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Buying Property

# Real Estate in Kimihurura: Is It a Good Place to Invest?

By Kigali Yacu Property Research Team · Published 18 August 2022 ·Updated 18 August 2022 · 4 min read

Kimihurura is one of Gasabo District's most internationally recognisable neighbourhoods — dense with embassies, restaurants and expatriate housing, and consistently near the top of any list of Kigali's strongest rental markets.

## Location and character

Kimihurura sits close to central Kigali, denser and more walkable than the more spread-out Nyarutarama, with a heavy concentration of diplomatic missions, NGO offices and a well-developed restaurant and café scene that has grown up around this international presence.

## Why Kimihurura commands strong rental demand

The neighbourhood's embassy and NGO density means a steady supply of expatriate tenants who prioritise proximity to work and a walkable amenity base over the larger plots and villa living more common in Nyarutarama. This tenant base tends to support consistent occupancy and rents that hold up well even during broader market softening, since diplomatic and NGO housing budgets are often less sensitive to general economic conditions than purely local demand.

## Property types and pricing

Kimihurura's residential stock leans toward apartments, reflecting the neighbourhood's density, though standalone houses are also available, particularly in slightly less central pockets. Pricing generally sits in Gasabo's premium tier, comparable to or occasionally exceeding parts of Nyarutarama for well-located apartment stock, given the strength of rental demand specifically.

## Kimihurura versus other Gasabo neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood | Density | Primary tenant base | General price tier
--- | --- | --- | ---
Kimihurura | High | Diplomatic, NGO, expatriate | Premium
Nyarutarama | Lower | Mixed, high-income local and diaspora | Premium
Kacyiru | Medium | Government-adjacent, diplomatic | Mid-upper
Gacuriro | Lower | Local families | Mid-upper

## Investment considerations

Kimihurura suits investors specifically prioritising rental income and occupancy consistency over land appreciation potential, since available land in the neighbourhood is limited and most opportunities are in existing apartment or house stock rather than vacant plots. Compare this directly against Nyarutarama if you're weighing rental-income focus against a more land-and-appreciation-oriented strategy within Gasabo's premium tier.

## Noise and privacy considerations

Kimihurura's density and restaurant scene, while a major draw for many buyers and tenants, means noise levels and street activity can vary considerably block by block in ways a general neighbourhood description won't capture. If quiet and privacy matter more to you than walkability and amenity access, visit or request video footage at different times of day for the specific street you're considering, rather than assuming the whole neighbourhood shares a single, uniform character throughout.

## What to check before buying in Kimihurura

Beyond standard title verification, confirm any apartment building's management structure and service charges, since these recurring costs affect actual net rental return in a meaningful way given the neighbourhood's competitive rental pricing.

## Getting started in Kimihurura

Explore the broader Gasabo investment location guide for how Kimihurura compares to its neighbouring areas, or browse current Gasabo properties for what's available now. For rental-focused investment specifically, see real estate investment.

Contact us to discuss current opportunities in Kimihurura specifically, including options not always publicly listed given how quickly strong rental stock in this neighbourhood tends to move.

## A note on Kimihurura's evolving retail scene

Kimihurura's restaurant and café density has grown considerably in recent years, adding to its appeal for both tenants and buyers who value walkable amenities over the larger, more private compounds typical of Nyarutarama. This evolving commercial character is worth experiencing directly — a short visit or a detailed video tour of the specific block you're considering will tell you more about day-to-day noise and activity levels than a general neighbourhood description can.

## Long-term tenants versus shorter-stay rentals in Kimihurura

Because much of Kimihurura's tenant base rotates with diplomatic and NGO postings, landlords here often see a mix of longer-term leases and shorter-stay furnished rentals, sometimes on the same street. Deciding which model you want to target before purchasing shapes whether an unfurnished or furnished unit, and which specific building or block, makes more sense for your investment.

## Security and building standards in Kimihurura

Given the concentration of diplomatic residences and offices, security infrastructure — perimeter walls, gated compounds, professional security staffing — tends to be a standard expectation in Kimihurura rather than an optional extra, which is reflected in both purchase prices and ongoing service charges for managed apartment buildings. Buyers should factor these standards, and their associated costs, into their comparison against neighbourhoods where this level of security infrastructure is less universally expected.

## Kimihurura's resale market

Because Kimihurura's buyer pool includes both local investors and diaspora buyers specifically targeting rental income, well-located, well-maintained property here tends to attract genuine competing interest at resale, supporting both liquidity and price stability compared to more niche or less-established neighbourhoods. This is a meaningful factor for investors who value being able to exit a position relatively smoothly if their circumstances or investment goals change over time.

## A final thought on choosing Kimihurura deliberately

Kimihurura rewards buyers who choose it deliberately for what it actually is — dense, walkable, and rental-focused — rather than buyers hoping for Nyarutarama-style spaciousness at a Kimihurura price point. Being clear about this trade-off before you buy avoids disappointment later and helps you evaluate specific listings against the right expectations from the start.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kimihurura a good place to invest in property?

Yes, particularly for rental income — Kimihurura's density of embassies and expatriate housing supports some of Kigali's strongest and most consistent rental demand, though at a premium purchase price to match.

What makes Kimihurura different from Nyarutarama?

Kimihurura is denser and closer to the city centre, with a heavier concentration of embassies and restaurants; Nyarutarama is more spread out, built around the golf course and lake, with a greater share of standalone villas and land.

What type of property is available in Kimihurura?

A mix of apartments and houses, with apartments particularly common given the neighbourhood's density and expatriate-tenant focus.

Who typically rents in Kimihurura?

Diplomatic staff, NGO employees and other expatriates make up a significant share of Kimihurura's tenant base, drawn by proximity to embassies and the neighbourhood's restaurant and retail density.

## Interested in Kimihurura?

Tell us your budget and we'll match you with current opportunities in the area.

Talk to Our Team
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