Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ghana Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Accra's property market is included in our pack
This guide covers everything you need to know about renting out property in Accra as a foreigner in 2026, from legal requirements to realistic income projections.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions and regulations in Ghana's capital city.
All figures are based on verified sources and our own market research conducted in early 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Accra.
Insights
- Gross rental yields in Accra range from 8% to 11% in prime neighborhoods like East Legon and Cantonments, outperforming most major African cities and many developed markets globally.
- Foreigners cannot hold freehold property in Ghana and are limited to 50-year leasehold interests under the 1992 Constitution, though these leases can typically be renewed.
- The residential rent income tax in Accra is 8% of gross rent, which is relatively low compared to many other investment destinations and straightforward to calculate.
- Short-term rental occupancy in Accra averages 34% for typical properties but top-performing Airbnbs achieve 78% or higher, showing huge variance based on quality and location.
- Premium 3-bedroom apartments in East Legon and Cantonments command monthly rents between $1,500 and $2,500, primarily paid by expats and corporate tenants.
- Backup power and reliable water supply are the two features that increase rent the most in Accra, as frequent utility interruptions make these essential for tenants.
- The Greater Accra vacancy rate sits around 14.6% according to census data, but well-priced rentals in good locations typically experience only 1 to 2 months vacant per year.
- Spintex corridor offers some of the best rental yields in Accra because purchase prices remain reasonable while demand from young professionals stays strong.
Can I legally rent out a property in Accra as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally acquire and rent out residential property in Accra, but they must do so through a leasehold arrangement rather than outright ownership.
The most common legal structure for foreign investors in Accra is a long-term leasehold, typically obtained through purchasing into a residential development or negotiating directly with landowners or the Lands Commission.
The single biggest restriction foreigners face is that Ghana's 1992 Constitution caps non-citizen land interests at a maximum of 50 years, meaning you cannot hold freehold title regardless of how much you invest.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Accra.
Do I need residency to rent out in Accra right now?
You do not need to be a resident of Ghana to rent out a property in Accra, as non-resident foreign ownership and rental income collection are both permitted under current law.
However, you should plan to register for a Ghana Revenue Authority tax identification number because rental income is taxable at 8% of gross rent for residential properties.
While a local bank account is not legally mandatory, opening one is strongly recommended because most tenants in Accra pay rent in Ghanaian cedis and local transfers are far more practical than international wire transfers.
Managing a rental property in Accra remotely is entirely feasible if you hire a reliable local property manager who handles tenant sourcing, rent collection, and maintenance coordination on your behalf.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Accra in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting generally provides more predictable and stable returns in Accra, while short-term renting can generate 15% to 40% higher gross income in prime locations but comes with significantly more hassle and risk.
A well-managed long-term rental in a prime Accra neighborhood might earn around $18,000 to $24,000 per year (GHS 195,000 to GHS 260,000, or €14,000 to €19,000), while a comparable short-term rental could reach $25,000 to $35,000 (GHS 270,000 to GHS 380,000, or €20,000 to €28,000) but with higher operating costs and vacancy risk.
Short-term renting tends to outperform long-term financially in Accra's expat-heavy neighborhoods like Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, and Osu, where business travelers and diaspora visitors create consistent demand for furnished short stays.
What's the average gross rental yield in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Accra ranges from 8% to 11% in prime neighborhoods, making it one of the highest-yielding markets in Africa.
Most residential properties in Accra realistically deliver gross yields between 6% and 10%, with the lower end applying to expensive areas where purchase prices have outpaced rent growth and the higher end found in emerging neighborhoods with strong demand.
Apartments, particularly 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units in neighborhoods like Spintex, East Legon, and Airport Residential Area, typically achieve the highest gross yields because they attract both young professionals and expats who pay premium rents relative to purchase price.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Accra.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic net rental yield for residential properties in Accra falls between 3% and 6% after accounting for all operating costs, vacancies, and taxes.
