Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ghana Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Ghana Property Pack
Yes, foreigners can legally rent out residential property in Ghana in 2026, but they must work within the country's leasehold system since freehold ownership is not available to non-citizens.
The rental market in Ghana remains attractive, with gross yields ranging from 5% to 11% depending on the city and property type, and short-term rentals in Accra generating average daily rates around $100.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data and regulatory changes to help you make informed decisions.
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 Ghana.
Insights
- Ghana's 8% rent income tax is deducted at source or paid within 30 days, which can reduce your net yield by nearly one percentage point compared to gross projections.
- Accra short-term rentals show median occupancy around 34% but top-performing properties achieve 78% or higher, making operator quality the biggest variable in Ghana's Airbnb market.
- Reliable power backup (inverter or generator) can add 15% to 25% to monthly rent in Ghana because tenants prioritize electricity resilience over almost any other amenity.
- The Bank of Ghana restricts quoting and collecting rent in foreign currency outside permitted channels, so USD-denominated leases must be handled through compliant banking routes.
- Ghana Tourism Authority now requires short-term rental hosts to register under the tourism accommodation licensing framework, making compliance a real operational step in 2026.
- Greater Accra's housing stock vacancy rate is about 14.6%, but actual rental vacancy for quality units in prime neighborhoods runs much tighter at roughly 6% to 10%.
- Furnished apartments in Accra's expat-heavy neighborhoods like Cantonments and Airport Residential can command 20% to 30% higher rents and typically lease within 15 to 35 days when priced correctly.
- Ghana's Rent Act caps advance rent at 6 months for tenancies exceeding six months, though market practice has often diverged, so foreign landlords should structure leases defensibly.
Can I legally rent out a property in Ghana as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in Ghana, but only through a leasehold arrangement because the Ghanaian Constitution explicitly prohibits non-citizens from holding freehold land.
The most common legal structure for foreign investors is a leasehold interest of up to 50 years, which is the maximum duration allowed under Article 266 of Ghana's Constitution, and this lease can typically be renewed upon expiration.
The single most important restriction to understand is that your property sits on land you do not permanently own, so due diligence on the remaining lease term, proper title registration with the Lands Commission, and a competent Ghanaian lawyer are essential before any purchase.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Ghana.
Do I need residency to rent out in Ghana right now?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Ghana to rent out a property, and most foreign landlords manage their investments remotely through a local property manager or agent.
However, you will need a Ghanaian taxpayer identification number (TIN) to legally collect rental income, because the Ghana Revenue Authority requires all landlords to pay an 8% rent income tax on residential lettings.
While a local bank account is not strictly mandatory, it is practically essential for smooth operations since tenants typically pay via bank transfer or mobile money, and your property manager will need a local settlement route.
Managing a rental property in Ghana entirely from abroad is feasible if you partner with a reliable local agent who can handle tenant sourcing, lease signing, maintenance, and tax compliance on your behalf.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Ghana in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Accra can generate higher gross revenue than long-term leases, but long-term renting often wins on simplicity and stability, especially for remote owners who cannot actively manage a property.
A well-managed long-term rental in a prime Accra neighborhood might yield GHS 60,000 to GHS 100,000 per year ($3,900 to $6,500 USD or approximately €3,600 to €6,000 EUR), while a well-run short-term rental in the same area could gross GHS 100,000 to GHS 180,000 ($6,500 to $11,600 USD or €6,000 to €10,700 EUR), though with significantly higher operating costs.
Short-term renting tends to outperform financially in prime Accra locations like Cantonments, Airport Residential, and East Legon, where expat demand, tourism traffic, and corporate stays support higher nightly rates and seasonal spikes during events like "Detty December."
What's the average gross rental yield in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Ghana ranges from about 5% to 11%, with Accra's prime expat neighborhoods typically sitting at the lower end due to higher purchase prices, while emerging areas and secondary cities offer yields toward the upper range.
