The value and importance of land to man can never be over emphasised. As a matter of fact, an African saying equates this value and importance to that an African attaches to a first son. That’s the very important place land occupies in the life of man.
We live on land, eat from land, and find the foundation for the expression of our dreams and visions on land; indeed, the usefulness of land permeates most aspects of our life; that is why it finds a prominent mention in our laws and plays a very pivotal role in nations’ economies. Consequently, the availability and access to land will always remain an all-time business (commercial) and domestic concern of man.
Incidentally, however, as important and as strategic land is to our individual and national survival, our economy and development, easy acquisition and stress-free utilisation of land has remained a mere wish and aspiration that appears to be illusive for a long spell. Little wonder that, when being screened for his present appointment, Ghana’s Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, had offered the resolution of the seeming intractable challenge as one of the important objectives their government would pursue; to make land acquisition system in Ghana easier for businesses and enhance the ease of doing business.
Indeed, many businesses are reluctant to establish in Ghana due to the complex and problematic nature of acquiring land and for the exorbitant rent advance charges. “To really make the environment business friendly, we got to look at the land acquisition system in this country. People come to this country, ready to invest but most of them are put off because of multiple sale of the same land to people. Sometimes it is embarrassing,” Osafo-Maafo had said.
Really, aside from the seeming reluctance to fast-track land acquisition and making it less litigation webbed, the present difficulty in acquiring land within a reasonable period of time continues to discourage investment in critical are as such as agriculture, housing and infrastructure.
In the same vein, the land situation invariably leads to the issue of property which is the inevitable offspring of land. As laws exist for the acquisition of land, so also, do laws for property acquisition exist. Again, as in land, the need to continually ensure the implementation and effectiveness of these laws that regulate and guide property acquisition general transaction, is equally important and necessary as it feeds into the nation’s productive output and quality of life. Hence, the design of this Conference to provide a periodic review of the state of affairs of our lands and property as a way of effectively ensuring that emerging issues and hindrances are sorted out summarily to enhance productivity and ease of living.
Thus, Africa Business Media (ABM) decided to create the forum – Ghana Land and Property Conference & Exhibition – as a platform where all stakeholders would gather annually to update, discuss and examine possible solutions to making land acquisition as competitively friendly as could be found anywhere in the world. The theme for this maiden event is: Improving Land Administration for Wealth Creation: The Place of Policy, Ownership and Investment.
The Ghana Land & Property Conference& Exhibition (GLAPCE) 2018 is being designed as an annual forum where arising issues from land and property acquisitions are identified and discussed with the sole aim of finding practical solutions to ameliorating all related difficulties or challenges. Making it an annual affair ensures that arising problems do not linger to become a norm and that monitoring adherence to best practices becomes a standard practice.
Resolutions shall emerge from each conference annually and a monitoring committee shall be set up to liaise with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and parliament to see that policy propositions from each forum is considered and executed as proposed.
It is intended that each conference shall involve the following key stakeholders:
Really, aside from the seeming reluctance to fast-track land acquisition and making it less litigation webbed, the present difficulty in acquiring land within a reasonable period of time continues to discourage investment in critical are as such as agriculture, housing and infrastructure.
In the same vein, the land situation invariably leads to the issue of property which is the inevitable offspring of land. As laws exist for the acquisition of land, so also, do laws for property acquisition exist. Again, as in land, the need to continually ensure the implementation and effectiveness of these laws that regulate and guide property acquisition general transaction, is equally important and necessary as it feeds into the nation’s productive output and quality of life. Hence, the design of this Conference to provide a periodic review of the state of affairs of our lands and property as a way of effectively ensuring that emerging issues and hindrances are sorted out summarily to enhance productivity and ease of living.
Thus, Africa Business Media (ABM) decided to create the forum – Ghana Land and Property Conference & Exhibition – as a platform where all stakeholders would gather annually to update, discuss and examine possible solutions to making land acquisition as competitively friendly as could be found anywhere in the world. The theme for this maiden event is: Improving Land Administration for Wealth Creation: The Place of Policy, Ownership and Investment.
