Types of houses in Ghana
There are different types of houses in Ghana today thanks to the infinite great architectural ideas from our experts who regularly surprise us with land-marking structures. The houses in Ghana range from the modern high-end dwellings to the simple traditional houses commonly found in rural areas. Ideally, they range from those that provide luxury to those that provide shelter and nothing more. Affirmatively, houses serve two purposes; they can either be for commercial use or residential use altogether.
Housing in Ghana is progressively becoming a nightmare due to the high population growth experienced in the country and majorly in the urban areas. Well, there is a close link between population and housing which is inversely proportional, when one increases the other goes down and vice versa. The population increase has led to the housing deficit in Ghana which means the demand is high that the supply and as the market force dictates the Ghana house value skyrocket. This has made the puzzle harder to crack.
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Nevertheless, buying or building a house remains one of the sound investment that one can make. This has been the struggle for both middle to high-income earners. Most people have to take a mortgage or even a loan for a Ghana homes acquisition. However, even when the issue of financing is addressed, yet another problem pops up. There are many housing designs in Ghana; attractive, modern Ghana and admirable for an easy house address in Ghana.
Thanks to our architectural experts, there are many types of houses. They have gotten deep into research and come up with fantastic building plans in Ghana like chamber and hall self-contain building plans, which are nothing less than phenomenal. The variety seeks to satisfy the diverse needs of clients who have different housing tastes. The following are some forms of housing in Ghana;
Attached houses – This type of homes is widespread in the urban areas where space is limited, and building companies would want to maximize on the land for sale in Ghana Tema available so that it perfectly fit their structure. The walls are shared between buildings which make a property appear as a long stretch although it is utterly economical as it significantly slashes the cost of building a house in Ghana.
However, the attached houses are best if the buildings belong to one person to avoid conflict of interest or people having supremacy over the others. Although it has its fair share of advantages, it can also be the root of upheavals especially if the housing attachment extends to another plot. Naturally, the attached houses are in one plot sharing common walls that partition them.
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Detached houses – there are some of the popular and modern homes of the day. Herein, houses do not share walls and are entirely independent of one another. This type of houses is common in the leafy suburb where people reside and would want to have their privacy. Although building and construction companies can build a detached house, this style is typical among people who buy their land and choose to develop the same themselves. The detached houses are their preference if the house is for family use regardless of if it is for self-occupancy, rent and pay monthly in Ghana or leasing out.
The detached homes are single dwelling. With this, the house has its compound and is independent of other housing units in the neighborhood, which means it shares nothing with it neither the walls nor other social amenities. They offer more privacy and is the most secure type of Ghana homes.
Semi-detached houses - These types of houses lies somewhere in between the attached and detached dwellings in structure. They lack the absolute independence by then again aren't too attached. Typically, two houses could share one wall on one side of the house while all others remain independent. Ordinarily, these are residential family houses which provide somewhat some privacy, but the wall shared. Ideally, the house can be expanded to create more space or room for occupancy.
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The following are some of the forms in which Ghana homes may take. Of course, each housing designs has its advantages and disadvantage. The significant factors of consideration in housing in Ghana are:
- Space available - The land available is one of the primary determinants of the kind of structure that can be built on it. For instance, if space is limited, a story building would optimize the area above and on land which means it is economical. If the land is a non-issue they houses can be built on the ground floor.
- Cost – This is chiefly the dictator on the type of house one can go for. If the value of building a house in Ghana is high, which then means it may strain much your wallet then, experts would advise you consider another cheaper model or design. Detached houses are more expensive than the attached houses; the choice of homes in Ghana squarely rooted in cost and one's ability to finance their projects.
- Security & safety- This primarily refers to how safe and secure your property is. Own compound houses are much safer especially if they have a high and electric perimeter wall. It is because it is relatively safe from external attacks and there are no neighbors who could steal or plot robbery for you. However, modern houses are fitted with surveillance equipment regardless of whether there are neighbors around or not. The detached houses still top regarding security.
