How to Buy and Protect Your Land in Ghana

Land is a good investment and a valuable asset. It does not depreciate but rather appreciates with time. This means your land will be worth a double or triple or even quadruple of its current value in the next five to ten years. A lot can be done on the land to bring in income and satisfaction such as real estate, agriculture and recreational activities. Acquiring a land in Ghana can be cumbersome and time consuming so you need to protect it once you get hold of it. Here are 5 steps to get and protect a land in Ghana.

1. Physically inspect the land and all related documents. Several people and companies constantly advertise land for sale in Ghana. Do not be deceived by the company size or marketing strategies. Always go to the site to inspect its existence, size, accessibility and the environment. Some lands may be below the standard size or be a part of the road. Others may be so close to a high tension cable or a flowing river. Be vigilant and ask for all documents which may be site plan or indenture or title certificate. Try to locate the land for sale on the documents given. If there is any discrepancy or in doubt you can cross check with the Lands Commission.
2. Perform a land title search at the Lands Commission and contact the real owner. A land search involves applying to the Ghana Lands Commission to ask the validation and ownership of a particular land. You have to apply with the site plan or indenture to be used for checking. The real authentic owner of the land and in some cases their contact details are given to you after the search. They can also get you the history of owners of the land since its inception if you request for it. Mind you, it may take a while. Contact the owner to be certain of his/her approval of the land sale. It is only the owner,  his or her mandated representative who can sell the land. Be careful to look out for this! If you are dealing with the representative or agent, ask for a note of authorization to sell the land from the owner.
3. Draft and sign a purchase and transfer agreement before paying. When you are satisfied with the inspection and land search, draft a purchase and transfer agreement to be signed by both you and the seller. You can get a lawyer to assist you or contact Ghana Homes for professional lawyers to help you with all legal documentations. The agreement should spell out the exact purchase price, installment arrangements, date and place of transactions. Ensure all concerned parties sign this document before releasing any money out. Pay directly to the owner, his or her legal representative approved bank account.
4. Use a payment method supported with evidence such as Bank transfer. Payment must be documented in case of any conflicts or court actions so pay through the bank or a well-accepted money transfer method in Ghana. You can pay into the land owner’s or the sale company bank account. Try as much as possible to avoid direct cash payments as this brings about a lot of fraudulent manipulations. Do not pay a hundred per cent of the agreed sale price until all documents have been fully transferred into your name.
5. Transfer and register documents with the Lands Commission in your name. Visit the Lands commission to inform them about the transaction and apply for a transfer and subsequent registration of the land. Check that your name is correctly spelt on the site plan or indenture when finally issued. You can request for a title certificate later which takes much more time. The site plan and title certificate proves your legal ownership and right to the land. However, to prevent encroachers and squatters from your land, construct a fence wall around the site and lock the gate with security locks. This also gives other unsuspecting buyers the hint the land is soon to be developed.

Ghana Homes  Group has heard a lot of scam practices and stories from prospective clients who have been scammed and even to a point where one scam artist (related to the victim) committed suicide. We are committed to assist all individuals with the desire of owning and protecting their land in Ghana. We have qualified real estate lawyers who can help you acquire land headache free! And you pay attorney fees. Contact us today for a memorable experience!