The Ghana Land & Property Conference& Exhibition (GLAPCE) 2018 is being designed as an annual forum where arising issues from land and property acquisitions are identified and discussed with the sole aim of finding practical solutions to ameliorating all related difficulties or challenges. Making it an annual affair ensures that arising problems do not linger to become a norm and that monitoring adherence to best practices becomes a standard practice.
Resolutions shall emerge from each conference annually and a monitoring committee shall be set up to liaise with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and parliament to see that policy propositions from each forum is considered and executed as proposed.
It is intended that each conference shall involve the following key stakeholders:
Government (at all levels, including the land commission, Administrators of Stool Lands)
What you need to know before buying property in Ghana
Real Estate and development in Ghana has been a rapidly growing over the past several years. Ghana offers much to travellers and expats and even more to Ghanains looking to invest in property or land in Ghana and process can be very rewarding. However there are some important things to be sure of before you make any purchase. Who owns the land?
Be sure to validate that the person/group you are buying real estate from is the correct owner. There have been many instances of land being sold by unauthorized owners, or being sold to more than one buyer. To protect yourself ensure a land title review is performed at the appropriate government office and a land valuation is also performed. There is usually a fee for these which is payed for at the buyers expense. It is well worth the price.
Always review all documents yourself, and involve yourself in all steps of the property buying process.
As an extra safety measure have an independent lawyer review your documents before you transfer funds.
Ghana Real Estate Development Requirements
If you are purchasing undeveloped land in Ghana there are often development timeline requirements set forth by the government. It is common that you are required to build at least basic infrastructure such as a well and building or foundation within a 2 year period. Developing the land also helps to ensure less questions of ownership, or unwanted harvesting of trees or other assets of the property. Development requirements should be determined before any purchase at a governmental office.
Land Leasing
Most property or land sales in Ghana are made on a leased basis. No individual or company may own the land indefinitely. Sales are made for various leasing terms from 25 to 150 years. Usually leasing terms are shorter for Non-Ghanaians but every leasing term is negotiable. Be sure to discuss with your agent.
Best Practices
The best way to ensure a safe step into Ghana property ownership is to use an official, registered Ghanain real estate agency. If you have any questions or concerns feel to contact us here at New Ghana Property and we will be happy to put you in contact with a reputable agency.
Good luck in the search for your new home!
At Emerald Properties, we have been developing luxury homes at affordable prices for the past 12 years in the most sought after areas of Accra, Ghana. Emerald has already developed five projects with three more upcoming.
With a combined experience of 70 years, our team, backed by its core values of Professionalism, Fairness, Reliability, Care, Aspiration and Innovation is guaranteed to deliver your luxury home on time and to the highest possible standard.
Our Brand
In June 2013, we rebranded from EPL (Elnental Properties Limited) to Emerald Properties. We chose Emerald Properties as our new name because it reflects the luxury homes that we create. An Emerald is a rare and precious stone: beautiful, elegant and prestigious; an emerald possesses the same qualities our customers know they will find when they buy an Emerald Home. Emeralds are also found in many countries in Africa, reflecting our Ghanaian roots and our pan-African ambitions. The new brand is aspirational, modern and reflects our mission: to develop high-end properties that complement the lifestyle and aspirations of our buyers. Spacious, secure and the height of luxury, our homes are situated in the most coveted locations, providing comfort and convenience at great value prices.
Ghana is a developing West African state with a population of 26 million and a typical warmer climate and a cooler raining season. Ghana is a democratic and politically peaceful country ranking 58th on the Global Peace Index. That said, the thought of relocating or deciding where to live in Accra, Ghana can be daunting when you have no idea how the housing, transportation, and social amenity conditions are. Fortunately for you, this article seeks to inform you about the top nine best places to live in Ghana.
1 – Airport Residential Area, Accra
Airport Residential Area is 5 minutes’ drive west of Kotoka International Airport and the finest place to live in Accra. It is quiet, clean and very secure. Prominent Ghanaians like the former President John Kuffour and foreign nationals reside here. There are many top hotels and serviced apartments to choose from. Public transportation is cheap but not as efficient so most residents travel in their cars. Shopping malls, banking halls and ATMs, schools, hospitals, pharmacies, restaurants, embassies, and airline offices are all located in this area. A section of high-rise buildings called “Airport City” offers this area a promising future. Acquiring property in the Airport Residential area is extremely pricey and the cost of living is expensive to the middle-income class.