- Personal taste - Every purchase or acquisition is subject to personal preference and taste. It explains why one would go for a particular type of house while the other goes for an entirely distinct design. Nonetheless, personal feelings are majorly determined by socialization and media influence.
- Purpose – Ideally, one always looks for a house with a specific goal in mind. For instance, if you want a private residential home, a mansionette or bungalow would work correctly for you since you have independence and space to run your errand within your premises. Naturally, one will go for a house that best serves them their purpose and is affordable to them.
- Regulations – Well, this comes as a surprise to many because many are ignorant of the Ghana land and building laws. Some rules and regulations would limit one from developing the land as per their preference. For instance, a gated community has a Ghana provision on how the house designs and style for that particular area should be. If for example, the bungalows are built one cannot then make a traditional house for residence or a residential building with several other homes-plot. This would obviously be condemned and the law dictates it be demolished. It explains why they are cool, classy and luxurious residential homes and yet in other areas, we have busy flats and apartments. The regulations are not wholesome but rather apply partly to the field in question.
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The following are some of the favorite Ghana houses. Some are in the urban areas and have a high number of occupancy while others are in the rural areas. In the later, houses are independent because land is not so limited which means that it is utterly hard to find homes with several floors in the rural areas. On the other hand, urban centers are densely populated which means there is the great scramble for housing. To meet this demand, the prevalent types of houses are the story building both for residential and commercial purposes. It is because they serve the purpose more efficiently that would be with the latter considering land is in-expandable horizontally unless vertically with made Ghana products. Besides, Ghana is one of the most populated countries in the world which then explains why the housing deficit is felt in the Republic of Ghana.
1. Apartment houses
Apartment houses to residential units that are on several floors other than the ground floor. It is a trendy house design because it serves a more substantial capacity which means many people get to be accommodated. They are self-contained private residence within a larger building. It then means that there are several other houses, but each is artistically made such that every family is separate from the other say for the corridor and stairways they share.
Subject to how the Ghana homes are made they can accommodate a small to a large family. There are simple houses with one, two or three bedrooms, even single rooms with single room decoration in Ghana, which means some can accommodate more family members than the other. The building plans in Ghana for the apartment houses are diverse which is the reason why one has to choose what best fits them. It is one of the modern homes in the world, thanks to privacy and affordability most families have extended much preference for this housing designs. Some up to date structure have the advanced technology such as installation of the upsa interplay system, central control, security surveillance camera, a fitness area- this ordinarily is shared, ample parking space among many other amenities.
2. Flat houses
Flats types of homes are often confused one for another with the apartment. Although they may have many similarities, each has its distinct design and style. Ideally, a flat just like the later has many dwelling units in one more considerable property, and the owners share certain communal facilities outside of their premises. However, each level is converted into a separate dwelling place for each family, unlike with apartment where there is much sharing of common facilities; in flats, this has been minimized.
Well, flats can be rented out premises but can also be bought surprisingly. Yes, flats since it's a separate dwelling place each unit can be sold to a family regardless of which floor the house is in. The rights to the property are only limited to their space, for instance, if you buy a flat Ghana home on the first floor of a building that is the only structure you have rights of ownership, control, use or even transfer over.
Flats offer much more comfort and privacy that nay Ghana houses in existence today. Since these are private residence privacy is eminent and undeniably one of the nice buildings in Ghana. It has become the newest way for property acquisition bearing the fact that land is in expandable while the population is in dire need for housing which has become a real menace and a hustle for any family more so those living in urban areas.
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3. Bungalow houses
Bungalow houses are residential premises which lie on the ground floor. They are common in gated estates in Ghana and their prices, semi-urban areas and even in the rural areas. They have a very long history since the Bengal Style of housing in Ghana can be traced back to the Indian architectural designs. In fact, the term bungalow emanates from the Indian word Bungalo, which is the name given to houses with the Bengal style.
