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
Buying property in Kumasi as a foreigner comes with extra costs beyond the purchase price, and knowing these fees upfront helps you budget properly and avoid surprises at closing.
This guide breaks down every tax, fee, and hidden cost you should expect when purchasing residential property in Kumasi in 2026, from stamp duty and VAT to lawyer fees and property rates.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions in Kumasi's real estate market.
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 Kumasi.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Kumasi in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, total buyer closing costs in Kumasi typically range from 6% to 12% of the purchase price for resale properties, which means on a GHS 500,000 home (roughly USD 33,000 or EUR 31,000), you should budget an extra GHS 30,000 to GHS 60,000 (USD 2,000 to 4,000 or EUR 1,900 to 3,800).
If you keep expenses to the bare legal minimum with a clean title, cash purchase, and straightforward transaction, the minimum extra budget in Kumasi can be as low as 4% to 6% of the purchase price, covering just stamp duty, Lands Commission registration fees, and basic legal work.
However, if you are buying a new-build from an estate developer, taking out a mortgage, or dealing with complicated land documentation, your maximum closing costs in Kumasi could reach 15% to 20% of the purchase price because VAT and levy alone add 6%.
The main factors that push your closing costs toward the high end in Kumasi include buying from an estate developer (which triggers VAT), purchasing stool or family land with unclear documentation, needing extra title searches, and financing through a mortgage which adds registration and legal fees.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Kumasi?
The usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Kumasi is around 7% to 10% for a typical cash buyer purchasing a resale property with clean documentation.
The realistic range that covers most standard residential transactions in Kumasi spans from about 6% on the low end (simple transaction, minimal complications) to 20% on the high end (estate developer new-build with VAT, mortgage financing, and extra searches).
Out of this total, government taxes like stamp duty and VAT typically account for 1% to 7% depending on whether you buy from an estate developer, while professional service fees including lawyers, valuations, and Lands Commission charges make up the remaining 5% to 10%.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Kumasi.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Kumasi include stamp duty on the transfer instrument, Lands Commission fees to register your interest, and legal or conveyancing work to ensure your title is properly documented and protected.
Optional but highly recommended costs for foreign buyers in Kumasi include an independent property valuation (GHS 1,500 to 6,000 or USD 100 to 400), a boundary survey if land limits are unclear, extra legal searches for liens or court disputes, and professional translation services if you are not comfortable with local legal terminology.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Kumasi in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property transfer tax in Kumasi is effectively the stamp duty on conveyance or transfer, which runs at approximately 0.5% to 1% of the property value based on the schedule in the Stamp Duty Act.
There is no separate "foreigner surcharge" on stamp duty in Kumasi, although foreigners are restricted to leasehold interests of up to 50 years under Ghana's Constitution, which affects the type of instrument you register rather than adding an extra tax.
Buyers in Kumasi pay VAT on residential property purchases only when buying a new-build from an estate developer, in which case the tax is 5% VAT plus a 1% COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, totaling 6% on top of the price.
Stamp duty in Kumasi is paid during the documentation and registration process when your lawyer prepares the transfer instrument for stamping, and it is calculated as a percentage of the property's consideration based on bands set in the Stamp Duty Act.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Kumasi?
As of early 2026, Ghana does not have a widely available nationwide first-time buyer stamp duty exemption or reduced rate that you can reliably count on when budgeting for a property purchase in Kumasi.
If you buy property through a company instead of as an individual in Kumasi, your stamp duty schedule remains similar, but you will face additional ongoing costs for corporate tax compliance, annual filings, and different treatment of rental income and capital gains.
The major tax difference between new-build and resale properties in Kumasi is VAT: buying a new-build from an estate developer triggers 5% VAT plus 1% levy (totaling 6%), while private resales for dwelling purposes are generally exempt from this VAT treatment.
Since Ghana does not currently offer a structured first-time buyer exemption, there is no specific documentation or qualification process, although individual developers may offer commercial discounts which are separate from any government tax relief.
