22 Types of Houses Plans & House Designs in Kenya (with photos)

Basic House Types in Kenya

The most commonly known types of houses in Kenya are:

• Bungalows
• Maisonettes
• Townhouses
• Villas
• Apartments

However, as the architects at INTEGRUM point out, these five barely scratch the surface. They only describe the primary classes of residential buildings. Beyond them are multiple categories and sub-categories of house designs in Kenya, each with distinctive characteristics.

See the 2025 Average Cost of Construction Per House Type

For simplicity, we can categorise the types of houses in Kenya into three main groups based on their size, layout, and architectural style. Here’s our guide to the names of the houses, with details and photos of their design features. 

This should give you some ideas on which house designs in Kenya may best suit your needs. Otherwise, for better-informed brainstorming, get technical guidance from our team at INTEGRUM Construction Company. And if you’re looking to invest in real estate, our data-driven feasibility analysis will show you the best types of houses for your target market.  

Types of Houses in Kenya by Size

1. Cottages

Cottages are compact homes typically featuring one or two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. These charming dwellings are usually built in rural or semi-rural areas, often as part of low-density residential zones or in designated rural settlement schemes.

Cottages in Kenya are generally constructed using locally sourced materials like stone, brick, or timber. Finishes tend to be modest yet functional – think cement screed floors, painted walls, and corrugated iron sheet roofing materials. Their sizes range from about 40 to 80 square metres.

Cottage in Nairobi, Kenya.  Courtesy: Airbnb

This type of house is great for small families, retirees ready to downsize, or anyone seeking an affordable vacation spot. 

Their intimate size keeps both maintenance and construction costs low. However, larger families might find the space limiting, and expansion options are often restricted.

2. Single-family detached dwellings

These are standalone homes for one family. You’ll mostly find them with two to four bedrooms, one to three bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area,

In Kenya, detached single-family dwellings are common in low-to-medium density suburbs, gated communities, and on privately owned agricultural land. The building materials and finishes can vary widely – from basic to luxurious – depending on the area and market.

The plinth area usually starts from around 80 square metres for a smaller two-bedroom unit and can exceed 200 square metres for larger four-bedroom homes. Their larger plots also provide space for gardens and outdoor areas. However, this extra space and privacy often come with a higher price tag compared to attached homes or apartments.

For real estate investors in Kenya, detached homes in prime locations can offer strong rental returns and appreciation. Their wide appeal and potential for value addition also make them attractive for resale.

3. Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes

Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are low-density residential buildings that contain multiple living units within a single structure. A duplex features two units, a triplex has three, and a fourplex includes four separate units. Each unit typically has its own entrance and consists of one to three bedrooms, a bathroom, a living area, and a kitchen.

The size of these units is generally smaller compared to detached homes. Kenyan architects design them to maximize land use in densely populated areas, providing housing for several families on one plot. 

Units in duplexes offer about 70 to 100 square metres of floor space, triplexes average between 60 and 80 square metres, while fourplex units often measure around 50 to 70 square metres.

A major draw for these types of buildings in Kenya is the cost savings from sharing structural elements and amenities. This, in turn, makes them more affordable for both real estate renters and buyers. But, they do offer less privacy and autonomy compared to detached homes.

From an investment standpoint, the multi-unit format can yield higher rental income and quicker real estate returns. The strong demand for affordable housing in urban areas contributes to their popularity. However, property owners should be ready for higher tenant turnover and more active property management.

4. Low-rise apartments

Low-rise apartment buildings in Kenya, usually up to four stories tall, offer a comfortable balance between community living and personal space. They feature multiple residential units with shared amenities like parking, laundry facilities, and recreational spaces.

Individual apartments in low-rise buildings typically span 50 to 120 square metres, with one to three-bedroom layouts. This makes them appealing to young professionals and small families.

The building and maintenance costs for these types of houses are lower than for high-rise structures. What’s more, their human-scale design creates a stronger sense of community among residents. But, on the flip side, fewer units can mean lower rental income and slower property value growth compared to larger complexes. 

