Today I woke up on the good side. The podcast I listened to really pumped me up for a good start. The message was about keeping going and being the best that one can be. To keep going means to continue doing our best with the limited tools and resources availble at our disposal therefore that is what this article seeks to digest and more. When we talk about real estate in Ghana, what is its state and how is can it be regulated effectively for the benefit of all and sundry?

Affordable Housing

It has not been long since I attended a habitat fair and I must commend the organisers for a good work done. In Ghana, the only time mortgage is discussed is when you can afford land to put up a two-three bedroom for yourself. Going for down payment on mortgages by real estate agencies may sound like a huge risk. Government also comes in and has its affordable housing projects. However, the last time my colleagues and I googled these projects, the prizes really discouraged us. Is the average affordable housing project really affordable and can ordinary citizens own one?

State Housing

With what coorporations like State Housing Company and SSNIT flats are providing, individuals have a competitive advantage to secure home ownership for less. However, day in day out private entitities beat this market by offering best value and payment plans that fit the ordinary citizen’s wage bracket. 

Youth and Housing

Young people who are straight out of school and no longer with their hostels have to battle it out on rent in Ghana. Imagine if they have been posted in a city when they come from rural areas? This means due to proximity they need to secure a place of their own in order to make it to the workplace on time.  This usually demands that they find rent that fits their budget. Property owners need to factor some of these needs in order to give room for all who can afford.

Rent Control

Price regulation, movement of tenants, security, home maintainance, and utilities, are all challenges of most tenants. When you rent a space, the challenges abound as some houses leave you to fix every problem in the home once you occupy it. Some will evacuate you by saying they are expecting a nephew or grandchild from abroad. Rent control as a regulatory body has so much work to do to ensure that the housing system is cleaned up. Facility managers and stakeholders involved need to have one voice if we want to have a safe and sound environment for all.