1 Bedroom House Plans in Kenya: Cottages, Bedsitters and Rental Units

1 bedroom house plans in Kenya are the fastest way to own a home or start earning rent. A one bedroom house is small, affordable and quick to build. Moreover, it suits a wide range of uses, from a starter home to an Airbnb cottage, a DSQ or a block of rental units.

In this guide, we explore the best one bedroom house designs in Kenya. We cover simple 1 bedroom houses, modern cottages, bedsitters and studio apartments. Additionally, we share drawing prices, building costs and location tips for Nairobi, Juja, Nakuru, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Kisumu, Eldoret and the coast.

Who Builds a 1 Bedroom House in Kenya?

The one bedroom home serves many people. For instance, young professionals often build a 1 bedroom house as their first property. It is affordable, easy to maintain and quick to complete.

Retirees also choose one bedroom homes. In Nyeri, Meru and Nanyuki, many retirees build a small stone cottage with a big veranda facing Mt Kenya. It gives comfort without the upkeep of a large house.

Investors build 1 bedroom units for rent. In fact, one bedroom and bedsitter units are the most common rentals near universities and town centres. Juja, Kahawa, Thika, Eldoret, Kisumu and Nakuru all have strong demand.

Finally, Airbnb hosts love 1 bedroom cottages. Naivasha, Nanyuki, Diani, Watamu and Kilifi attract weekend guests year round. As a result, a well-designed one bedroom cottage can earn more per night than a standard rental earns in a week.

Types of 1 Bedroom House Designs in Kenya

Simple 1 Bedroom House Plans

A simple 1 bedroom house includes a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room and a kitchen. It typically covers 35 to 50 square metres. Therefore, it fits on almost any plot, even alongside a bigger main house.

These designs use a rectangular footprint and a mabati roof to keep costs down. They suit rural plots in Machakos, Kitui, Murang'a and Kakamega. They also suit first-time builders on a tight budget.

Modern 1 Bedroom Cottages

A modern cottage adds style to the basic layout. For example, it may use a flat roof, large glass doors and a timber deck. Many include an open kitchen and an outdoor shower for the holiday feel.

Our Sunbird cottage shows the style, although it has two bedrooms. Likewise, the Naivasha A-frame cabin is a striking design for lakeside and forest plots. We can scale either down to a single bedroom. Browse our modern house designs for more inspiration.

1 Bedroom DSQ and Guest House

Many families add a 1 bedroom DSQ or guest house behind the main home. It houses a house help, a relative or a tenant. Moreover, it can become a home office or a studio.

A detached DSQ needs its own bathroom, kitchenette and entrance. See our house plans with a DSQ for ideas.

Bedsitters and Studio Apartments

A bedsitter combines the bedroom and living room in one space, with a separate bathroom and a small kitchen. It is the cheapest rental unit in Kenya. Consequently, bedsitter blocks are common near universities and industrial areas.

Our Githurai rentals design fits 32 bedsitter and 1 bedroom units over four floors on a 50×100 plot. Browse our apartment and rental plans for more.

1 Bedroom Apartment Blocks

A block of one bedroom apartments suits young professionals and couples. For example, the Eldoret apartments mix one and two bedroom units over three floors. Such blocks rent well in Eldoret, Kisumu and Nakuru.

Designing a Great 1 Bedroom Layout

Small homes need clever design. Otherwise, they feel cramped and dark. These are the principles we follow.

Open-Plan Living

We combine the living room, dining area and kitchen into one space. As a result, the house feels bigger and brighter. A kitchen island or breakfast counter can double as a dining table.

Plenty of Light

Large windows and glass doors make small rooms feel spacious. Similarly, a high ceiling or a clerestory window adds light without losing privacy.

Smart Storage

Every centimetre counts. Therefore, we include built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets to the ceiling and storage under stairs or in the roof space.

Outdoor Living

A covered veranda or deck extends the living space outdoors. In warm areas such as Kisumu, Mombasa and Kitui, it becomes the main living room for much of the year.

