Last updated: June 2026
In 2026 prime Accra apartments yield roughly 8% to 11% gross. After costs, a long let nets about 5% to 7% and a well-run short let about 10% to 13%. Smaller units show the higher percentage yields; larger units lean on appreciation. The numbers hold up because of a deep housing shortage, steady demand and rents priced in US dollars.
Yield is the first number any investor wants, and the Accra market in 2026 is generous by global standards. This breakdown separates gross from net, sets out what to expect by unit type, and is honest about what eats into the headline figure. For how those returns stack up against other cities, see Accra versus London versus Nairobi.
What rental yield actually means
Rental yield is your annual rent as a percentage of the property’s price. Gross yield ignores costs; net yield subtracts them. Both matter: gross tells you the raw earning power, net tells you what you actually keep after service charge, management, vacancy and tax.
Always compare like with like. A headline gross figure from one source and a net figure from another are not the same measure, and the difference is exactly where unrealistic expectations come from.
The 2026 numbers for Accra
Prime Accra apartments yield about 8% to 11% gross in 2026. On a long let that nets to roughly 5% to 7% after costs; on a well-run short let it can reach 10% to 13% net. Top corridors run low vacancy, around 3% to 5%, which supports occupancy.
| Measure | Typical range (prime Accra, 2026) | What it reflects |
|---|---|---|
| Gross yield | 8% to 11% | Annual rent as a share of price, before costs |
| Net yield, long let | 5% to 7% | After service charge, management, vacancy and tax |
| Net yield, short let | 10% to 13% | Higher gross, after furnishing and heavier management |
These are prime-market figures. A cheaper unit in a weaker location may show a higher headline yield but carry more vacancy and tenant risk, so the net can be lower than it looks.
Gross versus net: what eats the gap
The gap between gross and net is made up of the service charge, property management fees, periods of vacancy, and tax on rental income, which is 8% for resident individuals and around 25% for non-residents. The non-resident rate is the one most diaspora investors should plan around, though a double-taxation treaty may let you offset it at home.
In Accra the gross-to-net gap is moderate compared with high-service-charge markets abroad, so a strong gross yield still leaves a healthy net. To understand the tax side in full, see property taxes for foreign investors in Ghana.
Yield by unit type
Smaller units usually win on percentage yield. A studio costs the least to buy but commands strong rent, so its yield is the highest; one and two-bedrooms are close behind with the deepest tenant pool. Three-bedrooms and penthouses show lower percentage yields and lean more on appreciation and trophy value.
| Unit type | Yield tendency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | Highest yield % | Lowest entry price, strong rental and short-let demand |
| One and two-bedroom | Strong, balanced | Deep tenant pool of professionals and small families |
| Three-bedroom and penthouse | Lower yield % | Higher price; return leans more on appreciation and trophy value |
Which to choose depends on your goal. For pure income, the smaller units lead, and a studio can earn well on short lets. For a blend of income and capital growth, look across unit types in our ROI breakdown from studio to penthouse.
Yields you can actually verify
Imaani apartments are priced in USD in prime Accra corridors and delivered on a 100% on-time record. Ask us for the rent and yield figures on a specific unit.
Explore the investment caseLong let versus short let
A long let is steadier and lighter to manage but yields less, around 5% to 7% net. A short let can net 10% to 13% but demands furnishing, active management and tolerance for income that moves with occupancy. The right choice depends on the unit, the location and how hands-on you want to be.
This is one of the biggest levers on your return, so it deserves its own analysis. We compare the two in detail in short let versus long let in Accra.
What keeps Accra yields strong
Three forces hold yields up: a structural housing shortage estimated at 1.8 million units, steady demand from a growing urban middle class and the diaspora, and pricing in US dollars that shields rents from cedi volatility. Together they keep both occupancy and rent levels firm in prime corridors.
That combination is why the Accra rental market keeps performing even as conditions shift, a theme we cover in why the Accra rental market keeps performing.
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 rental yield can I expect in Accra in 2026?
Prime Accra apartments yield roughly 8% to 11% gross. After costs, expect about 5% to 7% net on a long let and 10% to 13% net on a well-run short let. The figure depends on location, unit type and how actively the property is managed.
What is the difference between gross and net yield?
Gross yield is annual rent divided by the purchase price. Net yield subtracts the running costs: service charge, management fees, vacancy and tax. In Accra the gap is moderate, so a strong gross yield still leaves a healthy net.
Which unit type gives the best yield?
Smaller units, especially studios and one-bedrooms, usually show the highest percentage yield because they cost less to buy but command strong rents. Larger units and penthouses show lower percentage yields and lean more on capital appreciation.
Do short lets really yield more?
Often yes, on paper. A well-run short let can net 10% to 13% versus 5% to 7% for a long let, but it carries higher furnishing costs, more intensive management and more income volatility. The net advantage depends on occupancy and how the property is run.
What makes Accra yields hold up?
A structural housing shortage, steady urban and diaspora demand, and pricing in US dollars that protects rents from cedi swings. Top corridors also see low vacancy, which supports both occupancy and rent levels.
Want the yield on a specific unit?
Tell us your budget and whether you are after income or growth, and we will send you the rent and yield figures for units that fit.
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.