The Ultimate Guide On How To Buy Land In Ghana

If you’re here, it means you've finally decided to build a house in Ghana. Although buying land in Ghana is never easy, you'll be relieved to learn that if you put in the necessary effort, you'll be certain to have a smooth land transaction.

Finding that perfect land in Ghana is a breathtaking feeling, so don’t have your enthusiasm dampened by the thought of litigations. You only need to be certain of who you're purchasing the land from, where you're buying it from, and how you're going to buy it, and don't be tricked by cheap lands for sale in Ghana. 

In this piece, we've explained every step you'll need to take to acquire your very own plot of land in Ghana, and Prophunt will, of course, be here to assist you at every stage.

Stages of Land Acquisition In Ghana

Ghana's land ownership laws are a challenging issue that requires careful consideration to resolve. Because of this, there are three stages to purchasing land in Ghana. Let's examine how land is purchased in Ghana.

Stage 1: Who to buy land from in Ghana

When you are ready to buy land in Ghana, there are a few ways you can do it. The most common way is to buy land through a land agent. A land agent is a professional that can help you buy land. You can also buy land directly from a landowner. To find a land agent in Ghana, you can search online or contact Prophunt-listed agents.

To buy land directly from a landowner, you will need to contact them and arrange a meeting. At the meeting, you will need to complete a land purchase agreement. The agreement will include land ownership documents in Ghana and information such as the land's location, price, and terms. 

Stage 2: The location you're buying the land 

The most important factor to consider when buying land in Ghana is the location. You will need to consider the area's climate, terrain, and infrastructure. Location is crucial since this will determine the kind of property you can purchase, the price, and the accessibility to services and amenities.

Stage 3: How to buy land in Ghana

This is the final stage of the land-buying process in Ghana. This is the stage where potential buyers will do due diligence before making a financial commitment. Buying land in Ghana has so many issues and you must act carefully to avoid these problems.

Land transactions in Ghana will require you to provide documentation such as your passport and proof of income. Once the agreement is completed, you will need to pay the land price and receive the land title. 

Recommended Land Acquisition Process In Ghana

The following advice will help you make informed decisions about buying land in Ghana. Here are the top 8 recommended tips for buying land in Ghana.

1. Confirm the validity of the seller

Verifying the legitimacy of the seller is the first important step in buying land in Ghana. You can be sure you are dealing with the appropriate individual by finding out who the seller is. There are a few ways to do this. You can contact the seller, check online databases, or contact a land specialist.

Contacting the seller is the easiest way to confirm the seller's validity. If the seller is willing to cooperate, you can ask for documents, such as property tax records, voter registration records, and court records. If the seller is unwilling or unable to cooperate, there is a red flag you must not ignore.

2. Check the land titles 

When you are considering purchasing land in Ghana, be sure to check the land titles. The land must have the following documents, depending on the type of land: Lease or indenture, and property title certificate. Know what you're buying before you make a financial commitment.

Also, there may be a good number of reasons why the land might be worth less than you think, including pending legal disputes or claims to the property. By checking the titles, you can provide yourself with peace of mind and avoid any potential surprises down the road.

3. Undertake land search at the lands commission

An essential step in the acquisition of land in Ghana is doing a land search at the Lands Commission. This is done to ensure that the land papers from the seller correspond to those that have been registered with the lands commission department.

Details on the land you want to buy can be found by conducting a search at the Lands Commission. Searches at the Lands Commission are conducted using the land's site plan. It is generally advisable to ask your surveyor to create the site plan for the search on your behalf.

4. Run a search at the Customary Lands Secretariat

When the land is not registered with the lands commission and is regarded as a new plot of land in Ghana, this stage becomes crucial. The secretariat for customary lands was established to oversee stool lands, but it has now expanded to include skin lands in the north. The secretariat keeps track of all local land transactions involving any land located in a specific area.

5. Conduct a local land search

You must be certain that the land is free from all pending legal disputes. You must run a neighbourhood search to accomplish so. This is accomplished by learning who the true owners of the land are from nearby residents and landowners. Sometimes land information on the grounds always proves to be faster than the bureaucratic process at the lands commissions.

6. Contract of sale document

The next stage is to create an agreement that governs the transaction if you are confident that the property is clear of encumbrances, you are dealing with the right seller and the property has all the necessary documentation covering it. Make sure that all of the provisions that the parties agreed upon should be included in the agreement.

7. Undertake assignment documentation

The immediate preparation of assignment paperwork comes after payment has been made. Assignment refers to the transfer of property documents from one person to another ensuring that all legal documents accurately reflect the property's boundaries.

There are a few things to keep in mind when assigning land documents in Ghana, these include

• The assignee should have the authority to execute the documents.
• The documents should accurately reflect the property's boundaries.
• The documents should be filed and registered with the lands commission.
• The documents should be updated as necessary

It is important to meet with the assignee in order to make sure they have the authority to execute the documents and that the documents accurately reflect the property's boundaries.

8. Register and obtain a land certificate

Registration of the Assignment or Sublease with the Lands Commission is the last step. A land title certificate will be given to the new buyer after registration is complete. Don't be reluctant to register your lease or sublease at the lands commission because that is the only organization that can vouch for the legitimacy of your land ownership in Ghana.