7 Things You MUST Look For Before Renting an Apartment in Ghana

Before you rent an apartment in Ghana… slow down for a second.

What looks good in photos, or even in person, can quickly become stressful if you overlook a few key details.

Whether you’re relocating or just exploring your options, these are the

7 most important things you need to check before signing a lease in Ghana.

1. Rent Price (And Upfront Payment)

Rent in Ghana works very differently than what many people are used to.

In most cases, landlords require:

At least 6 months upfront
But more commonly 1–2 YEARS paid in advance

Monthly rent payments are rare and usually only apply to:

Fully furnished apartments
Short-term rentals like Airbnbs

So don’t just focus on the monthly price,
focus on what you can realistically afford upfront.

2. Generator (This Is a Big One)

Electricity outages—locally known as “light off”—happen more often than you might expect.

They can occur:

During the day
At night
During storms or heavy rain

A generator ensures:

You still have power
Your food doesn’t spoil
Your daily routine isn’t disrupted

This isn’t a luxury—it’s peace of mind.

3. Water Supply (Look for a Borehole)

Water access can vary depending on the area.

Some apartments rely on:

Water delivery trucks (less reliable)

The best option?
A borehole system

This means:

Water is sourced underground
Stored in tanks
Available consistently

Always ask how water is supplied before committing.

4. Security

Feeling safe in your home is non-negotiable.

Look for:

Electric fencing
Gated property
24-hour security

Especially if you’re new to Ghana, this added layer of protection helps you feel more comfortable settling in.

5. Location (Affects Your Lifestyle & Budget)

Where you live will shape your entire experience.

For example:

Living near the ocean = cooler temperatures + less need for AC
Living in busy areas = easier access but more noise and higher costs

Choose a location that aligns with:

Your daily routine
Your budget
Your lifestyle preferences

British Style 👆🏾 Universal 👆🏾

6. Electrical Outlets (Don’t Overlook This)

This is something many people don’t think about until they move in.

Ghana primarily uses British-style outlets (Type G plugs).

That means:

Your devices may not plug in directly
You’ll need adapters

However…

Some apartments come with universal outlets, which allow you to plug in multiple plug types without adapters.

This makes a HUGE difference in daily convenience.

If possible, choose an apartment with universal outlets, or be prepared to buy multiple adapters.

7. Comfort (Trust Your Feeling)

Some apartments come:

Unfurnished
Semi-furnished (fridge, stove, wardrobe)
Fully furnished

You don’t need:

The most expensive place
Or the absolute cheapest

Choose the space that feels right to you.

The one where you can see yourself relaxing, building your routine, and feeling at home.

Because at the end of the day…

Your environment affects your entire experience in Ghana.

Apartment hunting in Ghana is different, but once you understand what to look for, it becomes much easier to navigate.

Take your time. Ask questions. And don’t rush into a decision based on appearance alone.

Need Help Finding the Right Place?

Relocating to Ghana can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Relocate Ghana, we help you:

Navigate the housing market
Understand pricing and contracts
Find apartments that fit your lifestyle and budget
Settle into your new life with confidence

Whether you’re just exploring or ready to move, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

View Our Services