5. High-rise apartments

High-rise apartment buildings are towering structures, with residential units spread out across 12 or more stories. They also come with supporting amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and rooftop terraces.

You can find high-rise apartments in densely populated areas of major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Notable neighbourhoods include Upper Hill, Kilimani, and Westlands, where land prices support the costs of taller buildings.

Their units are slightly more compact than low-rise apartments, covering 40 to 100 square metres. They however make up for this with far superior finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, and imposing facades that stand out in the skyline. 

The higher density also helps with the economies of scale in construction and maintenance. But, on the other hand, they may incur increased operating costs from mechanical systems like elevators and centralized HVAC.

6. Villas

Villas are luxurious standalone homes that offer spacious accommodation, high-end finishes, and ample outdoor space. While they may not reach the scale of mansions, they still offer a premium lifestyle.

In Kenya, you’ll find these types of houses nestled in gated communities and upscale neighbourhoods such as Runda, Kitisuru, Tigoni, and Karen. 

Villa house design in Tigoni, Kenya. Courtesy: Airbnb

Their floor area often adds up to about 250 to 450 square metres (2,700 to 4,800 sq ft) – taken up by roomy living areas, modern kitchens, multiple balconies or terraces, and three to five bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms.

Villas cater to affluent upper-middle-class families seeking privacy, security, and space for entertaining guests. If you choose to invest in one, you may be seeing high rental yields from expatriate tenants and a strong appreciation potential. But, expect to pay your construction company upwards of KES 20 million. 

Maintenance of such rentals can also be costly, while sellers may struggle with a very limited buyer pool. 

7. Mansions

Mansions are the ultimate symbol of opulence, with grand designs, sprawling layouts, and extravagant amenities. They are considerably larger than villas, with imposing facades and extensive grounds.

No expense is spared in their finishes, which include imported marbles, rare hardwoods, gilded accents, and bespoke furnishings. Outdoor features include manicured gardens, water features, tennis courts, and parking for multiple vehicles.

Mansion house designs in Nairobi, Kenya. Courtesy: Airbnb

These types of houses in Kenya also boast more than six bedrooms, grand reception rooms, gourmet kitchens, libraries, and staff apartments, state-of-the-art home automation systems, elevators, indoor pools, saunas, cinema rooms, and recreational facilities.

All that floor area adds up to more than 600 square metres (5,400 sq ft), pushing the cost of construction well above KES 80 million. 

Names of Houses in Kenya by Layout

8. Bungalow types of houses in Kenya

Bungalows are single-story homes known for their low-profile design. In Kenya, they are popular in suburban and low-density residential areas. They usually have two to four bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and an eating area – all on the same level.

Bungalow house designs in Kenya come in all shapes and sizes, from cosy 80-square-metre homes to roomy 200-square-metre spreads. Developers choose them to avoid the hassle of living with stairs.

Bungalow house type in Nairobi, Kenya. Courtesy: Airbnb

These house types are also cheaper to build, as they don’t need as much concrete as their multi-story counterparts. (You can start working out the cost details from our guide on the current Cement Prices in Kenya.)

Expanding bungalows shouldn’t be a problem either, since all it takes is building outwards. 

Unfortunately, however, bungalows require a bigger plot of land because of their larger footprint. That translates to higher land costs, especially in urban areas where demand is highest. They also lack the elevated views and privacy that come with multi-story homes.

9. Maisonette house designs

Maisonettes are houses with two floors. A standard one has a living room, kitchen, dining area and guest bedroom on the ground floor, with additional bedrooms upstairs. 

They are built in different sizes, mostly spanning between 100 and 300 square metres. 

One good thing about maisonettes is that they take up less space than a bungalow of the same size. This is great for places where land is expensive. Plus, you get better views and more privacy with upstairs bedrooms. 

On the flip side, maisonettes cost more to construct per square metre because of the additional reinforced concrete slab and columns required for the upper floors.

Stairs can also be tricky for little kids or older people, and expansion options are limited because vertical remodelling can be complex and expensive.

