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
If you are thinking about buying property in Accra as a foreigner in 2026, this guide will help you understand what is really happening in the market right now.
We cover current housing prices in Accra, how long homes take to sell, which neighborhoods are improving fastest, and what mistakes buyers commonly regret.
We update this blog post regularly to keep the information as fresh and accurate as possible.
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.
How's the real estate market going in Accra in 2026?
What's the average days-on-market in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average days-on-market for residential properties in Accra is estimated at around 90 to 120 days for most standard listings, though well-priced apartments in prime areas like Cantonments or Airport Residential Area can move in 75 to 110 days.
The realistic range that covers most typical listings in Accra spans from about 75 days for desirable apartments in expat-friendly neighborhoods to 180 days or more for family houses in mid-range suburbs like Spintex or Adenta, and luxury homes can sit on the market for 6 months or longer.
Compared to one or two years ago, days-on-market in Accra have remained relatively stable, though high borrowing costs from the Bank of Ghana's rate environment continue to limit the pool of mortgage-financed buyers, which keeps selling times longer than markets with easier credit access.
Are properties selling above or below asking in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average sale-to-asking price ratio for residential properties in Accra is around 88% to 95%, meaning most properties sell 5% to 12% below their initial asking price after negotiation.
In Accra, roughly 70% to 80% of properties sell at or below asking price, while only about 5% to 10% of listings in the most competitive prime pockets like Cantonments or Labone might attract offers at full asking price, though we have medium confidence in this number due to limited public transaction data.
The property types and neighborhoods in Accra most likely to see above-asking sales or minimal discounting are turnkey apartments in prime expat zones such as Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, and Labone, especially when the title documentation is clean and the price is realistic from the start.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Accra.
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 kinds of residential properties can I realistically buy in Accra?
What property types dominate in Accra right now?
In Accra in 2026, the estimated breakdown of residential properties available for sale is roughly 55% detached houses, 25% apartments, 10% townhouses, 5% semi-detached homes and duplexes, and the remaining 5% split between villas and compound houses.
Detached houses represent the largest share of the Accra property market, reflecting both traditional building preferences and the availability of land in suburban areas like East Legon, Spintex, and Adenta.
Detached houses became so prevalent in Accra because Ghanaian families historically prioritize owning standalone homes with private outdoor space, and the city expanded outward into large plots before high-rise apartment development became common in the past decade.
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
- How much should you pay for a house in Accra?
- How much should you pay for an apartment in Accra?
- How much should you pay for lands in Accra?
Are new builds widely available in Accra right now?
New-build properties in Accra are estimated to represent around 30% to 40% of all residential listings currently available for sale, with the share higher in fast-developing suburban corridors and lower in established central neighborhoods where land is scarce.
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest concentration of new-build developments in Accra include East Legon Hills, Adjiringanor, Ashaley Botwe, Oyarifa, Lakeside Estate, Community 25 near Tema, and parts of the Spintex corridor, where gated townhouse estates and mid-rise apartment blocks are actively under construction.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Accra
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Which neighborhoods are improving fastest in Accra in 2026?
Which areas in Accra are gentrifying in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods in Accra showing the clearest signs of gentrification include Osu around Oxford Street, parts of La and Labadi along the coast, Tse Addo near the Airport and La axis, and North Ridge where older properties are being refurbished for higher-end buyers.
Visible changes indicating gentrification in these Accra areas include the arrival of specialty coffee shops, fitness studios, and boutique restaurants in Osu, as well as an influx of upscale rental listings and renovated compound houses in La and Labadi, often marketed to expats and diaspora returnees.
The estimated price appreciation in these gentrifying Accra neighborhoods over the past two to three years ranges from about 15% to 25%, with Osu and Tse Addo seeing some of the strongest gains as new amenities and infrastructure improvements attract higher-income residents.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Accra.
Where are infrastructure projects boosting demand in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top areas in Accra where major infrastructure projects are boosting housing demand include the Airport to Tetteh Quarshie to Tema corridor along the motorway, as well as Tema itself and nearby Community 25, which benefit from improved logistics connectivity.
