You’ve saved $200,000 for your first Accra property investment. The question keeping you up at night: Cantonments’ diplomatic prestige or East Legon’s vibrant growth potential? This choice will shape your returns, lifestyle, and exit strategy for the next decade.
Both neighborhoods sit at the apex of Accra’s real estate hierarchy. Cantonments offers “old money” stability with colonial charm and embassy neighbors. East Legon delivers “new money” energy with restaurants, modern developments, and higher rental yields. Your $200,000 opens different doors in each market.
What Does $200,000 Buy in Cantonments?
Cantonments remains Ghana’s diplomatic quarter. Tree-lined streets, embassy compounds, and heritage properties define the landscape. Average apartment prices hover around $524,000, while houses command $1.76 million. Your $200,000 positions you for entry-level opportunities.
Your Options:
- Entry-level 2-bedroom apartment in older buildings
- 35-40% down payment on higher-value apartment with financing
- Off-plan purchase in emerging Cantonments developments
Investor Appeal:
Corporate tenants, diplomats, NGO executives, and embassy staff fill the rental pool. Multi-year lease agreements mean stable income streams. The diplomatic rotation cycle creates consistent demand without seasonal volatility.
Returns Snapshot:
Rental yields average 6-8% annually. Price appreciation grows 8-10% per year. The market offers stability over explosive growth. Resale liquidity remains high due to prestige factor and limited supply.
Lifestyle Factor:
Quiet residential streets. Minimal commercial activity. Premium security due to embassy presence. Limited nightlife and entertainment. Airport proximity (15 minutes).
What Does $200,000 Buy in East Legon?
East Legon pulses with entrepreneurial energy. Modern developments, international schools, restaurants, and shopping malls create a self-contained ecosystem. Average residential properties cost $740,000, but the $200,000-$300,000 bracket offers more variety.
Your Options:
- 2-bedroom apartment in mid-tier complex
- Small studio in luxury complex (Signature Hill, Luxwood)
- Plot of land in East Legon Hills for future development
Investor Appeal:
Young professionals, diaspora returnees, families, and corporate executives seek modern conveniences. Short-term rental demand spikes during peak seasons (December-April). Multiple tenant profiles mean higher turnover but stronger yields.
Returns Snapshot:
Rental yields range 8-11% annually. Price appreciation averages 10-12% per year. Growth corridors like Adjiringanor and East Legon Hills show 18-20% potential. Market volatility remains higher than Cantonments.
Lifestyle Factor:
Social energy and nightlife. Dense restaurant and café scene. Traffic congestion during rush hours. Modern amenities and international schools. Youth-oriented atmosphere.
Head-to-Head Comparison – Cantonments vs. East Legon
| Factor | Cantonments | East Legon |
| Average Price (2-bed unit) | $180,000-$220,000 | $150,000-$200,000 |
| ROI Potential | 6-8% | 8-11% |
| Tenant Type | Expats, diplomats, corporates | Families, professionals, diaspora |
| Short-Term Rental Demand | Moderate but steady | High, especially December-April |
| Infrastructure Quality | Premium and secure | Growing, mixed quality |
| Price Appreciation | Moderate (stable) | Strong (expansion zones) |
| Market Risk | Low | Medium |
| Resale Liquidity | High | Varies by sub-community |
Who Should Buy Where?
Choose Cantonments if:
You prioritize stability over maximum returns. You want hands-off management with long-lease tenants. You value prestige and capital preservation. You need diplomatic tenant reliability.
Choose East Legon if:
You want maximum total returns through yield plus appreciation. You handle active property management. You target younger corporate or diaspora renters. You prefer modern amenities and lifestyle infrastructure.
Maximizing Your $200,000
Cantonments Strategy:
Split investment between studio and serviced apartment. Focus on buildings with embassy tenant history. Budget for heritage property maintenance costs. Target 7-8% yields with diplomatic tenants.
East Legon Strategy:
Consider duplex townhouse in growth corridors. Explore mini multi-unit Airbnb near universities. Partner with property management for absentee ownership. Target 9-11% yields with seasonal optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does $200,000 secure titled land or only apartments?
Both markets limit you primarily to apartments at this price point. East Legon Hills offers land banking opportunities for patient capital.
Which area delivers better Airbnb returns?
East Legon dominates short-term rentals with 9-11% yields versus Cantonments’ 6-8%. Peak season demand (December-April) drives East Legon’s advantage.
What hidden costs should investors expect?
Budget 3-5% for legal fees, survey costs, and registration. Luxury complexes add $300-$500 monthly service charges. Property taxes and insurance add 1-2% annually.
Which district offers faster resale liquidity?
Cantonments wins on resale speed due to prestige and diplomatic demand. East Legon varies by specific sub-community and property quality.
Where does depreciation risk run higher?
East Legon faces oversupply risk in certain nodes. Cantonments’ limited land supply protects against rapid value erosion.
Your Next Step
Cantonments delivers security and prestige. East Legon offers growth and stronger cash flow. Your choice depends on your timeline, management capacity, and risk tolerance.
Ready to make the right choice for your $200,000? Book your one-on-one Investment Feasibility Review with Sarah Arthur Real Estate Advisory. We’ll analyze your specific goals, review current inventory, and create your personalized investment strategy.
