Global real estate Investor Opportunities in SerekundaRental homes in Gambia’s busiest commercial hub
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in Serekunda
Benefits of investment in
Gambia real estate
Low-cost property near beaches and capital city
The Atlantic coast offers homes and land within minutes of Banjul, at a very accessible price point.
Open property market with foreign ownership rights
Gambia welcomes international buyers, with simplified purchase processes and residency options.
Friendly lifestyle in a small, peaceful country
With English as the official language and a welcoming culture, Gambia suits retirees and lifestyle buyers alike.
Low-cost property near beaches and capital city
The Atlantic coast offers homes and land within minutes of Banjul, at a very accessible price point.
Open property market with foreign ownership rights
Gambia welcomes international buyers, with simplified purchase processes and residency options.
Friendly lifestyle in a small, peaceful country
With English as the official language and a welcoming culture, Gambia suits retirees and lifestyle buyers alike.
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Real Estate in Serekunda, Gambia
Why Invest in Real Estate in Serekunda
Serekunda, Gambia’s most populous and economically vibrant city, has become an increasingly appealing destination for real estate investors looking for emerging market opportunities. The city is strategically located near the capital Banjul, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Banjul International Airport. Its urban sprawl now encompasses several key suburbs and neighborhoods including Latrikunda, Kanifing, and Bakoteh, each offering different investment prospects.
Investing in real estate in Serekunda offers several key advantages: low property prices compared to other West African cities, growing demand for housing, and a stable political and economic environment. Additionally, The Gambia’s pro-investor policies, tax exemptions for certain property investments, and favorable treatment of foreign property owners make Serekunda a high-potential destination for both individual and institutional investors.
Types of Properties Available
The real estate market in Serekunda is diverse and accommodates a wide range of budgets and purposes:
- Urban family homes: Detached and semi-detached homes in areas like London Corner, ideal for families and local professionals.
- Rental compounds: Multi-unit structures with several one-bedroom or studio apartments, often yielding stable rental income.
- Luxury villas: Especially in the coastal and expat-friendly areas like Bijilo, Kololi, and Kerr Sering.
- Commercial real estate: Including shops, open market stalls, small office complexes, and warehouses in high-traffic areas.
- Vacant plots: For both residential and commercial development; common in areas like Sukuta, Old Yundum, and Talinding.
- Tourist accommodations: Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and short-term rentals servicing the busy tourist corridor.
Properties are available through private owners, real estate agents, and developers. Verified developers may also offer flexible payment plans, especially for new-build projects.
Buying Process and Legal Framework
The legal framework for property ownership in The Gambia is relatively open to foreigners. While freehold land is limited, foreigners can legally acquire leasehold properties for up to 99 years. These leases are renewable and transferrable. Most transactions are conducted in cash, although escrow mechanisms are becoming more common among foreign buyers.
The standard steps to purchasing property in Serekunda include:
- Identifying a property via a trusted agent or platform.
- Performing title checks and ownership verification (essential to avoid land disputes).
- Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and paying a deposit (usually 10%).
- Drafting a Sales Agreement with assistance from a local lawyer.
- Registering the leasehold at the Ministry of Lands and paying necessary stamp duties and taxes.
Foreigners are advised to work with reputable law firms and request due diligence reports before completing a sale. Title searches can take time, especially if the land is not properly registered in the national cadaster.
Property Prices and Market Performance
Property prices in Serekunda remain relatively low, particularly compared to nearby regional hubs like Dakar or Abidjan. However, they have been steadily appreciating due to infrastructure development and increased interest from Gambian diaspora and European retirees.
Indicative prices in 2025:
- 3-bedroom residential house: $35,000 – $70,000 USD
- 4-bedroom villa near Bijilo: $90,000 – $180,000 USD
- Multi-unit rental compound: $65,000 – $120,000 USD
- Urban commercial unit (e.g., retail): $50,000 – $100,000 USD
- Land (500m² in Sukuta): $6,000 – $15,000 USD
Annual appreciation in central areas has averaged around 6–8%, while peri-urban land in areas such as Brufut, Jabang, and Yundum may see higher returns as infrastructure improves.
