Understanding the 20% Value Added Tax Act 2025 (Act 1151) on Supply of Real Estate in Ghana
The 20% VAT represents the applicable Value Added Tax on
taxable real estate under Ghana's revised VAT framework. It
applies to qualifying real estate developments and is charged on
the sale of eligible properties in accordance with current tax
regulations.
No. This is not an entirely new tax. It is a revision and
harmonisation of existing VAT and related levies, resulting in an
effective VAT rate of 20% on applicable supplies.
The revised VAT regime takes effect from January 2026.
Transactions and balances applicable after this date fall under
the new VAT treatment.
Developers and suppliers who are VAT-registered and whose
developments fall within the taxable category are required by law
to charge and remit VAT to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Property Applicability and VAT Structure
No. VAT does not automatically apply to all properties.
Applicability depends on factors such as:
• Nature of the development
• Use of the property (residential, commercial, hospitality,
serviced units, etc.)
• The VAT status of the developer
Each project is assessed based on regulatory guidance.
Yes. As a commercial decision, the company has elected to
absorb 6%, with clients responsible for the remaining 14%.
Payment and Application Details
VAT will be:
• Clearly itemised as
a separate line item
• Shown as a
percentage and
monetary value
• Reflected
transparently on
official invoice
VAT is generally applied
proportionately to
payments made, in line
with payment plan. It is not
deferred solely to
completion.
Payments fully received
before January 2026 are
not subject to the new VAT
regime. VAT applies only
to qualifying balances and
transactions after the
effective date.
VAT is applied only on the
outstanding balance
payable after January
2026, not on amounts
already settled prior to the
effective date.
Client Concerns and Procedures
VAT is a statutory requirement and not optional. However, the company remains open to:
• Explaining the rationale
• Providing official documentation
• Structuring payment timelines where possible
Final compliance remains mandatory under law.
• Should the client opt out, client would receive their full payment minus stated administrative charges as stated in
Yes. Reservation fees form part of
the total consideration and are
therefore subject to VAT where
applicable
Yes. Payment of the reservation fee
without applicable VAT is considered
a sales but has an incomplete VAT
balance which must be paid.
No.
Support and Communication
Clients should contact:
• Their assigned Sales Consultant
The company will:
• Communicate transparently and early
• Offer structured payment options where possible
• Absorb part of the VAT (In Arlo) to reduce client impact