10. Studio units

Studio apartments, or “bed-sitters” as they’re often called in Kenya, are self-contained units where the living room, bedroom and kitchen are combined into a single space. 

They’re usually small, with a plinth area of 20 to 40 square metres. That combined with basic finishes keeps the building costs down, with the rent for a studio unit in Nairobi ultimately averaging KES 5,000 to 12,000 a month.

Studios are perfect for young people just starting out, like students or people new to city life. They’re some of the cheapest types of houses in Kenya, both in terms of construction and maintenance. 

The limited space can however be very confining, compromising even your privacy. 

11. Alcove studios

An alcove studio, sometimes called a studio deluxe, is a variation of the standard studio layout. Unlike a regular studio, it has a small separate nook or wing off the main living area that can be used for sleeping or dining.

Alcove studios are found in urban areas, often in newer, upscale developments targeting a higher-income demographic. Their finishes and amenities are more luxurious than regular studios. 

They are also a bit bigger, with the housing units in Kenya extending from 30 to 50 square metres. You get a little more privacy, but the space may feel smaller than a studio because of the extra wall.

These types of houses are good for young people who want a bit more space and separation between sleeping and living areas, while still retaining the affordability of a studio.

12. Penthouses

A penthouse is a luxury apartment or condo on the top floor of a high-rise building. They offer fancy finishes, private elevator access, spacious layouts and panoramic views.

That makes them the most expensive type of apartment in Kenya, with prices ranging from KES 15 million to over KES 100 million per unit. Buyers especially prefer to have their penthouses in prime mixed-use urban zones like Nairobi’s Westlands, Kilimani, and Upper Hill. 

The residences themselves are often part of luxury apartment complexes or mixed-use developments. And in terms of floor space, you can expect anything from 200 square metres to over 1000 square metres. That’s enough to fit at least three bedrooms, expansive terraces, and private rooftop gardens.

Buyers and renters here are ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want that luxurious lifestyle but in close proximity to the business districts of Nairobi. They include expatriates, C-suite executives, and affluent retirees. 

Types of House Designs in Kenya by Architectural Style 

13. Traditional inspired types of houses

Architects and building construction contractors in Kenya continue to put up traditional houses that draw inspiration from the country’s rich cultural heritage. 

On the coast, for instance, a number of builders are still actively practising the Swahili traditional architecture. They are putting up stone buildings that feature elaborate wooden doors, shaded courtyards, and sometimes, makuti-thatched roof materials for insulation against the coastal heat.

Inland, people have given traditional manyattas and huts a modern makeover with bricks and mortar. These types of houses in Kenya houses maintain the traditional shape but with updated materials and finishes. 

Safari lodges are particularly fond of building their cottages in this style. The house designs pay tribute to local communities and provide visitors with an authentic taste of Kenyan culture.

Traditional types of houses in Mara Serena, Kenya. Courtesy: Explore Masai Mara

Traditional types of houses in Kenya are also well-adapted to the climate. Their thick walls and thatched roofs provide great insulation, keeping the interior cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. 

You’ll further appreciate their eco-friendliness, as traditional houses are built using locally sourced, natural materials. They may, however, be more difficult to maintain than contemporary houses. 

14. Log cabins

In the coldest areas of the country, where traditional houses may not be able to withstand the weather elements, log cabins are turning out to be some of the best alternatives. 

These houses are built using whole logs or timber, stacked horizontally and interlocked at the corners. They are rustic, well-insulated, organically blended with the environment, and structurally sound. 

Log cabin in Kitulluni, Kenya. Courtesy: Airbnb

The concept of log cabins in Kenya can be traced back to the influence of European settlers and missionaries who arrived in the country during the colonial era. 

Over time, Kenyan builders have refined and improved upon the original log cabin design, incorporating elements of traditional African architecture to create culturally relevant house styles. 

With proper maintenance, a well-built log cabin can last for decades or even centuries. They also have a timeless aesthetic appeal and excellent insulation. 

However, log cabins can be expensive to build, as the materials and labour costs are often higher than for conventional types of houses. They may also require specialized maintenance, such as regular treatment to prevent insect infestations and rot. 

