A majority of investors especially those investing for the first time at any of the Optiven projects face the dilemma of whether or not to build or buy their home. Recently the upsurge in the number of customers buying the few plots that were remaining at Rafiki Gardens saw at least 40% share their expectations with regard to the question to buy or to build their homes.
For the over 20 plus years that the Optiven Real Estate arm of Optiven Group has been in business, this has not been an all too absurd question. This is because the company itself was formed to address the key need of a home for each of its customers and to do this, the company purposes to ensure at least 30,000 investors have their own homes by the year 2030 even as the uptake of properties continues to increase in the interim.
George Wachiuri, the Chief Executive at Optiven Group insists that with the blooming numbers of people being born everyday, having a home is no longer as pipe dream. “I dare say it is imperative that apart from having a life and an income, next should be having your own home.
While the prices of land are purportedly beyond reach, the best time to invest is now and start building your future one brick at a time. Just like Rome was not built in a day, so are your dreams. Start small, start now, with what you have!”.
His sentiments may well echo the desire of many Kenyans around this time when all of us are battling the challenges affiliated to Covid- 19. While speaking on ntv’s Your World Programme on 10th July, a panel of experts discussing the Status of Real Estate during Covid 19 found that there are more and more people in urban spaces who have lost their homes.
This has been a ripple effect of job losses, lack of incomes, inadequate savings or none at all. The latter has been found to be a sore thumb for many considering the high cost of living, low salaries for the employed and worse, lower wages for the unemployed. With this scenario a research carried out by Consumer Today found that what many people wish for is the security that comes with having your very own home.
So is there any basis for one to own their home?
A quick look at some of the Optiven Projects showcases some wonderful self-built homes over the years. From button-cute bungalows, to magnificent mansions, we continue to see incredible homes on our properties. We now agree that there are several excellent reasons why you should consider building your own home.
For now, gather the confidence you need to create a dream living space for you and your family if you have one. You get more for your money as buying a home off the shelf, or through a broker, comes with a high price tag. The average self-build costs around 25% less than a home that already exists. So, those extra two bedrooms may not be as out of reach as you think.
You can also save a considerable amount if you are clever with your planning, buying, and building. It’s good for the soul If money isn’t an issue, why else would you build a home yourself? It takes time, of course, and it can be highly inconvenient. But, there is a major plus that all self-builders enjoy. The feeling of building a home yourself is second to none. Not only are you providing for your family, but you are also an architect of the living space you all enjoy. If you want to achieve something special, why not give it a try?
You will learn a lot about the building process
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Buy an existing home, and you can live in it for years without ever understanding quite how it works. Sure, you might know some rudimentary plumbing, or how the electric circuits work. But do you really know what makes it tick, or how it was constructed? If you ever wanted to know more about the building process, build your own – it’s as simple as that.
You will have a newfound respect for the construction trade, and you will also know exactly how all the inner workings of your home connect. You’re adding something to your community. Building a home has an impact on your local community. It’s not always a good thing, of course – but we would like to think your good taste will prevail here.
You will be creating something that your family will enjoy – and many more families more after it. If you have ever wanted to make more of a mark in your life, building a home in a great location does just that. There’s plenty of inspiration for ideas and don’t feel you can design and plan a home?
The good news is there is a lot of help and inspiration on hand. Get in touch with a local architect who will happily give you a hand with your plans. Companies such as Optiven Homes also exist for this purpose
We all know that when we move into an existing home, there are little parts of it that we don’t like. A little niche here, an awkward corner there – there’s no denying it can be a real pain. Well, design a home yourself and there will be no problems. https://www.optiven.co.ke/newsblogs/the-five-levels-of-optiven-properties
An architect will help you create the house of your dreams – as close to perfection as you allow it. Better construction Fed up with your home crumbling around your ears? Then build one yourself – and use the best materials you can. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dws1wAoWsAAhLp8?format=jpg&name=900×900
Many people suffer from shoddy building work and quick fixes, and you have no control over it when you buy a house. It’s a different story when you self-build. You can ensure that your builders use the best materials, and keep close tabs on their progress and workmanship.
You can boost your local economy Building a property takes a lot of time, dedication, and hard work. And, you will need a lot of help to complete your project. Local builders and trades people will spend a lot of time working on your home, and it will keep people in jobs, working, and earning money.
Of course, you would rather not pay a thing – but there is an element of social responsibility at play here, too. No more mortgage Want to be mortgage free for the rest of your life? https://www.georgewachiuri.com/mentorship-can-change-the-lives-of-graduates/
Then invest your money in building a new home, rather than getting one off the shelf. Of course, it’s going to cost you a considerable amount of money. But, in many cases, it’s the only way of funding your dream. Banks and lenders tend to be hesitant about offering mortgages and home loans for brand new properties.
However, Optiven Limited has entered into great partnerships with leading banks to give you upto 105% loans to not only buy your plot, but also build it. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001363311/bank-signs-partnership-with-property-firm-to-finance-land-buyers. What better way is there to invest your savings than building something of value that should see a fantastic return in the future?
Finally, earlier retirement! Given the enormous costs of home loan repayments, it’s no surprise that many of us are working well into retirement. But, what if you could take away those costs? Without expensive monthly payments in place, it will give you a lot more flexibility to ease up with work. You might not be able to hit the retire button just yet, but you can certainly enjoy a better work-life balance.
By Cathrine Khasoa
Catherine serves as Lead for Public Relations and Media Liaison at Optiven Limited.
Want to be part of the Optiven Family. Get in touch with Optiven Today
Tel: 0790 300300 / 0723 400500
Email: admin@optiven.co.ke
George Wachiuri Blog: www.georgewachiuri.com
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