Ghana’s housing market is booming, especially in major cities like Accra. With rising populations and economic growth, demand for housing is outstripping supply in many areas. For buyers and renters, a key decision is whether to opt for an apartment or house. While houses have long been the dream for many Ghanaians, apartments are becoming an increasingly popular option. Specifically, 3-bedroom apartments offer compelling benefits compared to houses in Ghana’s urban areas.

More Affordable Housing Costs

The most obvious advantage of a 3-bedroom apartment over a house is lower costs. With less land space in cities, houses command high purchase prices and rents. Apartments effectively split these costs over multiple units, bringing overall housing expenses down. This makes apartments more affordable, especially on a per-square-foot basis.

According to Numbeo, apartment prices in Accra average around 6,700 GHS per square meter. Detached houses average around 9,100 GHS per square meter. So for a 100 square meter 3-bedroom apartment, the price would be around 670,000 GHS. A similar-sized 3-bedroom house could cost over 900,000 GHS. Additional expenses like property taxes and home insurance also tend to be lower for apartments versus standalone houses.

Less Maintenance Responsibilities

Maintaining a house is a major responsibility that adds to the overall cost of homeownership. Apartment living significantly reduces maintenance duties and expenses. With an apartment, the bulk of maintenance is handled professionally by the building owner/property management company.

Tasks like exterior painting, roof repairs, plumbing fixes, and appliance replacements are no longer the homeowner’s obligation. Groundskeeping and common area upkeep are also covered. This lifts a huge maintenance burden off apartment residents’ shoulders.

Access to Shared Amenities

One of the perks of apartment living is access to shared amenities. Most complexes offer amenities like pools, fitness centres, playgrounds, community spaces, and more that can be enjoyed by all residents. Having access to these types of amenities is typically only possible in more expensive detached houses.

For example, a 3-bedroom apartment in a building with a shared pool and fitness centre grants access to amenities that could otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of GHS. Apartment amenities enhance quality of life while allowing residents to save or reallocate disposable income.

Better Security Features

Enhanced security is another advantage apartments have over standalone houses. Apartment buildings often utilize layered security measures like gated access, security cameras, door attendants, and overnight guards to keep residents safe. These measures provide 24/7 protection that goes beyond what’s typically installed in houses.

With apartments, costs for security staff and technology can be distributed across many residences. This enables access to services that may be prohibitively expensive for a single-family home. For many Ghanaians concerned about safety, the security services offered in apartments provide significant peace of mind.

Less Time and Money Spent on Commuting

In cities like Accra, traffic congestion and long commute times impact the quality of life. Apartments in centralized, urban areas allow residents to be closer to workplaces, amenities, and entertainment. This provides easy access by foot, bike, or public transport.

Houses in remote suburbs typically necessitate car ownership and lengthy commute times. The Urban Institute estimates the average Accra household spends 28% of its income on transportation costs. Apartments in high-demand city locations significantly reduce transportation expenses and free up time lost in traffic.

Freedom from Gardening and Lawn Care

Taking care of a lawn and garden is a major drawback to house living for some. Landscaping maintenance like mowing, pruning, weeding, and planting is eliminated with an apartment. Yardwork responsibilities no longer eat into weekends and after-work hours.

Apartment residents can fully enjoy leisure time rather than labouring over lawn care. For those who dread gardening and mowing, apartment living provides a welcome reprieve from endless yard maintenance.

No Need to Coordinate Handyman Services and Repairs

Fixing issues that arise in a house often requires finding and coordinating service appointments with repair technicians. With apartments, the property management coordinates maintenance, so residents don’t have to be inconvenienced.

Property managers maintain networks of reliable handymen, contractors, and service providers to quickly fix problems. This hassle-free system ensures apartment residents’ maintenance needs are handled promptly by qualified professionals.

More Social Opportunities

Apartment communities create more opportunities for socializing and connecting with others. Shared amenities and common spaces foster repeated interactions between residents. Group events and activities may also be organized by apartment management. This promotes a stronger sense of community.

Houses can feel isolating, while apartments provide built-in chances to meet fellow residents, make friends, and become invested in the community. For singles, families, and sociable individuals, the heightened social possibilities of apartments are highly appealing.

Simplified Moving Process

Moving into or out of a house is generally more complex compared to an apartment. With a house, the homeowner must coordinate their own moving process entirely. Apartment managers often assist with move-in/move-out logistics and provide recommendations for reputable moving companies.

On the administrative side, apartment leases eliminate stresses like finding a buyer when it’s time to move. Breaking a lease is typically simpler than selling a home. For renters who value flexibility and convenience, apartments make relocating much smoother.

Availability of Short-Term Leasing

Renting a full-sized house usually involves signing a long-term lease, often 12 months or longer. Apartment leases can sometimes be negotiated for shorter terms of just a few months. This benefits renters who want more flexibility.

Expatriates, students, travelling business professionals, and others needing temporary housing gravitate towards apartments partially due to the possibility of short-term leases. The flexibility of apartment leasing provides greater freedom to change locations as needed.