Rental Market and Income Potential
Serekunda’s rental market is segmented into local, expat, and tourist demand:
- Local long-term rentals: Monthly rates range from $100 to $300 USD for apartments and family homes.
- Expat and NGO staff: Target mid-range apartments ($300–$600/month) or furnished homes.
- Short-term tourists: Airbnb and Booking.com listings offer $30–$100/day, with high occupancy between November and April.
Gross rental yields for well-managed properties average 8–12%. Properties with solar power, water tanks, and secure fencing can charge premium rents. Investors managing their properties remotely may hire local property managers for 5–10% of monthly revenue.
High-Demand Neighborhoods for Investors
The following districts are among the most attractive for real estate investment in Serekunda:
- Kololi: Heart of the tourism corridor, full of restaurants, bars, and hotels. Ideal for short-term rental investments.
- Bijilo: Near the beach and international schools; popular with expats and retirees.
- Sukuta: More affordable and expanding rapidly with new road projects and utilities.
- Bakoteh: Urban location with growing retail and service sector demand.
- Brufut Heights (just outside Serekunda): Home to modern villas, great for luxury rentals and capital appreciation.
Many of these areas are accessible by paved roads and have access to electricity and boreholes, which makes them suitable for immediate development.
Foreign Ownership and Residency Pathways
The Gambia does not impose restrictions on foreign ownership of leasehold properties. In fact, foreign property buyers are welcomed and supported through a relatively transparent investment process. Although property ownership alone does not confer permanent residency, it strengthens applications for:
- Temporary Residency Permits (renewable annually, often granted to property owners who can show financial independence).
- Business Residency for investors establishing rental or tourism operations.
- Special Investor Status through the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), which may grant additional tax and residency benefits.
The application process generally involves a police clearance, medical check, property documents, and proof of funds. Residency can be extended to family members. While The Gambia does not yet offer a formal "residency by investment" program, discussions on future legal frameworks are ongoing.
Infrastructure and Lifestyle
Serekunda is a lively, densely populated city with a mix of traditional markets, small businesses, schools, mosques, and modern developments. Electricity and water services are available but may require backup systems (generators, water tanks) in some neighborhoods. Internet access is improving, with multiple 4G providers and emerging fiber options.
Education options include private schools, some with international curricula. Medical services are basic but expanding, and private clinics in Kololi or Fajara are often preferred by expats. Supermarkets, banks, embassies, and telecom services are readily available. The climate is tropical, with a dry season (November to May) that aligns well with tourism demand.
Development Outlook and Risks
Government-backed road and water infrastructure programs are steadily extending into surrounding suburbs, increasing the attractiveness of underdeveloped plots. Additionally, the expansion of The Gambia’s tourism and IT sectors has created new demand for mixed-use developments.
However, investors should be mindful of the following risks:
- Title security: Not all land is properly registered; ensure legal due diligence.
- Currency exposure: The Gambian dalasi can fluctuate; many transactions are done in USD or EUR to mitigate this.
- Limited mortgage market: Most property purchases are cash-based, with few local financing options available to foreigners.
Working with a licensed agent, a lawyer, and verified sellers is essential to mitigate these risks.
Conclusion
Serekunda is a compelling destination for real estate investors seeking affordable entry points in a growing West African market. Its combination of urban expansion, rising tourism, diaspora interest, and pro-investment policies makes it particularly attractive. Whether purchasing a home for personal use, building a rental portfolio, or land banking for future gains, Serekunda offers diverse and tangible opportunities.
As infrastructure and market maturity increase, early investors may benefit from both strong rental yields and long-term appreciation. With a proactive legal approach and clear investment strategy, the city stands as one of The Gambia’s most promising real estate frontiers.