The realistic gross yield range that covers most residential properties in Ghana is 5% to 9% for long-term rentals and 10% to 15% for well-managed short-term rentals, depending on location and property quality.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments tend to achieve the highest gross rental yields in Ghana because their lower purchase prices relative to achievable rents create a more favorable yield calculation, especially in areas with strong professional or student demand like Spintex, Tema, or near KNUST in Kumasi.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Ghana.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Ghana is approximately 3% to 5.5% for long-term rentals and 4% to 7% for well-run short-term rentals.
Most landlords in Ghana actually experience net yields between 3% and 6%, with the variation depending heavily on property management efficiency, vacancy rates, and whether the owner handles compliance properly.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield specifically in Ghana are the 8% rent income tax imposed by the Ghana Revenue Authority, property management fees (typically 8% to 15% of rent for remote owners), and utility backup infrastructure costs (generator fuel, inverter maintenance, and water storage) which are essential in a country where power and water reliability remain inconsistent.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Ghana.
What monthly rent can I get in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Ghana range from GHS 2,000 to GHS 5,000 ($130 to $320 USD or €120 to €300 EUR) for a studio, GHS 3,000 to GHS 8,000 ($195 to $515 USD or €180 to €480 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and GHS 4,000 to GHS 15,000 ($260 to $970 USD or €240 to €900 EUR) for a two-bedroom apartment, with Accra commanding the highest prices.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Ghana is GHS 2,000 to GHS 3,500 ($130 to $225 USD or €120 to €210 EUR), which you can find in areas like Spintex outskirts, parts of Tema, or Kumasi.
For a typical one-bedroom apartment in a mid-range Accra neighborhood like Dzorwulu or Dansoman, expect to pay GHS 3,500 to GHS 6,000 per month ($225 to $390 USD or €210 to €360 EUR).
A typical two-bedroom apartment in Ghana ranges from GHS 5,000 to GHS 10,000 ($320 to $645 USD or €300 to €600 EUR) in standard areas, while prime Accra locations like East Legon or Cantonments push rents to GHS 10,000 to GHS 15,000 or higher.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes 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.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Ghana in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Ghana is approximately GHS 1,500 to GHS 4,000 ($95 to $260 USD or €90 to €240 EUR) for a standard apartment, excluding mortgage payments if any.
A realistic low-to-high monthly holding cost range that covers most rental properties in Ghana spans from GHS 1,000 for a basic unit in a secondary city to GHS 6,000 or more ($65 to $390 USD or €60 to €360 EUR) for a premium property in Accra with full amenities.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs specifically in Ghana is utility backup infrastructure, including generator fuel or inverter battery replacement, water pump maintenance, and polytank refilling, because unreliable public utilities force landlords to budget for self-sufficiency.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Ghana.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for well-priced, good-condition rental apartments in Accra is approximately 6% to 10%, though the broader national housing stock vacancy sits around 12% to 15% according to census data.
A landlord in Ghana should realistically budget for about 1 to 1.5 months of vacancy per year in prime Accra neighborhoods, or 2 to 3 months in less central areas, because tenant turnover and the time needed to find quality renters at the right price create natural gaps.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to vary between neighborhoods in Ghana is proximity to employment centers and amenities, with areas like Cantonments, Airport Residential, and East Legon experiencing tighter vacancy because corporate tenants and expats concentrate there.
The highest tenant turnover and vacancy in Ghana typically occurs between January and March, after the "Detty December" holiday season ends and before the first quarter corporate relocation cycle picks up.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Ghana.
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Where do rentals perform best in Ghana in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Ghana are Osu, East Legon, and Cantonments in Accra, all of which benefit from strong infrastructure, security, and proximity to business and entertainment hubs.
Families seeking long-term rentals in Ghana gravitate toward East Legon, Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, and Labone in Accra, as well as Ahodwo and Nhyiaeso in Kumasi, because these areas offer good schools, larger compounds, and family-friendly amenities.
Students drive the strongest long-term rental demand near the University of Ghana in Legon and parts of Madina, as well as around KNUST in Kumasi where neighborhoods like Ayeduase and Kentinkrono see consistent academic-year tenancy.
