Steps to Follow to Buy Land in Ghana without Problems

We all know how buying land, or acquiring any property, can be a real hustle. This is because the land and the people selling it usually cannot be trusted. You will need to go through the proper steps to avoid litigation on your new investment.

The Asetena team went through the stress of finding reliable and essential information about acquiring land in Ghana so that you will not have to. Walk in the steps of individuals who have successfully purchased lands in Ghana with no problems! Take the guide below;

Hire the services of a licensed surveyor

Before buying land, you need to hire the services of an expert, thus a licensed surveyor. Both of you will visit the land together.

The licensed surveyor will help you map out, measure the land and locate boundary lines relevant to the building and land acquisition process.

Architects and builders can use these measurements to make the most of the landscape when it is time for construction.

It will also confirm the claims of the person selling the land. You won’t want to pay for a smaller land than what the seller claimed it was or land that belongs to the government.

Discuss the terms of payment

It is essential to discuss the payment terms, level of documentation, unexpired lease, and payment duration with the vendor.

Do you want to pay the land seller once and for all? Or will you wish to pay in installments? Paying outright provides the opportunity for better bargaining and peace of mind.

But if you decide to pay in installments, you also get the opportunity to clear any last-minute loopholes. The agreement should be signed by the seller, buyer, and two witnesses from both parties.

It is also important to note that all payments made through the banks make it easy to track and have evidential purposes. Hence, it is a better option. If you decide to do a cash transaction, keep photos and video evidence and demand copies of the national identity of the cash receipt.

Develop a sales and purchase agreement

The document should contain the property’s site plan, the lease duration, covenants, and other important terms.

This binding legal document will protect you, the buyer, and the seller’s interests when there is a dispute sometime later.

This document will also protect your deposits and secure your commitment. It can also give you the chance to negotiate your terms, conditions, and prices.

Search For the land

The importance of searching for land at the lands title registry, lands commission, and survey and mapping division cannot be overemphasized.

This search will provide you with relevant information regarding the land, such as the address, ownership details, and historicity.

Make sure you deal with the current owner of the land. If it is a stool land, you should deal with the chief or regent; for a family land, talk to the family head and if it is an individual land, deal with the person whose name is on the official search results.

If the vendor’s name is not on the search results, please visit the supposed person with the vendor and interrogate both of them.

You are advised to politely request his national identification and demand a Letter of Consent from him. The land does not belong to the first person you met doesn’t mean you should not purchase it, right? Conduct informal interviews with people in the area because news of problematic land will be an open secret.

More information on payment

You are advised to pay an initial amount. E.g., 30% as commitment and move to the site. As stated before, doing this helps you to clear any last-minute loopholes.

You need to move to the site and start work immediately because the vacant occupation of the land is critical in today’s land acquisition.

Where there are no red flags or impediments to your worksite, you can make another percentage payment while the vendor is working on your indenture. This will allow you to safely back out any time with little to no regrets.

Takeaway

Some people are not exposed to the internet to take this guide, especially landowners and buyers in rural areas.

These people need to be educated. Being a landowner is not enough; knowing all about your land and how to sell it is essential.

As an individual who wishes to purchase a property, you should be able to take your vendor through the steps above to help you acquire clean and litigation-free land.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comment section, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.