2 – Cantonments, Accra
Cantonments is the second finest place to live in Accra. It is located 5km west of Kwame Nkrumah Circle and 15 minutes’ drive southwest of the airport. Same caliber of people above live here. There are many nicely built, 3-4 bedroom gated community estate houses to choose from. You might decide to live in Cantonments with your family because the Ghana International School (GIS) which is located here. You will have to travel 10-15 minutes to nearby Osu when you wish to visit the supermarket, ATM, etc. Be financially robust; the cost of living in Cantonments is not for everyone.
3) Osu, Accra
Osu is not a planned residential area but has service apartments for middle-income class and foreign nationals who enjoy nightlife. Built in the midst of century old buildings, the popular Oxford Street in Osu is noted for its many restaurants, cafés and brisk 24/7 businesses. There is a joint for Chinese, Italian, Thai and Mexican food if you enjoy these. Like Airport Residential, you can find just about anything in Osu.
4) Labone, Accra
Labone is to the south of Cantonments with no clear border in between. It stretches to Labadi on the east and to the coast. Middle class nationals and Lebanese Ghanaians live here with their families. Apart from guesthouses, there are no serviced apartments or top hotels. Housing agents can help you find suitable 3-4 bedroom homes belonging to rich individuals for a minimum rent period of two years. Like Cantonments, you will have to travel 15-20 minutes to Osu to shop, eat, etc.
5) Roman Ridge, Accra
Roman Ridge is the fifth finest place to live in Accra, west of Airport Residential. It has several excellent hotels and serviced apartments for rent. It is a quiet area with few offices here and there. For everything else you will have to travel to neighbouring areas.
6) East Legon, Accra
East Legon is approximately 14km northeast of the city center and is home to wealthy Ghanaians who have returned from abroad to live in their extravagant homes. Housing and real estate agents can help you find suitable accommodation in this area. There is a shopping mall that serves the area.
7) West Legon, Accra
West Legon is 13km north from the city center. This residential area is also home to wealthy Ghanaians who have returned from abroad. The serviced apartments and estate housing in this area are suitable for business owners and international students studying at the University of Ghana (Legon).
8) Dzorwulu, Accra
Dzorwulu Residential Area is 30 minutes’ drive southwest of the airport and 6.5km southeast of the city center. There are fewer serviced apartments and estate housing in Dzorwulu. Everything else about this area is similar to Labone.
Land litigation remains one of the major problems in Ghana. Lately, issues regarding land have been on the increase, and have made most of the headlines. There have been a lot of demolishing exercises carried out; land guards selling and reselling lands to people; flooding, and tidal waves invading lands in areas such as Glefe, a community near Dansoman, and all suburbs in Accra in the Greater Accra Region.
More often than not, buyers do less investigation to ascertain ownership of the land before purchasing. After thorough investigation, it comes into view that most lands sold out end up being a state acquired lands or for some original owners, but have been sold and re-sold to the poor victims by cunning chiefs and notorious land guards.
In a country like Ghana, land is a valuable asset – the reason being that they do not diminish or loose its value whichever the situation of the economy.
In planning to buy a land in Ghana, important steps must be taken to ascertain the ownership before even envisaging doing so.
Here are 6 practical steps to follow to avoid loosing your hard earned money:
The Ghana Land situation – Please visit the site. It is essential that when you want to purchase a land, you first visit the plot and look out for the land and where it is situated. Find out whether it is near a refuse dump site or it is one itself. You must also check the surroundings to see if it’s a desirable area you would want live, and also get to know if it is a water logged area. Usually, most lands in such areas are left likely to belong to government, purposefully left out for future projects.
Ghana Land Social Amenities – A land would be better to acquire or buy if it has the major necessary social amenities, such as – the land being connected to a good road network, electricity from the national grid, pipe-borne or portable water, and sometimes a market. All these are necessities of human life that we cannot live without. Therefore, it is prudent that you have all these facilities around or in the area of the land you want to purchase. Often, the lands in these areas, where there are no facilities, are not demarcated and therefore may not be for sale.