Expats and international professionals concentrate in Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Ridge, Labone, and Roman Ridge in Accra, where proximity to embassies, multinational offices, and high-end amenities justifies premium rents often quoted in USD.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Ghana.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the best rental yield in Ghana are the Spintex corridor, parts of Tema (especially Community 12 and Community 18), and Asokwa in Kumasi, where purchase prices remain moderate but rental demand from working professionals stays strong.
These top-yielding neighborhoods in Ghana typically deliver gross rental yields in the range of 7% to 11%, compared to 4% to 6% in premium Accra areas where high property prices compress returns.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is their position as affordable "workhorse" locations near employment nodes, meaning properties cost less to acquire but still attract reliable tenants willing to pay market rents for proximity to jobs and transport links.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Ghana.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Ghana are Cantonments at roughly GHS 8,000 per month ($515 USD or €485 EUR), Airport Residential Area at around GHS 7,500 ($485 USD or €455 EUR), and Roman Ridge at approximately GHS 7,000 ($450 USD or €425 EUR).
A standard two-bedroom apartment in these premium Accra neighborhoods typically rents for GHS 10,000 to GHS 20,000 per month ($645 to $1,290 USD or €600 to €1,200 EUR), with luxury units exceeding GHS 25,000.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents is their combination of diplomatic presence, multinational corporate proximity, established security infrastructure, and well-maintained roads that insulate residents from Accra's traffic and flooding challenges.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent neighborhoods includes embassy staff, NGO workers, expatriate executives, and senior professionals from multinational companies, many of whom have housing allowances denominated in foreign currency and prioritize security, proximity to international schools, and reliable utilities.
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 Ghana in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most specifically in Ghana are reliable power backup (generator or inverter system), 24-hour water supply with polytank and pump, and secure gated compound access with a security post, because these directly address the country's utility and safety challenges.
A reliable power backup system can add 15% to 25% to your achievable monthly rent in Ghana, making it the single most valuable feature upgrade, since tenants will pay significantly more to avoid the productivity and comfort losses caused by frequent outages.
One commonly overrated feature that landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for specifically in Ghana is high-end kitchen appliances, because many tenants either bring their own cooking equipment or prioritize power and water reliability over imported finishes.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for landlords in Ghana is installing quality window security bars and mosquito screens, which cost relatively little but address two immediate tenant concerns: safety and pest control.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Ghana typically rent 2 to 4 weeks faster than unfurnished equivalents, with well-priced furnished units in prime Accra areas leasing within 15 to 35 days compared to 30 to 60 days for unfurnished properties.
Furnished apartments in Ghana command a rent premium of approximately 20% to 35% over unfurnished units, though this comes with higher maintenance costs and faster furniture depreciation that landlords must factor into their net yield calculations.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Ghana right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Ghana right now?
In practice, landlords in Ghana can set initial rent prices freely based on market conditions, though the country does have rent control legislation (the Rent Act of 1963) that technically empowers rent officers to intervene in disputes.
Ghana's Rent Act caps advance rent payments rather than the rent amount itself: for monthly tenancies, landlords cannot demand more than one month in advance, and for tenancies exceeding six months, the maximum advance is six months, with violations constituting an offence under the law.
What's the standard lease length in Ghana right now?
The standard or most common lease length for residential rentals in Ghana is one year, though some landlords prefer longer terms to minimize turnover and align with the advance rent culture.
There is no strict legal maximum on security deposits in Ghana, but the common and defensible practice is to collect one to two months' rent as a security deposit, clearly documented and condition-based for deductions.
Security deposits in Ghana should be returned at the end of the tenancy minus any legitimate deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, though the lack of a standardized escrow requirement means clear documentation at move-in is essential for dispute prevention.
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 Ghana in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Ghana right now?
Yes, Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Ghana, and the Ghana Tourism Authority has moved to formalize the sector by requiring hosts to register under the tourism accommodation licensing framework.
To operate a short-term rental legally in Ghana in 2026, you should register with the Ghana Tourism Authority and obtain the appropriate accommodation license, a process the regulator has been streamlining following its engagements with Airbnb.
Ghana does not currently impose nationwide annual night limits or caps on how many days per year a property can be rented short-term, though local assemblies may introduce additional rules that your property manager should verify.