The specific infrastructure projects driving that demand in Accra are the Accra-Tema Motorway reconstruction and expansion, which improves commute times along the eastern corridor, and the Tema-Mpakadan rail line now operational for both freight and passenger services, which strengthens Tema's appeal for residents working in logistics or port-related industries.
The estimated timeline for these major projects in Accra is that the motorway expansion is ongoing through 2026 with phased completion, while the Tema-Mpakadan rail services launched in late 2025 and are now fully operational.
The typical price impact on nearby Accra properties once infrastructure projects are announced versus completed is a 5% to 10% premium at announcement and an additional 5% to 15% appreciation after completion, with the strongest gains seen in areas like Spintex, Community 18, Community 25, and parts of Tema closest to improved transport links.
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.
What do locals and insiders say the market feels like in Accra?
Do people think homes are overpriced in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the general sentiment among locals and market insiders in Accra is that prime area homes are expensive but hold their value, while properties outside the top neighborhoods are often listed above what buyers are willing to pay, leading to negotiation or price cuts.
The specific evidence locals in Accra typically cite when arguing homes are overpriced includes the gap between asking prices and realistic rental income, meaning a property's implied yield feels too low compared to what tenants actually pay in that neighborhood.
Counterarguments from those who believe Accra prices are fair usually point to the massive housing deficit of around 1.8 million units nationwide, limited supply in prime locations, and continued urbanization pushing more people into the Greater Accra region every year.
The price-to-income ratio in Accra is significantly higher than the national average, with prime three-bedroom houses costing $450,000 to $600,000 while median household incomes remain low, making homeownership out of reach for most locals without diaspora support or cash savings.
What are common buyer mistakes people regret in Accra right now?
The most frequently cited buyer mistake that people regret in Accra is paying money before completing a proper land title search and lawyer-led document review, which can lead to buying a property with disputed ownership or incomplete registration at the Lands Commission.
The second most common mistake buyers mention regretting in Accra is underestimating the true closing costs, including stamp duty, legal fees, and Lands Commission registration fees, which together can add 8% to 15% above the purchase price and catch unprepared buyers off guard.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Accra.
It's because of these mistakes that we have decided to build our pack covering the property buying process in Accra.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Accra
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
How easy is it for foreigners to buy in Accra in 2026?
Do foreigners face extra challenges in Accra right now?
The overall difficulty level foreigners face when buying property in Accra compared to local buyers is moderate to high, mainly because foreigners are limited to 50-year leaseholds instead of the 99-year leases available to Ghanaians, and documentation verification requires extra vigilance.
The specific legal restrictions applying to foreign buyers in Accra include the constitutional prohibition on freehold land ownership for non-citizens, the 50-year maximum lease term under the Lands Act 2020, and the requirement to register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre for certain commercial property investments.
The practical challenges foreigners most commonly encounter in Accra include navigating a cash-heavy transaction culture where many sellers prefer physical cash, managing time zone differences for remote purchases, and the risk of double sales or fraudulent title claims that require thorough Lands Commission searches to avoid.
We will tell you more in our blog article about foreigner property ownership in Accra.
Do banks lend to foreigners in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgage financing for foreign buyers in Accra is available but limited, with most banks preferring to lend to Ghanaian residents or foreigners with strong local employment, verifiable offshore income, or substantial down payments.
The typical loan-to-value ratios foreign buyers can expect in Accra range from 50% to 70%, meaning you need to bring at least 30% to 50% as a down payment, and interest rates for local currency mortgages run between 20% and 30% annually, while foreign currency loans through select banks like Absa may offer rates around 10% to 12%.
Banks in Accra typically demand from foreign applicants proof of income or employment verified by an employer or accountant, six to twelve months of bank statements, a valid passport, proof of source of funds, and sometimes a local guarantor or collateral beyond the property itself.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Ghana.
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.
How risky is buying in Accra compared to other nearby markets?
Is Accra more volatile than nearby places in 2026?
As of early 2026, Accra's price volatility is moderate compared to nearby markets like Lagos and Abidjan, with Accra experiencing more macro-driven swings due to inflation and currency fluctuations but less speculative froth because prime supply is genuinely constrained.
