FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GOOD QUESTIONS.
CLEARER ANSWERS.
Start here for common questions about Ghana property, Stanmore services and planning your next step.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you take the next step.
Can a non-Ghanaian buy property in Ghana?
Non-citizens can acquire permitted property interests, but Article 266 of Ghana’s Constitution prohibits non-citizen freehold land ownership and limits a leasehold grant to 50 years at a time. Ask an independent Ghanaian lawyer to explain the specific interest, remaining term and conditions attached to the property you are considering. Official guidance
What documents should I check before buying?
Start with the seller’s identity and authority, the documents establishing their interest, an appropriate site plan, relevant official search results and the proposed agreement. Your lawyer should identify the additional approvals and documents needed for that transaction. The Lands Commission publishes title-registration requirements; a document checklist alone does not establish that a purchase is safe. Official guidance
How can I check a real estate agent or broker?
Ask for their name and licence details, then check their current status through the Real Estate Agency Council’s Public Registry. Also establish which party they represent and how their fee is calculated. Verifying a practitioner is separate from checking the ownership and legal position of a property. Official guidance
Is a site plan the same as proof of ownership?
No. Treat a site plan as part of the property file, alongside the documents establishing the seller’s interest and the relevant searches. Ask a licensed surveyor to check the land described and a lawyer to assess the title and authority to sell. Registration involves more than the plan alone. Official guidance
What should I check before renovating or building?
Confirm the permitted use and applicable approvals with the assembly responsible for the property. Ask qualified professionals to assess the proposed work, specification and budget. For example, Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s guidance covers building work, structural alterations and changes of use; requirements should be checked for your location and project. Official guidance
Can I use any apartment as an Airbnb or short-let?
Check the lease or ownership conditions, building rules and applicable permissions before committing. Confirm the Ghana Tourism Authority’s registration and licensing requirements for your proposed operation. Airbnb’s Ghana guidance also tells hosts to comply with their other contracts and local rules. Permission should be established for the specific property. Official guidance
Does rental income need to be considered for tax?
Yes. The Ghana Revenue Authority publishes rental income tax guidance. The appropriate treatment depends on the owner and activity, so confirm it with a qualified adviser, especially where accommodation services, a company or an overseas owner are involved. Keep income, expense and tax-payment records as part of the property’s operating file. Official guidance
What is the difference between property management and facilities management?
For a clear service brief, treat property management as the agreed oversight of the owner’s property, occupants, income and maintenance, and facilities management as the agreed running of the building’s systems and shared environment. The responsibilities can overlap. Confirm exactly what is included, excluded and handled by the estate or building manager in your contract.
What information should a remote owner receive from a manager?
Agree a regular statement of income received, fees, expenses, payments and outstanding issues, supported by invoices and receipts. Add condition updates, repair approvals and a clear action list. Define who may see tenant and guest information, and ensure the privacy arrangements explain how personal data is used and shared. Official guidance
How should I compare an investment property’s projected return?
Ask for the assumptions and supporting evidence. Compare the total setup cost, realistic collected income, operating expenses, financing, tax and replacement spending. Test quieter periods and delayed occupancy. A projected return is an estimate, not a promise; evaluate it for the specific property and your circumstances with an appropriately qualified adviser.
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