Ghana Land Chiefs and traditional leaders – In Ghana, most land disputes have been said to be caused by some chiefs and traditional leaders, as well as individuals who have self-imposed the name ‘land guards’ on themselves. Some of these chiefs and traditional rulers are in the habit of selling and re-selling lands to people, with mostly the aim of making ‘bad’ money. Many people have been victimised by their behaviours. They have cunning ways of doing this: for instance, if someone buys the land at $13,000, or GHC 31,200 at the time of writing and pays part of the money, or even pays all, but has not put the land to any use, these traditional authorities can resell the same land to a different buyer who can afford to pay much more money to the tune of $20,000 (GHC48,000), something like a ‘money show power’ system. One therefore, must check and be very sure that the land he wants to buy has not already been sold out. Don’t get scammed.
Ghana Lands Commission – The buyer would also have to check with the lands commission to ascertain whether the land in question has already been registered in another buyer’s name or has already been sold out. Sometimes, the delay in the registration process on the behalf of the land commission causes the multiple sales of a land, and it also gives some greedy chiefs and land guards the opportunity to sell that same parcel of land to other unsuspecting people. In the event the land title has already been registered, refrain from buying it.
Follow-Ups – After you, the prospective buyer have done your due diligence and checks to ensure that the land does not already belong to someone else, you must consult the town and country planning agency in the area, to be informed about the land. For example, people who want to buy lands in Tema – and its nearby towns must consult the Tema Development Corporation (TDC). It helps the buyer to know if the land has been earmarked for a market place or it has been designated for a road construction.
The buyer would also know if the land is a government acquired property. This would save the buyer from future demolition after he had had to spend thousands of dollars to put up a house only for it to be demolished by an original owner or the government. Such demolitions do not come with any compensation, and this could be the greatest lost.
Ghana Court Endorsement of Land – Some lands could have injunction placed on them by a court, in the situation whereby its ownership is being claimed by two or more people. Such lands are not supposed to be bought by a new buyer if its proprietorship is being challenged in court. Therefore, it is advisable that you avoid such lands even if one of the alleged owners, a land guard or even a chief wants to sell it at a cheaper price to you. Beware that until the final decision by the court, that land remains untouched.
Purchasing a land and putting it to a full use, for it to be taken back from you could be very traumatic. Consequently, every individual must ensure that, the above steps are taken in their search to buy a land in Ghana and knowing its ownership. This is very important and will save you from unnecessary headache and financial lost.
Owning a property is absolutely one of the greatest investments that one could ever think of making in life. It is indeed a great feat, which not everyone can attain, therefore, individuals who have made efforts to buy or build their own houses are always proud of such achievements; and Ghanaians are no exception.
The people of Ghana pride in property ownership, and would go to any length to acquire at least one. Building a house requires a great deal of money. One needs a whooping sum of not less than $100,000 (GHC 350,000 at the time of writing) to embark on such a process. Such an amount is not easy to come by, and it is proven even harder for the average Ghanaians who do not earn much income. Working on an uncompleted house requires extra funds to put finishing touches to it. These situations make mortgages a much sought after in Ghana.
There are many financial institutions which render mortgage services to people interested in buying, building or completing a house.
Prior to applying for a mortgage, it is important to be well informed about the interest rates these financial institutions charge respectively. Furthermore, it is equally essential to apply for the appropriate loan, as there are different types of mortgages for different uses, and all these come with various interest rates ranging from up to 35%-40% in some cases. (:
Different types of mortgages
Should you be interested in building your own dream house, the ‘self-Build Mortgage’ (sBM) is the loan to apply for. For most of the self-build mortgages, the money for each stage is usually only paid out once it has been completed and a valuator has visited the site.But, some self-build mortgages release the amount of money required for each stage of the building at the beginning rather than the end of the stage. This is especially useful if you do not have the cash up front to pay your builders or to buy materials.
Self-Build Mortgages tend to have higher rates than on standard mortgages, and the payment spread within 10-20years.
The ‘Home Purchase Mortgage’ (HPM) has been designed purposely for people who intend buying a house. The borrower is made to pay a minimum of 15% deposit, and the loan payment spread between 15-20 years.
