Here's something that'll surprise you: last month, I had a client walk away from a beautiful Lavington apartment to buy in Kilimani instead. Not because of price (though that helped), but because of something simpler—she could actually fit her dining table in the living room.
We don't talk enough about space in Nairobi's property market. Everyone obsesses over location and finishes, but when you're actually living somewhere, square footage matters more than you think.
The Space Reality Check
Let me give you real numbers because this is where it gets interesting. A typical 3-bedroom apartment in Kilimani today averages around 1,400 to 1,600 square feet. In Lavington? You're looking at 1,200 to 1,350 square feet for a similar setup, especially in the newer developments cramming more units per plot.
Yes, you read that right. Kilimani apartments are often more spacious.
I had a client measure it out herself because she didn't believe me. Her master bedroom in a Kilimani apartment was 15 feet by 14 feet. The Lavington equivalent she'd viewed the week before? 13 feet by 12 feet. That's the difference between fitting a king-size bed with walking space versus feeling like you're playing Tetris with your furniture.
What You Actually Get in Kilimani
The spaciousness isn't just about bedroom sizes. Walk into most modern Kilimani apartments and you'll notice the open-plan living areas actually feel open. We're talking proper balconies where you can set up a small outdoor dining table, not those token 3-foot strips some developers try to pass off as "balconies."
The kitchens are generous too. I'm seeing 10 by 8 foot kitchens becoming standard in Kilimani's newer blocks, with enough counter space that you're not chopping vegetables on your stovetop. Some units even have separate laundry areas, which sounds basic but is surprisingly rare.
Storage is another win. Built-in wardrobes in Kilimani apartments tend to be deeper and more practical. I've seen units with walk-in closets in the master bedroom, proper linen cupboards in hallways, and even extra storage rooms that some residents convert into home offices.
The Lavington Trade-Off
Now, Lavington has its advantages, absolutely. The neighborhoods are quieter, the streets are tree-lined and beautiful, and there's definitely a prestige factor. But here's what you're often trading for that Lavington address: smaller living spaces in newer developments.
Older Lavington apartments, the ones built in the 80s and 90s, are genuinely spacious. But those come with their own issues like outdated plumbing and the need for renovations. The new Lavington apartments? Developers are maximizing profits by fitting more units per acre, which means the square footage takes a hit.
I showed a couple a brand-new Lavington 3-bedroom last week. Gorgeous finishes, secure compound, everything looked premium. But when they tried to visualize their sectional sofa in the living room, it just didn't work. The room was maybe 16 feet by 13 feet. They'd need to downsize their furniture or leave it in storage.
Why This Matters for Your Money
Let's talk value because this is where Kilimani really shines. You're paying roughly KES 13-15 million for a spacious 3-bedroom apartment in a good Kilimani development. That same money in Lavington gets you something noticeably smaller, or you'd need to stretch your budget to KES 18-20 million for comparable space.
For families, this is huge. An extra 200 square feet means your kids aren't fighting over who gets the "big" room. It means you can host friends for dinner without everyone sitting knee-to-knee. It means working from home doesn't require turning your bedroom into an office.
And here's something property agents don't always mention: when you eventually sell or rent out, spacious apartments move faster. I've got listings in Kilimani that get inquiries within days because buyers can see the value immediately. Space sells itself.
The Lifestyle Shift
What I'm seeing in 2026 is that buyers, especially younger families and professionals, are prioritizing function over status. They want room to live, not just an address to brag about.
Kilimani delivers that. You've got the convenience, you're still in a prime location, and you're getting genuine living space. The social scene is vibrant, there are good schools nearby, and you're not sacrificing your lifestyle for square footage.
One client told me, "I'd rather have space for a home gym in Kilimani than squeeze into a smaller place in Lavington just for the name." And honestly, more people are thinking that way.
The Bottom Line
If you're apartment hunting and space matters to you (and it should), don't sleep on Kilimani. Walk through both neighborhoods, measure the rooms, and imagine your actual life in these spaces.
Sometimes the smarter investment isn't the fancier address. Sometimes it's the place where you can actually stretch your legs, host your family comfortably, and not feel like you're living in a beautifully finished shoebox.
Kilimani's giving you that in 2026, and buyers are noticing.