Last updated: June 2026
Accra apartments yield roughly 8% to 11% gross in 2026, ahead of Nairobi at about 7.4% city-wide and well ahead of London at around 5%, where prime central yields are often just 3% to 4%. Accra also prices in US dollars, which protects a diaspora buyer’s rent from local-currency swings in a way the other two do not.
Diaspora investors often weigh Accra against the two cities they know best: London, where many live, and Nairobi, East Africa’s property hub. On yield, the gap is larger than most expect. This comparison sets out the headline figures and then the factors that matter just as much. For the Accra numbers in depth, see our 2026 Accra rental yield breakdown.
The headline comparison
On gross yield, Accra leads. Accra apartments return about 8% to 11%, Nairobi around 7.4% city-wide, and London around 5%, falling to 3% to 4% in prime central areas. The ranking is consistent: Accra first, Nairobi second, London a distant third on yield.
| City | Typical gross yield (2026) | Prime-area yield | Pricing currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accra | 8% to 11% | 8% to 11% in prime corridors | US dollars |
| Nairobi | Around 7.4% city-wide | About 7% for prime apartments | Kenyan shillings |
| London | Around 5% | 3% to 4% in prime central areas | Pounds sterling |
These are gross figures, and gross is only half the story. The currency a market prices in, and the costs that turn gross into net, can matter as much as the headline.
London: prestige, not yield
London’s average gross yield sits near 5% in early 2026, with prime central areas like Kensington and Mayfair often just 3% to 4%. Prices are extraordinarily high relative to rents, and wide leasehold service charges shrink the net further. London is a capital-preservation and prestige play, not a yield play.
For a pound earner, London carries no currency risk, but the income return is thin. The case for London rests on liquidity and long-run capital values, not on rent.
Nairobi: solid yields, shilling exposure
Nairobi’s city-wide residential yield reached about 7.4% in late 2025, its highest in nearly two decades, with prime apartments around 7% and some budget areas higher. It is a genuinely strong yield market, but rents are in Kenyan shillings and non-resident rental tax is 30%, both of which a diaspora buyer should weigh.
Nairobi is the closest competitor to Accra on yield. The deciding factors are currency and tax, where Accra’s dollar pricing and lower non-resident rate give it the edge for an overseas investor.
Accra: yield plus a hard-currency price
Accra combines the highest gross yield of the three, 8% to 11%, with pricing and rents commonly set in US dollars. For a diaspora buyer that means a strong return and a hard-currency asset, so a local-currency swing does not erode the income, unlike in shilling-priced Nairobi.
That currency alignment is the quiet differentiator. We unpack it in USD rental income and cedi volatility and in how the cedi works in a diaspora buyer’s favour.
The highest yield of the three
Imaani apartments sit in prime Accra corridors, priced in USD and delivered on a 100% on-time record. See the yield case for a specific unit.
Explore the investment caseWhat the headline yield misses
Yield alone can mislead. The gross-to-net gap, currency risk, and tax treatment all change the real return. London has the widest gap, Nairobi the shilling and a 30% non-resident rate, and Accra a moderate gap with USD pricing and a non-resident rate of around 25%, which a double-taxation treaty can offset for many buyers.
| Factor | Accra | London | Nairobi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross-to-net gap | Moderate | Wide (high service charges) | Moderate to wide |
| Currency risk for a diaspora buyer | Low, USD pricing | Low if you earn in pounds | Shilling exposure |
| Non-resident rental tax | About 25% | Income tax bands apply | 30% |
Put the headline yield and these factors together and Accra’s lead widens rather than narrows. It is not just the highest gross yield; it is the most favourable on currency for a diaspora buyer.
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
Does Accra have a higher rental yield than London?
Yes, by a wide margin. Accra apartments yield roughly 8% to 11% gross, while London averages around 5% and prime central London often just 3% to 4%. London prices are very high relative to rents, which compresses yields.
How does Accra compare with Nairobi?
Accra is generally ahead. Nairobi’s city-wide residential yield reached about 7.4% in late 2025, a near two-decade high, with prime apartments around 7%. Accra’s 8% to 11% gross sits at or above that, and Accra apartments are priced in US dollars.
Why are London rental yields so low?
Because prices are extraordinarily high due to prestige, scarcity and international demand, while rents cannot keep pace proportionally. Leasehold service charges also widen the gap between gross and net, so the effective return is lower still.
Is yield the only thing that matters in this comparison?
No. Currency, taxes and management all shape the real return. Accra’s USD pricing protects a diaspora buyer’s rent from local-currency swings, while Nairobi rents are in shillings and non-resident rental tax there is higher. London suits pound earners but yields little.
Which city is best for a diaspora investor?
It depends on your goals, but for yield combined with hard-currency pricing, Accra is the strongest of the three. London offers prestige and liquidity at low yields; Nairobi offers solid yields with shilling exposure.
Comparing markets for your money?
Tell us what you are weighing up and we will show you the Accra numbers in your own currency, against whatever you are comparing.
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.