Nonetheless, this modern houses design was quickly adopted by the British colonial rule as they sought to make modern homes for themselves that would give them the comfort they needed in addition to being economical. The housing style then spread the world over even becoming one of the cozy buildings in Ghana. It is one of the affordable housing in Ghana as well as affordable homes for sale in Ghana.
A bungalow is a housing unit that is private and self-contained but lies horizontally on the ground. The space utilized is on the ground unlike in other housing designs where even area above is made use of. Their independence is probably one of the most desired things since there is no sharing of any amenities including walls, corridors, parking and the landscape outside. The number of rooms could range from many to a few subject to how the architectural design is drawn and made. Some modern designs have incorporated small upper rooms on the sloppy rooftops with deep hangings. By the way, the roof commonly is made of bricks, and the house is built on the natural landscape with or without pavements but is a beautiful house to live in having incorporated a UPSA interpay system.
4. Maisonette houses
Maisonettes are more or less similar to the bungalow say for their vertical expansion. These are houses built on squeezed pieces of land while the structure has to fit in the space above it has to be made use. It then means that a maisonette unlike a bungalow is built on levels or has several floors. However, the bottom line is that they are independent private dwelling places for families which means there is some form of freedom in this structures.
The house commonly befit prominent families since they have several bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen and all other social amenities put in place such as a fitness center, laundry, backyard for the modern houses. The interior designs and materials used to build the house are the bridge between the house being affordable to be one of the expensive houses in Ghana. It makes some homes be valued more than others which explains why property management companies in Ghana prefer to price houses in the dollar due to the volatility of the Cedi House.
The maisonette is the type of houses for individuals who want to lead a relaxed, silent life yet deluxe and luxurious in style. They are built in nature; in forested areas, eye-catching vegetation, vast horizons and with the excellent natural scenery. However, even those built on land that has been say encroached, the owners invest in developing in the landscape to make it more ethnic and natural. It is done by having green vegetation; grass and flowers on the ground and well-tended gardens and farmlands around the house.
5. Villa houses
Villa houses are one of the expensive houses in Ghana owned by tycoons and people in the entertainment industry majorly not for shelter but more about luxury and flossing. They a single family unit homes with ultra-chic amenities, designs, and even additions. There also found in grand neighborhoods that are cool and out of the busy work activities. Mainly this a place to relax, enjoy life and the contentment that comes with a pleasant experience.
The primary characteristics of villas are that they are on a broad scale, with stretched out landscapes, gardens, and vineyards. Luxuries of a state of art pool, an airstrip, parking lot, show-stopping vegetation among many others dream homes are defined. These homes can be for residential purposes while some can be rented out to families that are looking for a premise during their vacation. They are made with all the fantastic interior design specs you are looking for, glamour, hospitality and is just a homely place one can be. However, they are expensive houses in Ghana thanks to all that is put therein to make them land marking homes.
Conventionally, villas were homes for the Roman Upper class. The wealthy and affluent people would occasionally retreat into these home out of their busy work schedule to relax and have fun. Ordinarily, they were found in an upcountry region or just far away from the city life. Villas were a second home which explains why there is so much luxury in this Ghana homes. However, in as much as the history can be traced back to the Romanian reign the designs and ideas have considerably evolved. There are varied designs and house for rent in Kumasi, among other cities that are villas by definition.
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6. Condominium houses
A condominium house refers to a housing unit within a building or community, which has other groups that have a similar design. Well, many have described these modern houses in Ghana as a select apartment, but that is not just it. A condominium is owned and nor rented or leased out to other people which means there are for residential purposes and never for business. It is because people come up together with an ideas developing affordable housing in Ghana and hence build homes for themselves with binding use for residency according to rent control in Ghana.
