As a Kenyan landlord or property owner, you’ve likely faced this dilemma: Should I list my rental property myself or hire an agent?

Both options have pros and cons—DIY listings save on commission fees, while agents handle marketing, and paperwork—but which one actually puts more money in your pocket?

Let’s break it down with real cost comparisons and Kenya-specific insights.

💰 Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Agent Listings

1. DIY Listing (Cheaper Upfront, More Work)

✅ Pros:

No agent commission (saves 5-10% of annual rent)

Full control over pricing, tenant selection, and lease terms

Direct tenant communication (no middleman delays)

❌ Cons:

Time-consuming (marketing, showings, screening)

Longer vacancies (if marketing isn’t effective)

📌 Estimated Cost:

Platform listing fees (e.g., Makao Spaces, Jiji): Ksh 500 - 5,000

Photography (optional): Ksh 2,000 - 10,000

Your time (showings, calls, paperwork): Priceless (and exhausting!)

2. Agent Listing (Higher Cost, Less Hassle)

✅ Pros:

Faster tenant placement (agents have networks)

Professional marketing (high-quality photos, ads)

Legal compliance (lease drafting, KRA PIN checks)

❌ Cons:

Agent commission (typically 1 month’s rent or 5-10% annually)

Less control over tenant selection

Potential for mismatched tenants (if agent prioritizes quick placement)

📌 Estimated Cost:

Agent fee: 1 month’s rent (or 5-10% of annual rent)

Example: If rent is Ksh 50,000/month, you pay Ksh 50,000 - 60,000/year in fees

📊 Which Strategy Wins Financially?

💡 Key Insight:

If you have time & marketing skills → DIY saves money.

If you want speed & reliability → an agent may be worth the cost.

🏆 When to Choose DIY vs. Agent

✅ Go DIY If You…

✔ Have time to manage listings and showings
✔ Know how to screen tenants (background checks, references)
✔ Are tech-savvy (can use Makao Spaces, Facebook, Jiji)
✔ Own multiple properties (saving on repeated agent fees)

✅ Hire an Agent If You…

✔ Live far from the property (e.g., diaspora landlords)
✔ Need fast occupancy (agents have tenant databases)
✔ Prefer legal protection (proper lease agreements)
✔ Rent high-end properties (agents attract premium tenants)

🛠️ Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds?

Some landlords start with an agent (for the first tenant) then switch to DIY for renewals. Others use agents only for tenant placement but handle rent collection themselves.

Example:

Agent finds tenant (pays 1-month fee) → Landlord manages lease renewals → Saves on repeat fees

📈 Maximizing Profit: Tips for Each Strategy

For DIY Landlords:

📌 Use high-quality photos (hire a pro if needed).
📌 List on multiple platforms (Makao Spaces, Property24, Facebook Groups).

For Agent Users:

📌 Negotiate fees (some agents accept half-month commissions).
📌 Verify agent reputation (ask for past client references).

Need Help Deciding?

Makao Spaces offers low-cost DIY listing tools + verified agent referrals.

📞 Contact us to list your property today!

#KenyaRentals #LandlordTips #PropertyManagement #MakaoSpaces #RealEstateKenya

💬 Landlords: Do you prefer DIY or agents? Share your experiences below! 👇