Apartments vs Houses: What’s best for living and investing? – Nsemkeka
Finding Home in Ghana: Apartment vs House for Diaspora Investors
For members of the diaspora eyeing Ghana as a place to retire, invest, or reconnect with their roots, one question looms large: should you buy an apartment or a house? The answer lies in how you plan to use the property—whether for personal living, income generation, or long-term capital appreciation.
In Ghana’s growing real estate market, particularly in areas like East Legon Hills, Cantonments, and Airport Residential, both houses and apartments offer unique advantages. This article will walk you through key considerations—from maintenance and location to rental potential and future resale value—tailored specifically for the diaspora investor.
1. Investment Potential: Which Yields More?
For many diaspora buyers, property in Ghana isn’t just about a place to live—it’s about building wealth.
Apartments: In prime areas such as Airport Residential, Cantonments, or East Legon, a well-located one or two-bedroom apartment can yield $150 per night on Airbnb, with some owners earning $4,000 per month. With an estimated 5-7 year ROI, apartments are increasingly popular for short-term rentals, especially during high seasons like Christmas, Easter, and the summer.
Houses: While a large house may seem like a legacy asset, location matters. A mansion in Kasoa or Akyem may not yield rent in dollars, unlike a modest home in East Legon or Airport Hills. Houses tend to take longer to appreciate unless built in Ghana’s high-demand zones.
Bottom Line: For cash flow and appreciation, apartments in prime areas outperform houses in distant or underdeveloped locations.
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2. Maintenance & Management: Ease vs Burden
Diaspora buyers are often away for extended periods. This makes property management a critical factor.
Apartments: Gated apartment complexes offer centralised maintenance, 24-hour security, water storage, backup power, and amenities like gyms and pools. Owners can lock up and leave without worrying about lawn care, security, or basic utilities.
Houses: Owning a large standalone house means higher upkeep—plumbing, electricity, pest control, and security are all your responsibility. For absentee owners, managing a house remotely can be logistically and financially draining.
Bottom Line: Apartments offer worry-free ownership, especially for retirees or seasonal residents.
3. Lifestyle Fit: Practicality Over Prestige
Aspirational thinking often drives many to build massive homes in Ghana. But lifestyle realities usually say otherwise.
Houses: The dream of owning a 5- or 7-bedroom house for retirement might sound appealing, but it often leads to “empty nest” situations. Elders may be unable to climb stairs or maintain a large property. Additionally, children may prefer to stay in the city when visiting, opting for short stays in centrally located Airbnbs.
Apartments: Most high-end apartments are built with retirees in mind—elevators, ground-floor access, modern finishes, and community living. They are also better suited for singles or couples who visit Ghana occasionally.
Bottom Line: Apartments align better with realistic, long-term lifestyle needs, especially for older investors.
4. Legal Safeguards: Understanding Leases and Land Titles
A critical distinction in Ghana’s real estate is the type of ownership:
- Foreign buyers are limited to a 50-year lease, which must be renewable by contract.
- Ghanaians can own up to 99-year leases.
- Always ensure the lease agreement includes a renewal clause, or risk losing the property after the term ends.
Additionally, whether buying land to build a house or an off-plan apartment, always demand:
- Land Title or Indenture
- Surveyor’s Cadastral Site Plan
- Full Lands Commission Search
- Sales and Purchase Agreement signed by the rightful owner
Bottom Line: Regardless of property type, due diligence and professional legal support are non-negotiable.
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5. Scalability and Income When You’re Away
If you plan to rent out your property when abroad:
Apartments: Short-term rentals in prime locations cater to tourists, expats, and business travellers. They’re easier to manage through property management firms.
Houses: These are harder to rent unless in sought-after neighbourhoods. Plus, if not well maintained, they may deteriorate quickly, especially in humid environments.
Bottom Line: Apartments offer a more passive income stream with less effort.
6. Market Trends: The Shift Toward Vertical Living
Ghana is seeing a rapid shift from expansive homes to urban apartment living, especially in Accra. Even long-time residents are downsizing. Check out Ghana’s 2025 real estate market trends data for more info.
The reasons:
- Increasing land costs in prime areas
- Traffic and accessibility challenges
- Urbanisation and migration trends
- Rising demand for secure, low-maintenance living
Many retirees and investors are now selling multiple properties to consolidate into one premium apartment with service amenities. This trend is set to accelerate.
7. Accessibility & Financing: You Have Options
Not all diaspora buyers can pay upfront. Developers now offer payment plans, especially on off-plan purchases, allowing buyers to spread payments over 12–24 months.
Though off-plan buying has risks, working with the right developer eliminates uncertainty. It’s crucial to vet developers thoroughly and seek recommendations from trusted agents.
Bottom Line: Flexible financing exists, but it only buys from proven developers.
8. Top Areas to Consider for Diaspora Investors
Based on market performance and rental demand:
- Airport Residential
- Cantonments
- East Legon Hills
- Labone & Osu
- Kumasi – Santasi & Ahodwo
- Takoradi – Near port zone
- Ayi Mensah, Aburi & Ada (for lifestyle retreats)
These locations offer the best appreciation potential, rental demand, and lifestyle conveniences.
Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Not Sentimental
For diaspora investors, choosing between an apartment and a house in Ghana shouldn’t be about emotion—it should be about function, returns, and peace of mind.
If you’re considering retirement or generating passive income, apartments in Ghana’s prime zones are the safer, smarter bet. They offer secure, maintenance-free living with income potential and easier resale.
Soft Call to Action
If you’re planning to invest in Ghana, clarify your goals, do your due diligence, and work with professionals who understand the local market. Whether you’re building your forever home or diversifying your portfolio, choosing the right property type is the first step toward long-term success in Ghana’s vibrant real estate landscape.
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