How to Build on Property in Gambia, Africa

Travel to Gambia to find a piece of paradise on Earth. This small, West African country is a hidden travel gem with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. While some travelers only visit Gambia for the safaris, others look to it as a longer-term retirement destination.

If you are considering a similar move, you’ll soon discover that building a life in Gambia is easier said than done. From finding a plot of land to getting a building permit, you’ll face challenges you never expected.

That’s where we come in. We’ve traveled to Gambia, and we’ll show you how to build on property in Gambia, Africa.

What you need to know before building in Gambia

Before you build, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about Gambia and the real estate market there. Begin by reading our Beginner’s Guide to Gambia.

Next, you’ll need to decide where you want to build. This is the most important step in building on property in Gambia. Where in the country will you build?

Finding a property in Gambia

Finding a property in Gambia is easy. The country has only about 1.9 million people, and there are only about 1,800 different places to live. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for you to find a property.

But make sure that the property you choose is suitable for building. Most countries won’t let you build on a beach or near a popular tourist site. You can, however, find a suitable plot in almost any town or neighborhood in Gambia.

If you want to go big, you can also find properties in the countryside. Most regions have just a few such places, so you’ll have to dig deep to find a good one.

Getting a property permit in Gambia

You’ll need a property permit to own or build on property in Gambia. You can get a plot with a government-issued plot plan. Just make sure to get a zoning permit first.

The exact steps you’ll take to get a plot plan and property permit will depend on the plot plan you choose. Exact procedures for each city vary, but all follow roughly the same path.

First, you’ll need to find a realtor in your city. Most realtors are part of local real estate associations, and they can help you navigate the process.

Next, you’ll need to go to the city planning commission office and apply for a site plan. Here you’ll need to submit photos of the property and pay a fee. You’ll also need to get a building plan approved by the commission.

Once you’ve got your site plan and building plan approved, you can move on to applying for your property permit. You’ll need to submit an application with payment, and you might also need a construction plan. If your plot is on the coast, you’ll also need to get a coastal plan approved.

All you need to know about construction permits in Gambia

The process of getting a construction permit in Gambia is similar to the one outlined above, but there are a few differences you need to be aware of.

Construction permits in Gambia are only required for commercial construction. You do not need a construction permit to build a house, apartment, guest house or other residential construction.

You’ll also need a construction plan if you want to build on the coast or near a river. These types of plans are often required for bridge construction.

The Gambia real estate market

The Gambia real estate market is hot right now, and it’s likely to stay that way for the near future. That’s because the country has a low population, and there aren’t many places to live.

This means that finding a home is difficult. Most people are also moving to the cities, which only adds to demand.

Not only that, but the country has a rich history and is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in Africa.

If you want to get a sense of the Gambia real estate market, you can check out the listings on Zoopla or view Gambian properties on Zoopa.

Buying property in Gambia

Buying property in Gambia is just like buying property anywhere else in the world. You’ll start by looking for a place with a real estate agent.

Your real estate agent will help you search for homes, conduct due diligence, and arrange a property viewing. At the viewing, you’ll be able to take in the full scope of the property and ask any questions you might have.

You’ll also look at the contract, which is standard in most places. The contract details the property purchase price, sale date, and other important terms.

You can also use Zoopla to find homes for sale in Gambia.

Final words - Is it really as difficult as it seems?

Everyone has different ideas about what makes a good life, and for some building a house in a foreign country may not be on the list.

You’ll need to do a lot of research in order to build a house in Gambia, but we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve traveled to the country and spent months looking into the ins and outs of building on property in Gambia.

If you want to build a house in Gambia, the process is actually easier than you might think. The country has a low population, and there aren’t many places to build. Finding a plot is easy, and the process of getting a property permit is straightforward.