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My experience when building my 1st ‘ama room’:
- Location (easy access to public transport, safe passage, security)
- Property Purchase Price
- Funding (banks are unlikely to fund you)
- Skilled Builders
- Target Market (students/professionals)

First consider the Property Investment Principles: https://propertylink.africa/the-property-investment-principles/

Location
-public transport must be easily accessible
-secure boundary wall (electric fence, bright lighting, cameras, motion beams and controlled access)
-safe access/area to avoid tenants getting ‘two feet’

Purchase Price
-don’t over pay - no matter what. You still have building costs to consider

Make sure there are no ‘family house issues’! Uzonya nyi if you don’t solve this one!

Funding
-be prepared to spend from your pocket
-banks are unlikely to fund the construction as the ‘real value’ of township properties is low and banks fund generally based on the ‘value’ of the property

-the costs are really high, people have misled you if you are not hitting 6 figures on a serious build
-the costs will escalate quickly, try keep a reserve account and more importantly be patient with yourself when the money runs out (oh and it will, trust me!)

Skilled Builders
-get qualified builders, plumbers and electricians with the necessary accreditation
-don’t be tempted to cut corners because you are building elokishini - it’s not worth it
-in the long run, fixing errors because of poor workmanship is not worth it

Target Market
-different target markets require different amenities
-build to suit your target market ie young professionals/students
-if young professionals, ask for ID and proof of income
-if students, try obtain contract with institution so you can be paid directly

Pro Tip:
-install
-individual electricty meters
-water tank where there is water
-single feed satellite dish
-WiFi (if available)
-have lease agreements
-be hands on project management
-research your market
-get the necessary authorizations & zoning