Buying Property in The Gambia? Watch This!

Thinking about buying a property in The Gambia, but not 100% sure who or what to trust?

You are far from alone.

Over the past few years, The Gambia has quietly become a serious contender for people looking for a holiday home, second home or buy-to-let investment on the West African coast. New beachfront apartment developments are coming up, more international buyers are flying in, and interest from the diaspora keeps growing.

But with that growth come big questions – and very real fears.

Is the ownership really clear?
Is the land title genuine?
Who protects your interests when you are not in the country?
What happens after you buy?

This article walks you through the main concerns buyers have and explains how GamRealty works every day to remove as much stress, risk and hassle from the process as possible, so you can focus on enjoying your home or building a solid investment.

The new reality of buying in The Gambia

The Gambia offers a mix that is hard to ignore:

• Beachfront apartments at prices that are still accessible compared to Europe and many other holiday destinations.
• A growing tourism market with potential for attractive rental income.
• A relaxed lifestyle that appeals to retirees, digital nomads and investors alike.

At the same time, it is a developing country with its own way of doing things. Procedures are different, documentation standards vary, and word of mouth is often stronger than written contracts. For a newcomer, that can feel like stepping into unknown territory.

Typical worries we hear from buyers

If you recognise yourself in any of this, you are in the right place:

• You have seen beautiful apartments or plots online, but you are not sure if the seller is the actual owner.
• You hear different stories about land titles, leases and “family land” and do not know who to believe.
• You are worried about paying a deposit and later discovering there is a dispute on the property.
• You want someone on the ground who speaks your language, understands your expectations and can represent your interests.
• You like the idea of renting out your property, but have no idea how to manage that from abroad.

These concerns are completely normal. In fact, they are healthy. They are exactly the kind of questions you should ask before committing your savings to a property in another country.

How GamRealty removes risk from the process

At GamRealty, our job is not just to show you nice properties. Our job is to make sure you can buy with confidence.

Here is how we work.

1. We check ownership and documents

Before we recommend a property to any buyer, we verify:

• Ownership: who legally owns the property or land.
• Documentation: is there a proper title deed, lease, compound sketch plan and other required paperwork?
• Encumbrances: are there known disputes, family claims, or debts on the property?

This step is absolutely critical. It is also where many “cheap” deals fall apart once you look closely at the paperwork. You may not see these issues on a glossy advert, but we see them every day in practice.

2. We work with trusted lawyers and developers

You should never have to guess whether your sales agreement is solid or whether your payment schedule makes sense.

GamRealty works with:

• Established Gambian lawyers experienced in property law and transfer procedures.
• Reputable developers with a proven track record of completing projects and delivering titles.

We can help you:

• Have a lawyer review or draft your sales agreement.
• Understand what you are signing and what each clause means for you.
• Structure payments in a way that protects you and follows local procedures.

3. We guide you step by step – from first viewing to keys in hand

Whether you are physically in The Gambia or abroad, we guide you through the full journey:

• Understanding what you want: investment, holiday use, long-term living, or a combination.
• Shortlisting suitable properties and developments.
• Organising viewings (in person or virtual).
• Negotiating on your behalf with the seller or developer where possible.
• Coordinating with lawyers, notaries, and local authorities for the transfer.
• Making sure you know what happens when, what you pay, and what you get in return.

We are there when the deal starts, not only when it is time to take photos for social media. And we stay involved until your keys are in your hand and all agreed steps have been completed.

4. We can help you rent out your property after purchase

For many buyers, the story does not end at “sold”.

If your goal is to generate rental income, we can assist with:

• Positioning your property for the right target group (short-stay tourists, long-stay expats, seasonal tenants, etc.).
• Advising on realistic rental prices in your area.
• Connecting you to our rental management and marketing channels.

The idea is simple: you should not just own a property in The Gambia, you should be able to make it work for you.

Why we made this video

To make all of this more tangible, we created a video that talks openly about:

• The fears many newcomers have when they first consider buying in The Gambia.
• The most important checks you should never skip.
• How working with a professional, locally anchored agency like GamRealty can dramatically reduce your risk.

If you are reading this on our website, you will usually find the video embedded on this page. Take a few minutes to watch it. It will give you a clear impression of how we think, how we work, and what you can expect from us in practice.

Who we are

GamRealty is a Gambia-based real estate agency with a strong focus on transparency, long-term relationships and realistic advice. We are not here for one quick sale. We are here for buyers who value clear information, proper documentation and a smooth, guided process.

We combine:

• Local market knowledge built up over many years.
• Daily hands-on experience with property transfers, developers and legal processes.
• A service mindset aimed at international buyers and the Gambian diaspora, who may not be familiar with how things are done locally.

If you prefer straight answers, honest advice and a partner who tells you when something does not feel right, you will feel at home with us.

Ready to talk about your plans?

Whether you are still in the “just looking” phase or already have a specific property in mind, you are welcome to reach out.

You can:

• Send us an email at info@gamrealty.com
• Call us on 269 6613 (Gambia)

Tell us what you are thinking about: a beachfront apartment, a long-term family home, a small portfolio of buy-to-let units, or simply an idea you would like to explore.

We will listen, ask the right questions, and help you map out a safe, sensible path towards owning property in The Gambia.

Your Gambia property journey does not have to be stressful or risky. With the right guidance and proper checks in place, it can be an exciting and rewarding step toward the lifestyle or investment you have in mind.