Prospective homeowners, tenants urged to prioritise property checks during rainy season

Real estate agent Benaiah Uche Rawlings has advised prospective tenants and homebuyers to prioritise the rainy season when searching for properties, stressing that it is the most revealing period to assess a property’s true condition.

Ghana’s property market has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by urbanisation, rising population, and increasing demand for housing in cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. However, inadequate drainage systems, poor urban planning, and unregulated construction continue to pose major risks for property seekers.

Seasonal flooding has exposed weaknesses in many residential areas, leaving tenants and homeowners to bear the costs of repairs and relocations.

Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9 FM, Mr Rawlings explained that while many properties appear attractive during the dry season, hidden challenges often emerge when it rains.

“I think most of the time the best time to search for a property is during the rainy season. That’s when you get to know what the place is really made of,” he said.

The real estate agent emphasised that beyond accessibility, security remains a critical factor for anyone considering a rental or purchase.

“Yes, we like to think this is a safe country, but we’ve seen robbery cases in even the most secure neighbourhoods. So one of the most important things you need to consider is how secure the place is, both the area and the property itself,” he noted.

Mr Rawlings further highlighted structural concerns and hidden costs that tenants often overlook.

According to him, tenancy agreements generally require occupants to return a property in the same condition they found it.

However, issues such as leakages, wall perforations, and water damage often arise, especially in areas with high salt content in the soil, which can weaken structures, ruin paintwork, and affect a home’s exterior appearance.

He urged renters and buyers to exercise due diligence and inspect properties thoroughly before committing financially.