Ideally, several owners come together and build a mega building wherein is partitioned to have smaller units for each family unit. It then means there will be sharing of ordinary things such as roof, halls, stairs, walls, elevators and so on. The owners share the maintenance and other utility bills of the same since it is jointly co-owned and hence are obliged to according to the Ghana law reports PDF. Land for sale in Ghana, Tema is one area that has ongoing or complete condominium projects for housing Ghana provision. There are fantastic building plans.
Nonetheless, there is a rising trend where the condominium is used for business purposes but cannot be used for residential purposes. For instance, the many shopping malls around Accra, Kumasi and many other major towns have this style. The business and office spaces belong to owners but there are shared things such as HVAC system, corridors, stairs, elevators and the like. Each owner holds the title to their space and control over it. It is one of the popular development by the Ghana real estate developers association. The boon to this is that the cost of building a house in Ghana significantly goes down.
7. Lodge houses
These type of houses are common in the hospitality industry which offers accommodation services. They are ideally guest rooms although they are more or less a secondary home because it has all the elements of a house; living area, bedrooms, kitchen, cloakrooms to mention but a few things. There commonly serves the purpose of a home to those who are far away from home and have their families with them say for a vacation of trips.
The lodge houses can be independent of each other or even share walls subject to how the architect found the fit in collaboration with the client's desires. They can have nature landscaping, be surrounded by a garden among many other things the hospitality industry provides. The boon to the lodge houses is that you get to enjoy social amenities such as swimming pool, fountains, health & fitness centers, beautiful scenery near where one is accommodated. Ordinarily, lodges are located near big towns to give you the convenience you need for movement.
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8. Cottage houses
These are traditional homes made in Ghana. Conventionally, they were houses in the rural or remote areas where people majorly farmers lived in. In fact, the word cottage means homes of farmers. They were individual buildings which would accommodate a family.
The ancient notion of a farmer's house has changed and evolved into an excellent structure although the materials for building are still in use. Today, the cottage houses have been revamped with modern architectural knowledge, which has made them a modest and hospitable home for all for a modern Ghana. Ideally, cottage houses are made of wood, some magic stones or even cultural artifacts with heavy roofing which can either be made of tiles, brick or grass thatched with sloppy steep roofs.
Chiefly, there are found in remote, rural, forested or calm, natural environments with vegetation and animal and birds' habitation. Although farmers still occupy some, others are held by celebrated persons while still others are used as restaurants and lodges. They have a rustic interior and exterior which makes them more African and is one of the affordable houses for sale in Ghana today.
Well, there are many types of houses in Ghana, and the list would be endless to list but above are some of the standard and popular housing in Ghana. Other may range from the traditional houses, single house, containers house all the way to high-end chambers and hall self-contained building plans like we have a few chamber and hall for rent in Kumasi one of the fastest growing towns in Ghana.
Primarily, the Ghana houses are either for commercial or residential use. The uses commonly are not mixed as each structure should serve one purpose unless a few exemptions in the Ghana rent act, which dictates how land is sold in Ghana, it uses, management, transfer, and acquisition should be. There are houses in Ghana for families and for even singles, which means that all clients are catered for.
In addressing the housing deficit in Ghana, state housing company along with private real estate developers like TDC Ghana have vested their efforts into research and finding the best way to solve the housing scarcity, which has led to the subsequent housing prices skyrocketing which is utterly making it unaffordable to many Ghanaians. The appalling state has made the pricing of houses be regarding dollar and no cedis house making it worse. It is because the values of dollars are relatively high and stable compared to the value of the cedi.
However, to avoid bias, the rent control Ghana exists to clearly show the scope for the real estate companies, property managers, agents, homeowners and even those who want to acquire land or a house. They have authority and control over all even the accreditation of the list of real estate companies in Ghana. The housing problem can be traced back to the dubious land laws that have made it impossible for development pushing many to reside in urban centers which are chaotic thanks to some uncontained demographic factors. Nonetheless, there are still many types of houses in Ghana one can build, rent or lease.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