In case you are looking at completing your uncompleted building, you need the ‘Home Completion Mortgage (HCM). This type of loan has been designed for people who already started the building process but stopped along the way due to financial problems. The uncompleted house could have initially been funded by the owner’s own money, his employer, bank or another mortgage company.Loans for this purpose normally do not exceed up to 50% of the total construction cost of the property, and the interest rates vary from bank to bank. The property must have reached the lintel level at least. Borrowers of this type of mortgage have a maximum of 15 years to finish payment. Not everyone can apply for a loan. To qualify for a mortgage, you must first ensure that you are not below18 years (some financial institutions have 21 years as minimum) and secondly, not more than 55 years old. There are other issues that need to be considered as well, should you decide to build, buy or complete an uncompleted house with a mortgage.
And to build, buy or complete an uncompleted house with a mortgage, one must:
Mortgage brokers – There is the need for the person to contact a mortgage broker to help them get a better financial institution or bank with the best interest rate. The borrower can also decide to do his own background checks to pick a suitable mortgage company without necessarily consulting the broker. Therefore, conferring with two or three mortgage companies would be ideal for the borrower to ascertain which company is better and has the best rates.
Intended purpose – The mortgage loan which has been acquired for the purpose of building, buying, or completing an uncompleted building must be used for the exact purpose. Some people often use the loans for something else other than the intended purpose, and in the end, they lose. Not using an acquired mortgage for the main purpose can bring problems to the borrower. It could lead to a breach of contract between him and his bankers if they found out that he was using the mortgage for something else than what both parties knew of. In this case, the borrower could even be accused of deception.
Loyalty – There is the need for the borrower to be loyal in his dealings with the mortgage company. Being loyal in this sense includes the importance of the borrower to pay his debt as agreed by both parties (himself and the bankers). The borrower must have a sturdy income, to be assured of his ability to pay his deductions without any unnecessary interruptions. He should be able to provide adequate security for the loan. Paying your debts duly will also help you avoid foreclosure, where the banker will have your property owner reverted to themselves because you are unable to pay back your debts within the given time frame.
Other source of income – To be on the safer side, the borrower must look for other sources of income. This will help him be in good terms with his bankers even if he loses his job someday. One would still be able to pay back the loan when he has alternate sources of income without being harassed by his bankers when the unfortunate happen.
Despite the relief that acquiring a mortgage for owning a house could bring, the high interest rates charged by the mortgage companies in Ghana is still a bother to Ghanaians, and especially to the average Ghanaians.
More often than not, borrowers end up paying as much as 400% of the original amount they borrowed and this takes a toll on them as they are faced with over-burdened financial situations. For this reason, not everyone in Ghana can afford to own a house. In the meanwhile, those who cannot afford to build or buy their own houses are compelled to live in rented apartments and other makeshift buildings which have their own consequences.
The government of Ghana, and the bank of Ghana must as a matter of urgency, intervene on behalf of the people, by putting measures in place to regulate the interest rates to ensure that no one is exploited, in his quest to own a house.
Blocks and Bricks are both building materials, which can be used for the same purposes. However, the two have varied differences and similarities in terms of price, durability, choices, convenience, and their advantages over each other. In Ghana, the most common building material used is cement, which is employed right from the start to the finish of a construction work; i.e., in producing blocks.
The price of a single block in Ghana now costs between Gh¢2.00 and Gh¢2.50p (73 – 91UScents), while the price of a brick is between 50 pesewas and 80 pesewas (18 – 29 UScents). Even so, in majority, if not all bidding documents, blocks remain the specified building material.
Blocks are Primary Building Material…Why That?
Amount of Blocks or Bricks Needed – The block sizes used are mainly the 6-inches for construction at the foundation level and the 5-inches for the building itself, while the brick; on the other hand; being smaller in size, a number of 6 pieces would be needed to make 1 single block. This sums up to the fact that more bricks would be required than blocks in building.Taking for instance, a case of building a standard 14 by 14 feet single room in Ghana; approximately, a number of 150 bags of cement, which is equivalent to 4,500 good quality blocks are needed as against a total of 27,000 bricks for the same kind of building. Moreover, one must also not forget that an amount of sand would be needed to be mixed with the cement in producing the blocks.
