Hedonic valuation of apartments in Kenya

Purpose This paper applies the hedonic pricing model (HPM) approach to identify critical determinants of apartment value and employs the technique to develop a valuation model that can accurately estimate the value of apartments. Design/methodology/approach The research employed a case study design that was limited to transaction sales and attribute data of apartments in Nyali estate, Mombasa County in Kenya. A sample of 120 sales of apartments obtained from registered real estate firms was analyzed using quantitative methods. Findings According to the study results, the hedonic valuation model developed comprises four critical determinants of apartment value, namely, number of parking lots, presence of swimming pool, age of apartment and provision of balcony. The hedonic model was tested and found to be accurate and reliable in estimating apartment value. Research limitations/implications The model will improve accuracy, reliability and efficiency in valuation. The application of the model in the valuation of apartments is, however, limited to the case study area where the data are obtained. The scope of application of the model may be improved by increasing the sample size to include apartment sales data from other estates in Mombasa County. Originality/value Previous studies that have used the HPM technique in analysis of apartment values have focused on the "explanatory" and "contributory" power of attributes on apartment values, rather than the development and use of the model to measure value. The present study is the first to develop a HPM equation for property value estimation in the apartment real estate sector in Kenya.