West Africa

 Must know as a non resident foreigner before buying real estate in Ghana 

Buy real estate 
At Ghana as a
Foreigner 

As a non-resident foreigner, you can legally buy real estate in Ghana, but you cannot own land on a "Freehold" basis (permanent ownership). Instead, you are entitled to a leasehold of up to 50 years, which is renewable. It is crucial to engage a local lawyer to conduct thorough due diligence, as roughly 80% of land cases in the Ghanaian high court are related to land litigation. 

Must Know Facts & Risks:

Leasehold Only: 

Foreigners can only acquire a maximum of 50 years at any one time, unlike citizens, who can hold 99-year leases.

Due Diligence is Mandatory:

 Never pay for land without conducting a Land Search at the Lands Commission. This ensures the property is not involved in double sales, family disputes, or government acquisition.

Double Sales & Land Guards: 

A common risk is that the same land is sold to multiple buyers. Always check that the seller (especially in cases of family land) is the rightful authority to sell.

Don't Rely on Agents alone: 

Work directly with a licensed surveyor and a property lawyer to conduct an official search to get a written report on the history of the land.

Key Procedures and Requirements:

1. Site Plan Verification: 

Always ask for a site plan with coordinates and use a licensed surveyor to verify it, as many lands are inaccurately measured.

2. Land Title Registration: 

Must know before 
You buy in Ghana 

The property must be registered with the Lands Commission to be legally binding, and the document should be in your legal name or company name.

3. Stamp Duty: 

You will be required to pay stamp duty based on the property's value.

4. Transaction Currency: 

Property transactions are often quoted in USD, even if paid in local currency (Cedi).

5. Use a Reputable Developer: 

If buying a new building, work with companies registered with the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA).

6. Family Head Signatures: 

If buying family or stool land, ensure the document is signed by the chief and principal elders. A signature from the chief alone is void. 

Recommendations for Foreigners:

Avoid Quick Payments:

 Never transfer full funds to an owner without a Lawyer and a completed legal check. Structure payments in milestones.

Investigate Land Use: 

Check with the Town and Country planning department to ensure the area isn't zoned for agricultural or government use.

Consider Renting First: 

Intel before a
Non resident 
Foreigner buys
Real estate in Ghana 

For those new to Ghana, it is often recommended to rent for 6-12 months to understand the market and locations, rather than buying blindly.