What Does Leasehold Mean for Non-Ghanaians?
Non-citizens hold leaseholds of up to 50 years, renewable, under Article 266 of the 1992 Constitution. Ghanaian citizens, including dual citizens, hold leaseholds of up to 99 years in Imaani Homes’ guide, and Ownkey adds that citizens hold freehold on some land. A seller who offers freehold to a non-citizen misstates the law.
How Do the Terms Compare?
| Buyer | Term | Renewable |
|---|---|---|
| Ghanaian citizen, including dual citizens | Leasehold up to 99 years. Freehold is possible on some land | Yes |
| Non-citizen, including diaspora members who no longer hold Ghanaian citizenship | Leasehold up to 50 years | Yes |
What Rights Does a Leaseholder Hold?
A leaseholder occupies the property, rents it out, sells the lease interest, or passes the lease to heirs during the term. Imaani Homes’ guide describes this as the standard structure of Ghana’s leasehold-led land system.
How Does Apartment Ownership Work?
Ownkey lists three structures for apartments: a deed of assignment per unit with the developer holding head title, a Certificate of Title per unit, or a sectional arrangement. Each has different verification steps, so ask your lawyer which one applies before you sign. The Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) requires registration at the Lands Commission for an interest to hold against third parties. Until you hold the Certificate of Title, Ownkey notes you do not yet legally own the property.
What Should Non-Citizens Check?
- The lease term and renewal terms, written into the sale agreement.
- Registration of the transfer at the Lands Commission.
- A lawyer with foreign-buyer experience.
- The rent tax rate for non-resident landlords. Confirm the rate with the Ghana Revenue Authority.
The step-by-step guide for Ghanaians abroad covers the full sequence, and the verification guide lists the title checks.
Where Does Regalia Residence Fit?
Regalia Residence is an off-plan development by Imaani Homes in Airport Residential Area. Studios start from $107,000 including VAT. Ask the sales team which title structure applies to each unit and give the answer to your lawyer.
Request the Regalia price list or message the sales team on WhatsApp at +233 595 959595.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a foreigner allowed to own land in Ghana?
A foreigner holds leasehold of up to 50 years, renewable. Freehold is not available to non-citizens.
How long does a leasehold last in Ghana?
Up to 50 years for non-citizens and up to 99 years for citizens, with renewal in both cases.
Does dual citizenship change my rights?
Yes. A dual citizen who holds Ghanaian citizenship holds the citizen terms, including leaseholds of up to 99 years.
Is a leasehold passed to heirs?
Yes. A leaseholder passes the lease interest to heirs during the lease term, per Imaani Homes’ guide.
Sources
Data as of 24 October 2026.
