Build the rental estimate from evidence

Ask who is likely to rent the property, at what price and for how long. Seek evidence relevant to similar accommodation, its location and condition. Distinguish an asking rent or projection from income actually collected.

For an existing letting business, request appropriate records and have the figures reviewed. For a new or off-plan property, recognise that a projection has no operating history.

Allow for the costs between rent and income

• Vacant periods, booking or letting charges and unpaid rent.
• Management, cleaning, maintenance and replacement items.
• Utilities, security, insurance and shared charges where applicable.
• Relevant taxes and administrative costs.
• Finance costs, transfer fees and currency movements where relevant.

Compare the same figures

Gross yield commonly compares annual rent with the purchase price. For a more useful planning figure, compare expected net operating income with the total acquisition and setup cost, making clear which expenses are included. Neither calculation predicts a future result.

Use a lower-income scenario with more vacancy and higher repair costs. Ask whether the property still fits your finances if resale is delayed and there is no price growth.

Check a claimed guarantee

Ask who gives the guarantee, its exact terms, duration and exclusions, and what resources support it. Have the legal promise and the provider’s position assessed. A marketing label is not evidence that payment will be made.

We do not publish an assumed annual growth rate for Gambian property or rank it as automatically safer or more profitable than other investments.