Accra Emerges as Africa’s Real Estate Hotspot: Urban Growth and Investor Confidence Fuel Surge

Accra has solidified its position as one of Africa’s top real estate growth markets, ranking third across the continent due to a booming urban population, improved infrastructure, and rising investor interest. The city’s rapid development—spanning residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties—continues to attract both local and international stakeholders, making it a prime destination for real estate expansion in West Africa

Accra has been ranked the third fastest-growing real estate market in Africa, following Nairobi and Lagos, according to new insights from Statista and Knight Frank’s Africa Report. The ranking places Ghana’s capital firmly on the radar of international investors eyeing opportunities in high-growth urban centers across the continent.

Driven by macroeconomic stability, rapid urbanisation, and surging demand across both luxury and affordable segments, Accra’s property market is experiencing a significant boom. Analysts highlight the city’s resilience and competitiveness amid broader regional headwinds, crediting a blend of public-private collaboration, expanding middle-class wealth, and sustained GDP growth.

“Africa’s real estate sector is expanding rapidly, fuelled by urban migration, demographic growth, and government infrastructure investment,” the report stated.

The African Development Bank projects average annual GDP growth of 4% between 2023 and 2025 a threshold Accra is already surpassing. This performance is feeding directly into property values, especially in urban hotspots, as housing demand outpaces supply.

Ghana’s real estate market is projected to hit a GHS533.34 billion valuation by 2025, with residential assets comprising over GHS456 billion of that figure. Despite inflationary pressures and fiscal tightening, the sector is forecast to grow at 3.44% annually through 2029, driven by a young, urbanizing population and the rising purchasing power of middle-income earners.

High-end enclaves such as East Legon, Cantonments, and Airport Residential Area continue to attract affluent Ghanaians and expatriate professionals. These zones are seeing rapid vertical expansion, with luxury apartments and gated developments in high demand.

Meanwhile, attention is shifting to emerging suburban corridors like Spintex, Adenta, and Pokuase, where land availability and more affordable housing options are drawing a new wave of homebuyers. Developers are intensifying efforts to meet this demand through modular housing schemes and mortgage-backed projects.

The government’s affordable housing drive anchored by public-private partnerships and expanded access to home financing has also played a pivotal role in widening market participation and addressing Ghana’s long-standing housing deficit.

Accra’s ascent as a regional commercial hub is also reshaping the city’s office and retail landscape. Demand for Grade A office space and mixed-use developments has risen sharply, underpinned by political stability and Ghana’s strategic gateway status to West Africa.

However, the commercial office segment faces a recalibration. Post-Covid oversupply has led to vacancy rates of 20–30%, prompting a strategic pivot among developers toward flexible workspaces, hybrid office concepts, and more efficient leasing models that better reflect evolving corporate needs.

While Accra gains momentum, Nairobi remains a continental frontrunner with its tech-enabled infrastructure and real estate innovation. Lagos, Africa’s largest market by volume, is projected to reach a staggering $2.25 trillion valuation by 2025. Kigali and Johannesburg also continue to shape the pan-African property landscape through sustainability and financial market sophistication.

Amid varying levels of policy maturity and infrastructure readiness, one constant across Africa’s property markets is clear: the growth is increasingly powered by private capital, urban migration, and shifting lifestyle patterns in a post-pandemic world.

Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by samboad