How to Find Apartments for rent in Accra Ghana

I often get emails from people asking how to find an apartment for rent in Accra, Ghana (both short and long stays) so I decided to give you some tips and insight on how to get a good apartment or house to rent in Ghana’s capital city or any part of the country.

Decide your length of Stay

Before you pack your bags and book a flight to Ghana, know how long you’ll be here. Knowing how long you intend to stay will help you save a ton of money and find a suitable place during your stay in Ghana.

Should you Book online?

When visiting Ghana for a week or less than a month, booking a room online using sites like Airbnb and booking.com can be a great idea. Using online trusted booking sites is safe but can be very costly. When you book accommodation in Accra using online booking sites (Airbnb/booking) you will be paying a nightly fee, not a monthly fee.

Read also: Airbnb Ghana: Where to Live, Daily Room Rentals & Accommodation in Ghana

And even if on Airbnb they give you a monthly rate it is always more expensive. Most of these apartments and houses available for a short stay in Accra, come with WiFi and other necessary amenities you may need.

Most first-time travelers to Accra are oftentimes shocked at the prices of hotels and apartments for rent in the city. I have been astounded by the number of people who are paying through the roof for an apartment here because they should be affordable but when tourists book online it definitely is not. It is similar to the price you would pay elsewhere in Europe or the states.

If you intend on staying in Ghana for more than 3 months, I highly suggest you book somewhere for a week before you come and network to find an apartment.  

Renting an Apartment in Ghana as a Foreigner

In other parts of the world, it is recommended to ask locals, taxi drivers, or anyone you find yourself talking to if they know of an apartment to rent. In places like Ghana, it’s not advisable to do that.

To avoid getting scammed, do not ask waiters, taxi drivers, or random people you meet in town to help you look for a place to rent. There’s a high chance of getting defrauded by a random stranger if you appear desperate for a place to stay.

Do not also look for signs around the city that advertise apartments with phone numbers. As a foreigner, this is also not advisable to do.

The best option is to use a trusted real estate company or talk to other expats in the Expats in Ghana facebook groups and ask if they have any recommendations.  

If you want somewhere affordable then don’t stay where the tourists are

In Accra there is the center, then two sides of the city – the local and the tourist side. I live on the local side and don’t often bump into tourists at all. This means I pay less for rent and live not too close to the International airport. In case you desire to live close to the airport, which is known as the tourist side, You are going to be paying a lot more for food and rent by living where the tourists live. 

It’s okay to live on the tourist side of the city if you intend on staying in Accra for a short period. But if you want to stay a bit longer and really experience Accra from a local perspective, then I recommended staying on the other side which is a little far from tourist sites. 

How much Does it cost to rent an apartment in Ghana?

The prices will depend on the location you want to be based at. For example, for my apartment, I pay 250 USD because it’s a bit far from the city center and tourists sites in Accra. Most foreigners can spend up to $5000 a month on an apartment and on the other side of town, you can pay up to 4000 USD a month for an apartment 5 to 10 minutes away from the Accra Mall. 

In 2021, there is a MUCH BIGGER expat scene in Accra which is awesome, however, this means that landlords are really taking advantage of being able to charge more. For locals, it’s still common to get an apartment for 150 USD per month, it’s entirely possible. For a foreigner, you’re going to have to do some digging, actually get to know the locals, and make connections before you come across an apartment for that low.

You now may expect to pay 300 USD and upwards for a decent apartment with good water flow and electricity. But if you’re lucky you may come across a rare apartment for 150 USD (Unfurnished).

To live on the safer and much cleaner side of Accra, with good roads and less noise, expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2500 for a decent apartment with security.

Expect to pay double (even triple) in November and December

During the holiday season, you are really going to struggle to find an apartment to rent for a good monthly rate. I find even if their apartment is empty they would rather wait for someone to book a per night rate than you give them a month’s rent. Expect to pay double for these two months in Accra.

Finding Apartments for rent in Accra

You can find an apartment for rent in almost every part of the city. You’ll need to book an appointment with a trusted real estate agent. You can also browse through Ghana’s number one real estate Marketplace Meqasa.com to search for a property.

Conclusion

You can safely find apartments to rent in Accra without getting ripped off. Always research properly before making any payment to a landlord or an agent. Talk with your apartment owner to negotiate the best price for your duration of stay. Don’t just talk with one person, talk with many. Also view multiple properties before making a decision. Hopefully, these posts on the cost of living will also give you an idea of the prices here in Accra.

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• 10 Best Places To Buy Groceries in Accra Ghana
• Cantonments Accra – Where to live in Ghana
• The Most Expensive Areas and Neighborhoods in Accra to live
• International Schools in Ghana – Best Schools for Expats

Renting Apartment in Ghana FAQ

Ask lots of questions like:

• Does this place come with Wi-Fi?  If not, is it okay if I set it up myself?
• Is this apartment furnished? (most apartments in the tourist areas come with furniture, but some don’t so be aware of that)
• Is the rental price include water, power, Wi-Fi?
• Do I have to pay security deposit
• Can I repaint or design the apartment?
• Can I pay for 6 months instead of 1 year? (Most homeowners charge a one-year upfront rent).

If you have any other questions, then let me know by commenting below and I will try and answer them for you.

Trusted Real Estate Agent Contact: Interested in renting a luxury apartment in Ghana? Contact this number to speak to a trusted real estate agent in Accra.

Phone: 0559585379/ +233 559585379

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