15. Contemporary house designs in Kenya

Contemporary houses in Kenya are characterized by their bold, geometric shapes, extensive use of glass, and large windows. 

Their exteriors typically incorporate a mix of materials such as brick, wood, stucco, and stone for a visually striking appearance. They are then crowned with flat or steeply pitched roofs with generous overhangs. 

The interior finishes are equally high-end, with sleek, minimalist designs and open floor plans that maximize natural light. That open layout even gives you the flexibility to adjust contemporary house designs in Kenya based on your lifestyle and tastes. 

Contemporary types of houses in Diani, Kenya. Courtesy: Airbnb

The only issue is, contemporary house designs may not be the best choice when you’re on a tight budget. Their custom design and finishes can be costly to build. What’s more, they might need more care than other types of homes in Kenya.

16. Neoclassical types of houses

Neoclassical houses in Kenya take cues from the architectural styles of ancient Greece and Rome. They are known for their grandeur, symmetry, and use of traditional ornate columns, pediments, and mouldings. 

These stately residences are built with stone, brick, or stucco on the exterior, while interiors are accessorised with intricate details like crown moulding, wainscoting, and marble floors. 

Neoclassical house styles in Nairobi, Kenya. Courtesy: Cytonn

Neoclassical homes are especially popular among wealthy families, politicians, and business executives who appreciate the beauty of Classical Revival Architecture. Their houses are generally bigger than contemporary homes, some even stretching beyond 1,000 square metres. 

The best thing about neoclassical types of houses in Kenya is their enduring style and value. Once their design has been perfectly executed, they will never look dated. 

That’s a double-edged sword, though. With their fixed design rules, neoclassical houses may not be as flexible as their contemporary counterparts. Some homeowners may also find them too formal for their more relaxed lifestyle.

17. Mediterranean house styles

Inspired by the sun-kissed shores of Italy, Spain, and Greece, Mediterranean house designs have been steadily growing on Kenyans. 

The homes are praised for their warm and welcoming feel, marked by low-pitched tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and arched openings. Inside, they are finished with terracotta tiles, exposed wooden beams, and vibrant ceramic accents. 

Mediterranean house style in Diani, Kenya. Courtesy: Airbnb

Their design optimises indoor-outdoor living with courtyards and patios, ideal for Kenya’s tropical climate. The thick walls and tile roofs also provide good insulation, helping to keep the interior cool in hot weather.

It turns out, however, that Mediterranean houses may not be the most practical choice for areas with cooler, wetter climates. Their flat roofs and stucco walls can be prone to leaks and moisture damage. So, you might have to routinely waterproof your flat roof and external wall coatings. 

18. Tudor house designs in Kenya

The Tudor architectural style originated in England during the Tudor period (1485-1603). It made its way to Kenya during the colonial era in the early 20th century, as British settlers and administrators built homes. 

These types of houses in Kenya have steeply pitched roofs, often with multiple gables and dormers. Their exterior walls are made of brick, stone, or stucco, accessorized with wooden beam patterns known as “half-timbering”.

Tudor types of houses in Muthaiga, Kenya. Courtesy: Pinterest

Tudor houses are especially well-suited to Kenya’s cooler highlands, where their steep roofs help to shed water and prevent leaks.

The interior of Tudor houses is designed with hardwood floors, ornate mouldings, and large fireplaces. All the living spaces here are structured in a more formal, compartmentalized layout, with separate rooms for different activities.

Combined, all the detailed craftsmanship and rich textures create a warm and charming aura. But, it can be a bit pricey to put it all together and maintain every element. 

19. Victorian architectural designs

Victorian architecture emerged in England during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and then, just like Tudor and Neoclassical, hit Kenya during the colonial period. 

This is another highly decorative style – but more flamboyant and eclectic than Tudor house designs in Kenya. The structures have asymmetrical facades with towers, turrets, and large wraparound porches, while their brick exterior walls are embellished with carved wooden trim, brackets, and spindles.

