Ghana offers great investment opportunities for people who are looking to invest or put down roots in the country. The real estate economy in Ghana has grown to become a solid business pillar and one of the most robust industries in the country. Ghana has been designated as a Gamma level world city with a growing level of international influence and interconnectedness by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network think tank. This has attracted foreign businesses and expatriates who have felt welcomed and have contributed to its flourishing economy.
As one of Africa’s most frequented tourist destinations, Ghana has opened its arms wide and has called for people of African descent in America and the diaspora to “come back home”. This is a deliberate effort to attract tourists, especially African Americans. The Year of Return 2019, Chale Wote Street Art Festival and Afro Nation Ghana are a few of the events that Ghana held in 2019 to attract people into the country. A majority of the people who visit fall in love with the country and determine to either settle down in Ghana sometime in the future or do business.
Real Estate as an Investment Opportunity
The real estate economy has directly benefited from Ghana’s flourishing economy and its robust tourism sector. Most of the tourists that visit Ghana do so to experience its vintage real estate architecture.
Ghana’s real estate architecture dates back to colonial times. This is evident by its imposing castles such as the Christiamborg, Elmina and Osu castles which now serve as tourist attractions and museums. The neighbourhoods of Cantonments and Osu, which were prominent residential area during the colonial period are now one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods with high-end properties in the country.
Ghana’s real estate architecture has transformed from mud houses with thatched roofs back in the day to high-rise office complexes and apartment buildings which graciously decorate its skyline. Some real estate companies are also exploring ways by which recyclable and eco-friendly materials such as plastics and bamboo respectively can be used in building houses which provide a more sustainable and cheaper solution to housing needs.
As Ghana’s middle class continues to grow and more foreigners visit the country, it is imperative that the real estate industry does more to accommodate the housing needs of the people. Currently, Ghana has a housing deficit of about 1.7 million units. This has created an avenue for real estate developers such as Swami India Ghana Limited to help bridge this gap and also offers a great investment option for real estate investors to cash in.
There is no short cut to making money in real estate, but you can slowly and steadily build wealth through successful real estate investing. Investing in real estate stands out as a tried and tested approach to making money.
Ghana’s housing deficit means that there are very few housing available to meet the demands of its population. If you are looking to invest in Ghana’s real estate, consider buying a property and then renting it out. The high demand means that you will never run out people looking to rent a house and you will eventually recoup your investment in the long run.
For those who don’t have enough capital to buy property and rent it out, you can rent out some of your rooms in your existing property via a site like Airbnb. There are currently about 7 million Airbnb listings around the world and it offers a pretty steady source of income for its users. As Ghana is a tourist country and home to many African cultural events, you are sure not to run out of visitors. A lot of real estate investors in Ghana make money through rental income, appreciation, and profits generated by business activities that depend on the property. This gives them passive income and stable cash flow.
The emergence of gated communities like Paradise Estate at East Legon Hills and high-rise apartments in Ghana have attracted a lot of corporations and business professionals who are looking to invest in Ghana’s real estate sector. The Solaris Luxury Apartments, for example, is a 133-unit mixed-used 13 storey development by Swami India which comprises of 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments for sale in Ringway Estate, Osu. The development is created for those who desire more than just a home and is equipped with world-class amenities with modern facilities to enhance your lifestyle. Such residential developments usually attract a lot of expatriates and business professionals in Ghana who have a taste for high-end properties.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are also another way for individual investors to earn a share of the income produced through commercial real estate ownership – without actually having to go out and buy commercial real estate. This way, a corporation uses your money to purchase and operate income properties which are bought and sold on major exchanges like any other stock. This is a way to earn regular income since the REITs will be paying you dividends. REITs afford investors entry into non-residential investments such as malls or office buildings that are generally not feasible for individual investors to purchase directly. With REITS, you won’t need a realtor and a title transfer to help you cash out your investment.
Unlike other real estate companies, a REIT does not develop real estate properties to resell them. Instead, REITs buy and develop properties primarily to operate them as part of its investment portfolio.
Conclusion
Ghana’s stable democracy, flourishing economy and very hospitable people make it a great country to do business in. The urgent demand to bridge the gap in its housing deficit makes its real estate industry a very viable investment option. Real estate investment can generate ongoing passive income and also be a good long-term investment if the value increases over time.
If you want to invest with the rental option, you need to price your rental so that all fees and expenses are fully covered. You should take the first few months of surplus money and set it aside to cover the cost of repairs on the property. It is also imperative to have insurance on the property and plan for the cost accordingly.
For Real Estate Investment Trusts, be wary of any person who attempts to sell REITs that are not registered with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). You can verify the registration of both publicly traded and non-traded REITs by SEC to be sure they are authentic.
