Buying Property in Ghana from Abroad: A Guide for the Diaspora
Many of our conversations start with someone living in London, New York, Toronto or Dubai who wants a home in Accra. Here is how to buy property in Ghana from abroad — safely and with confidence.
By KASA Properties Ltd. team
Quick answer
You can buy property in Ghana while living abroad. Ghanaian citizens, including dual citizens, can generally hold leases of up to 99 years; non-citizens are limited to leases of up to 50 years at any one time. Appoint an independent Ghanaian lawyer, verify title through an official search at the Lands Commission, use a properly executed power of attorney if someone will act for you, and pay only through traceable bank channels.
Key takeaways
- Your citizenship determines your maximum lease term — have proof ready.
- Hire your own Ghanaian lawyer; do not rely only on the seller's team.
- Verify the title and permits yourself, remotely if needed.
- If someone acts for you, give them a formal, limited power of attorney.
- Pay by bank transfer to verified accounts only — and confirm details by phone.
Can I buy property in Ghana if I live abroad?
Yes. Many buyers in Accra live outside Ghana. What matters legally is not where you live, but your citizenship:
- Ghanaian citizens, including dual citizens, can generally hold residential leases of up to 99 years.
- Non-citizens can hold leases of up to 50 years at any one time, renewable, under the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
If you are a Ghanaian with another nationality, keep evidence of your Ghanaian citizenship ready — it can affect the lease you are entitled to.
Who should be on your team?
Buying remotely works best with the right people in place:
- An independent lawyer in Ghana who acts only for you.
- A trusted representative on the ground, if you cannot travel for key steps.
- A licensed broker or agent, if you use one. Under the Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047), brokers and agents must be licensed by the Real Estate Agency Council.
How do you do due diligence from abroad?
Ask your lawyer to:
- Obtain the developer's title documents and confirm how your lease derives from them.
- Carry out an official search at the Lands Commission on the land.
- Confirm the project's planning and building permits with the relevant Assembly.
- Review the sale and purchase agreement and the lease before you pay anything significant.
Ask the developer for recent progress photos or a live video walk-through, and visit in person when you can — even once before completion is valuable.
When should you use a power of attorney?
If someone in Ghana will sign documents or deal with the Lands Commission for you, give them a formal power of attorney. Keep it limited to the specific property and tasks, and set an end date. Documents signed outside Ghana may need to be notarised and authenticated before they are accepted locally; your lawyer will confirm exactly how to execute it.
How should you send money safely?
- Pay only into accounts you have verified — ideally in the developer's company name.
- Call to confirm bank details using a number you already trust before every transfer. Fraudsters often impersonate sellers by email.
- Use bank transfers, not cash or third-party couriers.
- Agree the currency of each payment in writing, and understand how exchange-rate movements could affect your total cost.
- Keep every receipt and transfer confirmation.
What should you plan for after you buy?
- Building management: who handles maintenance, security and service charges while you are away.
- Renting it out: if you plan to let your apartment, check the lease and building rules, and get local advice on tenancy and tax obligations.
- Insurance and utilities: set them up before handover.
Talk to us from wherever you are
Our team works with buyers across time zones. If you are considering Prime Accra in Airport Residential Area, contact us by email or WhatsApp and we will arrange a virtual consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can Ghanaians living abroad buy property in Ghana?
Yes. Ghanaian citizens, including dual citizens living abroad, can buy property in Ghana and can generally hold residential leases of up to 99 years.
Can I buy property in Ghana without travelling there?
Yes, with an independent Ghanaian lawyer and, if needed, a representative acting under a properly executed power of attorney. Visiting at least once is still advisable.
How can I avoid property fraud when buying in Ghana from abroad?
Verify the title with an official search at the Lands Commission, use your own lawyer, pay only by bank transfer to verified accounts, and confirm bank details by phone before every payment.
Sources
- Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) — Republic of Ghana
- Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047)
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Seek advice from qualified professionals in Ghana and in your country of residence.