Most landlords in Accra actually experience net yields in the 4% to 6% range for well-located properties, while poorly managed or mispriced units can drop below 3%.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield specifically in Accra are the 8% residential rent tax, backup infrastructure maintenance (generators, inverters, water tanks), and service charges in managed compounds which can run $100 to $600 per month in premium areas.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Accra.
What monthly rent can I get in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Accra range from $200 to $600 (GHS 2,200 to GHS 6,500, or €160 to €470) for a studio, $500 to $1,500 (GHS 5,400 to GHS 16,200, or €400 to €1,200) for a 1-bedroom, and $1,200 to $2,800 (GHS 13,000 to GHS 30,000, or €950 to €2,200) for a 2-bedroom in prime areas.
A decent studio in Accra's mid-market neighborhoods like Spintex or Haatso typically rents for $150 to $450 per month (GHS 1,600 to GHS 4,900, or €120 to €350), making it an accessible entry point for landlords targeting young professionals.
A typical 1-bedroom apartment in desirable Accra neighborhoods commands $500 to $1,500 monthly (GHS 5,400 to GHS 16,200, or €400 to €1,200), with the higher end found in expat-heavy areas like East Legon and Airport Residential.
A standard 2-bedroom apartment in Accra's prime neighborhoods rents for $1,200 to $2,800 per month (GHS 13,000 to GHS 30,000, or €950 to €2,200), with Cantonments and Airport Residential Area commanding the top of this range.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Accra.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ghana versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Accra in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Accra ranges from $200 to $800 (GHS 2,200 to GHS 8,600, or €160 to €630), representing roughly 25% to 45% of gross monthly rent depending on the property type and location.
For most standard rental properties in Accra, monthly holding costs realistically fall between $250 and $600 (GHS 2,700 to GHS 6,500, or €200 to €470), with higher costs for serviced compounds and lower costs for standalone units without shared facilities.
The single largest cost contributor in Accra specifically is service charges in managed compounds, which can range from $100 to $600 monthly and cover security, compound maintenance, and shared generator fuel.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Accra.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Accra ranges from 8% to 15% annually, which translates to roughly 1 to 2 months without a paying tenant each year for a well-managed property.
Landlords in Accra should realistically budget for 1 to 2 months of vacancy per year because tenant turnover, re-letting periods, and occasional market slowdowns are normal even in high-demand neighborhoods.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to vary across Accra neighborhoods is proximity to employment hubs and expat communities, with areas like Airport Residential and Cantonments experiencing faster tenant placement than outer suburbs like Adenta or Kasoa.
Tenant turnover in Accra tends to peak around December and January when many expat contracts end and families relocate, as well as around August when corporate reassignments often occur.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Accra.
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Where do rentals perform best in Accra in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Accra are East Legon, Cantonments, and Airport Residential Area, all of which consistently attract premium tenants and show strong occupancy rates.
For families seeking long-term rentals in Accra, the strongest demand concentrates in East Legon, Trasacco Valley, Adjiringanor, and Dzorwulu, where spacious compounds, good schools, and quiet streets create ideal family living conditions.
Student rental demand in Accra clusters around Legon (near University of Ghana), Haatso, and Madina, where affordable housing and easy commutes to campus drive consistent occupancy throughout the academic year.
Expats and international professionals seeking long-term rentals strongly prefer Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Labone, Ridge, and East Legon, where security, backup power systems, and proximity to embassies and multinational offices justify premium rents.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Accra.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Accra are Spintex, Haatso, and parts of East Legon Hills, where purchase prices remain reasonable while rental demand from young professionals stays strong.
These top-yielding Accra neighborhoods typically deliver gross rental yields in the 9% to 11% range, compared to 6% to 8% in the most expensive areas like central Cantonments or Airport Residential.
