.png)
How to purchase land SAFELY in Gambia?
The Alkalo is the hereditary chief of a village, typically descended from the first family that settled in the area generations ago.
The person holding the title of Alkalo is usually responsible for managing and authorizing the sale of land belonging to his family — which can represent a significant number of plots within the village.
Even though the Alkalo title carries respect and social status, receiving the Transfer of Ownership from the Alkalo alone is not enough to legally protect your asset. Unfortunately, not all Alkalos act with full honesty, and this first step does not prevent the same plot of land from being sold multiple times.
This is why it is crucial to take further legal steps to secure your property.
Don’t worry — Kama Heritage can handle the entire process on your behalf, ensuring your investment is safe and fully compliant.
TDA
Many expats dream of owning land with a sea view — but can you legally do that in The Gambia?
The answer is yes, but with conditions.
​
It is important to understand what the TDA (Tourist Development Area) is. Before you secure any plot, make sure it is not under TDA jurisdiction.
A simple way to check:
​
-
The TDA zone typically covers a distance of up to 800 meters from the sea.
-
In most coastal cities, you’ll find a large sign reading “TDA Limit – 800 meters.”
-
If your land is between this sign and the sea, you cannot purchase it directly as a foreigner.
​
The only legal way for foreigners to own property that close to the sea is:
-
Through an agreement with the Gambia Tourism Board (GT Board), or
-
By purchasing a house, villa, or condo within a GT Board–approved estate or private development where the properties are already built and sold legally.
Once you have identified the plot of land you want to acquire, follow these essential steps to protect your investment:
​
1. Verify Ownership
-
Obtain a written verification of ownership from the Alkalo (village chief).
-
Hire a renowned lawyer to carefully review the ownership documents.
-
Many experienced buyers also visit the Physical Planning Department (Area Council) to confirm that the land can be legally purchased and that it hasn’t been sold multiple times.
Tip: When buying from customary owners (as opposed to leased land), it is culturally common — and wise — to walk around the property and ask neighbors who the rightful owner is.
​
2. Secure Legal Assistance
Even though local verification is helpful, a lawyer remains the safest and most reliable way to verify and secure the transaction.
​
3. Complete the Transfer of Ownership
Once you have completed the purchase and received the Transfer of Ownership from the Alkalo:
-
Request a plot sketch plan prepared by a qualified surveyor at the local government office.
-
Ensure that this sketch plan is approved and stamped by the appropriate official.
​
4. Prepare the Documents Properly
The Transfer of Ownership is considered the first official legal document.
-
There are usually six copies of this document.
-
All copies must be signed by every party involved and their witnesses.
-
The final signed package should also include six copies of the approved sketch plan.
Finally, the documents will be signed and endorsed by:
-
The Alkalo (village chief)
-
The Seyfo (district chief)
-
The relevant local government authority
This process ensures that your land purchase is legally recognized and significantly reduces the risk of disputes in the future.
If the plot of land is owned by multiple family members, each and every owner must provide written consent and sign the agreement in the presence of witnesses.
We strongly recommend that you refuse to purchase any family-owned property if even one owner is absent or unwilling to sign. Failing to secure every owner’s consent can result in costly legal disputes later on if the absent owner contests the transaction — potentially leading to the loss of your money and years of litigation.
​
Fees & Documentation
As the buyer, you are required to pay a government fee that accompanies the Transfer of Ownership at the local authority.
The main documents involved in a standard land purchase are:
-
Transfer of Ownership (with sketch plan attached)
-
Certificate of Occupancy
-
Land Use Clearance & Transfer
-
Income Tax Clearance from the seller
-
Fencing Permit
-
Leasing Agreement (optional)
​
Important Disclaimer
We provide this information free of charge and without any warranty of accuracy.
We strongly advise all buyers to work with an official lawyer and/or qualified real estate practitioner for any land transaction to ensure full legal compliance and protection.
​
Whether you’re looking for a rental for your relocation, your dream home, a well-located plot of land, or even a commercial property such as a hotel — you can count on Kama Heritage’s expertise and wide selection of properties.
​
✨ Get access now to our exclusive listings!
​
Visit, Relocate and Invest
in Africa with Kama Heritage.
..