Room to Expand

Many owners start with one bedroom and add more later. Therefore, we plan where a second bedroom can go. If you want a future upper floor, we design the foundation and columns to carry it.

How Much Do 1 Bedroom House Plans Cost in Kenya?

One bedroom homes are among our most affordable designs. Here are typical fees:

Every design includes free 3D renders, a walkthrough video, interior design, plumbing and electrical drawings, and a landscape plan. Structural drawings are priced by our engineer. See our pricing page for the full list.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a 1 Bedroom House in Kenya?

Here are 2026 guide costs for a 45 m² one bedroom house:

A very simple rural house using local materials can cost less. For example, stabilised soil blocks in Makueni or burnt bricks in Bungoma cut walling costs. Use our building cost calculator to check your own figures.

Is a 1 Bedroom Rental a Good Investment in Kenya?

One bedroom units are among the most liquid rentals in Kenya. Furthermore, they appeal to the largest pool of tenants: young, single professionals and couples.

However, returns depend heavily on location. For instance, a 1 bedroom unit near JKUAT in Juja or near Kenyatta University in Kasarani fills quickly. Similarly, units near Moi University and the town centre in Eldoret rent well. Conversely, a 1 bedroom unit in a remote rural area may struggle to find tenants.

Design also affects returns. Tenants value security, reliable water, parking and separate electricity meters. Therefore, we design every rental block with these features. For more on rental investments, read our guide to apartment and rental building plans.

Considering even smaller units? Read our guide to bedsitter house plans in Kenya for unit sizes, block layouts and returns.

1 Bedroom Airbnb Cottages: What Works

Short-stay guests want an experience, not just a bed. Consequently, Airbnb cottages need a different design approach.

First, focus on the view. A cottage facing Lake Naivasha, Mt Kenya or the Indian Ocean commands higher rates. Second, add a feature that photographs well, such as an A-frame roof, a hot tub or a fire pit.

Third, plan for easy cleaning and changeovers. Durable floors, simple fittings and good storage for linen save time. Finally, plan secure parking and good lighting. See our Airbnb cabin in Naivasha and house plans in Nanyuki for inspiration.

Choosing Materials for a Small House

Materials make a big difference on a small budget. Therefore, choose them with care.

For walls, machine-cut stone is the default around Nairobi, Juja and Machakos. It is strong, fairly cheap and widely available. In Western Kenya and the lake region, burnt clay bricks are cheaper and give a warm, natural look. Meanwhile, interlocking stabilised soil blocks suit rural sites in Makueni, Kitui and Machakos, where soil is good and water is scarce.

For the roof, pre-painted mabati is the budget option. It is light, quick to fix and handles heavy rain. Conversely, a flat concrete roof costs more but gives a modern look and a usable rooftop. For a cottage, an A-frame roof with mabati or shingles creates a striking look that guests love.

Finally, consider prefabricated options for remote sites. For example, steel-frame or timber cabins go up quickly where transport is hard. However, they still need approved plans and a proper foundation.

Mistakes to Avoid With a 1 Bedroom House

Making It Too Small

A one bedroom house under about 30 square metres feels cramped, even for one person. Consequently, it rents for less and sells for less. We size every room for real furniture and real life.

Poor Ventilation

Small rooms heat up quickly, especially under a mabati roof. Therefore, we design cross-ventilation, ceiling insulation and roof overhangs. These keep the house comfortable in Kisumu, Garissa and Mombasa.

Skipping the Kitchen Extractor

In an open-plan home, cooking smells spread everywhere. A simple extractor or a well-placed window solves this. Similarly, a small covered outdoor kitchen works well in rural homes.

Building Without Approval

Small houses still need county approval. Without it, you risk stop orders, fines and trouble selling or financing the house later.

