Gated communities have gained preference among middle and high income market segments. They not only provide security and safety to the residents but also tend to have much higher standards of living with maintained roads, good lighting, and organized common services such as solid waste management. They also have minimal traffic as the vehicles using estate roads are mainly those of residents and their visitors. There is also a sense of community.
Edenville is a plush, gated community development, situated in the midst of coffee plantations off Kiambu Road. It is a short drive from Windsor Golf and Country Club and two of Nairobi’s biggest malls – Two Rivers and Village Market. It is also close to the popular Karura Forest. New developments, road infrastructure, retail and commercial developments have all served to make this location an ideal residence within the Nairobi metropolitan zone. Edenville is a fifteen minute drive from Muthaiga roundabout with easy access to the Runda and Gigiri suburbs as well as Thika Road and the Northern bypass.
Developed by Paramount Chief Estate Limited, the development offers a beautiful, leafy outlook for its residents. The semi-detached maisonettes come with a garden and two parking spaces. Carefully thought-out landscaping for each home not only adds to the picturesque backdrop, but also creates a strong sense of privacy.
The homes at Edenville have witnessed significant capital appreciation both during construction and post completion.
The second phase of Edenville comprising of 404 maisonettes came after the highly successful Phase I that consisted of 345 villas. Set on a total of 42 acres, Edenville Phase Two is designed to appeal to both investors and home buyers with highly competitive pricing in an area with strong growth potential. Edenville homes offer 3, 4 and 5 bedroom accommodation for on individual plots, with sizeable gardens that are perfect for both young executives and families.
External and Common Area Finishes
Main Boundary: 2.1m high stone walling with electric fencing
Court boundary: 1.8m high chain link fence with planting
House boundary: 1.2m high chain link fence with planting
Entrance: Gates Double entry and single exit steel gates with double height viewing point
Driveways: Interlocking concrete paving blocks with intermittent landscape points
Maisonette finishes: Roof Zinc-Aluminium sheeting on timber structure
Walls: Stone-effect cladding alternated with plaster & paint
Windows: Small pane steel casement
Floor: Ceramic tiles in living and wet areas
Doors: Solid hardwood main door and mahogany flush internal doors
Staircase: Hardwood timber treads and risers with steel balustrades
Wardrobes: Veneered MDF Cabinetry
Kitchens: Veneered MDF Cabinets with granite worktops
Bathrooms: Full height wall tiling and white quality sanitary ware
Curtain rods: Wrought iron with decorative ends
Utilities: Solar hot water heating
Effective planning and the use of space are key components that have been factored into the design of these homes. The development has a secure water and power supply, including onsite solar power heating and boreholes. Solar power and reverse osmosis machine in the kitchen to provide drinking water from the tap are key attractions.
The developer has partnered with leading banks KCB, NCBA, ABSA, STANBIC and STANDARD CHARTERED for mortgage financing. Three bedroom houses start at Kes 20.295m, 4 bedroom start at Kes 21.945m while 5 bedroom units start at Kes 27. 445m.
Construction began in October 2015. Edenville Phase II is now complete and ready for occupation with some residents already moving in.
The homes at Edenville have witnessed significant capital appreciation both during construction and post completion.
Challenges
According to the developer, several challenges came in the way of executing the project. The first was depreciation of local currency during the project life. However, the construction contract was prepared to cushion the company from various financial shocks such as the price of imported material.
The construction contract did not cover all project costs as a few items could not be quantified at project commencement. To address this, a provision was made for unforeseen costs through the setting aside of contingency funds.
Another challenge was the economic slowdown due to factors such as a general election which has previously caused fear in the past due to political unrest. But the development location was sold as a safe region that was open to everyone.
Lastly, the economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the uptake of units. To counter this, the sales team is focusing on the rise in demand for detached/semi-detached housing which has peaked because of the pandemic.
Lessons Learnt
- The value of a good brand name cannot be underestimated; it produces repeat sales through word of mouth.
- Most purchasers are reasonable, therefore excellent customer service is of importance. When service is great it moves the sale transaction further and more swiftly at every stage.
- Building strong relationships whether with service providers, employees, purchasers, financial institutions, sales agents, etc. is critical as it strongly contributes to the overall cohesion of the project.
