Housing

Finding Housing in Ghana

Ghana's rental market has unique characteristics that surprise newcomers, particularly the advance rent requirement. Understanding the market helps avoid costly mistakes.

Major Challenge: Advance Rent

Standard Practice: 1-2 years rent paid upfront

Why it exists: Landlord protection, traditional practice, limited tenant protections

Negotiation: Some landlords accept 6 months for expats, especially in expat-focused compounds

Financial Impact: Need $5,000-30,000+ liquid cash for housing

Accra Neighborhoods

Premium Expat Areas:

East Legon

• Most popular expat neighborhood
• Modern homes, compounds, and apartments
• International schools nearby
• Restaurants, gyms, shopping
• Rent: GHS 15,000-40,000 ($1,350-3,600) for 2-3BR
• Gated communities common

Airport Residential Area

• Close to Kotoka Airport
• Quiet, secure, spacious
• Embassy presence
• Expat compounds
• Rent: GHS 12,000-35,000 ($1,080-3,150)

Cantonments

• Upscale, diplomatic area
• Embassy row location
• Very secure
• Limited availability
• Rent: GHS 18,000-50,000 ($1,620-4,500)

Mid-Range Neighborhoods:

Osu (Oxford Street area)

• Vibrant nightlife and restaurants
• More affordable than East Legon
• Some older buildings
• Good for singles, young professionals
• Rent: GHS 5,000-15,000 ($450-1,350)

Labone

• Residential, quieter
• Mix of houses and apartments
• Good security
• Rent: GHS 6,000-18,000 ($540-1,620)

Dzorwulu

• Growing expat presence
• New developments
• More affordable option
• Rent: GHS 5,000-12,000 ($450-1,080)

Budget-Friendly Areas:

Madina, Adenta, Dome

• Popular with locals
• Less expat infrastructure
• Good value
• Longer commutes to Accra center
• Rent: GHS 1,500-5,000 ($135-450)

Types of Housing

Gated Compounds:

• 24/7 security
• Backup generator
• Water storage
• Community pool/gym (some)
• Popular with expats
• Higher rent but more amenities

Standalone Houses:

• 2-5 bedrooms common
• Usually comes with "boys quarters" (small separate unit for staff)
• Large compounds
• Self-manage utilities and security

Apartments:

• Growing sector
• Modern buildings in East Legon, Airport area
• Amenities included
• Easier maintenance

Furnished vs. Unfurnished:

• Furnished: 30-50% more expensive
• Unfurnished: Often completely empty (no fixtures, sometimes no kitchen)
• Semi-furnished: Common middle ground

Where to Search

Online:

• Meqasa.com - Largest platform
• Tonaton.com - Classifieds
• Facebook Groups: "Accra Housing", "Expats in Ghana"
• Real estate websites

Real Estate Agents:

• Common and useful for expats
• Commission: 10% of annual rent (paid by tenant)
• Can help negotiate and navigate process
• Verify legitimacy before paying

Warning Signs:

• Requests for money before viewing
• Too-good-to-be-true prices
• Pressure to commit immediately
• No physical address

Utilities and Services

Electricity (ECG - Electricity Company of Ghana):

• Prepaid meters common
• Power outages improved but still occur
• Backup generator or inverter recommended

Water:

• Municipal water inconsistent
• Most compounds have water storage tanks
• Borehole water common
• Water tanker deliveries available

Internet:

• Fiber available in major areas
• Vodafone, MTN, Surfline, Busy Internet
• 10-50 Mbps typical: GHS 200-500 ($18-45) monthly

Security:

• Gated communities offer 24/7 security
• Standalone houses often hire private security
• Cost: GHS 500-1,500 ($45-135) monthly

Lease Agreements

Typical Terms:

• 1-2 years prepaid
• Renewable (often with price increase)
• Specify what's included (water, security, etc.)
• Tenant usually pays utilities
• Maintenance responsibilities should be clear

Important Clauses:

• Termination conditions
• Refund policy if leaving early
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Utility payment terms

Tips for House Hunting

• Budget 2-4 weeks for house hunting
• Use temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hotel) while searching
• Visit at different times - traffic, noise, power supply vary
• Test water pressure and check electrical panel
• Ask about generator/inverter backup
• Verify landlord ownership through land registry if possible
• Get everything in writing before paying