Cost of Fuel/Cement – Most people believe that it may be expensive putting up a brick building because of the initial cost to be incurred as compared with the block building.In the case of brick, more fuel is needed for the entire production, which involves mixing, drying, firing and fabrication, including hand moulding. Consequently, more fuel would be needed for this kind of work, and this calls for more money, having its own repercussions on the pocket of the builder with respect to the rampant increase of fuel prices in Ghana lately. On April 01, 2014, fuel price saw an increase by 7%, leading to the automatic hikes in all petroleum products and other commodities. This is the third time of increase since the beginning of the year, when we are only in the first quarter.The block on the other hand, does not require much more input to be produced as in the case of the bricks. It involves moulding and drying. The challenge with producing blocks has got to do with the unstable prices of cement, which shot up from ¢18.00-20.00 ($6.5-$7) by the close of last year to Gh¢21.00- Gh¢25.00 ($7.67- $9), as of now.
Labour Intensity – It is obvious that the labour force in brick building is greater than the labour force needed in block building. More workers would be needed in the brick case to undertake the various production processes of mixing, drying, firing and moulding; whereas only a few of the workers would be needed in the block building. For instance, if 8 workers are needed in the brick production, with 2 of them taking up one of the production processes, equally, only 2 workers will be needed in the block production – one worker for the mixing and moulding, and the other for the drying. More workers simply mean more cash to pay them.
Building Process – Obviously, the building process involved in both block and brick would be different, with the other requiring more people on board and using more time than the other. Bricks for instance, require more skills right from the production to the building, not to mention that they are smaller in size and also heavier, making it more difficult to be installed by few workers. This can cause a prolonged time of completion, meanwhile prices of goods and services would be going up. For the block, only a few people can handle the entire building process.
Expensive Machines – The machines used in bricks production is undoubtedly more expensive than the machine used in producing blocks. Therefore, it is easy to raise money in acquiring a block-producing machine than that of the brick-producing.
The high cost involved here has accounted for the non-usage of the bricks and scarcity of brick buildings in Ghana; however, the maintenance costs are as low. The bricks building do not need plastering and painting as would be needed in the block building. Also, when building in a water-logged area or on a wet land, bricks are the best choice the reason being that they are stronger and can absorb the water without collapsing, unlike the block building.
Despite these conveniences and advantages, cement block remains builders’ first choice. This has brought about monopoly in building materials, making cement expensive with a bag of cement being now sold at Gh¢21.00 and in some areas of Accra at Gh¢25.00 ($7.67- $9).
Inasmuch as a heavy budget is needed in putting up a brick or block building, their benefits are immense. Both building materials are strong, fire-resistant and insect-proof; raising them above other building materials such as the wood.
All the same, in order to solve Ghana’s recurrent housing deficit, it is imperative that the government puts in more effort to build the capacity of the brick industry and review the construction policies, emphasizing on the use of more local materials such as the clay. Stakeholders must also endeavour to use local building materials in their construction works for everlasting building resistance.
There are many block manufacturers located in Accra. Ghanaian and foreign investors are both in the sector. We also recommend you a foreign investment : Block Manufacturing Company in Accra Ghana
Land is a valuable asset, which appreciates or increases in term of price, as time goes on. It is therefore very important that, when you are able to acquire a land, it is registered appropriately and accordingly with the land agencies involved to avoid future land disputes and forfeiture.
In Ghana, recently, acquisition of land has become tiresome and very expensive, especially in elite areas of Accra. This gives more reason why it is vital that the land is registered as this would also give the owner full rights over the land and in its development as well as save the owner from litigation.
7 Steps to Register Your Land in Ghana
Background Checks – Carrying out thorough checks about the land is important, as this will enable the future land owner gets to know if the land is available to be acquired. In this process, the prospective land owner can also consider the services of a land lawyer to research the land and prove its availability; such as if it has already been sold out. Checks must also be done with other government land overseers, for example; the Tema Development Corporation (TDC), to ascertain if the land had been earmarked for any developmental projects. One would also be told if the land is not suitable, say if it is a water-logged area, and therefore, not advisable to be purchased.
Acquisition and Negotiation – After the availability and suitability of the land has been established, the interested buyer or lessee negotiates with the actual owner of the land for sales. It is important to be reminded that the interested buyer must deal with the rightful owner of the land because the use of middlemen is not advisable. An agreement is reached and documents made to its effect.
