ACQUIRING A HOUSE

In the previous posts, the types of houses in Ghana and human need for housing were discussed. Today, the processes and channels involved in the acquisition of a house will be looked at. The discussion will touch on the financial aspect as well as the avenues to look at when one wants to rent.

First of all, it must be understood that, in Ghana and especially in Accra, the major determinant of acquiring a house is the price or how much one is willing to pay for accommodation.  The location also determines how much a prospective tenant will pay.

1.In modern Ghana, rent charges are categorized into two based on currencies. There are houses priced in United States Dollars and there are those priced in Ghana Cedis. Those priced in U.S Dollars are the modern or contemporary houses like the flats and luxurious houses.  These types are usually located in the conservative part of town. In Accra, Ghana, these houses are found in Cantonments, East Legon, Labone, Airport Residential, and Ridge.

The of house found in Labone

2.With acquiring finance for accommodation, one can consider loans and mortgages like the one provided by Ghana Homes Loans, personal savings and financial support from friends and families.

3. ASK, ASK AND ASK some more
When looking to rent, one channel to consider is asking.  Someone will know someone who has a place to let but you will never know until you ask. You can ask your friends if they happen to know place available to rent. Also with asking a friend, you might not just be asking one person but who range of people since your friend will discuss with a friend who may in turn discuss with a friend and the cycle will continue. You can ask people who you know acquired a new place just recently. They might have some suggestions you might find useful. The possibilities are endless. You might get you desired accommodation in no time and with less hassle. All you need to do is to just ask, it doesn’t cost a thing!

4. Use Technology

With the advent of technology, people  find life relatively easy today. Today you can use the internet to do anything and everything including finding accommodation.  When searching for accommodation, one of the channels to consider can be social networks such as Facebook. Facebook has become a very useful and powerful social tool. News posting on Facebook can help since people on one’s page are normally on other people’s page and this may get people help in your search for accommodation. Also there are many website on the internet one can search for suggestions and ideas. This method is relatively cheap as compared to others.

5. Read the Dailies

The media can also be also be used. Announcements or advertisement can be placed on the various media houses both the print and the broadcast. This method was used extensively in Ghana in the past but not so much so these days even though it is still effective.


6. Use the realtors
Real estate agencies and their correspondent agents are also helpful in acquiring accommodation. It is a trending method these days. Most people seek the help of agencies and agents in acquiring accommodation.  This method is very effective but involves a lot of cost. The will be tenant must pay a Finder’s fee  of ten per cent  of the total amount one will pay to the agent or agency on the acquisition of accommodation with the help of the agency or agent.

A police bungalow

7. Government officials like the police and army officers are usually provided with government bungalows. People can also build their own houses. This is a long term solution though. People can also move in to their family homes. The problem with this type of housing is that there is lack of privacy especially if the place also happens to be the resident of one’s extended family.