Land Buying in Ghana: 10 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Buying land in Ghana is a significant investment, and there are several mistakes that most people make when purchasing land. These mistakes can be costly and also time-consuming, so it is essential to be aware of them to avoid any potential pitfalls. Whether you are looking to purchase land for personal or commercial use, it is essential to avoid these mistakes to ensure that you get the best value for your investment. 

In this article, we will explore some of the common mistakes that land buyers make before buying land and provide tips on how to avoid them. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the land-buying process and be better equipped to make informed decisions when investing in land.

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Land In Ghana

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make an informed decision when buying land, which can lead to a successful investment in the long run. Here is a brief overview of the top 10 mistakes most people make when buying land in Ghana.

1. Failing to research the land title 

It is crucial to research the property thoroughly before buying it. This includes the act of examining the property's boundaries, zoning laws, restrictions, and any other issues that may affect your ability to use the land. It is important to run a land search when buying or renting land. Double-check the existence of a land title at the lands commission to be certain of what you're buying.

2. Not understanding the title you're buying

A wrong land title can lead to legal trouble down the road. For example, if you purchase a property that is not legally yours, you may be liable for any damages that occur on the land. You may also be unable to sell or lease the property, and could even face criminal charges. By doing your research, you can avoid these problems.

3. Not considering the location

The location of the land is a critical factor when making a purchase. You should consider the proximity to schools, shopping centers, hospitals, and other amenities. The location of the land can determine the amenities that are available nearby. For example, if you want to build a home on the land, you may want to ensure that it is in a location that is close to schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and other important facilities.

4. Not understanding the land value. 

Another serious mistake people make when buying land in Ghana is not understanding the value of the land. This is a common mistake that many land buyers make when purchasing a piece of property. Land values are determined by several factors, including location, size, topography, accessibility, and zoning. Failing to understand these factors can lead to overpaying for the land or investing in a property that may not be suitable for your needs.

5. Not getting a private survey on the land

One of the most common mistakes developers make when buying land in Ghana is failing to get a private surveyor on the land they want to buy. This can lead to a number of problems, the most common of which is inaccurate land measurements. A private surveyor can help identify the exact boundaries of the property, which can prevent boundary disputes with neighbors. Failing to get a private survey can mean wasted time, money, and effort.

6. Not checking for liens or encumbrances

It is crucial to check for any liens or encumbrances on the property, such as mortgages or unpaid taxes. If you're thinking about buying a property, it's important to do your research and make sure there are no liens on the land. It's possible to find out if there are any liens by contacting the county recorder's office or by checking property records online. If there are any liens on the property, you may not be able to purchase it, and you may be responsible for paying the debt.

7. Failure to visit the land before you buy

Failure to visit the land before buying it is considered a great mistake because it can lead to a number of potential issues or problems that you may not have anticipated. For example, if you buy land without visiting it, you may not be aware of any physical characteristics of the land that could affect your plans for it. 

You may discover after buying the land that it is situated in a waterlogged area and which makes it unsuitable for your intended use, such as building a home or starting a farm. In short, visiting the land before buying it can provide valuable information that can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase it, and it can help you avoid costly mistakes down the line.

8. Not hiring a real estate agent

Not hiring a real estate agent for your land purchase can be a great mistake for a number of reasons. Real estate agents have a deep understanding of the local market and can provide valuable insights and advice on factors such as market trends, pricing, and negotiations. Without this expertise, you may not be able to make informed decisions about the purchase. 

They also have access to a wide range of information that may not be readily available to the general public. This includes information about property listings, zoning, property history, and regulations. Without this information, you may not be able to make a fully informed decision about the purchase.

9. Beware of land guards

Land guards are unscrupulous individuals who use force, intimidation, and sometimes violence to take control of land that they believe belongs to them. They often act on behalf of individuals or groups who claim ownership of the land or have some interest in it. Land guards are a common problem in Ghana and can pose a significant risk to those looking to buy land in the country.

If you are not aware of the existence of land guards and their activities, you may unknowingly purchase land that is already under dispute. This could lead to a range of problems, including legal battles, loss of investment, and in some cases, physical harm. To avoid the risk of running afoul of land guards, it is important to conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing land in Ghana. 

10. Buying land in a bad location

Buying land in a bad location can be a great mistake since it has limited potential for development. If the land is in a bad location, it may not have much potential for development. This means that it may be difficult to find buyers or tenants for the property, and it may not appreciate in value as much as other properties in better locations.

The Bottom Line

Avoiding mistakes when buying land in Ghana is crucial for several reasons:

1. Legal Ownership: One of the critical reasons for avoiding mistakes when buying land in Ghana is to ensure that you have a valid and legal claim to the land. In Ghana, issues of land ownership are often complicated, and many parcels of land have competing claims. Therefore, if you do not take the necessary steps to verify the legitimacy of the seller and the land, you risk losing your investment and being embroiled in legal battles.
2. Investment Protection: Investing in land is a long-term investment, and it is essential to protect your investment by ensuring that the land is not tied up in legal disputes or ownership challenges. If you make a mistake when buying land in Ghana, it could lead to costly and time-consuming legal battles that could ultimately lead to the loss of your investment.
3. Land Value: Land is a valuable asset, and buying land in Ghana is often a significant investment. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the land you are buying is worth the price you are paying for it. If you do not conduct proper due diligence and research, you may end up paying more than the land is worth or investing in land that has no value.
4. Community Conflicts: Another critical reason to avoid mistakes when buying land in Ghana is to avoid community conflicts. In many parts of Ghana, disputes over land ownership and use are common, and if you are not careful, you may end up buying land that is at the center of a community conflict.
5. Future Development: Lastly, avoiding mistakes when buying land in Ghana is crucial for future development. If you plan to develop the land or sell it in the future, any mistakes made during the buying process can affect your ability to do so. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and approvals before investing in land in Ghana.

In summary, avoiding mistakes when buying land in Ghana is crucial to protect your investment, ensure legal ownership, avoid community conflicts, and ensure that the land has future development potential.