Document Endorsement – Three copies of the agreement documents would be needed for endorsement by a land lawyer, who will have to sign the back of each of the copies with his practising stamp duly fixed. Each copy of the documents must have a site plan attached, together with two extra copies of site plans, all making 5 documents. The back of the site plan would also be needed to be endorsed by the owner and the buyer of the land; after which they (the site plans) are to be certified by the stamps of a licensed surveyor and the regional surveyor with accurate date.
Witnesses – These are people who would testify to the proceedings so that in future whenever there is anycase of challenge about ownership of the land, they would be called upon for assistance. It is therefore required that at least, 2 qualified persons from both parties – the seller and buyer sides must sign as witnesses. The two witnesses signing on behalf of the buyer or lessee must do so with their full names, addresses and original signatures.
Land Commission – After the endorsement of the documents, it is then sent to the land commission, together with processing feesfor of processing and registration of the land to begin. After the processing is completed, the documents are released to the Land Valuation Board for stamping and certifying.
Internal Revenue Authority (IRS) – The IRS sees to the taxes associated with the registration process. From the land valuation board, the processed documents are then released to the IRS for tax clearing of the land to be made. When this is complete, the applicant, or buyer is given a tax clearance certificate. The documents are from here, taken back to the land commission for final registration at the deeds registry.
Original Copy – From the deeds registry, the buyer is given an original copy of the land title document.
It is advisable that persons who seek to register their lands go through the above processes to have their lands registered accurately and the documents original and recognized. Failure to do this, and employing unauthorized means to go about the registration process or use of “short cut” as it is popularly termed in Ghana, could lead to serious land issues in the future. The land title document must also be kept in a secured place to prevent loss or damage.
Residential property prices are surging to an all-time high, mainly buoyed by the influx of non-resident Ghanaians and foreign homebuyers, according to local real estate experts.
In Accra, the country’s capital, the average house price was GHS315,000 (US$86,957) in mid-2013, about 12% higher than in the rest of Ghana, based on a collection of house prices listed on Tonaton.com.
In recent years Ghana has seen a steady stream of other European and American passport holders of African descent arriving at Kotoka International airport, responding to the resource boom and a manufacturing boom. They collect their possessions from shipping containers at Tema port and search for homes in Accra’s popular residential areas. They are coming for what seem like the limitless opportunities in what has often been seen as one of Africa’s best-run countries.
Mercedes and Lexus abound, with designer label clad passengers. The district around the embassies and consulates is awash with the totems of success – giant satellite dishes, gated driveways that stretch into the distance. There are luxury housing estates that would not be incongruous if situated in Beverly Hills. The social elites and expatriates can find all their home comforts and Western goods at prices far in excess of the average Ghanaian’s pocket. Supermarkets and restaurants cater to their every need in air-conditioned comfort.
Yet this is a very poor country, marked by high inequality.
The most expensive area in Accra is the Airport Residential Area, with average house prices of GHS950,000 (US$262,250). Other expensive areas in the capital include East Legon GHS800,000 (US$220,842) and Spintex GHS600,000 (US$652,632).
The least expensive houses in Accra can be found in Madina with averages price of GHS200,000 (US$55,211), followed by Kwabenya and Abokobi, with average house prices of GHS245,000 (US$67,633) and GHS210,000 (US$57,971), respectively.
In the rest of Ghana, house prices remained cheap, at an average of GHS280,000 (US$77,295) over the same period. In Kumasi, the average price of a house stood at GHS220,000 (US$60,732) in mid-2013. In Sekondi-Takoradi, the average house price was GHS180,000 (US$49,690) over the same period. Cape Coast has the least expensive houses in Ghana, at an average of GHS120,000 (US$33,126).
But for all the hype about Ghana’s growth and its good government, the country is now in trouble again. The country has just decided to begin the process of applying for an IMF bailout.
The economy grew by 5.5% in 2013, a sharp slowdown from the annual GDP growth rates of 7.9% in 2012, 15% in 2011, and 8% in 2010, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The economy is projected to grow by about 4.8% in 2014 – and
There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Ghana. However, there are four forms of land ownership, some of which cannot be privately owned. Each involves differing modes of acquisition. These are: Government Land, Vested Land, Customary/Stool Land, and Family/Private Land.
