Last updated: June 2026
A foreign investor in Ghana property pays rental income tax while letting (around 25% for non-residents on residential rent, versus 8% for residents), 15% capital gains tax on the net gain when selling, a one-off stamp duty of around 1% on purchase, and an annual property rate of roughly 2% to 3% of assessed value. New developer sales add about 6% in VAT and levy. A double-tax treaty, where one exists, lets you offset Ghanaian tax at home. This is general information, not tax advice.
Tax is the part of a Ghana purchase most investors get wrong, usually by underestimating the non-resident rental rate. This guide sets out each tax clearly and honestly, with the 2026 figures. It is general information, so confirm your own position with a qualified tax adviser. For the wider buying process, see our diaspora buying guide.
The taxes at a glance
There are four taxes that matter, plus VAT on new builds: rental income tax while you let, 15% capital gains tax when you sell, around 1% stamp duty on purchase, and an annual property rate of roughly 2% to 3% of assessed value. New developer sales also carry about 6% in VAT and levy.
| Tax | Rate (2026) | Who pays / when |
|---|---|---|
| Rental income tax, residential | 8% for resident individuals; around 25% for non-residents | Owner, on rental income |
| Rental income tax, commercial | 15% | Owner of commercial premises |
| Capital gains tax | 15% on the net gain | Seller, on disposal (return within 30 days) |
| Stamp duty | About 1% (above GHS 50,000) | Buyer, on transfer. No foreigner surcharge |
| VAT on new developer sales | About 6% (5% VAT + 1% levy) | On new residential bought from a developer; private resale is exempt |
| Annual property rate | Roughly 2% to 3% of assessed value | Owner, to the local assembly each year |
Read the table by your situation. A buy-to-let investor will feel the rental income tax and the annual rate most; a buyer planning to resell will focus on stamp duty on the way in and capital gains on the way out.
Rental income tax: the non-resident rate
Residential rental income is taxed at 8% for resident individuals, but non-residents are generally taxed at the non-resident rate of around 25% on Ghana-sourced rental income. Commercial premises are taxed at 15%. Since most diaspora investors are non-resident, plan around the higher figure rather than the 8% headline.
This is the single most misquoted Ghana property tax, so it is worth stating plainly: as a non-resident landlord, budget for roughly 25% on residential rent, not 8% or 15%. A double-tax treaty can offset it at home, as we cover in repatriating income from Ghana.
Capital gains tax and its exemptions
Capital gains tax is 15% on the net gain, the sale price minus the purchase price, capital improvements and disposal costs. Several reliefs can reduce or remove it, including a five-year holding exemption and a 12-month reinvestment exemption. The buyer withholds an advance of 3% for residents or 10% for non-residents.
| CGT exemption | Condition |
|---|---|
| Five-year holding | Residential property held for more than five years can be exempt from CGT |
| Reinvestment | Gains reinvested in another residential property within 12 months may be exempt |
| Primary residence | The first GHS 50,000 of gain on a main residence may be exempt |
The five-year exemption rewards holding, which suits a buy-and-hold investor. Keep every receipt for improvements and professional fees, because they reduce the taxable gain when you eventually sell.
Buy with the full cost in view
Imaani helps buyers understand the true cost of a purchase, taxes included, against a registered title and a 100% on-time delivery record. Ask us for a clear cost breakdown on a unit.
Explore the investment casePurchase taxes and annual rates
On purchase you pay stamp duty of around 1% on transactions above GHS 50,000, with no foreigner surcharge, and a new developer sale adds about 6% in VAT and levy (private resales are exempt). Each year you pay a property rate of roughly 2% to 3% of assessed value to your local assembly.
Add these to legal fees of around 1.5% plus VAT and your total acquisition cost typically lands at about 5% to 10% of the price. Budgeting for that upfront avoids surprises at completion.
Double-tax treaties and relief
If your country has a double-taxation treaty with Ghana, including the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, you can usually claim relief at home for the Ghanaian tax you have paid. The US and Canada have no treaty in force, so their residents claim a foreign tax credit instead.
Either way, the aim is the same: you should not pay full tax twice on the same income. The mechanism differs by country, so this is exactly where a tax adviser in your home country earns their fee.
About Imaani Homes
Imaani Homes is an Accra-based luxury real estate developer, established in 2019, building investment-grade apartments in Ghana’s most prestigious addresses. Across four developments we have delivered every project on time, with two fully sold out: JAK Royale, our debut development, and The Ivy. Alexis Residence in Tesano is over 90% sold, and our flagship Regalia, in the Airport Residential Area, is open for reservations. Our standard is simple: the right property, in the right address, delivered exactly as promised.
Frequently asked questions
What taxes does a foreign investor pay on Ghana property?
Mainly four: rental income tax while you let it, capital gains tax of 15% when you sell, a one-off stamp duty of around 1% on purchase, and an annual property rate of roughly 2% to 3% of assessed value to the local assembly. New-build purchases from a developer also carry about 6% in VAT and levy.
How much is rental income tax for a non-resident?
Residential rental income is taxed at 8% for resident individuals, while non-residents are generally taxed at the non-resident rate of around 25% on Ghana-sourced rental income. Commercial premises are taxed at 15%. Most diaspora investors are non-resident, so plan around the higher rate and check it with a tax adviser.
What is the capital gains tax when I sell?
Capital gains tax is 15% on the net gain, which is the sale price less the purchase price, capital improvements and disposal costs. Reliefs exist: residential property held for more than five years can be exempt, as can gains reinvested in another residential property within 12 months. The buyer typically withholds an advance of 3% for residents or 10% for non-residents.
Do foreigners pay a higher property tax than locals?
There is no foreigner surcharge on stamp duty, and capital gains tax is the same 15% for everyone. The difference is on rental income, where the non-resident rate, around 25%, is higher than the 8% resident residential rate. Residency, not nationality, drives the rate.
Can I avoid being taxed twice?
If your country has a double-taxation treaty with Ghana, such as the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands or Switzerland, you can usually claim relief at home for Ghanaian tax paid. The US and Canada have no treaty in force, so their residents claim a foreign tax credit instead. Confirm with a tax adviser in your country.
Want a clear cost and tax breakdown?
Tell us the unit and your country of residence and we will set out the purchase costs and ongoing taxes you should budget for, so nothing is a surprise.
Talk to our teamImportant notice. The figures in this article, including yields, prices, costs, tax rates, and timelines, are indicative estimates based on current market conditions and public sources, and are provided for general information only. They are not guarantees, forecasts, or financial, legal, or tax advice. Actual figures vary with circumstances and change over time. Before making any decision, seek independent professional advice. All purchases are governed solely by the terms of the relevant Sales and Purchase Agreement.