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Understanding property prices per square meter in Gabon is crucial for making informed investment decisions in this Central African market. The average price per square meter in Gabon varies significantly between cities, with Libreville commanding $1,200 per sqm and Port-Gentil averaging $960 per sqm as of September 2025.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Gabon, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
As of September 2025, Gabon's property market shows Libreville leading with $1,200 per sqm while Port-Gentil offers more affordable options at $960 per sqm.
After experiencing an 86.65% price surge over five years, the market has stabilized with modest growth expected moving forward.
| City | Average Price per SQM (USD) | Property Type |
|---|---|---|
| Libreville | $1,200 | Residential |
| Port-Gentil | $960 | Residential |
| Libreville | $1,500+ | Commercial |
| Luxury Properties | $1,500-$1,800 | High-end Residential |
| Budget Areas | $450-$900 | Outer Districts |
| Emerging Areas | $800-$1,000 | Suburban Development |
What are the current average prices per square meter in Libreville and Port-Gentil?
Libreville leads Gabon's property market with an average price of $1,200 per square meter for residential properties as of September 2025.
Port-Gentil, the country's oil capital, offers more affordable options at approximately $960 per square meter. This represents a 20% discount compared to Libreville prices, making Port-Gentil an attractive alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
The price difference between these two major cities reflects their distinct economic roles. Libreville, as the political and administrative center, commands premium prices due to higher demand from government workers, diplomats, and international businesses. Port-Gentil's pricing is influenced by its oil industry workforce, creating steady demand but at more moderate price levels.
These figures make Libreville one of the most expensive property markets in Central Africa, positioning it above regional competitors but below major African capitals like Lagos or Johannesburg.
Current market conditions show stability after years of rapid growth, with these prices reflecting the new equilibrium reached in 2025.
How do residential and commercial property prices differ across regions?
Commercial properties command significantly higher prices than residential units across Gabon's major markets.
In Libreville, commercial real estate averages $1,500 per square meter or higher, representing a 25% premium over residential prices. Prime business locations in the city center can reach even higher valuations, particularly for new developments or luxury office spaces.
Port-Gentil's commercial market follows similar patterns, with office spaces near oil industry districts commanding premium rates. The industrial nature of Port-Gentil creates specific demand for commercial properties serving the energy sector.
Regional differences become more pronounced when examining secondary cities like Franceville or Koulamoutou, where commercial opportunities are limited and prices drop accordingly. These markets typically see commercial rates only slightly above residential levels due to lower demand.
The commercial premium reflects Gabon's concentrated business activity in major urban centers and the scarcity of quality office space.
What are typical property sizes and their total purchase costs?
| Property Type | Typical Size (SQM) | Average Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom apartment | 60 sqm | $72,000 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | 85 sqm | $102,000 |
| Family house | 120 sqm | $144,000 |
| Luxury villa | 200 sqm | $300,000-$360,000 |
| Studio apartment | 40 sqm | $48,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | 150 sqm | $180,000 |
What additional costs should buyers include in their total purchase budget?
Property buyers in Gabon must budget for substantial additional costs beyond the base purchase price.
Notary fees typically range from 5% to 7% of the purchase price, representing a significant expense that cannot be avoided. These fees cover legal documentation and property transfer procedures required by Gabonese law.
Real estate agency commissions add another 3% to 5% to the total cost. Property transfer taxes contribute approximately 5% more, bringing the total additional costs to between 13% and 17% of the base purchase price.
Registration and documentation fees, while smaller, still add to the overall expense. For a $100,000 property, buyers should expect to pay an additional $13,000 to $17,000 in various fees and taxes.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
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What financing and mortgage options are available in Gabon?
Mortgage financing in Gabon comes with relatively high interest rates ranging from 8% to 10% annually.
Local banks typically require substantial down payments, often starting at 20% to 30% of the property value. This high barrier to entry significantly affects the effective cost of property ownership for most buyers.
The high interest rates substantially increase the total cost of property ownership over time. A $100,000 property financed at 9% over 20 years would result in total payments exceeding $200,000.
Limited competition among lenders keeps rates elevated compared to international markets. Most financing options come from major commercial banks with strict qualification requirements.
Cash purchases remain common due to these financing constraints, particularly among foreign investors and wealthy local buyers.
How do prices vary between personal residence and rental investment properties?
Rental investment properties command different pricing strategies based on their intended use and target market.
Properties designed for long-term rentals in Libreville typically yield 5% to 7% annually for apartments and 4% to 6% for suburban houses. These yields reflect stable demand from expatriate workers and government employees.
Port-Gentil offers higher rental yields of 6% to 8% due to strong demand from oil industry workers. The industrial nature of the city creates consistent rental demand, supporting higher yield expectations.
Short-term rental properties, particularly those furnished and targeting expatriates, can command premium pricing in city centers. However, these don't always translate to higher overall yields due to increased management costs and vacancy periods.
Purchase prices for rental properties don't typically differ from owner-occupied properties, but investors focus on yield potential when evaluating locations and property types.
