Choosing a property to buy ultimately boils down to location, space and cost. But in between that lies the important decision of style and type. Before buying, it’s a good idea to know the different types and styles of Ghana houses. From mud houses to the luxury penthouses for sale in Ghana, here are some of the prevalent types of houses people reside in.
8 common types of properties Ghanaians reside in
- Compound House
- Apartments and Flats
- Townhouses
- Semi-detached Houses
- Detached Houses
- Container Homes
- Mansions
- Penthouses
1. Compound Houses
These are large houses with multiple housing units on the same compound. Think of it as an enclosed courtyard with different households who share basic facilities such as washrooms, electricity meters and kitchens. This type of housing traces back to earlier African civilisations where men had multiple wives and needed distinct units or in essence, bedrooms to house each wife. These units faced each other and left a central common area or compound.
Unlike apartments, compound houses are typically one-storey. These are also one of the most affordable houses for rent in Ghana. The most common types of accommodation in compound houses are single rooms and chamber and hall.
Single Rooms
Single rooms are the most popular type of homes in Ghana. These are one-bedroom housing units that come with no bathroom or kitchen. They’re ideal for young adults (usually single) and the working class.
Chamber and Hall/Single Room Self-contained/Studio Apartment
Self-contained single-rooms are an upgrade to single rooms. They’re essentially two-bedroom units complete with a bathroom and a kitchen. One of the bedrooms is converted into a hall, thus creating the chamber and hall situation. For all intents, these are the same as studio apartments, except they’re not in actual apartments.
2. Apartments and Flats
Apartments or flats are buildings with self-contained housing units on different floors. These units house different households on each level. As Ghana’s population along with the need for housing increase, apartments are proving to be a preferred means of accommodation. They make efficient use of space and in luxury apartments such as Eden Heights, provide amenities and features like 24/7 security, leisure facilities, internet, and more that ensure comfort, convenience and peace of mind. These apartments are usually found in traditionally coveted locations such as Airport Residential Area and Labone, and in emerging areas like Weija.
These luxury apartments are patronised by the middle to upper-class in Ghana. If you’re looking for beautiful houses and apartments for sale in Ghana, consider Eden Heights Apartments located at Weija.
3. Townhouses
Townhouses are homes with at least two floors that share walls with other houses on both sides, but have their own entrances. The name comes from British nobles who owned houses in town, away from their castles and manors that they could go to to do business. It’s the reverse of beach houses which wealthy families retreat to when they want to escape the city.
Townhouses can be found in Ghana’s prime areas such as Airport Hills, Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, East Legon, North Ridge and Labone.
4. Semi-Detached Houses
Similar to townhouses, semi-detached houses also share walls with other houses. The main difference, however, is that semi-detached houses only share one wall with other houses and aren’t always multi-floor homes.
5. Self-contained / Detached Houses
Known elsewhere as single-family homes, these are the most preferred type of houses in Ghana especially for people who build their own homes. These homes stand independently, boast more outdoor space than the other types of Ghana houses and can be walled and gated. These can be one-storey or multi-storey buildings and typically have 2 bedrooms or more.
They also feature a range of styles that puts them among the most beautiful houses in Ghana. They are typically found within estates and gated communities in Ghana. A common additional feature with these types of houses is boy’s quarters or outhouses, which are smaller housing units detached from the main house.
Self-contained houses are perfect for newly married couples and middle-income earners.
6. Mansions
While bungalows are small self-contained houses usually with a single storey, mansions are the larger, more majestic self-contained homes. These feature some of the most beautiful architecture and exude wealth and luxury. They are primarily found in prime areas and in gated communities. They sit on large stretches of land, boast several rooms, often have a swimming pool and more.
7. Container Homes
Shipping containers have other uses besides storing and transporting goods. They can be used as homes. Thanks to their durability, low cost, and eco-friendliness, shipping containers can be repurposed into homes. While not as common as the other types of houses, repurposed shipping containers are a common sight on construction sites where they serve as offices.
8. Penthouses
The best views, the most lavish amenities, the highest mark of luxury and the right to be called the king of the hill in an apartment building are the defining features of a penthouse. Traditionally, penthouses simply referred to a small house on the roof of an apartment building. This evolved into the top-most floor, sometimes the top 3 floors in the case of US President Donald Trump’s penthouse in Trump Tower.
In Ghana as much of the world, penthouses are reserved for the super-rich who cherish their privacy and want the best views of the city. Penthouses are the most expensive unit in an apartment and are fitted with the best fittings and amenities. A good example of a penthouse in Ghana is the deluxe penthouse unit available for sale at Eden Heights luxury apartments.
Conclusion
These are 10 of the most popular types of houses for sale and rent in Ghana. Now that you have a good idea of the types of houses available for sale in Ghana, you can make a better decision on what to get. If you’re looking for world-class luxury apartments to buy or rent that offer comfort, convenience and peace of mind, Eden Heights apartment is an excellent choice.
Check out Eden Heights apartments today