Victorian architectural design in Njoro, Kenya. Courtesy: Kenya Geographic

The interior of Victorian houses is often just as ornate as the exterior, with features like high ceilings, elaborate mouldings, and grand staircases. The living spaces are arranged in a more formal, compartmentalised layout, similar to Tudor houses.

As you’d expect, building, polishing, and repairing all those ornate details is no easy task. It can be complex, requiring lots of time and specialised skills. 

20. Postmodern houses

Postmodern homes are the rebels of the architecture world. Born in the 1960s as a protest against boring old buildings, they hit Kenya in the 1980s and 90s. The country’s economy was growing steadily, and affluent Kenyans wanted home designs that expressed their tastes. And so unconventional architecture arose, fuelled by the new postmodern movement. 

Postmodern homes in Kenya are like a wild party of shapes and colours. They mix old ideas like ornate columns and arches with new, whimsical ones. You’ll also see asymmetry, fragmentation, and the unconventional use of materials like glass blocks and ceramic tiles.

Postmodern house design in Ngong’, Kenya. Courtesy: Airbnb

These polarizing home designs are favoured by wealthy individuals who want to make a bold statement and stand out from their neighbours. Their interiors are often just as eclectic as the exteriors, with a mix of contemporary and traditional furnishings.

Such types of houses in Kenya are great for people who love to take risks and have a unique style. But, their highly personalised, sometimes outlandish styles can make them challenging to resell, as they may not appeal to a broad range of tastes.

21. Bauhaus house designs in Kenya

The Bauhaus was an influential German art school that operated from 1919 to 1933. Its modernist design principles, which emphasised functionality, simplicity, and the use of industrial materials, had a profound impact on 20th-century architecture worldwide.

In Kenya, Bauhaus-style homes started popping up after the country became independent in the 1960s and 70s. They were a big deal because they were new and different from the old colonial houses.

Bauhaus house types are the opposite of postmodern homes. They’re calm, clean, and without elaborate decorations. You’ll see them with flat roofs, smooth stucco walls, and big windows, utilizing geometric forms and the interplay of light and shadow.

Bauhaus house style in Karen, Nairobi. Courtesy: Airbnb

The finishes in Bauhaus houses also tend to be simple and functional. They use natural stuff like wood and stone, while their rooms are uncluttered and open. This makes them relatively easy and economical to build. 

Bauhaus house designs in Kenya are mostly found in middle and upper-class neighbourhoods. Proponents argue that they’re for progressive, forward-thinking individuals, while critics contend that Bauhaus homes are too cold and impersonal. 

22. Prairie house styles

The Prairie School was a late 19th and early 20th-century architectural movement that originated in Chicago and was closely associated with architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The resulting Prairie houses are known for their horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs, overhanging eaves, and integration with the natural landscape.

Prairie house style in Nanyuki, Kenya. Courtesy: Mt.Kenya Wildlife Estate

Kenyans only started building Prairie-style homes in the early 2000s. They have since been popularised by the growing interest in eco-friendly, site-specific house designs.

Unlike those controversial postmodern houses or the super-serious Bauhaus ones, Prairie homes have a more organic, naturalistic feel. Not only do they use local materials like stone and wood, but they are also well-grounded and in harmony with their environment. 

Each house offers a high degree of livability – with open, flowing interior spaces and strong indoor-outdoor connections. These types of homes in Kenya are therefore perfect for peri-urban areas or the countryside, where they can take advantage of scenic views and natural landscapes. 

That said, it’s possible that some people might not like their earthy colour palettes and rustic materials. 

Get the Best Types of Houses

Choosing from these many types of houses in Kenya can, of course, feel overwhelming and confusing. 

But, not when you partner with our Design-and-Build team. You’ll get:

• Internationally trained architects to guide you through global house design trends.
• Feasibility study experts to establish the house designs that’ll perform best in your target market, 
• Structural engineers to analyse your site conditions,
• Quantity surveyors to compare the construction costs for different house types,
• Construction teams to build the houses exactly as designed, 
• And construction project managers to coordinate the entire design-build process.