The most common consequence for operating an unlicensed or non-compliant short-term rental in Ghana is potential fines, closure orders, or difficulty accessing formal banking and insurance services, as the regulatory environment tightens in 2026.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Ghana.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Accra is approximately 34% to 48%, depending on property quality and location, though top-performing listings achieve 70% or higher.
The realistic low-to-high occupancy rate range that most short-term rentals experience in Ghana spans from about 20% for entry-level properties to 78% or more for best-in-class listings in prime Accra neighborhoods.
The highest occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Ghana occur in December during the "Detty December" holiday season, when diaspora visitors and tourists flood Accra, as well as during major events and conferences throughout the year.
The lowest occupancy rates typically fall in the first quarter (January through March) and again around September to October, when tourism slows and corporate travel dips before the year-end holiday surge.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Ghana.
What's the average nightly rate in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Accra is approximately $80 to $110 USD (GHS 1,240 to GHS 1,700 or €75 to €100 EUR), though rates vary significantly by neighborhood and property quality.
A realistic low-to-high nightly rate range that covers most short-term rental listings in Ghana spans from about $40 to $50 USD (GHS 620 to GHS 775 or €37 to €47 EUR) for basic units to $150 to $200 USD (GHS 2,320 to GHS 3,100 or €140 to €185 EUR) for premium listings with full amenities.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (December) and off-season (September to October) in Ghana is roughly $15 to $30 USD (GHS 230 to GHS 465 or €14 to €28 EUR) per night, with premium properties able to command even larger seasonal premiums during "Detty December."
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Accra is competitive but not fully saturated, with over 2,000 active listings and median occupancy around 34%, indicating room for well-differentiated properties to succeed.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Ghana has been growing steadily, driven by diaspora investors and local entrepreneurs recognizing the revenue potential, though quality remains highly variable across the market.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Ghana are parts of Osu and East Legon, where listing density is high and price competition fierce, making it harder for new entrants to stand out without superior amenities or aggressive pricing.
Neighborhoods that still have room for new short-term rental supply in Ghana include the Spintex corridor, parts of Tema near the port and industrial zones, and emerging areas like Adjiringanor, where demand from business travelers and mid-market tourists is underserved.
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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 Ghana, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution of Ghana (Article 266) | It's the country's highest law on land ownership. | We used it to confirm that foreigners cannot hold freehold and that leaseholds max out at 50 years. We then translated this into practical ownership guidance. |
| Ghana Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) | It's the official rent control legislation from Parliament. | We used it to ground advance rent limits and tenant protection rules. We also explained where market practice often diverges from the law. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority (Rent Tax) | It's the tax authority's official guidance on rent taxation. | We used it to set the 8% residential rent tax rate in our yield calculations. We also used its penalty language to stress compliance importance. |
| Lands Commission of Ghana | It's the government body responsible for land registration. | We used it to explain the paperwork trail for leasehold acquisition. We also flagged that proper documentation matters for renting and resale. |
| Ghana Tourism Authority | It's the regulator overseeing short-term rental licensing. | We used it to confirm that Airbnb hosts now need to register under the tourism accommodation framework. We treated compliance as a real operating step. |
| Airbnb Help Center (Ghana) | It summarizes country-specific hosting rules from the platform. | We used it as a cross-check for registration requirements. We also used it to keep our short-term checklist simple and actionable. |
| Bank of Ghana (FX Notice) | It's the central bank's guidance on foreign currency transactions. | We used it to explain why collecting rent in USD requires compliant banking routes. We translated this into practical "how to collect rent" advice. |
| Ghana Property Centre | It's a major national listing platform with transparent market data. | We used it to anchor typical asking prices and rents for yield calculations. We triangulated with other portals to avoid single-source reliance. |
| Meqasa | It's one of Ghana's most prominent property marketplaces. | We used it to sanity-check rent ranges and premium segment pricing. We treated it as a cross-check alongside Ghana Property Centre data. |
| AirDNA | It's a leading STR analytics provider with Airbnb and Vrbo data. | We used it to estimate short-term occupancy, average daily rates, and listing counts in Accra. We translated metrics into revenue model guidance. |
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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