An analysis of factors influencing the development of real estate market near gated communities in Kampala
Abstract
The real estate market is an essential part of any national economy and accounts for more than
50% of global wealth. In Uganda, it accounts for 7.5% of Uganda’s GDP according to the
Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). Being an attractive and lucrative sector for
investors, various researchers and developers have come up with new ideas that have potential
to transform the urban environment in the 21st Century. Given the high population growth rate
and urbanization rate causing high demand for housing, Gated communities (GCs) are one of
such ideas. It is a widespread phenomenon in many regions around the world both developed
and developing countries.
Being one of the new developments in Uganda, there was need to analyse factors influencing
development of real estate market in Kyanja, how the gated community has changed the
immediate neighborhood as well as problems arising from translation of the area. To attain this,
288 respondents were given questionnaires among these were 261 tenants, 19 landlords and 7
caretakers in the zones of Katumba, Nazareth, Kwata. Tuba, Kyanja Central and Kisaasi
Central as well as 5 respondents (2 L.C 1, 2 Brokers and a valuer) who were interviewed using
the interview guide. Data collected was analysed using the SPSS and results cast in form of
tables, charts and graphs.
The results show that Kisaasi-Kyanja tarmac road is the main factor for development of real
estate market as it opened the area to further development other factors include; its location
near the Central Business District (CBD), security, ample space for expansion, occupants
(youth between the age of 20 and 40 and people holding great positions in government) as well
as availability of water supply, education and health services. The gated community has
attracted development resulting into increase in the built up area of Kyanja consisting of estates
and apartments. However its presence has led to increase in land and property prices,
fragmentation of plots as well as imbalance in infrastructural development especially roads as
private members only develop or construct roads leading to their own places of residence
leaving the rest of the community.
It’s recommended that government ought to work jointly with the private sector in providing
infrastructure as well further research for the students concerning the real estate market near
gated communities