Over the past decade, Accra has experienced price swings of around 20% to 25% appreciation in prime areas during stable periods, but nominal values can feel volatile when the cedi weakens sharply against the dollar, unlike Lagos where naira depreciation has been even more dramatic or Abidjan where CFA franc stability provides more predictable pricing.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing the updated housing prices in Accra.
Is Accra resilient during downturns historically?
The historical resilience of Accra property values during past economic downturns is moderate, with prime central areas like Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, and Labone holding value better than suburban or fringe locations that depend more heavily on local buyer demand.
During the most recent major downturn around 2022 to 2023 when Ghana faced a debt crisis and inflation spiked above 50%, nominal prices in Accra's mid-market areas stagnated or dipped 5% to 10% in real terms, with recovery taking roughly 12 to 18 months as inflation began to moderate and investor confidence returned.
The property types and neighborhoods in Accra that have historically held value best during downturns are prime apartments and houses in Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Ridge, Roman Ridge, and Labone, because these areas attract expats and diaspora buyers who think in dollars and hold for the long term.
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How strong is rental demand behind the scenes in Accra in 2026?
Is long-term rental demand growing in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term rental demand in Accra is growing modestly, supported by continued urbanization, a persistent housing deficit of around 1.8 million units, and steady inflows of professionals and families moving to the city for work opportunities.
The tenant demographics driving long-term rental demand in Accra include expats working for multinational companies and NGOs, young local professionals in banking and tech, diaspora returnees testing the market before buying, and middle-income families priced out of homeownership by high mortgage rates.
The neighborhoods in Accra with the strongest long-term rental demand right now include Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Labone, East Legon, and Dzorwulu, where proximity to offices, international schools, and quality amenities attracts tenants willing to pay premium rents.
You might want to check our latest analysis about rental yields in Accra.
Is short-term rental demand growing in Accra in 2026?
Ghana does not currently have strict short-term rental regulations like some European cities, so Airbnb-style rentals operate relatively freely in Accra, though hosts should ensure proper tax compliance and building management approval in gated communities.
As of early 2026, short-term rental demand in Accra is growing steadily, driven by business travelers, diaspora visitors, and a modest increase in leisure tourism, though growth is not explosive and depends heavily on location and property quality.
The current estimated average occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Accra is around 48%, with daily rates averaging about $102 according to AirDNA data, meaning returns are decent but not guaranteed without a well-located, well-managed property.
The guest demographics driving short-term rental demand in Accra include business travelers attending conferences and meetings, diaspora members visiting family, digital nomads exploring West Africa, and tourists attending events like the Afrochella festival or visiting Cape Coast.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Accra.
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.
What are the realistic short-term and long-term projections for Accra in 2026?
What's the 12-month outlook for demand in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 12-month demand outlook for residential property in Accra is cautiously positive, with demand expected to remain selective as buyers focus on well-priced properties in prime or infrastructure-improved areas while overpriced stock continues to sit.
The key economic and political factors most likely to influence demand in Accra over the next 12 months include the Bank of Ghana's interest rate trajectory, inflation trends as they normalize toward target, the stability of the cedi against major currencies, and any policy shifts following recent political developments.
The forecasted price movement for Accra over the next 12 months is modest appreciation of around 5% to 8% in nominal terms for well-located properties, with prime areas potentially reaching the higher end and fringe areas seeing flat or slower growth.
By the way, we also have an update regarding price forecasts in Ghana.
What's the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing prices and demand in Accra is constructive, with cumulative appreciation of 25% to 40% expected in well-located areas as urbanization continues and infrastructure improvements unlock new growth corridors.
The major development projects expected to shape Accra over the next 3 to 5 years include continued motorway and road upgrades along the Airport-Tema axis, potential expansion of rail connectivity, and large-scale residential estate developments in East Legon Hills, Oyarifa, and Community 25 near Tema.
The single biggest uncertainty that could alter the 3 to 5 year outlook for Accra is macroeconomic stability, specifically whether inflation stays controlled, the cedi remains relatively stable, and borrowing costs eventually decline enough to bring more mortgage-financed buyers into the market.
