Staroot Real Estate in partnership with Proxima Real Estate, Unveil Gemini! Westlands' Latest Icon of Luxury Living

When investors rush to buy what is presently an idea on paper, a concept, they must be driven by some strong conviction. Gemini, a luxurious new real estate planned to be developed in Westlands’ lush Brookside neighbourhood fits that bill. Buyers had already snapped up 130 of the 368 one and two-bedroom apartment units on offer – before the project’s official launch on the 23^rd of November 2024.

Mr Amir Ahmed, whose firm has partnered with Chinese developer Staroot Real Estate in development and sale of the off-plan project, says the uptake has been impressive.

“These are mostly customers familiar with the projects the developer, Staroot Real Estate, has already completed in Kilimani,” explains Mr Ahmed, the Director of Proxima Real Estate.

In five years, Staroot has built and completed seven real estate projects in the Kilimani area, all of them on time. None stalled. On average, each project is 17 storeys or higher. That is a solid reputation that has created trust in the developer, whom Mr Ahmed says, “does exactly as promised when selling the project.”

On top of that, as Mr Ahmed adds, Gemini’s location, innovative design, features and amenities also appealed strongly to the people who have bought the apartments. Some are buying the units to live there. The majority, though, are investing in the apartments with a view to receiving rental income. Yet others are buying now to later sell off.

Affordable luxury

Mr Ahmed points out that the selling price pre-completion is yet another factor impressing buyers. “We are selling the one-bedroom apartments at Ksh8.3 Million and the two-bedrooms at Ksh13 Million – whereas similar units in that locality are priced higher.”.

He adds that the Gemini prices are affordable considering the luxury packed in the apartments, and the development’s prime location.

The Brookside area in Westlands is green, quiet and close to diverse social amenities. Highly accessible, this upmarket area is a seven-minute drive to the major malls in Westlands: Westgate and Sarit Centre. This growing locale close to the United Nations Complex, Gigiri, attracts a lot of long-term tenants, especially the expat community. It is now served by the Expressway that connects Westlands to the Central Business District (CBD), Mombasa Road and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Mr. Ahmed says Discerning investors see an opportunity to make money by buying off-plan now and later selling the completed units for profit. In his estimation, on completion each unit is likely to appreciate by 30 to 35 percent above the off-plan price.

“This is a big deal,” the Proxima Real Estate Director asserts, adding that the units are a safe investment, “a sure bet for investors.”

Gemini has many standout features and amenities such as:

• Two heated pools (in the garden and on the rooftop)
• Gym, yoga spaces, and saunas
• Rooftop BBQ and lounge
• Kids’ play area
• Rooftop padel court (the highest in Kenya, located above the 27^th floor)
• Co-working spaces and boardroom
• Home theatre
• Laundrette

Gemini comprises 368 units of only one and two bedrooms, with a total of 27 floors including three parking podiums above ground and an amenities floor.

The two-bedroom apartments will have designated parking slots, and the one-bedroom units will share at least 130 parking slots.

The one-bedroom unit is 58 square metres with an efficient layout allowing for the room to have a width of 4.6 metres (15feet). This means it can comfortably fit a king-size bed with two side tables and still have enough room to comfortably walk around. This is rare for a one-bedroom unit of any size.

The two-bedroom covers 90sqm. It’s also efficiently designed with both rooms being 4.6M wide (15 feet). This bedroom is large enough to fit two single beds with a side table in the middle. This is also rare for a two-bedroom apartment.

Mr Ahmed says the finishing will be of the highest standard.

Gemini is located 0.6 acres, but the developer will use 55 percent of this for the block, leaving a lot of space for the greenery and amenities.

All units have great view and none is blocked, because Gemini takes an L-shape plan.

The project groundbreaking takes place in January 2025, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Flexible payment plan

Mr Ahmed points out that paying for the Gemini units is highly flexible. Initially, buyers pay a 30 percent deposit for each unit they want to buy, as a sign of commitment. They then pay 50 percent in installments every six months during the construction period, and make the final 20 percent payment when the apartments are complete.

By Evans Ongwae [email protected]