Affording an Apartment in Accra – Financial Planning Guide

Looking to rent or buy an apartment in Accra? Discover smart budgeting, saving, and financing tips to afford your ideal home.

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Affording an Apartment in Accra – Financial Planning Guide
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Accra is one of the most expensive cities in Ghana when it comes to renting or buying an apartment. With rising property prices and high rental deposits, many people struggle to afford housing in prime locations. However, with proper financial planning, saving strategies, and smart housing choices, securing an apartment in Accra is achievable.

This guide provides practical ways to afford an apartment in Accra, whether you are renting or buying.


1. Set a Realistic Budget

Before searching for an apartment, determine how much you can afford to spend on rent or mortgage payments.

Recommended Budgeting Guidelines

  • Renters: Spend no more than 30-40% of your monthly income on rent.
  • Buyers: Ensure that mortgage payments do not exceed 35% of your monthly income.

Example Budget Based on Monthly Salary

Monthly Income (GHS/USD) Recommended Rent (GHS/USD)
GHS 4,000 ($330) GHS 1,200 ($100)
GHS 8,000 ($660) GHS 2,400 ($200)
GHS 15,000 ($1,250) GHS 4,500 ($375)

By setting a clear budget, you can focus on apartments within your financial means.


2. Choose an Affordable Location

Apartment prices vary based on location, with prime areas costing significantly more.

Affordable vs. Expensive Locations in Accra

Luxury Areas (Higher Rent) Affordable Areas (Lower Rent)
Cantonments, Airport Residential Madina, Dansoman, Kasoa
Labone, East Legon Ashaley Botwe, Teshie, Achimota
Osu, Ridge Adenta, Spintex, Weija

Living slightly outside the central business district can reduce housing costs while still offering access to amenities.


3. Save for Rental Deposits or Down Payments

For Renters:

Most landlords in Accra require 1 to 2 years' rent upfront, making it crucial to save in advance.

  • If rent is GHS 1,500 per month, you may need GHS 18,000 – GHS 36,000 upfront.
  • Consider negotiating payment plans or choosing landlords who accept monthly rent payments.

For Buyers:

If you’re purchasing an apartment, expect to make a down payment of 10-30% of the property price.

  • Example: Buying a GHS 600,000 ($50,000) apartment requires a down payment of GHS 120,000 – GHS 180,000 ($10,000 – $15,000).

Tip: Open a dedicated savings account or fixed deposit to grow your housing fund faster.


4. Explore Financing Options

Mortgage Loans for Buying an Apartment

If you can’t afford to pay cash upfront, consider a mortgage from a Ghanaian bank.

Mortgage Providers in Ghana

  • Ghana Home Loans – Specializes in home financing.
  • Ecobank Mortgage – Offers competitive interest rates.
  • Stanbic Bank Home Loans – Provides flexible repayment plans.
  • FNB Ghana – Home financing solutions for residents and non-residents.

Tips for Getting a Mortgage

✔ Ensure you meet the bank’s income and credit requirements.
✔ Look for low-interest-rate mortgage options.
✔ Compare loan terms from different banks before applying.


5. Consider Shared Housing or Co-Living

If you cannot afford an entire apartment, consider co-living options to split rent and utilities.

Benefits of Shared Housing

Lower rent costs – Splitting rent with roommates reduces financial burden.
Shared utility bills – Water, electricity, and internet costs are divided.
More affordable access to prime locations – Live in East Legon or Osu at a fraction of the cost.

Use Apartments.com.gh to find shared apartments or rent a single room in a larger home.


6. Generate Additional Income

If your salary isn’t enough to cover rent, consider earning extra income through:

Freelancing or Remote Work – Offer skills online in writing, design, programming, or virtual assistance.
Side Business – Engage in small-scale trading, real estate brokering, or online sales.
Short-Term Rentals – Rent out an extra room on Airbnb to offset your rent.

A second income stream can make renting or buying an apartment more affordable.


7. Negotiate Rent Prices & Payment Plans

Not all rental prices are fixed—negotiation can help you save money.

How to Negotiate Rent Effectively

Offer to pay multiple months upfront in exchange for a lower monthly rent.
Ask about discounts for long-term leases (e.g., signing a 2-year lease).
Look for newly built apartments where landlords may offer introductory discounts.

Some landlords now accept monthly or quarterly payments instead of large upfront sums.


8. Find Budget-Friendly Apartments on Apartments.com.gh

Apartments.com.gh helps renters and buyers find affordable apartments in Accra. The platform offers:

  • A variety of listings for budget-conscious renters.
  • Filter options to search by price, location, and amenities.
  • Direct contact with landlords and agents for easy negotiations.

Visit Apartments.com.gh today to find an apartment that suits your budget.


Conclusion

Affording an apartment in Accra requires financial planning, smart location choices, and savings discipline. Whether you are renting or buying, following these strategies can help you secure a home within your budget.