Yes, foreigners can buy and own property in Ghana — thousands do. What changes for a non-citizen is the type of interest you hold in the land beneath the building, and getting that right is the difference between a secure asset and an expensive mistake.
What you can actually own
Under Section 10 of the Land Act 2020, a non-citizen cannot be granted freehold land — any such deed is void. Instead, foreigners hold land on a leasehold of up to 50 years at a time, which is renewable, and own the building on it outright. Ghanaian citizens, including dual citizens, can take leases of up to 99 years. One trap for investors using a company structure: a company that is more than 40% foreign-owned is treated as a non-citizen for land purposes, so it falls under the same 50-year cap.
The buying process, step by step
A sound purchase follows a clear sequence: find the property and agree terms in principle; verify the title at the Lands Commission and confirm the seller has the right to sell; appoint your own independent lawyer (never rely solely on the seller's); conduct a physical inspection or send a trusted representative; sign a sale and purchase agreement; pay through traceable channels; then stamp and register the lease in your name. Rushing any of these is where money is lost.
Rental Yield & ROI Calculator
See the return a Ghana investment property could deliver.
Gross yield = annual rent ÷ price. Net yield deducts your running-cost estimate (management, maintenance, voids, service charge). Indicative only — prime Accra residential typically runs ~7–9% gross (8–11% city-wide), higher for short-let & serviced units. Always verify figures with your own due diligence.
Browse investment properties →The pitfalls that catch remote buyers
Title fraud and double-selling are the real risks in Ghana, and they target buyers who move fast and trust too readily. The single biggest mistake is sending a deposit before title is independently confirmed. Others: relying only on the seller's lawyer, skipping the Lands Commission search, and buying unregistered land on a promise. Our guide to buying and selling property in Ghana walks through the common traps in more detail.
Read before you buy
Three companion guides go deeper: Can foreigners buy property in Ghana?, the guide for foreigners buying apartments, and the guide for foreigners buying land. Planning to sell later? Factor in capital gains tax on Ghana property. And because pricing is often quoted in dollars, keep an eye on the cedi exchange rate.
For the full market picture, start with our pillar guide to investing in Ghana property, then browse what's currently for sale on Apartments Ghana.
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