Potential buyers should first consult the Ghana Investment Promotion Center regarding procedures, and to be directed to the appropriate agencies involved in legally acquiring property, since identifying legal ownership can be a problem.
Blue Rose Limited awarded the most affordable Real Estate Developer In Africa, are committed to building houses to the highest quality standards. We believe it is a basic human right for every individual to become a homeowner. We are determined to making this a reality.
You can accomplish this by either making a cash payment with flexible payment terms or you can choose to take out a mortgage facility with any of the reputable mortgage providers in Ghana. Why not come into our office to discuss your options?
Email
info@blueroselimited.com
GHANA Head Office –
Accra North Kaneshie,
Adjacent Assemblies of God Church
Tel: +233 302 223393, +233 302241459, +233 204353041, +233 289547684
Site Office –
Kasoa Kasoa CP,
near the Vodafone Exchange.
Tel:+233 302 862011,+233 204355781
Manet Housing Limited, a real estate development company, focused on elegant, luxurious, affordable homes
Manet Towers is the office / commercial building branch of the Manet family
Manet Hotels Limited, operates within the hospitality industry
Manet Construction is the division of the group that builds roads and highways
These subsidiary companies are managed by Manet International Company Limited, which acts as a parent Company.
Projects
Manet, which enjoys a reputation of quality, cost-effective and innovative building and construction, has a catalog of reputable building projects including some Past and Current Projects. Past Projects:
Manet Cottage (Baatsona)
Manet Cottage Annex (Baatsona)
Manet Com 20
Manet Ville (East Airport)
Manet Gardens (Baatsona)
Manet Court (East Airport)
Manet Palms (East Legon)
Manet Paradise (Ada)
Manet Towers (Airport City)
Various upscale commercial and residential properties at Airport Residential
Manet Crescent (Current Development at East Airport)
Manet Tower C (Current Development in Airport City)
MANET IS PROUD TO INTRODUCE OUR NEWEST DEVELOPMENTS INEAST AIRPORT ANDAIRPORT CITY
EAST AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT KNOWN AS MANET CRESCENT, TO OUR CHERISHED CLIENTELE, BOTH OLD AND NEW.
Manet News
On 26th October, 2012, MANET was presented with the overall property award for 2012 dubbed ‘Property Walk of Fame’ at the 5th Ghana Property Awards held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Accra.
On 7th September 2012, all twenty finalists visited the luxurious three-bedroom house known as the “Miss Ghana Official House”, located at the gated Manet Ville community off the Spintex road in Accra. Kindly donated by Manet, Miss Ghana 2012 and her two runner-ups will live in the tastefully furnished property during their one-year reign. Twenty finalists were hosted at the Manet corporate head office, and also given a tour of the very famous “Manet Towers,” at Airport City. Visibly excited to have a feel of what could ultimately be an official residence for any three of them, the finalists were taken round the facility by officials of Manet Properties. The contestants also “got their hands dirty” with some building materials that were being used for construction of the Miss Ghana Official House. Dr. Theresa Beeko, CEO of Manet and her team reiterated that ‘Manet identifies with the Miss Ghana vision of beauty with a purpose and were glad to come on board.
In a grand show of achievement and accomplishment the Manet Group commissioned the Manet Towers circa November 2010. It is the first ultra modern structure in Ghana
Top Kings Limited is a registered Ghanaian real estate development company.
Over the past 20 years Top Kings Limited has become one of the leading real estate developers in Ghana and a member of Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA). Top Kings Limited has operated in the luxurious and executive housing market over the years by sticking to what we do best. The company has developed several residential and commercial properties located in Cantonments, East Legon and Accra Central. Examples are the famous AU Village in Cantonments and Kings Cottage in East Legon, Trasacco Valley.
The good news is that Top Kings Limited has brought her experience and expertise in the high end housing market to bear on the lower end market by developing 2 and 3 bedroom decent but affordable homes at Fetteh close to Sun City Beach Resort just 30 minutes drive from Accra City central. This Gated Community christened Kings City is situated on 200 acre land with mix of over 1600 modern housing units.
Slogan : ‘Be a part of the MANET family”…..
