Have you built a rural house? If yes, why, and if no, why? How often do you visit your rural area? Do you think it is wise to build a home in your rural area? As a person, between building a home in an urban area and a rural area which one will you prioritize?
The culture of building a rural house dates way back to the 90’s. Most people working and living in the cities still consider building a rural house next to their parents and in their ancestral land. By definition, a rural house is a dwelling whose location is a rural area. Some of the key advantages of having it include lower costs, more space, privacy, and a slower pace of life than in urban areas among others. In this article, we are going to discuss a number of things to understand the pros and cons of building in a rural area in comparison to an urban area.
- Why do people build homes?
- Differences when building a rural versus an urban home
- Difference between rural and urban residence?
- Is it okay to take rural home loans also known as rural development home loans?
- Types of houses in rural areas
- Best rural house designs
To start off, we need to ask ourselves why people build houses. One of the main reasons is to have a place to live. Basically, a safe place for their children to grow and thrive. In addition, the desire to have a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle is a motivation for those looking to build either a rural house or an urban house.
Additionally, building a house is a good way to build wealth and ensure financial stability. As we all know, real estate is one of the safest ways to build wealth through appreciation. Some more reasons on why people build are:
For parents and developing where they come from
Some people build houses and leave them to their parents or guardians. It is a way of upgrading the lifestyle of their parents and rural home.
For status and prestige
Having a home earns some people respect within their circles. To them it avoids embarrassment when friends and peers visit your rural home.
For retirement
Most people build homes so that when they retire they have a place they can reside.
Cultural beliefs
At times the culture of having a house in the village especially for men push some to build homes regardless of the number of times they go to the village. Others fear dying without owning a home and what other people will say about them.
Create a legacy
A home can be a lasting reminder of the people who built it. It can also be a place where families gather for generations to come.
Differences between rural and urban residence
To start off, a rural residence has the characteristic of a low population, and its location is far from an urban center. On the other end, an urban residence is within an area that is built up and with a high population comprising different activities.
| Rural Residence | Urban Residence | |
| Population density | Low | High |
| General environment | The natural environment has more open spaces, farms, and forests | Typically have more buildings, roads, and sidewalks. |
| Transportation | Has less developed transportation infrastructure | Has more developed transportation infrastructure |
| Access to amenities | Has less access to amenities | |
| Social interaction | Have stronger social ties | Little to zero likelihood of knowing neighbours and participating in activities |
| Lifestyle | Has the advantage of being outdoors and nature | A more vibrant and exciting environment |
| Budget | Relatively affordable | More pricier due to the location and surrounding developments |
Factors to consider before deciding where to build
Building whether in the rural or urban is not a one-day decision, it is influenced by several factors that shape individual perspectives. Some of the factors include goals and objectives, family needs, convenience, availability of amenities, etc. All these factors determine when and where one will finally settle and they vary from one person to another.
Individual goals and objectives
The first question you need to ask is why are you building, Is it a house to live now with your family, a retirement home, or a vacation home? When and where do you desire to build a home? If you answer these questions you can comfortably decide where to build.
Your family needs
Do you have a family in the city? Which type of home do they need, is it a rural one or urban one? How will each or either benefit them? These are critical questions that help you identify the immediate needs of your family and help you make a better decision
Convenience
If you work and live in a city, you will need to factor in convenience when deciding where to build your home. The aspect of convenience will also greatly influence where you will be building. For the sake of your convenience and that of your family, make the right choice.
The availability of utilities
Access to utilities may be more limited in rural areas. You may need to pay for the installation of new utilities such as water, sewer, internet, and electricity. Ost rural properties do not have such connectivity in comparison to the city.
Explore options such as building in a neutral place
With the growth of devolution, a small town can offer the best of the countryside and city life. If you prepare to have a blend of rural and urban, consider looking for a neutral place with a countryside feel and urban feel which can be found in major cities in Kenya. Some of these areas include Juja, Ngong, Naivasha, Kangundo Road, Matuu, etc.
CONCLUSION
It is important to mention that the decision to either build in a rural or urban area is a good idea based on your preferences, goals, and priorities. However, do not invest everything in your rural area when you are spending most of your time in the city.
Some of those who build in the rural areas view it as a home with no exchange value or economic benefits per se. My opinion is if you can afford it, you can build a house both in your rural area and urban area. But is important to overcome the pressure from culture or peers to invest in an area that will not benefit you as much.
Do you have any questions on real estate? Feel free to leave a comment below. I will do my best to respond and provide professional guidance. Thank you for watching this video. Remember to subscribe and turn on the notification bell Together let’s unlock the potential of real estate and create a brighter future for ourselves and our loved ones.