The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is their position in the "sweet spot" where properties attract quality tenants willing to pay solid rents, but purchase prices have not yet been bid up to luxury levels that compress returns.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Accra.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Accra are Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, and Ridge, with premium apartments commanding $2,000 to $5,000 per month (GHS 21,600 to GHS 54,000, or €1,600 to €3,900).
A standard 2-bedroom apartment in these premium Accra neighborhoods typically rents for $1,800 to $3,500 monthly (GHS 19,400 to GHS 37,800, or €1,400 to €2,750), while 3-bedroom units often exceed $2,500 per month.
These neighborhoods command Accra's highest rents because they offer a combination of diplomatic-area security, proximity to the airport and major business districts, reliable infrastructure, and limited new supply due to scarce land availability.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Accra neighborhoods consists of corporate expatriates on housing allowances, diplomats, senior executives at multinational companies, and returning diaspora Ghanaians seeking Western-standard accommodation.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Ghana. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Accra in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Accra are reliable backup power (generator or inverter system), dependable water supply infrastructure (tanks and pumps), and 24-hour security with gated compound access, all of which directly address daily friction points that tenants desperately want to avoid.
Reliable backup power alone can add a 15% to 25% rent premium in Accra because frequent electricity outages make this feature essential for anyone working from home or running a modern household.
One commonly overrated feature that landlords invest in but tenants rarely pay extra for in Accra is fancy gym equipment or elaborate swimming pools, since most premium tenants already have gym memberships and maintenance costs for these amenities often exceed their rental value.
One affordable upgrade that provides strong return on investment for Accra landlords is installing quality air conditioning in all bedrooms and living areas, as this is expected by tenants in the mid-to-premium segment and directly justifies higher rent.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Accra rent approximately 2 to 4 weeks faster than unfurnished units in expat-heavy neighborhoods, though this advantage is less pronounced in mid-market family areas where tenants often prefer to bring their own furniture.
Furnished apartments in Accra typically command a rent premium of 15% to 30% over comparable unfurnished units, with the highest premiums found in short-stay oriented neighborhoods like Airport Residential and Osu where corporate tenants and diaspora visitors expect turnkey accommodation.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Accra right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Accra right now?
Landlords in Accra can generally set initial rent prices freely by negotiation with tenants, though Ghana's Rent Act provides a legal framework and the Rent Control Department exists to handle disputes if tenants challenge excessive pricing.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Accra are subject to the provisions of the Rent Act which allows tenants to challenge "unreasonable" increases, but in practice the main constraint on increases is market competition rather than strict legal caps.
What's the standard lease length in Accra right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Accra is typically 1 year, though 2-year leases are common for corporate tenants, and the more Accra-specific issue is that landlords often request substantial advance rent payments upfront.
While the Rent Act sets limits on demanding excessive advance rent (commonly referenced as 6 months in relation to Section 25), market practice in Accra often involves negotiating 1 to 2 years of rent upfront, representing roughly $6,000 to $60,000 (GHS 65,000 to GHS 650,000, or €4,700 to €47,000) depending on the property.
Security deposits in Accra should be clearly documented in the lease agreement and returned at tenancy end minus legitimate deductions for damages, though specific deposit caps are less rigidly enforced than in some Western markets.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ghana compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Accra in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Accra right now?
Short-term rentals like Airbnb are legal in Accra, but they operate under a "legal with compliance" framework where the Ghana Tourism Authority actively engages with accommodation facilities and short-let operators to ensure regulatory adherence.
While there is no single universal permit for short-term rentals in Accra, operators should plan as if some form of registration or compliance may be required, especially as the tourism regulator has been increasingly active in this space.
Accra does not currently have strict annual night limits or caps on how many days per year a property can be rented short-term, unlike some major Western cities with restrictive short-term rental regulations.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Accra is potential fines or forced registration, though enforcement has historically been less aggressive than in heavily regulated markets like Barcelona or New York.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Accra.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Accra is approximately 34% for typical properties, though well-optimized listings in prime locations achieve 58% to 78% occupancy.
