Skip to content
Property owners

# How Much Is My Property Worth?

If you own a house, apartment or plot of land in Kigali and want a realistic sense of its current value, here's what actually determines the number.

- Title verified
- Escrow-friendly process
- Virtual viewings
- Power of attorney supported

"How much is my property worth" is a different question from a formal sale valuation, even though the underlying factors are the same — you're asking for your own understanding, not necessarily preparing to list immediately. Here's what actually moves the number in Kigali specifically.

## The five biggest factors

1. Location and neighbourhood. This is usually the single largest factor. See our investment locations pages for how Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge districts compare, and how individual neighbourhoods within them differ.
2. Title status. A fully verified, dispute-free title adds real value versus an otherwise identical property with unresolved documentation — see title verification.
3. Plot size and shape. Larger plots and regularly shaped parcels (versus awkward, narrow, or steeply sloped land) command a premium per square metre in most Kigali neighbourhoods.
4. Access roads. A plot with tarmac road access on two sides, like several listings in areas such as Rebero, is worth more than an otherwise similar plot reachable only by an unpaved lane.
5. Condition and age of any existing structure. For built property, functioning water and electricity connections, roof condition, and overall maintenance level all factor in directly.

## Factors that matter less than owners often assume

- Cosmetic finishes on an otherwise sound structure move value less than owners expect, compared to structural and location factors.
- Furniture and decor, unless you're specifically marketing a furnished rental.
- Emotional attachment or family history — understandably significant to you, but not a market factor a buyer will pay for.

## A rough starting framework

Factor | Typical impact on value
--- | ---
Prime location (e.g. Nyarutarama, Kimihurura) | Largest positive factor
Verified, dispute-free title | Meaningful positive factor
Two-road access (land) | Meaningful positive factor
Unresolved title issue | Significant negative factor, sometimes larger than buyers initially assume
Poor road access | Moderate negative factor
Outdated but functional finishes | Minor negative factor

This is a general guide, not a substitute for a specific estimate — the actual weighting varies by neighbourhood and property type.

## How often should you check your property's value?

For most owners, revisiting an estimate every one to two years is reasonable — Kigali's neighbourhood-level value shifts are usually gradual rather than sudden, aside from step-changes triggered by specific infrastructure projects (a new tarmac road, a major nearby development) that can move values in a localised area faster than the citywide trend. If you're planning to sell within the next year, get a fresh estimate closer to listing rather than relying on one from several years ago.

## Land versus a built structure

The framework above applies to both, but land valuations lean more heavily on location, size and road access alone, while built-property valuations add condition, age and layout into the mix. If you own both a plot and a house on it, it's often useful to understand the land and structure components of the value separately — ask us to break this down if it's relevant to your decision.

## Getting an actual number

General factors only get you so far. For a specific figure based on comparable recent sales near your property, see our full property valuation service, or request a free estimate directly — tell us the location, approximate size, and whether it's land or a built structure.

FAQ

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a reliable free online tool to check my property's value in Rwanda?

Not to the same standard as markets with dense public sales data. Generic online estimators are typically working from thin or outdated data for Kigali specifically, so treat any free online figure as a rough starting point rather than a number to rely on.

Does renovating my house increase its value more than the renovation costs?

It depends heavily on what's renovated. Kitchen and bathroom updates, and fixing structural or water-supply issues, tend to add value close to or above cost. Highly personal cosmetic choices often don't recoup their cost at resale.

How much does land appreciate per year in Kigali?

It varies enormously by neighbourhood and is not a fixed rate — premium, already-developed areas like Nyarutarama have historically appreciated differently from newer, still-developing neighbourhoods. We can give you neighbourhood-specific context rather than a generic percentage.

Does a verified title increase my property's value?

Yes, meaningfully. A property with fully verified, dispute-free title documentation is more attractive to serious buyers and typically sells faster and closer to asking price than an otherwise identical property with title uncertainty.

## Want an actual number, not just factors?

Request a free estimate based on comparable recent sales in your specific neighbourhood.

Get My Free Estimate