🏡 Your Guide to Buying Property in The Gambia

Buying property in The Gambia can be exciting, but it’s important to approach it carefully. Here are key points to check before making a purchase:

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🏠 Building Types

2, 3, and 4-bedroom houses in The Gambia come in all shapes and sizes. Some are advertised as “villas” but may actually be small bungalows on limited plots of land.

📌 Tip: Always review the photos carefully — or better yet, visit the site in person — to see what the property really looks like before committing.

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⚖️ Legal Advice

Always work with a qualified legal practitioner before signing any agreement or making payments. A lawyer can:

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• Conduct searches at the Registry of Deeds

• Acquire and verify title deeds

• Prepare a draft contract

• Register title deeds

• Handle stamp duty, leases, and other formal documentation

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Tip: Confirm your lawyer’s fees in advance and ask for references to ensure professionalism.

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🏗️ Roofs

• Flat roofs: Make sure they are properly waterproofed to prevent leaks.

• Tiled or corrugated roofs: Inspect for visible damage and check ceilings for signs of water infiltration.

Repairs can be expensive — use this as a negotiation point when discussing the price.

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🪟 Windows

When inspecting a property, make sure that:

• All insect screens are properly fitted and in good condition.

• All windows are equipped with burglar bars for added security — this is highly recommended for both houses and apartments in The Gambia.

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⚡ Electrical System

• Confirm if the property is connected to the NAWEC national grid.

• If not, check if there are supply lines nearby and how long it will take to apply for a connection.

• Have an electrician inspect the wiring quality, especially in ceilings, as construction standards can vary.

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💧 Water Supply

• Verify that the property is connected to the water mains.

• In The Gambia, water meters are usually located just inside the compound near the front fence.

• If there’s no meter, check if neighbors have water supply — this can indicate you’ll be able to apply once you acquire the property.

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🚽 Sewage & Plumbing

• Test all taps to confirm water runs properly.

• Hire a plumber to check for leaks, damp spots, incompatible joints, and manholes.

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🐜 Termites

Inspect the base of exterior walls for termite tunnels or trails.
This may indicate that the foundations were not properly treated.

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🏗️ Structural Survey

Before making your final decision, hire a qualified building surveyor to assess the structure, identify defects, and provide an estimate of repair costs.

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⚠️ Caution: Avoid rushing into “fixer-upper” projects without expert advice. Because construction standards can be inconsistent, renovation costs may exceed expectations.

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✅ Professional Responsibility

Be aware that professional accountability is limited in The Gambia. As a foreign buyer, it is essential to verify the competence and reliability of any professional you hire.

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🤝 Negotiation

Just like anywhere else, remember that a seller’s job is to promote their property. It is common — even expected — to negotiate in The Gambia. Not negotiating is considered unusual.

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🌍 Work with Kama Heritage

To avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth transaction, benefit from Kama Heritage’s experience on the ground.
We can act as your real estate agent, guide you through the process, and protect your interests from start to finish.

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✨ Our goal is simple: to help you make a safe, stress-free, and successful property purchase.