These are the main things to inspect before making your purchase of real este
in Gambia or Senegal. 

 

• Building Types:-
2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses on sale in Gambia come in all shapes and sizes. Some are described as 'villas' when in fact they are just a bungalow on small grounds,
so it's important to check out the photo and see what the building actually looks like. Better still try and visit the site yourself.

 

• Legal Advice:-
Always use the services of a qualified legal practitioner before entering or making any real estate decisions.  They can carry out the property conveyancing process on your behalf such as searches at the Registry of Deeds, acquiring title deeds, preparing a draft contract for you, registration of title deeds, stamp duty, leases and other formal types of documentation. 

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• Roofs:-
When looking to buy a home see whether it has a flat roof. If it has, then make sure that it is lined with a waterproofing product as these buildings are prone to leaking. Also do take a look at the ceiling for any signs of leaks.

 

If it has a corrugated or tiled roof then look out for signs of damage on the top as well as the ceiling. Repair costs could run into thousands of Dalasi so this could be a negotiating item.

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• Windows:-
The cost of replacing defective windows can be costly. If the property has sliding windows then do check that all are sliding properly.
Check to see that all the insect screens are properly fitted.

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• Electrical System:-
The first thing you should check is whether the property is connected to the main grid supply from the Gambia's National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec). If not then check to see if there are supply lines running outside the property as you may be able to apply to get connected to the mains, though this can take some time, so do enquire how long this is likely to take before deciding to buy. The electrician should look over the quality of the wiring, particularly in the ceiling area, as you cannot be certain of the standard of work.   
 
• Water Mains Supply:-
Check that the property is connected to the water mains. In The Gambia water metres are usually located just inside the compound near the front fence.
If the building does not have a water metre then look to see that your immediate neighbours have supplies. 

 

If they do then you would be able to apply after you have acquired the property.

 

• Sewage & Plumbing:-
Check all the taps to confirm that they all produce running water. Get a fully qualified plumber to check for signs of leaks,
incompatible joints, damp on walls, the manholes, etc.

 

• Termites:-
Look at the outside of the house's wall near the ground for any signs of termite tunnels or leads rising from the ground. 
If you do see signs then this is a possible indicator that the foundations did not receive proper treatmen

Structural Survey:-
And finally before deciding to purchase a home in Gambia you are advised to seek out the services of a fully qualified building structural surveyor to check over the property for any defects and to give you an idea of the cost of rectifying any problems.

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Do not rush to purchase FIXER UPPER Project because of the lack of standard in the construction industry unless you have received advices of very skilled and experienced construction professionals.

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Understand the responsibility of the professional when they give you those professional are almost inexistant legally.

You should try your best as a foreigner to make sure your professional, unless you know him for years,  doesn't meet the seller of the house neither the representative of the property owner when they come to inspect the property.  

Just like in any country, if the seller say it is the best house at the best price consider
that he is selling. It is normal to negotiate in Gambia. In fact not negotiating is not normal.

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In order to facilitate the whole process benefit from Kama Heritage's experience on the ground by hiring our service as your real estate agent. We can facilitate the process and help you avoid a lot of pitfalls.

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We wish you to make a good and safe transaction.