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.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Kumasi in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, a conveyancing lawyer in Kumasi typically charges between 2% and 6% of the purchase price, which on a GHS 400,000 property (roughly USD 27,000 or EUR 25,000) means legal fees of GHS 8,000 to GHS 24,000 (USD 530 to 1,600 or EUR 500 to 1,500).
Lawyer fees in Kumasi are commonly charged as a percentage of the property price rather than a flat rate, with the final cost depending on the complexity of the title, whether you need leasehold structuring, and how much verification work the lawyer must perform.
Translation or interpreter services for foreign buyers in Kumasi cost around GHS 500 to GHS 2,500 (USD 35 to 165 or EUR 30 to 155), and this expense is worth budgeting even if you speak English because local legal terminology and document formats can be unfamiliar.
A tax advisor is not mandatory but highly recommended if you plan to rent out the property or buy through a company in Kumasi, with one-off advisory fees typically ranging from GHS 1,500 to GHS 8,000 (USD 100 to 530 or EUR 95 to 500).
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Kumasi.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, real estate agent fees in Kumasi typically range from 3% to 5% of the property price, so on a GHS 500,000 home (USD 33,000 or EUR 31,000), expect agent commissions of GHS 15,000 to GHS 25,000 (USD 1,000 to 1,650 or EUR 940 to 1,560).
Whether the buyer or seller pays the agent fee in Kumasi is negotiable and varies by transaction, with sellers often covering the cost, but it is not unusual for buyers to face "buyer-side" agent demands, especially when agents control access to desirable listings.
The realistic range for agent fees in Kumasi spans from about 3% in straightforward deals to 5% or sometimes higher in complex transactions, and keep in mind that agency fees may also attract VAT on services which adds to the cost.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Kumasi?
Legal checks including title search, liens verification, and permits review in Kumasi typically cost between GHS 2,000 and GHS 15,000 (USD 130 to 1,000 or EUR 125 to 940), with the final amount depending on how many searches are needed and whether any disputes or complications appear.
The property valuation fee in Kumasi typically costs GHS 1,500 to GHS 6,000 (USD 100 to 400 or EUR 95 to 375), with prices varying based on property type, urgency, and whether you are using a bank-approved valuer for a mortgage.
The most critical legal check you should never skip in Kumasi is the title search and verification at the Lands Commission, because stool land, family land, and disputed ownership are common issues that can result in losing your entire investment if not properly investigated.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Kumasi.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Kumasi right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Kumasi?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Kumasi include perfection and follow-up documentation costs (extra statutory declarations or replacements), additional survey work when boundaries do not match what was shown, developer admin fees not included in the headline price, and VAT surprises when buying from an estate developer who did not clearly disclose the 6% tax.
When purchasing property in Kumasi, you can inherit unpaid local charges or property rate arrears that block smooth transfers, which is why your due diligence should include requesting clear receipts for all local authority payments before completing the transaction.
Buyers do get scammed with fake listings and fake fees in Kumasi, with common red flags including demands to pay viewing or processing fees upfront, pressure to pay cash quickly, and refusal to show chain-of-title documents, so always engage a lawyer early and never pay "government fees" directly to individuals.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront by sellers or agents in Kumasi include Lands Commission registration steps, extra legal searches needed for complicated titles, survey corrections, VAT and levy on new-builds, and utility connection or regularization costs.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Kumasi, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Kumasi?
If the property has a tenant in Kumasi, you should budget for extra fees including legal notices for tenant handover (GHS 500 to 2,000 or USD 35 to 130), and potentially negotiated tenant exit compensation which is a commercial reality even when not legally required.
When purchasing a tenanted property in Kumasi, you inherit the legal obligations of the existing lease including honoring its terms until expiration, maintaining the property, and following proper notice procedures for any changes.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase in Kumasi is generally not possible unless the lease contains specific break clauses or the tenant agrees to leave voluntarily, often in exchange for compensation.
A sitting tenant typically affects the property's market value in Kumasi by reducing buyer interest and creating negotiating leverage, as many buyers prefer vacant possession, which can result in a 5% to 15% discount depending on the lease terms and tenant situation.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Kumasi.
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.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Kumasi?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Kumasi right now?