Most short-term rentals in Accra experience occupancy rates ranging from 25% at the low end (poorly located or poorly reviewed properties) to 65% or higher for top performers in expat-heavy neighborhoods with strong reviews and professional management.
The highest occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Accra occur during December and January (holiday season and diaspora visits), as well as during major events and business conference periods throughout the year.
The lowest occupancy rates for Accra short-term rentals typically occur in October and during the rainy season (May to July), when tourism slows and business travel decreases.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Accra.
What's the average nightly rate in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Accra is approximately $50 to $80 (GHS 540 to GHS 860, or €40 to €63) for typical 1-bedroom properties, with significant variation based on location and quality.
Nightly rates in Accra realistically range from $35 to $70 (GHS 380 to GHS 760, or €28 to €55) for mid-market studios and 1-bedrooms, up to $100 to $180 (GHS 1,080 to GHS 1,940, or €79 to €140) for premium 2-bedroom apartments in prime neighborhoods.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (December/January) and off-season (October) in Accra is roughly $15 to $40 (GHS 160 to GHS 430, or €12 to €31), representing a 20% to 40% premium during high-demand periods.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Accra is moderately competitive but not uniformly saturated, with over 2,100 active listings concentrated primarily in expat-heavy neighborhoods where new entrants must compete on quality and reviews.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Accra has been growing steadily, reflecting both increasing investor interest and rising demand from business travelers and diaspora visitors.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Accra are Airport Residential Area, Osu, Cantonments, and central East Legon, where supply is thick and success requires excellent reviews, reliable backup power, and professional management.
Neighborhoods in Accra that still have room for new short-term rental supply include areas near the airport corridor, parts of Spintex, and emerging pockets in Tema, where demand drivers exist but competition is less intense than in traditional expat zones.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Accra, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 Constitution of Ghana | It's the actual constitutional text setting legal limits on foreign land interests. | We used it to confirm foreigners are limited to leasehold. We anchored the 50-year maximum rule for non-citizens from this document. |
| Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) | It's the official rent control statute published via Parliament's repository. | We used it to ground advance rent limits and dispute mechanisms. We framed what regulated rent means in practice for Accra landlords. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority | It's the tax authority's own statement of rental income tax rates. | We used it to set the 8% residential rent tax rate. We shaped the net yield calculations using this official guidance. |
| Bank of Ghana | It's the central bank's published FX reference used across the market. | We used it to convert USD to GHS consistently. We anchored the 10.8 GHS per USD rate for all our calculations. |
| Ghana Statistical Service | GSS is Ghana's official statistics agency with core housing data. | We used it to anchor the macro vacancy context at 14.6% for Greater Accra. We translated this into practical months-vacant planning assumptions. |
| Ghana Investment Promotion Centre | GIPC is a statutory body compiling recognized market sources. | We used it to frame Accra's residential market context. We justified why neighborhood selection matters so much for rental performance. |
| Ghana Property Centre | It's a large listing platform publishing transparent summary stats. | We used it to estimate typical rent levels from a large sample. We triangulated rent ranges alongside Realtor.com and Numbeo data. |
| Realtor.com International | It's a major international real estate brand with checkable listings. | We used it to validate USD pricing in expat neighborhoods. We pulled real examples from Airport Residential, East Legon, and Cantonments. |
| Numbeo | It's transparent about sample size and useful for triangulation. | We used it as a reality check on price-to-rent ratios. We bounded our yield estimates against their implied gross yield calculations. |
| AirROI | It provides detailed short-term rental analytics with clear methodology. | We used it to anchor occupancy rates and ADR for Accra Airbnbs. We identified seasonal patterns and performance tiers from their data. |
| Ghana Tourism Authority | It's the tourism regulator's own communication to operators. | We used it to confirm short-lets are on the regulator's radar. We framed Airbnb legality as permitted but subject to compliance requirements. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Ghana. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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