Property Buyers Urged to Seek Legal Advice Before Deals
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The maiden edition of Own Your Space event has brought renewed attention to the growing need for credible information and professional guidance in Ghana’s property market, as experts caution prospective homeowners against costly mistakes.
Convener of the initiative and host of ZED Decor Live on ZED 101.9 FM, Amma Naabia Boakye-Dankwa, said the platform was created in response to persistent concerns from working professionals, particularly women, seeking direction on land acquisition and home ownership.
She noted that many individuals lack access to trusted lawyers, surveyors and land technicians, a gap that often exposes them to fraudulent deals and poor decision making.
“People kept asking where to find the right experts. I realised I couldn’t provide all the answers myself, so I decided to bring the professionals together on one platform for people to ask questions and get the right guidance,” she said.
According to her, the initiative is intended to simplify access to property related knowledge while creating a supportive space for women to engage industry experts directly. She added that feedback from the maiden event has been encouraging, with calls for it to be institutionalised as an annual programme.
Madam Boakye Dankwa emphasised the need for strict legal due diligence in all property transactions, warning buyers against making rushed decisions.
“Do not sign anything or make any payment without consulting a lawyer. There’s nothing like ‘hot land’. Anyone who pressures you to buy immediately is not being truthful,” she cautioned.
She stressed that engaging a lawyer is critical to verifying documentation and facilitating checks with institutions such as the Lands Commission to ensure legitimacy.
Also speaking at the event, furniture designer and co founder of HomeCraft, John Peter Dadson, urged prospective homeowners to approach both land acquisition and furnishing with careful planning.
“These are lifetime investments. People must take their time to make the right decisions, whether it’s acquiring land or furnishing their homes,” he said.
From the insurance perspective, Head of the Spintex Branch of Star Assurance, Jerry Elom Doe, highlighted the low uptake of home insurance despite increasing interest in private home construction.
He explained that while many Ghanaians are investing in building their own homes, protection of such assets remains largely overlooked.
Mr. Doe outlined available insurance products, including Contractors All Risk policies, which provide coverage from foundation to completion, as well as comprehensive home insurance packages covering risks such as fire, flooding and structural damage.
He emphasized that these policies may also extend to personal belongings, public liability and alternative accommodation.
“We are raising awareness to prevent people from losing their financial investments due to unforeseen events,” he said.
The Own Your Space initiative is expected to contribute to improving property literacy in Ghana as demand for home ownership continues to rise.
