Tips for Selling Your Property Faster in a Competitive Market
Ghana’s real estate market is booming but highly competitive. Demand is strong – prices in Accra and Kumasi have been climbing and are expected to keep rising through 2025– yet many sellers are now vying for buyers. With 65% of Ghanaians projected to live in cities by 2030 (and a housing deficit of over 1.8 million homes), the market is busy. In this environment, simply listing a home isn’t enough. Sellers must stand out with smart pricing, excellent presentation, and effective marketing. Homes that linger on the market become “stale,” raising questions among buyers and making quick sales even harder. The good news is that by following a few key strategies, Ghanaian homeowners can sell their residences faster even in this busy market.
Price Your Property Competitively
Setting the right price is crucial. As a leading Ghanaian real estate blog notes, “Pricing your Accra house for sale correctly is one of the most crucial steps in the selling process”. Overpricing a home will scare. To hit the sweet spot:
Research Comparable Sales: Look at recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. If comparable houses are selling quickly, price yours similarly. If a listing attracts few visits or bids, it may simply be too high. Neighbors’ homes selling “faster than yours” is a clear sign to re-evaluate your asking price.
Use Professional Valuation: Engage a licensed valuer or experienced local agent (like Mapex) to appraise your property. They can analyze market trends, adjust for your home’s size and condition, and recommend a realistic price. This data-driven approach helps avoid guesswork.
Be Strategic with Pricing: In some cases, pricing slightly below peak market value can attract multiple buyers and even spark a bidding situation. Conversely, if you list too high, you’ll likely need a price cut later. Work with your agent to strike a balance that brings interest quickly while still getting a fair return.
Enhance Curb Appeal and Stage Your Home
Buyers make snap judgments. First impressions matter immensely – “the way the house looks has an impact on how quickly it sells,” as one Ghanaian seller guide puts it. A clean, well-maintained home instills confidence, whereas a neglected one sends buyers away. Consider investing a bit of time or money into these presentation steps:
Deep Cleaning & Decluttering: Scrub floors and windows, tidy gardens or driveways, and remove personal items. Buyers should see the space, not your clutter.
Minor Repairs: Fix leaky taps, replace cracked tiles, touch up peeling paint, and ensure all lights and appliances work. Even small issues can distract buyers or give the impression of hidden problems.
Neutral Staging: Arrange furniture to showcase each room’s purpose and space. Use neutral paint colors and minimal décor so potential buyers can imagine their own style in the home. Staging is an investment: one Ghanaian developer reports that staged homes sold 79% faster than unstaged ones. Focus staging on key areas like the living room, master bedroom, kitchen and dining area.
Professional Photos: Once your home is in top shape, hire a good photographer. Online listings with high-quality, bright photos generate far more interest. Consider angles that highlight natural light, space, and special features (like a garden or fireplace). Great photos make buyers want to see more.
Leverage Effective Marketing Channels in Ghana
Even a perfectly prepared home won’t sell if no one sees the listing. Effective marketing is essential “in reaching a wide audience of potential homebuyers in Ghana”. Use multiple channels to maximize exposure such as online listing portals, social media promotions, local agents and referrals, and traditional outreach
No matter which channels you use, ensure your marketing is consistent and sustained: update and renew listings as needed, and respond quickly to inquiries. According to property advisors, marketing “the house for sale in Accra” effectively prevents it from “not being marketed,” which would otherwise limit visibility and prolong its time on market.
