Legal Formalities & Associated Property Conveyancing
Costs in Gambia
Just as in European Law it is always recommended that a purchaser/seller
of property/land instruct a reputable solicitor/conveyancer
to act for them so it is equally advisable in The Gambia.
If necessary we have a firm of highly qualified Gambian Lawyers/Barristers
(and part-time Magistrates), fluent in English and other languages,
who will be delighted to act for you in any land transactions
you wish to undetake.
Land in the Gambia is registered at the Property Registry
(an organisation just like the English Land Registry), where
you can confirm immediately whether the seller owns the property
free of any liens and encumbrances. Just as in Europe, however,
there is still plenty of land/property which remains as yet
unregistered. To avoid any ensuing confusion it is necessary
for European purchasers/sellers to understand the difference
between the terms freehold and leasehold used both
there and in Gambia. These terms have very different implications
in Gambia to those in Europe. In Gambia there is no such thing
as absolute ownership of land and property. This is because
all the land is ultimately owned by the Government and is
leased to any private purchaser for a period of 99 years but
this confusingly DOES NOT constitue leasehold land. This land/property
can be either leasehold or freehold depending on whether or
not it has been registered at the Property Registry. If it
is unregistered it has a freehold status, whereas
registered land/property is denoted leasehold. It
is important to register previously freehold land/property
as leasehold at the Property Registry during the purchasing
process thus documenting your unequivocal ownership of the
same
Unless an immediate cash payment is made in full, the conveyancing
process.is conducted by a private contract being drawn up
by the respective lawyers determining the property, purchase
price, form of payment, date of completion, date of possession
etc. Just as in European law a deposit, usually 10% of the
purchase price, is paid on the signing of the Contract for
a standard completion period within approximately 30 days.
On payment of the balance of the purchase price the seller
will issue a public deed of conveyance to the purchaser, free
of liens and encumbrances. This deed is issued and passed
to the Tax Office to be assessed for Capital Gains Tax and
Stamp Duty and then sent to the Property Registry for formal
registration.
Costs Involved in Property / Land Ownership in The Gambia
The purchase price of the property or land as with most conveyancing
transactions is dependant upon many factors, the most prevalent
being location, size and quality of the property/land being
tendered. .
There are yearly payments due both for land rent and local
rates. Land rent is a minimal sum which is indicated on the
lease document
Other Costs Involved in Gambian Property Purchase
As with most conveyancing transactions the purchase price
is dependant upon a number of factors predominantly location,
size and quality of the property/land being tendered.
There are annual payments for land rent and local taxes to
be made. The land rent is a minimal fee and indicated on the
lease document where the property is purchased as leasehold
land.
Local rates are based on the rateable value of the land assessed
by the Tax Office. The rateable value accounts for both the
land and building value dependant upon type, location and
use class. When this value is decided the Area Council determines
the percentage to be charged for local rates. These rates
are also minimal. .
Gambian Taxes Involved in Land/Property Purchase
· Alkali Tax
· Municipal Tax
· Income Tax
General Summary of Fee Structure
Total official costs involved in purchasing property should
be around 1%.
Lawyer's fees - approx.10% of the selling price (dependant
upon the solicitor's set fees).
Agents are paid by the seller unless otherwise agreed (approx.
up to 10% of the purchase price)
Gambian Buildings Insurance
Building insurance is available and is recommended. Please
contact us where necessary for further details.
Utilities Billing in Gambia
Electricity is billed on a monthly basis with a minimum standing
charge regardless of occupancy based on the electrical capacity
of the property. Actual units of electricity used are paid
on top of this standing charge. There are prepaid electricity
meters available - Cash Power - where preferred.
Telephone access is provided by Gamtel (the equivalent of
BT in the UK). They bill on a montly basis.
Mobile access is provided by Africel and Gamcel with Alcotel
on its way. These only operate through the purchase of sim
cards and top-up credit cards which are widely available.
There is little to choose between these providers on pricing
or reliability.
The internet is provided by both Quantum who offer Broadband
and Gamtel who offer a dial-up connection. It should be noted
that VOIP is illegal in the Gambia. The internet is also billed
monthly.
Satelite TV is available with widely varying packages. Expect
to pay equipment, installation and set up fees together with
a monthly standing charge.
Other Useful Information
High calibre maids, gardeners and security staff are readily
available, many with extensive experience gained in the luxury
Gamban hotels. There are many European, Gambian and Arabic
property maintenance firms with cost and quality varying considerably.
We can provide suitable companies including references where
necessary.
Gambia Property News
Unlike a real estate agent, we are not going to try to convince you to buy.
The Gambia sells itself, once you know about it. Once you are convinced you
want to buy here, just telephone us and we will start the search. Our property
finder service offers a professional one-to-one service that takes you through
the whole process, from searching hundreds of properties and building plots,
talking to estate agents and negotiating prices, to dealing with lawyers, builders,
developers, agents and officials
Please feel free to contact
us at any time you would like more information, either by email,
phone, fax or carrier pigeon! Our staff are well versed, experienced and professional
with excellent knowledge of the property market in The Gambia .
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