Are demographics or other trends pushing prices up in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, demographic trends are having a significant impact on housing prices in Accra, with population growth, rapid urbanization, and a young median age of around 21 years creating persistent demand that consistently outpaces new housing supply.
The specific demographic shifts most affecting prices in Accra include continued rural-to-urban migration into Greater Accra, household formation among young adults entering their prime earning years, and diaspora returns from North America, Europe, and the UK seeking to establish a home base.
Non-demographic trends also pushing prices in Accra include strong diaspora remittances of around $4.6 billion annually flowing into property purchases, developers focusing on luxury and mid-market segments that command higher margins, and construction cost inflation from imported materials keeping new build prices elevated.
These demographic and trend-driven price pressures in Accra are expected to continue for at least the next 5 to 10 years, given that 65% of Ghana's population is projected to live in urban areas by 2030 and the housing deficit remains massive.
What scenario would cause a downturn in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most likely scenario that could trigger a housing downturn in Accra would be a combination of sustained high interest rates keeping buyers sidelined and a renewed macro shock such as another inflation spike or sharp cedi depreciation that erodes diaspora and expat confidence.
The early warning signs that would indicate such a downturn is beginning in Accra include a noticeable increase in days-on-market across all neighborhoods, more aggressive price reductions by sellers, a slowdown in new project launches by developers, and reduced diaspora inquiry volumes reported by agents.
Based on historical patterns, a potential downturn in Accra could realistically see prime area prices dip 5% to 15% in real terms over 12 to 24 months, with fringe and mid-market areas potentially experiencing larger corrections of 10% to 20% before stabilization.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Ghana | It's Ghana's central bank publishing official interest rate and macroeconomic indicators that directly affect mortgage pricing and buyer affordability. | We used it to understand the cost of borrowing and why cash buyers dominate the Accra market. We also used it to frame 2026 credit conditions and their impact on transaction volumes. |
| Ghana Statistical Service | It's the official government agency responsible for census data, inflation figures, and housing statistics that ground our population and price analysis. | We used it to anchor housing demand projections in real demographic data. We also used it to verify inflation trends that affect both nominal prices and real affordability. |
| Lands Commission Ghana | It's the government body responsible for land registration and title verification, making it essential for understanding transaction processes. | We used it to explain the documentation requirements that create timeline friction for buyers. We also used it to highlight why title searches are non-negotiable in Accra. |
| meQasa | It's one of Ghana's largest property listing platforms with transparent neighborhood supply data visible through their search filters. | We used it to identify where inventory clusters and estimate relative supply pressure by area. We also used it to populate neighborhood examples with properties actually on the market. |
| Ghana Property Centre | It's a major listing platform that publishes median rent data with a stated methodology, giving us a reliable benchmark for rental comparisons. | We used it to estimate rent levels and cross-check pricing against yields. We also used it to sanity-check asking prices against realistic income potential. |
| AirDNA | It's a widely used short-term rental analytics provider with methodology-driven occupancy and rate data for vacation rental markets. | We used it to estimate Accra's short-term rental performance with actual occupancy figures. We also used it to separate tourism buzz from real booking economics. |
| IMF World Economic Outlook | It's the IMF's flagship macro forecast product used by banks and investors worldwide to assess country risk and growth trajectories. | We used it to triangulate Ghana's economic outlook alongside World Bank data. We also used it to stress-test our demand projections against downside scenarios. |
| World Bank | It's a multilateral institution publishing consistent macro assumptions and poverty outlooks that inform investor expectations across emerging markets. | We used it to verify that inflation is expected to normalize by 2026. We also used it to inform our resilience versus volatility analysis for Accra property. |
| UN DESA | It's the United Nations standard reference for global urbanization trends that helps contextualize Accra's long-term demand story. | We used it to confirm that Accra's growth is driven by genuine urbanization, not just speculation. We also used it as a neutral cross-country comparator for urban migration patterns. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority | It's the tax authority that explains stamp duty rules, helping buyers understand their legal obligations at closing. | We used it to clarify what stamp duty applies and when. We also used it to ensure buyers budget accurately for total closing costs. |
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