Renting a house as an expat is relatively easier than buying a property. It is important to note that non-­Ghanaians cannot obtain freehold ownership of properties; they can only lease them for a renewable period of 50 years. It is highly advisable to seek the services of a lawyer who knows the terrain better to transact the purchase of the property on your behalf, at a fee.

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Rental properties in Accra can be found both in prime areas and on the city’s peripheries. Living in prime areas provides access to good roads, amenities, and robust safety provisions. Prime areas in Accra include Osu, East Legon, Spintex, Labone, Airport Residential, Cantonments, and others. There are a variety of properties for expats in these areas; one can find apartments, townhouses, semi­-detached, and detached houses.

Rent charges in these areas differ according to the type of structure that you are looking to rent. Living in Osu provides access to many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs along Oxford Street. You might be able to rent a property around Osu through Meqasa.

Another neighbourhood to consider as an expat is East Legon. This is one of the plushest residential areas in Ghana. It has a chain of stores, restaurants, bars, and many entertainment centres. A rental house in East Legon costs, on average, 550 euros per month, while a one-­bedroom rental apartment in the same neighbourhood runs over 650 euros per month according to our data.

Many expats also consider living in the Airport Residential area. This is because it is only a few minutes’ drive from the Kotoka International Airport. One disadvantage of living in this neighbourhood is the noise pollution from aeroplanes, but the area offers an array of appealing amenities that include noise cancelling rooms. Renting a house in Airport Residential generally costs over 1,000 Euros per bedroom per month, while apartment rentals in that area are roughly the same.

Expats frequently consider Cantonments and Labone for rental properties. Both locations are close to the entertainment hub of Accra, Osu, and the lively Labadi Beach, but also offer enough quiet solitude ideal for family life. Monthly apartment and house rentals in Labone tend to hover at around 800 euros per bedroom, while similar arrangements in Cantonments run over 1,100 euros per bedroom per month. Cantonments and Labone are about 10 minutes’ drive from Labadi Beach.

To live in proximity to the beaches of Accra, you might consider Labadi, South Labadi Estates, or Teshie­ Nungua Estates. These neighbourhoods are close to the beaches, making them attractive to expatriates looking for a local seaside vibe. Rent charges in these neighbourhoods are significantly more affordable than those closer to the city centre; house rents in these areas all range between 200­350 euros per bedroom per month, while rental apartments are roughly the same price, with the exception of Labadi at around 500 euros per bedroom per month.

READ ALSO: Affordable houses for rent in Accra

While not commonly considered by many expats, neighbourhoods like Achimota, Madina, Adenta, Dome, Ashaley Botwe, Kwabenya, and Lapaz offer unique opportunities for family life and more affordable rental costs.

Visit Meqasa Ghana to check out an array of rental properties that could one day be yours!