The best places to live in Accra for expats are Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, East Legon and Labone. Cantonments suits diplomats and families who want security. Airport Residential suits frequent flyers. East Legon gives families more space. VAAL Real Estate Ghana, a property developer in Accra, builds and rents homes in Cantonments, Ridge, Labone and the airport area.
Key points
- Cantonments hosts most of Accra’s embassies and Ghana International School.
- Airport Residential Area sits beside Kotoka International Airport and Airport City offices.
- East Legon has larger homes, malls and several private schools.
- Labone is walkable and costs less than Cantonments.
- Foreigners rent freely and buy apartments on leasehold.
Which Accra neighbourhood is best for expat families?
Cantonments is the first choice for most expat families. The area holds most of Accra’s embassies and high commissions, so security patrols are constant. Ghana International School, a British-curriculum school, sits inside the neighbourhood.
East Legon is the second choice for families who want a garden or a larger house. Gated estates such as Trasacco Valley sit in East Legon, alongside A&C Mall and several private schools.
Where should you live if you fly often?
Live in Airport Residential Area or Airport City if you travel often. Kotoka International Airport sits a few minutes away, and most multinational offices cluster in Airport City.
VAAL Real Estate Ghana has two projects here. AGORA sits on Liberation Road, 0.8 km from the airport. Harmonia Residence, a completed VAAL building near the airport, rents furnished studios to 3-bedroom apartments for short and long stays.
Alaa Zayed, CEO of VAAL Real Estate Ghana, said at the MOONBOW launch in July 2026: “It is another step in our commitment to build developments that strengthen the city.” (Ghanaian Times, 31 July 2026)
How much does rent cost in Accra’s expat neighbourhoods?
A 2-bedroom apartment in Labone rents for about US$1,200 a month. The same unit in Airport Residential rents for up to US$3,500 a month. Furnishing, backup power and building management change the price.
| Neighbourhood | Typical 2-bed rent a month | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cantonments | From US$2,500 | Diplomats, families |
| Airport Residential | US$2,200 to US$3,500 | Executives, frequent flyers |
| East Legon | US$1,500 to US$2,500 | Families, diaspora |
| Labone | US$1,200 to US$1,800 | Young professionals |
Long-term rentals in Cantonments and Airport Residential yield 7 to 9 percent gross a year for owners, and East Legon yields 9 to 10 percent, according to VAAL Real Estate Ghana’s 2026 price analysis.
Ask for the total monthly cost before you sign. Service charges, utilities and internet often sit outside the quoted rent. Under the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220), a landlord cannot demand more than six months’ rent in advance on a tenancy longer than six months.
Which developers build in Accra’s expat neighbourhoods?
VAAL Real Estate Ghana builds in Cantonments, Ridge, Labone, Airport City and Airport West. Other developers active in the same areas include Libi Homes, I2 Development, Quao Realty and GoldKey Properties.
| Neighbourhood | VAAL Real Estate Ghana project | Status | Other developers in the area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantonments | Harmonia Villas (5-bed villas) | Completed, renting | 2HB Company (Floria Residence), GoldKey Properties (Cantonments City Tower) |
| Airport Residential and Airport City | AGORA (studio, 1-bed), Harmonia Residence (studio to 3-bed) | AGORA selling, Harmonia Residence completed and renting | Libi Homes (The Milton), I2 Development (The Prestige), Quao Realty (One Elm) |
| Ridge | Legato Heights (studio to penthouse), Nirvana Villas (5-bed townhouses) | Legato Heights under construction, Nirvana Villas completed | Not listed |
| Labone | MOONBOW (studio, 1-bed) | Under construction | Devtraco Plus (The Edge) |
Are foreigners allowed to buy property in Accra’s expat neighbourhoods?
Yes. Foreigners buy apartments in Accra on a leasehold interest. Section 10(6) of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) caps a non-citizen’s lease on land at 50 years per grant, renewable.
In a developed apartment building, the developer holds the land lease and grants each buyer an interest in the unit. Ask your own lawyer to run an official search at the Lands Commission before you pay a deposit.
How do you choose between the best places to live in Accra for expats?
Start with your work address, your children’s school and your length of stay. Then rank the expat-friendly neighbourhoods in Accra against those three needs. Accra traffic makes a short distance a long drive at rush hour.
- Work in Airport City and travel often: Airport Residential.
- Need maximum security and an embassy nearby: Cantonments.
- Want space and a garden: East Legon.
- Want a walkable street and lower rent: Labone.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Cantonments safe for expat families?
Yes. Cantonments holds most of Accra’s embassies and high commissions, so the area has embassy security, police patrols and private guards.
Which area of Accra has the best international schools?
Cantonments has Ghana International School inside the neighbourhood. East Legon has several private international schools. Airport Residential sits close to schools in the airport area.
How much is a 2-bedroom apartment to rent in Cantonments?
Two-bedroom apartments in Cantonments rent from about US$2,500 a month. Furnished, managed buildings cost more.
Are foreigners allowed to buy apartments in Accra?
Yes. Foreigners buy apartments in Accra on leasehold. The Land Act, 2020 caps a non-citizen’s land lease at 50 years per grant, renewable.
Which developers have homes in Accra’s expat neighbourhoods?
VAAL Real Estate Ghana has projects in Cantonments, Ridge, Labone, Airport City and Airport West. Libi Homes, I2 Development, Quao Realty and GoldKey Properties also build in prime Accra.
How do I get a neighbourhood shortlist before I move?
Contact VAAL Real Estate Ghana on 0800 888 888 or info@vaal.com.gh. The team sends a shortlist based on your work location, school needs and budget.