterthoughts—they are expectations.

Shaped by the Great Recession and the global housing crisis, this generation has a cautious relationship with money but an adventurous appetite for lifestyle-driven investments, including land.

In Kenya, Generation Z is a significant demographic force. As of 2025, they comprise approximately 18.3 million individuals, representing 33.42 per cent of the country's population of 57.5 million.

This sizeable cohort is increasingly joining the middle class early, often through careers in tech, finance, digital media, and healthcare.

With remote work now a normalised part of the professional landscape post-Covid-19, these young professionals no longer feel tethered to Nairobi’s concrete sprawl.

Instead, they’re exploring land ownership in emerging urban nodes where land is relatively affordable, infrastructure is improving, and the promise of lifestyle-friendly living is real.

According to George Ndumia, director of Famyard Enterprise Ltd, the new buyer isn’t just purchasing land—they’re buying into a vision.

They want digital convenience, eco-conscious planning, clear titles, and, above all, land that fits their life, not just their budget.

“This generational shift is forcing realtors to evolve rapidly. Gone are the days of vague brochures and delayed responses. As realtors, we are now leveraging TikTok, Instagram Reels, 3D virtual tours, and drone footage to market properties," he said.

"We’re integrating blockchain-based verification systems to offer faster, more transparent land transactions, while others are developing mobile-first platforms where clients can reserve plots online, access documentation, and make payments in real time. The digital experience is no longer optional—it’s the entry point to trust.”

Generation Z also seeks properties that align with their environmental values. Land parcels near conservation zones, developments with tree-planting commitments, and those promoting rainwater harvesting or solar infrastructure stand out.

Increasingly, realtors and developers are incorporating community gardens, green corridors, and even urban farming zones into their master plans, catering to Gen Z’s growing interest in self-sufficiency and climate-conscious living.

“They value instant communication, transparency, and seamless, tech-driven processes. They have little patience for businesses that rely on outdated systems. Projects such as Tetu Girls Estate near Nyeri, Ngobit plots in Laikipia East, High Ridge Estate in Karatina, Kagundu-ini Estate, and plots in Chaka near Beakin Resort reflect this trend. They offer strategic locations, access to essential services, and development-ready parcels while meeting demands for efficient, tech-enabled service delivery,” said Mr Ndumia.

He added that this is not just a Nairobi phenomenon. Secondary cities are drawing attention due to their mix of affordability, infrastructure, and lifestyle appeal.

“Many young professionals are buying plots to build flexible, work-from-home-friendly homes or simply hold the land as a long-term investment in anticipation of future urbanisation,” said Mr Nndumia.

He also noted that Generation Z's financial prudence is significantly reshaping land-buying patterns in Kenya. They are more cautious and deliberate in their decision-making.

“Unlike previous generations that stretched to acquire land, today’s youth are more likely to save aggressively, invest in digital assets like cryptocurrency, and enter land ownership once financially ready. Some are leveraging crypto gains to buy plots outright," said Mr Ndumia.

"Others are embracing co-buying—splitting the cost of land with friends or siblings and entering legal co-ownership arrangements. Real estate agents are responding with flexible financing options, group buying plans, and detailed education materials that demystify the legal, financial, and planning aspects of land investment.”

According to a 2025 survey by Property Insight Africa, 61 per cent of land enquiries from individuals aged 20–35 were for peri-urban locations within 60 kilometres of Nairobi.

A third of those enquiries came through social media platforms. In addition, 47 per cent of Gen Z respondents said they would consider co-buying land, and over 58 per cent ranked sustainability and green infrastructure among their top priorities when choosing where to invest.

Mr Ndumia added that the modern Kenyan dream for Gen Z isn’t defined by fences, title deeds, and a slow climb to homeownership. It’s about experience, identity, and freedom.

“For many, land is a foundation not just for future homes but for modern lifestyles. Some envision modular homes with smart systems and solar panels; others dream of hybrid spaces that blend home, work, and nature. A growing number are even buying land to lease it out to glamping sites, digital nomads, or Airbnb-style eco-cabins—a business move that aligns income generation with lifestyle,” he said.

Real estate agents have taken note. They are no longer just selling land—they’re curating experiences, offering digital convenience, and appealing to aspirations.

“If you don’t understand what excites this generation, you’ll be irrelevant in the near future,” he added.

For Sarah Wambui, a Gen Z professional in her late twenties living in Chaka and working remotely, owning land isn’t about distant retirement dreams—it’s about living intentionally now.

“I don’t want to retire to my dream house—I want to live in it now. Land is my canvas, and I want to paint with freedom, sustainability, and smart design. We prioritise immediate usability, eco-conscious planning, and digital integration. Our choices are shaped by flexible work environments, access to information, and a desire for lifestyle-oriented developments that allow for both self-expression and long-term value,” she said.