• by George

Studio apartments are transforming how Accra residents think about urban living. Young professionals, students, and investors are choosing these compact, self-contained units over larger apartments in distant suburbs. The shift is simple: people want shorter commutes, lower costs, and access to Accra’s business and lifestyle hubs without paying premium prices for unused space.

For investors, the numbers tell a compelling story. While standard apartments in Accra deliver rental yields of 8-10%, well-located studio apartments in prime areas like Airport Residential and East Legon regularly achieve 15-18% gross returns. One documented case shows a $100,000 studio generating $18,000 annually, an 18% yield that outperforms most residential investments in the city.

This guide explains who studio apartments serve best, what you can expect in terms of layout and costs, and how to choose the right unit whether you plan to live in it or rent it out.

Understanding Studio Apartments in Ghana

A studio apartment combines your sleeping area, living space, and kitchenette into one open room with a separate bathroom. Everything happens in that single main space: sleeping, working, entertaining, and cooking. In Ghana, you will often see these units listed as “self-contained” or “single-room self-contained” on property portals.

The key distinction from shared accommodation is that studio apartments include their own bathroom and kitchen facilities. You are not sharing toilets or cooking areas with neighbors, which is what separates studios from traditional chamber and hall arrangements common in older Accra neighborhoods.

Most studios in Accra range from 20-40 square meters, though newer luxury developments stretch to 45-50 square meters. The layout typically features a compact kitchenette along one wall with cabinets, sink, mini-fridge, and a two-burner hob. Modern builds often include a small balcony for ventilation and outdoor seating, plus better natural light through larger windows.

Studio Apartment vs One Bedroom: The Real Differences

The main difference between a studio apartment and a one-bedroom unit is privacy and layout. A studio offers one open multi-use room plus bathroom, while a one-bedroom provides a separate enclosed bedroom and distinct living area.

Here is how they compare on key factors:

Privacy: 

Studios offer limited privacy since sleeping and living happen in the same open space. One-bedroom units let you close off the bedroom from guests and noise.

Size: 

Studios typically span 20-40 square meters. One-bedroom apartments usually range from 45-90 square meters.

Cost: 

Studios rent and sell for less than one-bedroom units in the same building or neighborhood. Monthly utility bills are also lower due to smaller floor area.

Best occupant: 

Studios suit singles, short-stay users, and budget-conscious professionals. One-bedroom units work better for couples, professionals needing more space, and long-term residents.

Who Should Choose Studio Apartments in Accra

Studio apartments serve specific lifestyles exceptionally well. Single professionals working in central business districts, East Legon, Airport, or Spintex prefer studios because they trade extra rooms for shorter commutes and walkable amenities. They value modern design, reliable internet, and building security over square footage.

• Students and trainees attending universities or professional institutes need private, affordable housing close to campus or transport routes. Studios provide predictable monthly costs and self-contained privacy without the expense of larger apartments.
• Traveling consultants and expatriates who spend limited time at home find studios practical. Why pay for unused bedrooms when you mainly need a secure base near the airport or business hubs? Serviced studios in Airport Residential, Cantonments, or East Legon with good security and reliable utilities meet this need perfectly.
• Investors target studios because they deliver higher rental yields than larger units. The $100,000 studio generating $18,000 annually at 18% yield is not an outlier. Studios priced from $89,000 in premium Airport-area developments have documented returns of 15.7% yields plus approximately 5% annual appreciation.

Studios also work extremely well for short-stay guests and Airbnb-style rentals in labone, Airport Residential, Cantonments, Osu, and East Legon. With Accra’s average apartment yields around 8-10%, well-managed studios in prime locations routinely hit 15-18% gross yields.

Cost and Value: Are Studio Apartments Cheaper?

Studio apartments almost always rent or sell for less than one-bedroom or two-bedroom units in the same building or neighborhood. Average one-bedroom rents in Accra sit around GH₵2,200 monthly (approximately $140), while studios in the same developments cost less.

Monthly bills are also lower. Smaller floor area means reduced electricity use for cooling and lighting, less water consumption, and cheaper cleaning and maintenance. Furnishing a studio costs significantly less since you need one bed, one sofa, and fewer wardrobes and appliances.

