Buying Property in The Gambia: The Complete Guide
Updated 1 July 2026 · 9 min read
The Gambia has one of West Africa’s most accessible property markets: prices remain modest by international standards, transactions are conducted in English under a legal system rooted in English common law, and there are no restrictions that prevent ordinary buyers from owning property. But it is also a market where paperwork discipline matters enormously. This guide walks through the whole journey, from shortlisting to registered title.
Understand the types of land tenure
Gambian property falls into three broad tenure types. Freehold gives outright ownership and is the most sought-after, but genuine freehold is relatively rare and concentrated in older urban areas such as Banjul and Bakau. Leasehold, typically a 99-year lease from the state, is the most common form of secure title for residential land, and is what most new estates in Brufut, Bijilo, and the Sukuta corridor are sold under. Customary land is held under traditional tenure administered through the village alkalo (head); it can be converted to leasehold, but until that conversion is complete it carries the most risk for an outside buyer.
Before falling in love with a property, establish which of these three you are being offered. The answer changes the checks you need, the documents you should see, and the price you should pay.
Do the due diligence before any money moves
The single most important step is a search at the Lands Registry to confirm the seller actually owns what they are selling and that the plot is not encumbered or double-sold. Engage an independent Gambian lawyer, not one recommended by the seller, to run the search, review the title documents, and confirm there are no disputes. For customary land, your lawyer should verify the transfer with the alkalo and the area council.
Insist on a licensed surveyor confirming the plot beacons match the survey plan. Boundary disputes are the most common source of grief for buyers, and a survey costs a fraction of what litigation does.
Budget for the full cost, not just the price
On top of the purchase price, budget for legal fees, survey costs, stamp duty, and registration fees. A sensible planning figure is roughly 5–10% of the purchase price all-in, and your lawyer can quote precisely once the property is identified. If you are buying into an estate, ask about service charges and any outstanding development levies.
Prices on kerrpoint are listed in dalasi (GMD) unless stated otherwise. If you are transferring money from abroad, use formal banking channels and keep the remittance records. They are useful evidence of the transaction trail.
Completing and registering the purchase
Completion happens by deed: your lawyer prepares a conveyance or deed of assignment, both parties sign, stamp duty is paid, and the deed is lodged for registration. Do not treat a receipt or an unregistered agreement as proof of ownership. Registration is what protects you against a later claim. For leasehold property, the final step is the Ministry of Lands consenting to and recording the assignment of the lease.
Only release the balance of funds against signed, registrable documents. A staged payment tied to documented milestones is normal and any serious seller will accept it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone buy property in The Gambia?
Yes. There is no citizenship requirement for owning property in The Gambia. Foreign buyers most commonly hold property through a long-term lease (typically 99 years), which is renewable and freely transferable. Many diaspora and international buyers purchase in coastal areas such as Brufut, Bijilo, and Kololi.
How long does a property purchase take?
A clean transaction with a registered title can complete in a few weeks. Purchases involving customary land conversion or missing documentation can take several months. The registry search and survey at the start of the process are what determine the timeline. Never skip them to save time.
Is a receipt from the seller enough proof of ownership?
No. Only a registered deed protects your ownership. Receipts and unregistered sale agreements are evidence of payment, not of title. Always complete the transaction through a lawyer and register the conveyance at the Lands Registry.