The closing costs that are negotiable in Kumasi include lawyer fees (you can often negotiate a fixed fee structure), agent commission and who pays it, and sometimes developer admin fees on new-build properties.
The closing costs that are fixed by law and cannot be negotiated in Kumasi include stamp duty rates set by the Stamp Duty Act, core Lands Commission registration charges, and the 5% VAT plus 1% levy on new-builds from estate developers.
On negotiable fees in Kumasi, buyers can realistically achieve discounts of 10% to 25% on lawyer fees by agreeing on a clear scope upfront, and on agent commissions by pushing for seller-pays arrangements or reduced rates in slower market conditions.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Kumasi?
In Kumasi, asking the seller to cover some closing costs is possible and moderately common, especially in slower market segments or when the property has been listed for a while without attracting buyers.
The specific closing costs sellers are most commonly willing to cover in Kumasi include agent commission, fixing document gaps such as missing permits or site plans, and clearing any property rate arrears needed to produce clean receipts for the transaction.
Sellers in Kumasi are more likely to accept covering closing costs when the market is slow, when the property has unique issues that limit buyer interest, or when the buyer can close quickly with cash and clean due diligence.
Is price bargaining common in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common and expected in Kumasi's property market, with most sellers anticipating some negotiation before agreeing on a final price.
Buyers in Kumasi typically negotiate 5% to 10% below the asking price (for example, GHS 25,000 to 50,000 off a GHS 500,000 listing, or USD 1,650 to 3,300 off a USD 33,000 asking price), with more room for discount when you can pay quickly in cash and your due diligence is clean.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Kumasi?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Kumasi right now?
The realistic monthly owner budget in Kumasi, excluding mortgage payments, typically ranges from GHS 500 to GHS 2,500 (USD 35 to 165 or EUR 30 to 155) depending on property type, location, and whether you live in a gated community with service charges.
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget in Kumasi include property rates (budgeted monthly from an annual bill), ground rent if applicable on leasehold land, maintenance and repairs, security costs, utilities, and estate or community service charges for gated developments.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs in Kumasi spans from around GHS 300 (USD 20 or EUR 19) for a modest standalone home with minimal services to GHS 4,000 or more (USD 265 or EUR 250) for a large property in a premium gated estate with full security and amenities.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most in Kumasi is maintenance and repairs, because older properties or those with poor construction quality can require significantly more upkeep, while newer builds in well-managed estates have more predictable costs.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Kumasi here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax in Kumasi (called property rates) typically ranges from GHS 200 to GHS 2,500 (USD 13 to 165 or EUR 12 to 155) for standard owner-occupied homes, with larger or prime properties paying significantly more.
The realistic low-to-high range for annual property rates in Kumasi spans from about GHS 150 (USD 10 or EUR 9) for modest properties in less developed areas to GHS 5,000 or more (USD 330 or EUR 310) for high-value properties in prime neighborhoods.
Property tax in Kumasi is calculated and collected by the local assembly (Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly), with rates based on a combination of property valuation methods that can vary, so you should treat any estimate as a placeholder until you see the actual bill for your specific address.
There are no widely publicized exemptions or reductions for residential property owners in Kumasi, although elderly or disabled homeowners may qualify for relief under certain local provisions that are worth inquiring about at the assembly office.
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.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Kumasi in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Kumasi is subject to Ghana's Rent Income Tax, and a reasonable planning estimate for a non-professional individual landlord is around 8% of gross rent, though the exact rate depends on your income classification and withholding arrangements.
Landlords in Kumasi can deduct certain expenses from rental income taxes, typically including repairs, agent fees, and maintenance costs, but the exact deductibility depends on how the Ghana Revenue Authority treats your rental income category and whether you have proper documentation.
After deductions, the realistic effective tax rate for typical landlords in Kumasi ranges from about 5% to 10% of gross rent, depending on how much qualifying expenses you can document and how your income is classified.
Foreign property owners in Kumasi generally face the same rental income tax structure as residents, though non-resident taxation can involve different withholding mechanisms, so it is worth consulting a tax advisor if you will not be living in Ghana.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Kumasi are subject to income tax on the rental earnings, and if you operate like a business (such as through Airbnb), you may also face VAT obligations on the service component of your rentals.