1 Bedroom House Plans Across Kenya

Nairobi and Its Satellite Towns

In Nairobi, Kiambu and Kajiado, 1 bedroom units are mostly rentals. Popular areas include Juja, Ruiru, Kitengela and Embakasi. Land is expensive, so density matters. Moreover, black cotton soil around Embakasi and Kitengela calls for a proper foundation design.

The Rift Valley

Naivasha, Nakuru and Nanyuki are hotspots for 1 bedroom cottages and Airbnbs. Visitors come for Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate and the views of Mt Kenya. See house plans in Naivasha for local guidance.

Central Kenya

In Nyeri, Murang'a and Embu, retirees and young families build small homes on family land. The cool climate suits stone walls and a fireplace. See house plans in Nyeri.

The Coast

Diani, Watamu, Kilifi and Malindi attract holiday guests year round. A 1 bedroom beach cottage is a popular investment. See house plans in Diani and Watamu.

Western Kenya and the Lake Region

In Kisumu, Kakamega and Bungoma, 1 bedroom units serve students and young professionals. Near Maseno University, student rentals are always in demand. See house plans in Maseno.

Our Services for 1 Bedroom House Plans in Kenya

1 Bedroom Architectural Drawings Across Kenya

We design 1 bedroom homes, cottages and DSQs for every county. Our architect visits your plot first, from KSh 5,000 in Nairobi and its environs.

Next, we draw the floor plan, elevations, sections and site plan. You review them and request changes.

Airbnb and Holiday Cottage Design

We design cottages built to earn. That means a strong view, great photos and easy maintenance.

We also plan decks, outdoor showers, fire pits and parking. As a result, your cottage stands out on booking platforms.

Rental Block and Bedsitter Design

Building a block of 1 bedroom units? We design efficient layouts that maximise lettable space.

We also plan separate meters, water storage, parking and security. Consequently, your block rents faster and costs less to manage.

Structural Drawings for Small Homes and Blocks

Every building needs structural drawings for approval. For small homes, they cover the foundation, walls and roof.

For rental blocks, they cover the full frame, slabs and stairs. Our registered engineers handle both.

Plumbing and Electrical Layouts

Every design includes free plumbing, drainage and electrical drawings. For rental blocks, we plan separate meters for each unit.

We also plan septic tanks, soak pits or sewer connections to suit your plot.

Bill of Quantities and Budgets

A BQ helps you budget accurately and compare contractors. It also supports bank or SACCO loan applications.

Learn more about construction loans on our financing page.

County Approval and 3D Renders

We submit your plans to the county and follow up until approval. Moreover, every design includes 3D renders and a walkthrough video.

Therefore, you can market your Airbnb or rental units before construction even finishes.

From Plan to Keys: How Long It Takes

A one bedroom house is one of the quickest homes to deliver. First, the site visit and architectural drawings take about one to two weeks. Next, structural drawings take roughly another week. Then the county reviews the plans, which typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Construction itself is quick. A simple 1 bedroom house can be built in three to five months. Meanwhile, a cottage with a deck and special finishes may take five to seven months. A rental block takes longer, often nine to fifteen months, depending on the number of floors.

Therefore, if you want to host guests for the December holidays in Diani or Naivasha, start the design by April. That gives time for approval, construction and furnishing. Similarly, if you want student tenants for the September intake in Juja or Eldoret, plan backwards from that date.

Furnishing a Small Home

Furniture makes or breaks a small house. Therefore, we plan the furniture layout on every 1 bedroom drawing. As a result, you know exactly where the bed, sofa and dining table will fit before you buy them.

Similarly, we mark socket positions to match the furniture, so you never need extension cables across the floor.

Tips for Building a 1 Bedroom House

Keep the shape simple to save on construction. Additionally, use local materials, such as Machakos stone or Western Kenya bricks. Plan water storage and solar from the start, especially in dry areas.

Finally, think about the future. A 1 bedroom house can become a DSQ, a guest house or a rental once you build a bigger main house. Ready to start? Order your plan, see our low cost house plans, or call 0725 310 112.