Commercial Property Leasing and Sales in Kigali
Kigali's commercial property market is maturing, with growing demand for quality office space, retail units, and warehousing.
What we do
Commercial transactions are different from residential ones. They require a focus on specifications, lease terms, and business considerations.
We specialise in small to mid-size commercial spaces, including offices, retail units, and warehouses. We do not handle large industrial or Special Economic Zone (SEZ) developments, as these require specialist expertise.
Finding the right commercial space
We help you assess the size in square metres, the service charge structure, parking availability, and the VAT position on the rent. We curate a shortlist of verified commercial listings that match your operational footprint and budget.
Listing your commercial space
We list your commercial space with accurate specifications and verified title information. Commercial tenants want facts, not marketing language. We present your property professionally to the right audience.
How you get listed
Two ways to get your property on Isanzi. Same for every property type.
You upload it yourself
Create a free Isanzi account, add the property, and publish. Takes a few minutes.
- Create a free account
- Add the property: type, size, location, rent or price, photos, features
- Submit for review
- We verify, and it goes live
We do it for you
Send us the property details or book a visit. We produce the listing and publish it.
- Call, email, or WhatsApp us about the property
- Send us documents and photos, or we arrange a visit
- We write the listing and produce the photos
- You approve, we publish
Either way, every listing is verified before it goes live.
Key considerations
Commercial leases are typically longer and more complex than residential ones. Terms vary, but the following areas matter in almost every transaction.
Rent review
Rent review clauses set out when and how the rent can change during the lease. The review period is normally stated in years.
Break options
A break option lets one or both parties end the lease before the full term expires. The conditions for exercising the break must be clear.
Repairs and insurance
The lease states who repairs what, and who insures the building and contents. Commercial leases often place more responsibility on the tenant than residential ones.
Notarisation
Under Rwandan law, contracts involving immovable property often require notarisation. Commercial lease deeds are typically drafted by advocates.
Legal and tax facts
These figures come from Rwandan law and the Rwanda Revenue Authority. They apply to commercial leases and sales.
Lease drafting fees
Drafting a commercial lease deed is a regulated legal service, with fees set between 3% and 7% of the annual rent. Minimum RWF 250,000, maximum RWF 2,000,000.
Source: Rwanda Bar Association
Rental income tax
Rental income is taxed progressively. 0% up to RWF 180,000. 20% from RWF 180,001 to RWF 1,000,000. 30% above RWF 1,000,000. A 50% deduction for maintenance and upkeep applies to gross rental income.
Source: Law No. 048/2023 and the Rwanda Revenue Authority
Rental contract submission
A copy of the rental contract must be submitted to the Rwanda Revenue Authority within 15 days of signing.
Source: Rwanda Revenue Authority
VAT
The standard VAT rate in Rwanda is 18%. Whether VAT applies to a commercial rent depends on the transaction and the landlord's VAT registration status.
Sale of immovable property
Tax on the sale of immovable property is 2% for sellers registered for income tax, and 2.5% for those not registered. A deduction of RWF 5,000,000 is applied before the tax is calculated.
Source: Rwanda Revenue Authority
Areas we cover
We currently serve Kigali and surrounding areas. Our coverage includes the three districts of Kigali.
Our commercial coverage focuses on Kigali and is expanding across Rwanda as we grow.
If your property or search is outside our current coverage, contact us and we will confirm whether we can assist or refer you to a trusted partner.
Useful Links
- Residential Sales and LettingsBuying, selling, and renting residential property.
- Land and PlotsResidential and commercial land.
- New DevelopmentsOff-plan and new-build projects.
- Investment AdvisoryGuidance for investors.
- Market DataOur platform-derived figures.
- RRA Rental Income TaxOfficial guidance from the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
Ready to start?
Tell us what your business needs, or tell us about your commercial property. We will come back with a shortlist or a listing proposal.