Accra is commercial and administrative centre of Ghana. Buying a house there can be a smart long-term investment if you know what you are doing. Prices vary widely, documentation can be tricky, and good legal advice is necessary. This article walks you through the essentials.
1. Decide What You Want
Start by narrowing your priorities.
Location: Popular areas include East Legon, Cantonments, Airport Hills, and Spintex. Budget areas include Adenta, Amasaman, and Kasoa.
Property type: Detached house, townhouse, apartment, or gated community.
Purpose: Are you buying to live in, rent out, or resell?
Budget: Prices range from US$30,000 for a basic two-bedroom home on the outskirts to over US$500,000 in high-end locations.
2. Understand the Costs
You are not just paying for the house.
Land title transfer fees: 1–3% of the property value.
Legal fees: 1–2% or negotiated flat rate.
Agency fees: Often 3–5% (buyer pays in many cases).
Stamp duty: 0.25–1% depending on property value.
Registration with Lands Commission: Time-consuming but critical.
Have a buffer of at least 10–15% above your purchase budget to cover these.
3. Use Verified Agents or Developers
Do not buy from just anyone. Use:
Registered real estate developers (GREDA members)
Licensed brokers
Referrals from trusted people
Avoid "quick deals" unless you can verify the identity of the seller and title documents.
4. Do a Proper Land Title Search
Many properties in Accra are on disputed land or lack valid titles.
Go to the Lands Commission to verify the ownership.
Ask for a site plan and compare it with official records.
Check if the land is under government acquisition or part of a family land dispute.
If in doubt, walk away.
5. Get a Lawyer Involved Early
A qualified property lawyer in Ghana can:
Draft or review sale agreements
Verify documents
Ensure title transfer is done properly
Protect you from litigation later
Do not rely solely on agents or verbal agreements.
6. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Buying from someone without power of attorney
Paying without a receipt or contract
Relying on family or friends to handle everything without oversight
Skipping land checks because of urgency
If it feels rushed, it is probably risky.
7. Explore Financing If Needed
Mortgages in Ghana are improving, though terms vary.
Local banks like Stanbic, Ecobank, Republic Bank offer home loans.
Interest rates are high (20–30%) and down payments range from 15–30%.
You may also explore rent-to-own or developer financing options.
8. Build vs. Buy
If buying seems too expensive, building may be an option.
Buy land and build in phases
More flexibility, lower long-term cost
But land litigation and contractor fraud are major risks
Summary Checklist
Step What to Do
✅ 1 Define your location, type, and budget
✅ 2 Include all additional fees in your planning
✅ 3 Use registered professionals
✅ 4 Verify land titles at the Lands Commission
✅ 5 Involve a lawyer before making payments
✅ 6 Avoid emotional or rushed purchases
✅ 7 Consider financing options carefully
✅ 8 Compare buying to building
Buying a house in Accra is possible but it takes patience, due diligence, and trusted support. You are not just buying property. You are securing peace of mind.
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