Location and building quality still drive overall pricing. A studio in Airport Residential or Cantonments costs more than a similar-sized unit in outlying suburbs. Buildings with pools, gyms, concierge services, lifts, backup power and water, and 24/7 security command higher prices regardless of unit size. A luxury studio in a top-tier development can cost more than a basic one-bedroom in a non-prime location.

The value proposition is clear: studios are cheaper per unit than larger apartments in the same project, but you still pay for location and amenities.

Choosing and Designing Your Studio Apartment

Location determines success for both residents and investors. Prioritize proximity to your workplace, universities, transport routes, and essential amenities like shops, pharmacies, and eateries. Studios near Airport, East Legon, Spintex, Cantonments, or key educational hubs attract stronger tenant demand and higher rents.

Check building quality carefully. Verify structural condition, finishes, and overall maintenance. Confirm 24/7 security with controlled access and CCTV. Ensure backup power through generators and backup water via polytanks or borehole. Check parking availability and internet readiness through fiber or strong ISP coverage.

For buyers, confirm title through Lands Commission search and verify developer track record and permits. Use a property lawyer to review all contracts and payment terms.

Smart design maximizes limited space. Use multipurpose furniture like sofa beds or Murphy beds to free space during the day. Install fold-down dining or work tables. Create visual zones with rugs to define sleeping versus living areas. Use open shelving or low screens to separate bed from sofa. Maximize vertical storage with floor-to-ceiling shelving and over-bed cabinets. Keep decor minimal with light colors to make the space feel larger.

Investment Performance in Accra

Studios currently rank among the strongest performers in Accra’s residential segment. Purchase prices start from $80,000-$150,000 in many modern projects, significantly lower than larger units in the same developments. High demand comes from singles, students, consultants, and short-stay guests.

Well-managed studio inventory near business and education hubs reports 85-95% occupancy rates. Studios in prime locations typically deliver 15-18% gross yields compared to the market-wide apartment range of 8-11%. The $89,000 studio generating $14,000 annually represents 15.7% yield plus approximately 5% appreciation.

Studios offer faster payback periods, easier and cheaper furnishing, and lower ongoing maintenance compared to larger apartments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studio Apartments in Accra

What is a studio apartment?

A studio apartment is a self-contained home where the bedroom, living area, and kitchenette are combined into one open space with a separate bathroom. In Ghana, these units are often called “self-contained” or “single-room self-contained.” Everything from sleeping to cooking happens in the main room, with only the bathroom enclosed separately.

What does a studio apartment look like in Accra?

A typical studio in Accra has one main room divided into sleeping, lounging, and sometimes dining zones, plus a compact kitchenette along one wall with cabinets, sink, mini-fridge, and a two-burner hob. You get a separate bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin. Most studios range from 20-40 square meters, with newer builds offering brighter finishes, larger windows, and sometimes a small balcony.

What is the difference between a studio apartment and a one bedroom?

A studio apartment has one open multi-use room plus a bathroom, while a one-bedroom apartment has a separate enclosed bedroom plus a distinct living area. One-bedrooms offer more privacy because you close off the bedroom from guests and noise. Studios are smaller (20-40 square meters) and cheaper to rent or buy, while one-bedrooms typically span 45-90 square meters with higher costs.

Are studio apartments cheaper than other apartments in Accra?

Yes, studios generally cost less to rent or buy than one-bedroom or two-bedroom units in the same building or neighborhood. Monthly utility bills are also lower because of smaller floor area, reducing electricity for cooling and lighting, water consumption, and cleaning costs. Furnishing a studio costs less too. Overall price still depends on location, building quality, and whether it is a luxury or standard development.

How do I maximize space in a studio apartment?

Use multipurpose furniture like sofa beds or Murphy beds to free space during the day. Install fold-down dining or work tables. Create visual zones with rugs to define sleeping versus living areas. Use open shelving or low screens to separate the bed from the sofa. Maximize vertical storage with floor-to-ceiling shelving and over-bed cabinets. Keep decor minimal with light colors to make the space feel larger and avoid clutter.

Ready to Explore Studio Living in Accra?

Landmark Homes Ghana understands compact urban living. Our developments integrate efficient studio-type and compact layouts in labone, targeting singles, young professionals, and investors. We prioritize security, backup power, water reliability, and connectivity across all projects.

Whether you want to live closer to work or invest in high-yield rental units, reach out to Landmark Homes Ghana for curated studio options and expert guidance on compact homes designed for modern Accra living.