✅ Key Things to Inspect Before Buying Real Estate in The Gambia or Senegal

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Purchasing property in West Africa can be exciting — but it’s important to be careful, thorough, and informed. Here’s a checklist of the most important things to inspect before committing to a purchase:

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🏠 Building Types

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

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📌 Tip:

• Carefully review the photos and floor plans.

• Whenever possible, visit the site in person to see exactly what you’re buying.

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⚖️ Legal Advice

Always use a qualified legal practitioner before entering into any real estate transaction. A good lawyer can:

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• Conduct searches at the Registry of Deeds

• Acquire and verify title deeds

• Draft and review your contract

• Register the title deeds

• Handle stamp duty, leases, and other legal documentation

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Important: Confirm your lawyer’s fees in advance and request references to ensure their professionalism and reliability.

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🏗️ Roofs

• Flat roofs: Make sure they are properly waterproofed, as they are prone to leaking. Inspect ceilings for water damage.

• Tiled or corrugated roofs: Check for broken tiles, rust, or holes and look at ceilings for stains.

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💡 Negotiation Tip: Roof repairs can be expensive, so factor them into your price discussions.

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🪟 Windows & Security

• Test all windows — especially sliding ones — to ensure they open and close smoothly.

• Check that insect screens are properly fitted.

• Ensure burglar bars are installed for added security.

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⚡ Electrical System

• Confirm whether the property is connected to the NAWEC main grid.

• If not, check whether supply lines are nearby and how long it would take to get connected.

• Have a licensed electrician inspect the wiring quality, especially in ceilings, as work standards can vary.

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💧 Water Mains Supply

• Verify that the property has a water meter (usually just inside the compound fence).

• If there is no meter, check if neighbors have supply — this indicates you can apply for one after purchase.

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🚽 Sewage & Plumbing

• Test all taps for water flow.

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

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🐜 Termites

Inspect the lower exterior walls for termite tunnels. If present, it may indicate the foundations were not properly treated.

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🏗️ Structural Survey

Before finalizing the purchase, hire a qualified structural surveyor to inspect the building for defects and provide an estimate of repair costs.

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⚠️ Caution: Do not rush into a fixer-upper project without expert advice — the lack of construction standards can make renovations riskier and more expensive than expected.

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🔎 Professional Independence

Be cautious: professional accountability can be limited locally.

• Choose your surveyor or inspector carefully.

• Unless you personally trust them, ensure they do not meet the seller or owner’s representative alone when inspecting — this keeps the process impartial.

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💰 Negotiation

Just like anywhere else, sellers will claim to have the “best house at the best price.”
Negotiation is normal and expected in The Gambia — not negotiating can even be considered unusual.

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🌍 Work with Kama Heritage

Buying property abroad can be complex — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Kama Heritage has on-the-ground experience to guide you through every step, help you avoid pitfalls, and make sure your transaction is safe and successful.

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✨ Let us help you turn your dream into a secure investment.