Short-term rental income in Kumasi is generally taxed similarly to long-term rental income under the income tax framework, but the VAT treatment and administrative requirements can be more complex because short-term rentals often resemble hospitality services rather than simple property letting.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Kumasi.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Kumasi in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Kumasi typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the sale price, depending on your agent arrangement, legal complexity, and whether you have taxable gains.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for total selling costs in Kumasi spans from about 4% (minimal agent involvement, simple transaction) to 12% or more (full agent commission, legal complexities, capital gains tax on significant profit).
The specific cost categories that make up total selling expenses in Kumasi include agent commission (3% to 5%), legal fees for preparing sale documents (1% to 3%), any necessary repairs or document fixes, and capital gains tax if you made a profit on the sale.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses in Kumasi is usually the real estate agent commission, which at 3% to 5% of the sale price often exceeds all other selling costs combined.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Kumasi in 2026?
As of early 2026, capital gains tax in Kumasi applies at approximately 15% of the taxable gain (the profit you made, not the full sale price), as outlined by the Ghana Revenue Authority for disposal of chargeable assets including property.
Exemptions to capital gains tax in Kumasi may be available depending on the nature of the asset and taxpayer circumstances, but you should not assume you qualify for any relief without checking the specific rules at the time of sale with a tax advisor.
Foreigners selling property in Kumasi do not face a separate "foreigner capital gains tax surcharge," although the more important foreigner-specific considerations are proper documentation of your leasehold interest and assignment history rather than an extra tax rate.
Capital gains in Kumasi are generally calculated as the sale price minus your original purchase price, with potential adjustments for documented improvement costs, though the exact computation rules should be confirmed with a tax professional at the time of sale.
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 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 Kumasi, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana Revenue Authority - Stamp Duty Act (Act 689) | Official tax authority publishing the underlying stamp duty law. | We used the Schedule to determine stamp duty rates for property transfers. We then converted those rates into practical budget percentages for Kumasi buyers. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority - VAT on Immovable Property | GRA's official guidance on how VAT applies to real estate. | We used it to determine when VAT applies to residential purchases, especially new-builds. We also used its exemption rules to separate private resales from estate developer sales. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority - Capital Gains Tax | GRA is the primary public source for Ghana's tax types. | We used it to establish the capital gains tax concept and headline rate. We then built a "sell later" cost checklist around it. |
| Lands Commission Ghana - Fees and Charges | Government body that registers land interests and publishes fees. | We used it to identify registration fees that appear at closing. We then grouped them into mandatory versus situational categories. |
| Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (1992) | Highest legal authority for foreign land ownership rules. | We used it to confirm foreigners can only hold leasehold up to 50 years. We then tailored our cost guidance to leasehold reality in Kumasi. |
| General Legal Council - Approved Fees | Ghana's legal profession regulator publishing official fee references. | We used it as the baseline for conveyancing lawyer costs. We then added realistic market ranges because complex titles push costs higher. |
| First National Bank Ghana - Home Loans Pricing Guide | Major bank fee guide providing transparent transaction charges. | We used it to understand standard title and mortgage registration components. We then adapted those items into cash-buyer versus mortgage-buyer cost models. |
| Ecobank Ghana - Mortgage FAQs | Large regulated bank describing common mortgage-related fees. | We used it to confirm that legal and valuation fees appear when financing. We then separated mortgage-only costs from cash-buyer costs. |
| Stanbic Bank Ghana - Home Purchase | Major bank providing independent view of purchase requirements. | We used it to cross-check due diligence documents that drive verification costs. We reflected those in our hidden costs and legal checks sections. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority - Rent Income Tax | Official tax authority page dedicated to rental income taxation. | We used it to understand how Ghana taxes rental income. We then built the rental income section around that structure. |
| Chreston International - Property Fees in Ghana | Established global advisory network with practical cost synthesis. | We used it for secondary triangulation of market fee ranges. We prioritized official sources when numbers conflicted. |
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