Potential for Investment Income

In cities with high housing demand, apartments can generate solid investment returns from rental income. Many investors purchase apartments specifically to lease them out long-term. This can provide reliable monthly cash flow along with equity growth over time.

Houses can also generate rental income, but the lower price point of apartments allows investors to scale up a portfolio. Multiple apartment units together may spin off greater rental income than renting out a single house. Apartments’ leasing flexibility also aids their performance as investment properties.

Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Apartments to Houses

Clearly, apartments have some strong advantages, especially for urban dwellers. But there are also factors to weigh carefully before choosing an apartment over a house. Key considerations include:

Space Limitations

Apartments inevitably provide less living space than comparably priced houses. Floor plans max out at a few hundred square meters. Families needing more room could feel cramped. Storage is also more limited without a basement, attic, or garage.

Outdoor space is restricted as well. Most apartments either lack a yard or have a modest terrace or balcony. Gardening isn’t possible, and pets may lack room to roam. Prospective renters should think critically about their space requirements.

Noise Issues

Apartment living comes with an inherent loss of privacy and separation. Noise travels easily between units. Family activities, children, loud music, parties, etc. in neighbouring units can be irksome. Light sleepers may find apartment noise disruptive.

Loose regulations and inadequate soundproofing exacerbate problems in some buildings. Prospective tenants should thoroughly evaluate the insulation and noise levels before signing a lease.

Quality Inconsistencies

The quality and upkeep of apartments varies widely depending on the landlord and property manager. Some buildings are luxurious and impeccably maintained. Others suffer from cheap construction, absentee owners, and neglect of repairs.

Amenities promoted at leasing may fall short in reality. For instance, the “fitness centre” could just be a cramped room with a single outdated exercise bike. Renters should scrutinize buildings carefully rather than assuming amenities match marketing materials.

Rental History Requirements

Most apartments require tenant screening and credit checks. Applicants with little or no rental history may not qualify. Expect to provide references and proof of regular income as well. Standards are usually higher for apartments versus renting a house from an individual landlord.

Prospective tenants unable to meet rental history requirements may need to initially rent a room, studio, or less desirable unit. After establishing a positive rental track record, upgrading to a nicer apartment becomes easier.

Lease Constraints

Apartment leases impose more contractual constraints compared to renting a house. There are restrictions on paint colours, wall mounting, pets, guests, noise levels, etc. Leases may also limit the usage of amenities like pools, gyms, and parking. Breaching lease terms can provoke fines and even eviction.

Additionally, breaking a lease early often entails paying steep termination fees. Renters craving more control over their living space may chafe under strict apartment leasing rules.

HOA and Move-In Fees

On top of rent, apartment residents must pay homeowner association (HOA) fees covering building upkeep. One-time move-in fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and parking fees also add to costs. These miscellaneous fees can take new tenants by surprise.

Homebuyers encounter similar fees when purchasing a condo. However first-time apartment tenants sometimes underestimate these additional expenses. Make sure to account for all recurring and one-time fees when budgeting for an apartment.

Compromised Ownership and Customization

Renting an apartment means sacrificing the control that comes with homeownership. As a renter, you can’t make permanent changes like renovating kitchens and bathrooms or removing walls. Ownership perks like building home equity don’t apply either.

Apartments also restrict homeowners’ ability to customize their residences. Outside of decor, renters cannot make structural changes to “make it their own”. Whether this trade-off matters depends on your priorities and financial circumstances.

Difficulty Finding Family-Sized Units

Developers favour building smaller 1-2 bedroom apartments with higher returns versus larger 3+ bedroom units. This keeps the supply of spacious family-sized apartments low, especially in Accra’s most popular neighbourhoods.

With urbanization and rising real estate prices, families are increasingly considering apartments instead of houses. However, finding a suitable 3 or 4-bedroom urban apartment can involve long searches and waiting lists. Competition is fierce for larger apartments in prime locations.

Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Apartment Over a House

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and are leaning towards renting an apartment, make sure to ask the right questions as you evaluate options. Key queries include:

• How thick are the walls/floors? What level of soundproofing is used?
• Are amenities included or extra fees? How often are amenities maintained/upgraded?
• Who handles repairs and maintenance requests? What is the response time?
• What restrictions exist relating to guests, pets, parking, noise, etc?
• What are all move-in fees and recurring monthly fees?
• What security features are in place (guards, cameras, entry systems)?
• What options exist for lease terms/early termination?
• What options exist for bundling rent and utilities?
• How financially stable is the management company or building owner?
• How tenant-friendly are the eviction and dispute policies?
• How responsive is management to issues raised by current tenants?

Also, pay attention to:

• Quality of finishes, fixtures, and equipment (avoid cheap or dated)
• Noise levels in hallways and from adjacent units
• Frequency of maintenance issues apparent
• How to clean common areas and model units appear
• Security of parking facilities and entry points
• Lighting, ventilation, and pest control in units

Asking the right questions helps ensure you choose an apartment that meets your needs and avoids disappointments down the road. Do your due diligence before signing a lease.

