Which of the Commercial Real Estates Available In Ghana Should I Invest In?

 Which of the  Commercial Real Estates Available In Ghana Should I Invest In?

In Ghana, there are many kinds of commercial real estate properties available for investment. These include office spaces, retail spaces, industrial spaces, and land for development. Each type of commercial real estate has its own unique features and benefits, and it is important to carefully evaluate your options before deciding on which type of commercial property to invest in.

Multi-family Real Estate

Multi-family real estate refers to housing with multiple units that are typically located within a single physical structure. These properties occupy a space between commercial and residential real estate and are considered commercial property since owners can generate income from them rather than primarily using them as residences.

 They can be found in urban or suburban locations and can be either mid-rise or high-rise buildings. Multi-family real estate is considered a safe investment because, despite the transient nature of residents, a few vacant units do not significantly impact the profitability of a large apartment building.

Office Spaces

Office buildings can be classified into different formats based on their height. They can either be mid-rise or high-rise buildings. Office leases are generally long-term as management prefers to maintain stability and avoid frequent relocation of their workforce. 

These buildings can be premium, with excellent infrastructure and location, and equipped with professional facility management systems. High-rise office buildings in metropolitan areas usually fall under this category. There is another category of office real estate that offers functional facilities but lacks the characteristics of premium properties. Such offices are usually located outside of urban or metro areas.

Retail Spaces

Retail space is used for a variety of commercial purposes, ranging from small neighborhood stores to large malls and entertainment complexes. Due to its location in high-traffic areas, retail space is typically more expensive than office space. Retail leases are generally long-term and often include anchor tenants with established brands, which can attract a larger customer base.

 Industrial Spaces

Industrial real estate includes warehouses, manufacturing centers, and distribution hubs. They are typically located outside of residential areas. Logistic hubs and special economic zones tend to make up clusters of this commercial real estate.

Upside of Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate offers several advantages, one of which is attractive leasing rates. In areas where new construction is limited by either land or law, commercial real estate can provide impressive returns and considerable monthly cash flows.

 Although industrial buildings generally rent at a lower rate, they also have lower overhead costs compared to an office tower. Commercial properties provide stable income compared to stocks, bonds, and shares, making them a safe investment in real estate.

Commercial real estate has an advantage over residential real estate when it comes to lease contracts. The lease contracts in commercial real estate are typically longer, which provides the holder with a significant amount of cash flow stability. This stability is ensured as long as long-term tenants occupy the building.

 In addition to providing a stable and lucrative source of income, commercial real estate also offers the potential for capital appreciation. However, this potential can only be realized if the property is well-maintained and kept up-to-date. Investing in a promising location is a safe bet as it ensures a steady cash flow even when there are no tenants. 

Commercial real estate is one of the most secure and safest forms of investment as the income remains stable even when the market is volatile, making it more attractive to investors.

Downside of Commercial Real Estate

Investing in commercial real estate directly can be daunting due to the complex rules and regulations involved. The taxes, purchasing procedures, and maintenance responsibilities for commercial properties are often buried in layers of legal jargon. These requirements vary depending on the state, county, industry, size, zoning, and other designations. As a result, most investors in commercial real estate either have specialized knowledge or employ experts to navigate these complexities.