By Adwoa Birago NYANTAKYI
In recent years, the intersection of property technology (proptech) and sustainability has gained significant attention globally. Gone are the days when homebuyers and investors relied solely on traditional methods like, long drives to view listings, cumbersome paperwork, and a lack of transparency.
Today, as urbanization accelerates and the real estate market evolves, the integration of technology in property management and development offers innovative solutions to address sustainability challenges.
The fantasies of sky high buildings complemented with smart equipped technologies is becoming a reality, thanks to the rise of proptech. From virtual property tours to data-driven market insights, technology is reshaping how we interact with real estate, making it more accessible and environmentally conscious. This article delves into how proptech is and can help with revolutionizing the real estate sector in Ghana
What is proptech?
Proptech (Property Technology) refers to the use of technology to innovate and improve various aspects of the real estate industry. This includes tools and platforms that make buying, selling, managing, and developing properties easier and more efficient. From user-friendly apps that help people find homes to advanced data analytics that guide investment decisions, proptech is changing the way we interact with real estate.
Proptech consists of a variety of technologies aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of real estate transactions and management. With more people looking for homes and investment opportunities, proptech solutions are simplifying the processes.
The rise in smartphone adoption has also opened doors for innovative apps and services that cater to both urban and rural communities. As new tech startups continue to emerge, they are introducing fresh ideas that use data analytics, artificial intelligence, and mobile technology to streamline operations and enhance user experiences.
In recent years, proptech has gained momentum in Africa, driven by factors such as urbanization, a growing middle class, and increasing investment in technology infrastructure.
In Ghana, proptech is gradually developing and becoming increasingly important as the real estate industry grows and evolves. With an expanding urban population and demand for sustainable practices, proptech offers innovative solutions for developers, realtors, and consumers alike.
Key players and innovations
Several startups and companies in Ghana are pioneering proptech solutions. Additionally, companies are exploring the use of big data and artificial intelligence to predict market trends and enhance decision-making. Here are some notable examples:
- Meqasa: It is a well-known online real estate platform merged with another known as Jumia House, that allows users to browse property listings across Ghana. It provides detailed information on residential and commercial properties, making it easier for potential buyers and renters to find suitable options. The platform also offers services like virtual tours, helping users explore properties from the comfort of their homes.
- Property Finder Ghana: This is another significant player in the real estate tech space. The platform facilitates property searches by connecting buyers and renters with real estate agents and developers. It aims to simplify the process of finding homes and commercial spaces, and its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to a wide audience.
- Broll Ghana: This focuses on property management and advisory services. They utilize advanced technology to enhance property management efficiency, helping landlords and tenants communicate effectively. Their services include market analysis, property valuation, and facility management, which contribute to sustainable property practices.
Importance of Proptech in Ghana
Proptech automates many manual processes, such as property searches and tenant management. Digital platforms allow realtors and developers to save time and reduce operational costs, improving overall efficiency. Also, real estate investments are more informed with access to data analytics. Proptech platforms provide insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and property values, enabling stakeholders to make strategic decisions.
Additionally, there is an improvement in customer experience. Virtual property tours, online payment platforms, and accessible data enhance the overall experience for buyers, sellers, and tenants.
These innovations cater to a tech-savvy middle class that values convenience. Lastly, proptech promotes sustainability within the real estate sector. Green building technologies and energy-efficient systems integrated into properties reduce carbon footprints and promote eco-friendly living. These technologies not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Efforts by Ghana Real Estate Professionals Association (GREPA) to educate realtors on proptech
The Ghana Real Estate Professionals Association (GREPA) is actively contributing to the education and adoption of proptech among realtors through initiatives like the Annual Real Estate Conference and Expo (ARCE). During this conference, discussions center on the potential of the African real estate market, proptech innovations in the building industry, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
By focusing on knowledge-sharing and capacity building, GREPA is ensuring that real estate professionals are equipped to embrace proptech. Key insights include the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance real estate platforms and the development of green buildings and smart cities, contributing to sustainability and aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to GREPA President Odette Nyame-Kumi, proptech is driving the construction and design of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. She emphasizes that artificial intelligence (AI) assists in connecting buyers and sellers through smart platforms, while also enabling companies to track their sustainability efforts. GREPA’s efforts through the ARCE conference reflect the organization’s dedication to fostering a competitive and sustainable real estate industry in Ghana.
