Homes Built with Love: How Ghanaian Developers Can Create Spaces That Attract Investors and Care for the Planet

With great power comes great responsibility, and it is no exception with property developers. As a property developer the goal isn’t just to build homes. The responsibility lies on the developer to create spaces where people thrive while reducing the environmental impact.

The United Nations defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Sustainability is highlighted with a recycling symbol and environmentally-friendly icons set against a lush, green grass background

Sustainable development is no longer just a “nice-to-have”; from the insights we gather, it’s a necessity that influences buyer decisions, enhances property values, and positions your brand as forward-thinking. In this blog, we’ll explore actionable strategies for integrating sustainability into your projects to build modern Ghanaian homes the Earth—and your buyers—will love.

Why Sustainable Development Matters

1. Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Homes

   Eco-conscious buyers, especially younger generations and high-net-worth individuals, actively seek homes with green features. Properties with energy-efficient systems, green spaces, and sustainable materials stand out in Accra's competitive real estate market.

   
   

2. Regulatory and Market Trends

   Governments worldwide are incentivising sustainable development through tax breaks and stricter building codes. Multinational bodies conscious of these policies in their home countries, naturally prefer to house their staff in properties meeting these standards. Staying ahead of these trends position your developments as leaders in innovation, while making your property appealing and modern.

   
   

3. Boosted Property Value

   Sustainable features such as solar panels, increase the value of your property, whether for sale or rent, especially as we find ourselves in instances where the main power grid can be unreliable. Energy-efficient appliances, and green certifications can significantly increase a property’s resale value while reducing operational costs for residents.

Embracing Sustainability

1. Energy Efficiency from the Ground Up

   • Design buildings with energy efficiency in mind, focusing on natural ventilation systems that minimise the load/ need for extensive air conditioning systems in our hot climate.

   • Incorporate renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, into building designs.

   • Offer buyers smart home automation systems that allow them to monitor and reduce energy consumption.

     
     

     

     
     

2. Water Conservation Solutions

   • Include water-saving technologies like low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and grey water recycling in your developments.

   
   

   

   
   

   • Landscape with drought-resistant native plants, which require less maintenance and water.

   • Create communal spaces with water-efficient designs, such as permeable pavers that contain more gaps to allow rainwater runoff to drain more effectively.

     
     

3. Sustainable Building Materials

   • Prioritise materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled steel that have low environmental footprints.

   • Opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and finishes to ensure healthier indoor air quality.

   • Work with suppliers who follow ethical and sustainable sourcing practices.

4. Waste Reduction and Recycling During Construction

   • Implement construction waste recycling programs to minimise landfill contributions.

   • Prefabricated building components can streamline construction and reduce material waste.

   • Repurpose materials from demolition sites to reduce costs and environmental impact.

5. Green Amenities and Communal Spaces

   • Integrate green roofs, rooftop gardens, or vertical greenery to reduce heat absorption and improve air quality. A brilliant example is the Heritage 100 towers in Labone.

     
     

     

     Rooftop oasis at Heritage, featuring lush green spaces and a sleek bar, offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere.

   • Include spaces for urban farming or kitchen gardens to encourage sustainable food practices among residents.

   • Provide EV (electric vehicle) charging stations to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicle owners.

6. Smart Urban Design

   • Create mixed-use spaces to encourage local commerce and reduce commute times.

   • Invest in community education on sustainability to build eco-conscious neighbourhoods.

   • In planning communities, design walkable neighbourhoods with access to cycling options and sustainable transportation to reduce residents' reliance on cars.

Positioning Your Brand as a Leader in Sustainability

Sustainable development is no longer the future—it’s the present. By building homes the Earth will love, you create not only a greener planet but also long-term value for your projects and the communities you serve.

With the high number of developments popping up in Accra, it is becoming more and more important for developers to differentiate themselves as industry leaders. Embracing green building practices lets you align with global trends, attract eco-conscious buyers, and build properties that endure in value—both environmentally and economically.

At 22 Eleven Realty, we are not just property brokers. We partner with developers right from conceptualisation, providing valuable market insights, to position your development as a market leader, creating properties the market would love and attracting forward-thinking buyers.

Interested in taking your next project a step further? Contact 22 Eleven Realty for innovative solutions that elevate your projects, and build a green future together.