Thinking of selling your land or house in Ghana? Great! But before you rush into it, there’s something important you need to know: paperwork matters a lot.
Without the right legal documents, you could face delays, lose potential buyers, or even end up in court. Whether you’re selling a plot of land in Dodowa or a three-bedroom home in East Legon, having the correct legal documents in place makes the process smoother and safer for both you and the buyer.
Let’s walk through the essential property sale documents in Ghana: what they are, why you need them, and how to get them.
Title Certificate or Deed of Assignment
This is one of the most important documents in a land or house sale. It proves ownership. If you’re selling, the buyer will want to know that the property legally belongs to you.
If your land is registered, you should have a Title Certificate from the Lands Commission. If it’s not registered, you may have a Deed of Assignment, which is a legal document transferring ownership from a previous seller to you.
This matters because no serious buyer will purchase land or a house without proof of ownership. This is the first thing buyers and lawyers ask for.
Site Plan or Plot Plan
A Site Plan, sometimes called a plot plan, shows the exact size, boundaries, and location of the land. It should be approved by the Survey and Mapping Division of the Lands Commission.
It usually includes coordinates, a site number, and the size of the land in acres or plots. Make sure it’s signed by a licensed surveyor.
Why this? Buyers use it to verify that the land exists and matches what’s in public records. It also helps avoid boundary disputes later.
Quick-read: Buying land in Ghana is a big decision because land isn’t just owned by people or the government. It’s often tied to chiefs, families, or state authorities. So, before you decide, read about how land ownership works in Ghana to save yourself the stress.
Indenture or Land Lease Agreement
In Ghana, most land is leased rather than owned outright. When you buy land, you often get a 50-year or 99-year lease, especially if the land is from a chief (stool land) or the state.
If you’re selling, your indenture or lease agreement should clearly show:
- The lease term
- The name of the leaseholder (you)
- The land size and location
- The signatures of both parties (you and the original grantor)
- The approval stamp of the Lands Commission
This document matters because it outlines the legal relationship between the landowner (the chief or government) and you, the leaseholder. It protects both parties during a land sale in Ghana.
Land Commission Search Report
Before selling, it’s a good idea to run a search at the Lands Commission. This will show you whether or not the land is registered, who owns it, and if there are any disputes, litigation, or double sales.
The buyer will likely run their search too. But providing your copy upfront builds trust.
Why does this help? If you’re not the legal owner, or if someone else has claimed the same land, it will show up in the search. It’s better to deal with it early.
ONO Aburi Properties
Beautifully carved into the lush hills of Aburi. Enjoy a natural sanctuary with a splendid view of the vibrant sunset. Disconnect from the world and discover the elegance that Mother Nature has to offer right from the comfort of your own ONO Aburi home. Explore this perfect harmony of architecture and technology, modern design and serene nature with ONO Aburi properties.
Property Tax Clearance Certificate
This applies mostly to houses or developed land. It shows that you’ve paid all property taxes owed to the local assembly.
To get it, visit your local district or municipal office, provide the house or land details, and pay any outstanding property rates.
A tax clearance certificate is specifically important because no one wants to buy land or a house with tax debt attached to it. This document gives the buyer peace of mind.
Building Permit (for Houses)
If you’re selling a house, you need a building permit from the district or municipal assembly. This proves that the building was approved and meets planning and zoning rules. If your property is in the capital, you’d need to go to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for your building permit.
Now this matters because selling a house without a building permit can cause legal issues. The buyer might even be asked to demolish the building if it wasn’t properly approved.
Utility Bills
This is optional, but can be helpful. While it is not legally required, showing recent water or electricity bills in your name can help prove that you live on or manage the property. It’s also useful for the buyer, who will need this information when transferring utility accounts.
Consent Letters
You would need this for the stool, family, or government lands. If the land belongs to any of these parties, you’ll need a consent letter from them. This is a formal letter that gives you the right to sell the land.
For stool lands, you’ll need a letter from the Traditional Council or local chief. When it comes to family lands, the family head or principal elders must sign a consent letter. If it is state land, you’ll need approval from the Lands Commission or the appropriate government agency.
Without consent, the property sale can be challenged or even cancelled, which is why you need to secure one.
Check this out: Ghana’s real estate is growing fast. Buying property is now easier than ever before, thanks to more digital payment options. Read on to explore how fintech is changing real estate payments in Ghana.
Sales and Purchase Agreement
This is the final agreement between you and the buyer. It outlines the sale price, payment plan (if any), the handover date, and terms and conditions. It should be drafted by a lawyer and signed by both parties, with witnesses.
The ‘sales and purchase agreement’ is necessary, as it protects both parties in case something goes wrong. It is what makes the deal legally binding.
Quick Checklist:
House or Land Sale Paperwork in Ghana
| Document | Needed for | Why it’s important |
| Title Certificate / Deed | Land & House | Proves ownership |
| Site Plan | Land & House | Shows location and boundaries |
| Indenture/Lease | Land & House | Explains lease terms |
| Land Search Report | Land & House | Confirms no disputes |
| Property Tax Certificate | House | Shows taxes are paid |
| Building Permit | House | Proves legal construction |
| Consent Letter | Stool/Family/State Land | Grant sale approval |
| Sale & Purchase Agreement | Land & House | Legal contract of sale |
Conclusion
Selling land or a house in Ghana isn’t just about finding a buyer. You need the right documents to protect yourself and make the sale official. Without them, you could lose the sale or, worse, face legal trouble.
So, before you hang that “For Sale” sign, take a moment to gather your house sale paperwork. It’s worth it in the long run.
Need help getting started? Talk to a lawyer who knows the land sale legal requirements in Ghana. They can walk you through each step of the process.