Proptech and sustainability
The intersection of proptech and sustainability is crucial for the future of real estate development in Ghana. As the country grows, the demand for housing and commercial spaces rises, along with the need to reduce environmental degradation.
- Energy-efficient buildings: Through proptech, developers can build and retrofit properties with smart systems that optimize energy consumption, such as solar panels, smart HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and rainwater harvesting tools. These features reduce operational costs for tenants and minimize the environmental footprint of buildings.
- Sustainable urban planning: Proptech solutions can aid in urban planning by using data to predict future needs and avoid overbuilding. With accurate data on population growth, land use, and environmental factors, planners can create more sustainable cities that balance development with green spaces and resource management. Urban planners can use proptech solutions to design cities that optimize space, manage resources effectively, and minimize environmental impact. Sustainable urban development is becoming a priority as Ghana’s cities expand, and proptech provides the tools necessary to balance growth with environmental stewardship.
- Green investment platforms: Proptech platforms can enable green investment opportunities, where developers and investors are incentivized to fund sustainable construction projects. These platforms could create awareness and make it easier for investors to support eco-friendly projects, contributing to Ghana’s sustainability goals.
Implementing proptech in Ghana
A notable platform like Meqasa is already digitizing real estate listings, enabling potential buyers to explore properties from anywhere. This digitization not only expands market reach but also streamlines the buying and renting process. Also, adopting property management tools can greatly improve operations for landlords. By automating tasks such as rent collection, tenant communication, and maintenance tracking, these tools enable efficient management of multiple properties with minimal manual effort.
Another way of implementation is through smart building technologies: Internet of Things (IoT) devices are revolutionizing property management by enabling remote control of energy systems, security, and utilities. Smart buildings reduce energy consumption and improve the overall living experience for tenants. offers a powerful way to enhance transparency in real estate transactions.
Blockchain technology can help improve transparency in real estate transactions, ensuring that all parties have clear, tamper-proof records. This reduces the likelihood of fraud and disputes over ownership, a common issue in real estate. Finally, integrating fintech solutions such as online mortgage applications, digital payment systems, and investment platforms complement proptech, making real estate transactions more seamless for both buyers and developers.
Challenges to proptech adoption in Ghana
Despite the promising advancements in proptech, its adoption faces some challenges like:
- Infrastructure limitations: Rural areas in Ghana often lack reliable internet and technology infrastructure, while even urban areas experience intermittent connectivity issues. These challenges can hinder the widespread adoption of proptech solutions across the country.
- Awareness and education: While organizations like GREPA are making strides in educating real estate professionals, broader awareness is needed to ensure widespread adoption of proptech.
- Regulatory environment: Clear policies and regulations that support digital transactions and data security are essential for the continued growth of proptech in Ghana.
Conclusion
Proptech is revolutionizing the real estate industry in Ghana by enhancing efficiency, improving customer experiences, and driving sustainable development. Efforts by GREPA through the ARCE conference are helping to educate and prepare realtors to embrace this technological shift.
As proptech continues to evolve, it will play an increasingly important role in shaping Ghana’s real estate, making the sector more resilient, transparent, and eco-friendly. With the right infrastructure, regulatory support, and industry collaboration, proptech could significantly impact how real estate is bought, sold, and managed in the country.
>>>the writer is an Associate at SUSTINERI ATTORNEYS PRUC (www.sustineriattorneys.com). Adwoa specializes in Banking and Finance, Green Financing, Capital Markets, Projects, Infrastructure, and Construction, as well as Property and Land related legal matters. She welcomes views on this article via [email protected]