Top Areas in Accra to Consider for 3-Bedroom Apartments

Certain areas of Accra stand out for their combination of amenities, convenience, and available rental apartments:

East Legon

Located northwest of central Accra, East Legon is home to several new luxury apartment developments. It provides quick airport access and amenities like shops and restaurants. Families appreciate East Legon’s cul-de-sacs, planned communities, and suburban atmosphere.

Dzorwulu

Close to prime office space and hotels, Dzorwulu attracts business-minded renters. New mixed-used complexes in the neighbourhood feature modern 3-bedroom apartments alongside offices, clinics, and cafes. Dzorwulu offers a central location and abundant amenities.

Cantonments

As a long-established neighbourhood, Cantonments offers prestige and community vibe. Apartment rents are expensive but buy proximity to government buildings, businesses, hotels, and restaurants. Cantonments allow easy car-free commuting for urban professionals.

Labone

Adjacent to Cantonments, Labone appeals to students and faculty at the University of Ghana. The neighbourhood offers great walkability and quick transport links. Rental apartments range from mid-tier affordability to upscale. Labone provides an intellectual, trendy vibe.

Osu

For those who prioritize entertainment, culture, and nightlife, Osu is ideal. Its reputation as an arts district continues growing with new galleries, boutiques, clubs, and eateries opening regularly. Osu provides urban appeal at the heartbeat of Accra.

Key Features To Seek Out When Touring 3-Bedroom Apartments

To maximize satisfaction in your new urban apartment, look for units providing:

• Open concept layouts – Eliminate narrow hallways and closed-in spaces. Seek open kitchens flowing into living/dining areas.
• Premium appliances/fixtures – Modern furnaces, water heaters, cabinets, etc. cut costs and headaches.
• In-unit laundry – Skip the hassles of shared laundry rooms. Clean and efficient laundry areas add convenience.
• Balconies – Even compact balconies expand living space and provide fresh air. Just beware of balcony noise travelling between units.
• Tech wiring – Look for CAT-6 ethernet wiring and cable ports supporting fast WiFi speeds.
• Natural light – Floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and lighting tubes brighten up rooms and offset cramped feelings.
• Soundproofing – Heavy insulation, double-pane windows, and floor buffers reduce noise issues.
• Eco-friendly construction – Sustainable building practices bring utility savings and health benefits.
• Smoke-free policies – Prevent secondhand smoke from nearby units compromising your living space.

Final Take – Weigh Trade-Offs but Apartments Offer Advantages

The house versus apartment debate involves balancing trade-offs like space, privacy, and customization against affordability and convenience. While houses remain ideal for many, apartments present a compelling option for urban living.

Lower costs, amenities, security, community, and flexibility make renting an apartment advantageous in Accra’s competitive housing market. Just be sure to research buildings thoroughly to avoid poor management and construction issues.

With their spacious layouts and abundant amenities, 3-bedroom apartments suit urban professionals and families wanting upscale convenience. Accra’s prime neighbourhoods offer trendy apartments with the comforts of home and connectivity to the city’s energy. For many urban dwellers seeking housing in Ghana’s capital, apartments outshine houses.

Conclusion: Consider Eden Heights’ Luxurious 3-Bedroom Apartments

Eden Heights is a luxurious real estate development in West Accra, Ghana, offering a range of high-end apartments and comprehensive facilities, emphasizing comfort, security, and convenience for its residents. It is located in Weija downtown West Hills, Accra, Ghana, Eden Heights is a real estate development combining impressive architecture and interiors. It offers a unique residential space with luxurious amenities, including a world-class sporting complex, on-site management, ample parking, and serene surroundings.

FAQs About Choosing a 3-Bedroom Apartment Over a House in Ghana

Is it better to buy or rent an apartment in Ghana?

In most cases, renting an apartment in Ghana is more practical than buying. Apartment purchase prices are high, while rents remain relatively affordable. This favours renting. High-interest rates also make financing an apartment purchase expensive. Renting provides more flexibility as well.

How much does a 3-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Accra?

Average rents for 3-bedroom apartments in Accra range from about 2,000 to 7,500 GHS per month. Prices vary significantly based on the apartment’s location, amenities, quality of construction, and management. Ultra-high-end apartments in prime districts can command over 15,000 GHS per month.

What neighbourhoods are best for families wanting a 3-bedroom apartment?

Top family-friendly neighbourhoods for 3-bedroom apartment rentals include East Legon, Labone, Spintex, Tema, and North/South Tanokrom. These areas offer spacious units alongside amenities, schools, recreation, and easy commuting. Many complexes cater specifically to families as well.

Do apartment buildings in Ghana have generators for power outages?

Most modern apartments have backup generators to provide electricity during blackouts and load shedding. Power supply from the grid remains inconsistent in Ghana, so on-site generators are an essential apartment feature. Check that generators are professionally maintained and adequate to power all electrical loads.

How much deposit is required to rent an apartment in Ghana?

Typical security deposits for apartments equal 1-3 months of rent. Additional fees during move-in may include application fees, administration fees, and advance rent for the first 1-2 months. Budget for these initial move-in costs, which often total 4-8 months’ worth of rent upfront.