How Do You Manage a Rental Apartment in Accra from Abroad?
Hire a licensed property manager, collect rent into a named bank account, pay 8% rent tax within 30 days, and limit advance rent to six months. Long-let management fees run 8% to 12% of rent. Short-let fees run 15% to 25% of income, per Imaani Homes’ analysis.
What Does a Property Manager Do?
- Finds and vets tenants.
- Collects rent and the service charge.
- Arranges repairs and inspections.
- Sends statements and reports.
- Remits tax on your behalf when you agree this in writing.
The Real Estate Agency Council regulates property managers under Act 1047. Ask for the licence before you sign.
What Does Management Cost?
| Strategy | Management fee | Other costs |
|---|---|---|
| Long let | 8% to 12% of rent | Service charge, maintenance, vacancy |
| Short let | 15% to 25% of income | Furnishing at $8,000 to $20,000, a GH₵323 tourism licence, and $80 to $200 per month for power |
Which Rules Apply to Landlords?
- Rent tax. The Ghana Revenue Authority sets 8% for residential premises, due within 30 days of receipt. Late payment draws interest at 125% of the statutory rate, compounded monthly. Confirm your rate if you live abroad.
- Advance rent. The Rent Act caps advance rent at six months. Enforcement began on 1 April 2026.
- Tenancy registration. Ownkey advises registering the tenancy with the Rent Control Department within 14 days of signing.
- Receipts. Issue a written receipt for every payment.
How Do You Stay in Control from Abroad?
- Ask for a monthly statement and a quarterly inspection report with photos.
- Set a repair limit above which the manager needs your approval.
- Pay rent into a named account in your name, never a personal account of the manager.
- Scope any power of attorney to named acts. The guide for Ghanaians abroad explains how.
- Model net yield before you set rent. The net yield guide shows the method.
Where Does Regalia Residence Fit?
Imaani Homes states Regalia offers a professionally managed rental programme for investors who cannot be in Accra full-time. Ask the sales team for the terms, fees, and reporting in writing. Studios start from $107,000 including VAT.
Request the Regalia price list or message the sales team on WhatsApp at +233 595 959595.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a property manager charge in Accra?
8% to 12% of rent for long lets and 15% to 25% of income for short lets, per Imaani Homes’ analysis.
Do I pay tax on rent if I live abroad?
Yes. The Ghana Revenue Authority sets 8% on residential rent. Industry guides cite a higher rate for non-resident landlords, so confirm your rate with the Authority.
What is the limit on advance rent for a Ghana landlord?
Six months at most under the Rent Act.
Is a short let or a long let easier from abroad?
A long let needs less active management. Imaani Homes’ analysis calls long lets the safer income strategy for owners abroad without a trusted local manager.
Sources
Data as of 24 October 2026.
- Imaani Homes via MyJoyOnline: Short-let vs long-let in Accra (March 2026)
- Imaani Homes via MyJoyOnline: How Ghanaians abroad can buy property in Accra in 2026 (March 2026)
- MyJoyOnline: REAC urges stakeholders to comply with the Real Estate Act
- Ghana Revenue Authority: Rent tax
- Graphic Online: Rent advance enforcement (2026)
- Ownkey: How to avoid property fraud in Ghana 2026 (April 2026)
