Renting an Apartment in Ghana as a Foreigner: The Complete Practical Guide
Renting an apartment in Ghana as a foreigner is not difficult, but it is fundamentally different from renting in the United States, Europe, or Asia. The rules are less standardized, payments are structured differently, and much of the process happens offline. Foreigners who arrive without understanding these realities are the most likely to overpay or fall into avoidable problems.
This guide explains exactly how apartment rentals work in Ghana, where foreigners should look, what prices to expect, how payments are handled, which scams to avoid, and how to set yourself up for a smooth long term stay.
Table of Contents
- Where foreigners should start
- Popular neighborhoods for expats and diaspora
- Real estate agents and how they actually operate
- Apartment rental costs and currency breakdown
- How rent payments work in Ghana
- Rental applications and documentation
- Utilities and monthly living costs
- Furnished vs unfurnished apartments
- Scams, red flags, and what to avoid
- Where to buy furniture and appliances
- Cultural realities foreigners must understand
Where foreigners should start
Most foreigners should not attempt to secure a long term apartment before arriving in Ghana. Photos are often outdated, listings change quickly, and many properties are only shown in person. The safest approach is to book a short stay for two to four weeks and conduct your search on the ground.
In Ghana, physically visiting a property matters. You want to check water pressure, power reliability, road access, noise levels, and security. These details rarely appear accurately online.
Popular neighborhoods for expats and diaspora
Foreigners tend to cluster in neighborhoods with better infrastructure, access to services, and more predictable utilities.
| Area | Why foreigners choose it | Typical rental profile |
|---|---|---|
| East Legon | Modern apartments, malls, restaurants | Mid to high end |
| Osu | Central location, walkability | Studios and one bedrooms |
| Airport Residential | Security, embassies, quiet streets | High end apartments |
| Cantonments | Serviced apartments, diplomats | Premium rentals |
Real estate agents and how they actually operate
Real estate agents in Ghana are not regulated in the same way as in many Western countries. Anyone can act as an agent. Some are excellent. Others are not.
It is common for multiple agents to advertise the same property. Agents are typically paid a commission equal to one month’s rent, paid by the tenant. This is standard practice and should be budgeted for.
Always confirm that the agent has authorization from the landlord and request to see ownership documents before paying anything.
Apartment rental costs and currency breakdown
| Apartment Type | GHS | USD | EUR | CNY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 3,000 to 6,000 | 250 to 500 | 230 to 460 | 1,800 to 3,600 |
| 1 Bedroom | 5,000 to 9,000 | 420 to 750 | 390 to 690 | 3,000 to 5,400 |
| 2 Bedroom | 8,000 to 15,000 | 670 to 1,250 | 620 to 1,150 | 4,800 to 9,000 |
Prices are highest in Accra. Costs drop significantly in cities like Kumasi, Takoradi, and Cape Coast.
How rent payments work in Ghana
Rent in Ghana is usually paid upfront. One year in advance is common. Two years in advance is still frequently requested, although this practice is increasingly challenged.
Monthly rent is rare outside serviced apartments. Credit cards are almost never accepted.
Accepted payment methods include:
- Bank transfer to a Ghanaian account
- Mobile money for smaller amounts
- Cash for deposits and fees
Always obtain written receipts for every payment.
Rental applications and documentation
Rental applications in Ghana are simple compared to Western systems. Background checks and credit scores are rarely required.
Landlords typically request:
- Passport copy
- Visa or residence permit
- Tenancy agreement
- Advance rent payment
Some landlords may request an emergency contact or local reference.
Utilities and monthly living costs
Utilities are usually not included in rent.
- Electricity uses prepaid meters
- Water supply can be inconsistent
- Internet is widely available in major areas
Monthly utilities typically range from 400 to 1,200 GHS depending on usage.
Furnished vs unfurnished apartments
Furnished apartments are common in expat neighborhoods and often include basic furniture and appliances. Unfurnished units are cheaper but require upfront setup.
Always clarify what remains in the apartment before signing.
Scams, red flags, and what to avoid
- Requests for payment before viewing
- Pressure tactics claiming other buyers
- No ownership documentation
- Multiple agents demanding fees
If something feels rushed or unclear, walk away.
Where to buy furniture and appliances
- Melcom
- Shoprite Home
- Orca Deco
- Local carpenters for custom furniture
Most major retailers deliver within Accra.
Cultural realities foreigners must understand
Negotiation is normal. Timelines are flexible. Relationships matter. Landlords value respectful communication and patience.
Understanding these cultural factors often matters more than paperwork.