What pricing considerations apply to buy-to-resell investments?
Buy-to-resell investors must consider Gabon's recent market stabilization after years of rapid growth.
Libreville experienced remarkable 86.65% price growth between 2020 and 2025, but this boom period has ended. Current expert consensus indicates that rapid price increases are unlikely in the short term.
Properties requiring renovation in emerging districts offer the best potential for value-added resales. However, investors should be realistic about future appreciation rates given the market's current stability.
The most successful resale strategies focus on improving property condition and targeting emerging neighborhoods rather than relying on overall market appreciation.
Timing becomes crucial, as the market has moved from a growth phase to a consolidation phase where selective improvements matter more than broad market trends.
What are recent examples of actual purchase prices across different market segments?
Recent transaction data provides clear examples of current market pricing across different property categories.
1. Budget segment: Basic apartments in outer Libreville districts sell for $450-$900 per sqm 2. Mid-range properties: Standard two-bedroom apartments in good locations average $1,200 per sqm 3. Luxury segment: High-end properties and new developments reach $1,500-$1,800 per sqm 4. Port-Gentil properties: Generally 20% below Libreville equivalent pricing 5. Commercial properties: Prime office space exceeds $1,500 per sqm in central locationsA recent example includes a 60 sqm one-bedroom apartment in central Libreville selling for $72,000, confirming the $1,200 per sqm average. Similarly, an 85 sqm two-bedroom unit traded for $102,000, maintaining consistent per-square-meter pricing.
Luxury developments showcase the market's upper tier, with new builds commanding $1,500 to $1,800 per sqm for premium locations and high-end finishes.
These examples demonstrate clear price segmentation based on location, condition, and amenity levels throughout Gabon's property market.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Gabon versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
Which areas offer the highest prices, emerging opportunities, and budget options?
Gabon's property market shows clear geographic price differentiation based on location and development level.
The most expensive areas center on Libreville's city center and beachfront districts, where luxury properties and prime commercial spaces command premium prices. These locations offer the best amenities, security, and proximity to business centers.
Emerging areas include Koulamoutou and southern Libreville suburbs, where new infrastructure development drives growth potential. These areas offer moderate pricing with upside potential as development continues.
Budget-friendly options concentrate in Port-Gentil's outer districts, Franceville, and rural towns. Basic units in Libreville's periphery also provide affordable entry points, with prices dropping to $450-$900 per sqm depending on condition and location.
The geographic spread reflects Gabon's concentrated urban development, with significant price gaps between prime locations and developing areas.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
What are the smartest property choices based on current market conditions?
Current market conditions favor different strategies depending on buyer objectives and risk tolerance.
For personal residence, established zones in Libreville offer the best combination of safety, amenities, and long-term stability. These areas provide secure living environments with established infrastructure and services.
Rental investment opportunities concentrate in Libreville city center apartments and Port-Gentil properties serving oil industry workers. These locations offer the highest rental yields and most stable tenant demand.
Resale investment strategies should focus on properties requiring renovation in emerging districts, but investors must be cautious given market stabilization. Future rapid gains appear unlikely in the short term.
The key to success lies in matching investment strategy to market reality: stable growth rather than rapid appreciation, with income generation prioritized over capital gains.
How have property prices changed over recent years?
Gabon's property market has experienced dramatic changes over the past five years, followed by recent stabilization.
The period from 2020 to 2025 saw extraordinary growth of 86.65% in Libreville property prices. This boom was driven by urbanization, infrastructure investments, and increased external interest in Gabonese real estate.
However, 2025 marks a turning point with price stabilization. Current projections indicate 0% to -2% growth for 2025, representing the end of the previous boom cycle.
Year-over-year changes show the market has reached a new equilibrium after years of rapid appreciation. This stabilization reflects market maturity and more realistic pricing based on local economic fundamentals.
The dramatic shift from boom to stability highlights the importance of timing in Gabon's property market and suggests a more measured approach moving forward.
What do market forecasts predict for future property prices in Gabon?
Professional market forecasts indicate modest growth expectations for Gabon's property market over the coming years.
Short-term forecasts for the next year predict a plateau or slight decline of 0% to -2%, as the market consolidates after years of rapid growth. This period allows prices to align with local economic conditions.
Five-year projections suggest gradual increases tied to GDP growth and economic reforms, with potential annual growth of 2% to 3% if optimistic conditions persist. This represents a return to sustainable, fundamentals-based growth.
Ten-year forecasts depend heavily on continued investment and political stability, but experts don't expect a return to the dramatic appreciation seen in recent years. Steady, moderate growth appears more likely than another boom cycle.
Regional comparisons show Libreville properties cost more than Brazzaville but remain below major African capitals like Luanda, Lagos, or Johannesburg for luxury segments.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Understanding Gabon's property market requires careful consideration of pricing trends, additional costs, and regional variations that significantly impact total investment requirements.
As the market stabilizes after years of rapid growth, investors should focus on income-generating properties and strategic locations rather than expecting continued price appreciation.