By the VAAL Real Estate Ghana team | Last updated: 14 October 2026 | Sources: Lands Commission client service charter, Land Act 2020
To register land in Ghana, run an official search, get a barcoded site plan, stamp the deed, then apply to the Lands Commission. First registration of title takes a minimum of 65 working days and costs GH₵677 in charter fees. VAAL Real Estate Ghana, a property developer in Accra, recommends using your own lawyer at every step.
Key points
- Greater Accra, Tema and parts of Kumasi use title registration.
- Other areas use deeds registration.
- Stamping takes 10 working days without inspection.
- Plotting a site plan up to 1 acre costs GH₵78.
- Stamp duty runs 0.25 to 1 percent of the declared value.
What are the steps to register land in Ghana?
Land registration in Ghana follows six steps. Your lawyer and a licensed surveyor handle most of them.
- Run an official search at the Lands Commission (14 working days).
- Commission a licensed surveyor to prepare a barcoded site plan.
- Sign the deed or lease with the seller.
- Get consent or concurrence where the land is state or customary land.
- Stamp the deed and pay stamp duty (10 working days without inspection).
- Apply for registration of title or deeds registration.
Source: Lands Commission client service charter.
How long does land registration take in Ghana?
First registration of title takes a minimum of 65 working days. Deeds registration takes a minimum of 10 working days.
| Service | Minimum timeline (working days) | Charter fee (GH₵) |
|---|---|---|
| Official search, Greater Accra | 14 | 155 first acre |
| Plotting, up to 1 acre | 10 | 78 |
| Concurrence to lease, customary land | 60 | 30 presentation, 80 processing |
| Stamping, no inspection | 10 | 30 presentation, 5 communication |
| First registration of title | 65 | 677 |
| Deeds registration | 10 | 60 |
Source: Lands Commission client service charter.
What is the difference between title and deeds registration?
Title registration gives you a land title certificate backed by the state register. Deeds registration records your deed, but the register does not guarantee the title.
Title registration applies in Greater Accra, Tema and the Adum area of Kumasi.
What does land registration cost in Ghana?
Charter fees for a standard plot in Greater Accra total under GH₵1,500 before stamp duty and professional fees. Stamp duty and lawyer fees make up most of the cost.
- Stamp duty: 0.25 to 1 percent of the declared value
- Surveyor fees for the site plan
- Lawyer fees, usually a percentage of the property value
Do apartment buyers need to register their unit?
Yes. An apartment buyer holds an interest in the unit under the developer’s head lease, and the buyer’s lease should be stamped and registered. Ask the developer who handles the registration and who pays.
Are foreigners allowed to register land in Ghana?
Yes, as leaseholders. Section 10(6) of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) caps a non-citizen’s land lease at 50 years per grant, renewable. Freehold grants to non-citizens are void.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How long is land registration in Ghana?
First registration of title takes a minimum of 65 working days under the Lands Commission charter. Deeds registration takes a minimum of 10 working days.
How much does land registration cost in Ghana?
The charter fee for first registration of title is GH₵677. Add stamp duty of 0.25 to 1 percent of the declared value, plus surveyor and lawyer fees.
What documents do I need to register land in Ghana?
You need the signed deed or lease, a barcoded site plan, an official search report, proof of stamp duty paid and, for customary land, consent or concurrence.
Do I need to register an apartment I buy from a developer?
Yes. Stamp and register your lease. Ask the developer, such as VAAL Real Estate Ghana, who handles registration and who pays.
Is a foreigner allowed to own land in Ghana?
A foreigner holds land on leasehold only. The Land Act, 2020 caps a non-citizen’s land lease at 50 years per grant, renewable.