Many people assume buying an unfinished house in Ghana is one way to save money or finish a home in their own style. It does, however, seem like a shortcut to homeownership. But as with all shortcuts, you should be wary.
In this post, we look into the pros and cons of buying unfinished houses. And if you want to buy, what you need to do first.
Why People Choose Uncompleted Houses
There are several reasons why someone might choose to purchase an unfinished house. For one, it’s more affordable. The price is lower because the seller wants to recover the amount they have spent so far. And as the buyer, you skip the early headaches: you have the land cleared, the foundation done, and the structure visible. That is a big start. Additionally, it’s highly plausible to secure a flexible deal; home sellers often allow part payment or joint completion agreements.
It’s also easier to check what you’re buying. You can see the actual building and not just a plan. That reduces land fraud risk. Aside from that, the finishing is up to you. You decide the tiles, kitchen layout, doors, and roof colour. You have control over all that.
You can also control the time to move in. Depending on the stage of completion, you could move in within months, not years. It’s also good for investors. You can finish and sell at a profit, especially in growing areas like Kasoa, Dodowa, and Oyarifa.
What Makes Buying Unfinished Houses Risky
Though the benefits of going for an unfinished building may be tempting, the reverse is also compelling. Uncompleted properties come with many risks.
Hidden Building Issues
The first has to do with hidden building issues– usually has to do with weak foundations, poor materials, or wrong measurements. These can cost a lot to fix later. Mostly, you pay for the house, and you still need to spend on plastering, roofing, plumbing, and wiring. Those can be some very high finishing costs.
Land Issues
You should be more careful with these properties because their owners sometimes abandon them. And there’s a reason why. If you’re interested in them, do your best to find out why they were left alone. Some sellers stopped building because of flooding, poor drainage, or land disputes.
Family Disputes
Sometimes, too, the ownership is unclear. Some of these structures belong to families who are still fighting over inheritance. You ought to be careful and stay away from such properties. At other times, the documents are incomplete. There is no land title, no building permit, no approved plan; these are very glaring and big red flags. If the building was erected without permits or on the wrong boundary, you could also run the risk of possible demolition.
Before you buy, do these first
- Get a professional inspection. Hire a certified engineer or architect to check the building’s strength.
- Verify ownership. Visit the Lands Commission to confirm the real owner. If it’s family or stool land, get written consent from all rightful parties.
- Check building permits. Ask for approved drawings and site plans.
- Engage a lawyer. Let them draft the sale agreement and supervise the payment process.
- Budget wisely. Add at least 30% of the price for finishing and hidden costs.
- Investigate why construction stopped. Don’t rely on the seller’s story; ask the neighbours too. You’ll be surprised.
- Check road access and drainage. Poor infrastructure will affect your comfort and future resale value.
- Talk to local leaders. Traditional clearance helps you avoid land or boundary disputes later.
Technical and Modern Insights for Today’s Buyers
- Do a soil test before resuming construction to ensure the ground is stable.
- Use modern finishing tools. Prefabricated panels, solar options, and eco-friendly paint can save long-term costs.
- Consider 3D design updates. Digital modelling helps you visualise changes before spending on finishing.
- Hire licensed professionals only. Avoid cheap roadside artisans who might cut corners.
- Secure the property immediately. Once you buy, install a gate, lock doors, and add a notice to deter squatters.
- Document everything. Keep both printed and digital copies of receipts, agreements, and inspection reports.
- Look for trusted online listings when searching for unfinished houses for sale in Ghana. They give a sense of current market prices.
Traditional and Legal Realities You Can’t Ignore
Be mindful of local customs– they are part of Ghanaian traditional culture. First, respect the local authority. If it’s a stool land, greet the chief’s office first. Pay any symbolic customary fee if required.
Secondly, involve family members early. If the land is inherited, everyone must sign their consent before the sale is legal. Also, avoid verbal agreements. No matter how friendly everyone is, everything must be in writing. Be firm on this.
Thirdly, use site plans that match Lands Commission records, as any mismatch could delay your registration or transfer. And ask for boundaries to be re-demarcated to prevent encroachment problems later.
The Emotional and Practical Side
Be patient. Finishing a home takes time, especially if you’re funding it gradually. So, don’t compare your progress with others; focus on your own timeline and resources. Do not rush to make mistakes.
Also, work with trusted people. A good foreman, builder, and lawyer make all the difference. Further, you should plan. Know what kind of home you want before completing it. Is it for rental, resale, or personal use? We always stress this: keep records of expenses. They help you track how much finishing truly costs.
Conclusion
Getting an unfinished house can be a good bargain. Just don’t rush it: a good deal can quickly turn bad if you skip checks. Be thorough. Inspect, verify, document, and confirm everything before paying.
Also, think long-term. Will the house’s location, structure, and layout serve your needs 5–10 years from now? You should also work smart. Buying unfinished property in Ghana can save money only if you finish it wisely and legally. Stay informed. Learn from others’ mistakes and engage only professionals.