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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Gabon Property Pack
Average property prices in Gabon vary significantly by location and property type, with Libreville commanding the highest prices at around $1,200 per square meter for apartments.
As of September 2025, a 60-square-meter apartment in Libreville costs approximately $72,000, while luxury areas like Sablière reach $1,800 per square meter. Port-Gentil offers more affordable options at around $960 per square meter, making it 20% cheaper than the capital. Provincial cities like Tchibanga and Koulamoutou present the most budget-friendly opportunities for property investment.
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.
Property prices in Gabon range from $950 per square meter in budget areas to $1,800 per square meter in luxury districts of Libreville.
Total purchase costs including taxes and fees typically add 9.5% to 13% to the property value, with mortgage rates averaging 8-10% annually.
| Property Type | Location | Average Price per m² | Total Cost (60m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Libreville (average) | $1,200 | $72,000 |
| Apartment | Sablière (luxury) | $1,800 | $108,000 |
| Apartment | Port-Gentil | $960 | $57,600 |
| Apartment | Mont-Bouet | $1,100 | $66,000 |
| Apartment | Lalala | $950 | $57,000 |
| House | Libreville (mid-tier) | Varies | $150,000+ |
| Land | Provincial areas | Significantly lower | Varies |
What's the typical price difference between apartments, houses, and land in Gabon?
Apartments in Libreville cost significantly less per square meter than detached houses, with a 60-square-meter apartment averaging $72,000 compared to houses starting above $150,000.
The price gap between property types is substantial in Gabon's residential market. A standard 60-square-meter one-bedroom apartment in Libreville costs approximately $72,000, while an 85-square-meter two-bedroom apartment reaches $102,000. Houses command premium prices due to their larger size and land component, with mid-tier detached properties starting above $150,000 and rising steeply in prime districts.
Land represents the most affordable option per square meter, particularly in rural and provincial markets like Tchibanga where prices drop dramatically compared to urban centers. However, precise land pricing data remains less available due to the informal nature of many rural transactions. Port-Gentil offers a middle ground with apartment prices approximately 20% lower than Libreville, averaging $960 per square meter.
The price hierarchy reflects Gabon's urban-rural divide, with Libreville's status as the capital driving premium valuations across all property types.
Which areas in Gabon show the highest, rising, and most affordable property prices?
Sablière commands Gabon's highest property prices at $1,800 per square meter, while Tchibanga and Angondjé offer the most affordable options for budget-conscious buyers.
Luxury segments center on Libreville's prime districts, with Sablière leading at $1,800 per square meter, followed by Quartier Louis at $1,600 per square meter, and Batterie IV establishing itself as the premium residential zone. These areas attract wealthy expatriates and local elites seeking security and modern amenities.
Up-and-coming areas show the strongest price momentum, with Mont-Bouet experiencing 5-7% annual growth as infrastructure improvements drive demand. Angondjé represents an emerging affordable option with rising potential, while Koulamoutou in the provinces demonstrates the fastest recent growth trajectory. These transitional neighborhoods offer the best combination of current affordability and future appreciation potential.
Budget-friendly options cluster in Libreville's suburbs and provincial cities. Owendo and Akanda provide affordable suburban living, while Tchibanga, Angondjé, and rural provincial centers offer the lowest entry prices. Lalala in Libreville presents an urban budget option at $950 per square meter, significantly below the capital's average.
How do property prices per square meter vary across different areas in Gabon?
| Area | Price per m² | Market Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Sablière | $1,800 | Luxury |
| Quartier Louis | $1,600 | Luxury |
| Libreville (average) | $1,200 | Mainstream |
| Mont-Bouet | $1,100 | Rising |
| Port-Gentil | $960 | Mid-market |
| Lalala | $950 | Budget |
| Koulamoutou | Significantly lower | Provincial |
| Tchibanga | Significantly lower | Provincial |
What are the total purchase costs including all fees and taxes in Gabon?
Total purchase costs in Gabon add approximately 9.5% to 13% to the property value, with buyers facing multiple fees including transfer taxes, notary charges, and registration costs.
The fee structure includes several mandatory components that significantly impact the total investment. Notary fees range from 1-2% of the property value, while transfer tax adds another 1.5%. Stamp duty contributes 1-2% to the total cost, creating a baseline of around 3.5-5.5% before additional charges.
Registration fees represent the largest single cost at 6% of the property value, with an additional 2% surcharge applied specifically in Libreville and Port-Gentil. This brings the registration component alone to 8% in major cities. Seller VAT at 18% may be embedded in the final property price, though this varies by transaction structure.
The combined impact means buyers should budget 9.5-13% above the advertised property price to cover all acquisition costs. This percentage varies by location, with Libreville and Port-Gentil commanding the higher end due to additional municipal fees.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
What are the current mortgage terms and how do they affect total costs?
Gabonese mortgage rates average 8-10% annually with loan-to-value ratios of 60-80%, making financing significantly more expensive than in developed markets.
Current mortgage conditions reflect Gabon's emerging market status, with fixed interest rates ranging from 8-10% annually compared to the 4.5% prime benchmark rate as of July 2025. Banks typically offer loan-to-value ratios between 60-80%, requiring substantial down payments from buyers. Most institutions limit loan durations to 20 years, shorter than the 25-30 year terms common in developed markets.
The high interest rates dramatically impact total ownership costs, with amortization schedules nearly doubling the total repayment compared to the principal amount. A $100,000 mortgage at 9% over 20 years results in total payments of approximately $180,000, adding $80,000 in interest costs. Combined with the 9.5-13% acquisition fees, financed purchases carry substantial additional expenses.
Qualifying for mortgages requires stable income documentation and significant local banking relationships, with foreign buyers facing additional scrutiny and potentially higher rates.
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What are the smartest areas and property types for owner-occupiers seeking value and convenience?
Angondjé offers the best value proposition for owner-occupiers, combining affordable prices with strong growth potential and upcoming infrastructure improvements.
For buyers prioritizing value appreciation, Angondjé presents the optimal combination of current affordability and future growth prospects. The area benefits from planned infrastructure developments while maintaining entry-level pricing, making it ideal for first-time buyers or value-conscious investors. Mixed-use developments in modernizing Libreville neighborhoods like Mont-Bouet and Lalala provide urban convenience without premium pricing.
Lifestyle-focused buyers should consider Batterie IV for luxury amenities and security, or Sablière and Quartier Louis for proximity to international schools and expatriate communities. These areas command higher prices but offer superior quality of life and resale potential. New developments incorporating green credentials and smart home technology represent a growing trend for environmentally conscious buyers.
Property type selection should favor apartments in central locations for convenience and lower maintenance, while houses in emerging areas like Angondjé offer more space and land appreciation potential. Modern builds with contemporary amenities justify premium pricing through reduced maintenance costs and better energy efficiency.
Which areas and property types offer the best short-term rental yields for tourist accommodations?
Libreville's city center and Mont-Bouet deliver the strongest short-term rental performance, with Akanda showing higher revenue potential despite lower occupancy rates.
Short-term rental yields in Gabon range from 5-8% annually, with Libreville's central areas leading performance metrics. As of 2025, average monthly Airbnb revenue in Libreville reaches $297-$310 with average daily rates of $85-$86 and occupancy rates of 28-29%. Akanda demonstrates higher monthly revenue potential at $337-$398, though with correspondingly lower occupancy rates requiring careful market analysis.
Property types best suited for tourist rentals include well-appointed apartments and studios in central zones with easy access to business districts and tourist attractions. Batterie IV apartments appeal to premium travelers seeking security and amenities, while Mont-Bouet properties capture both business and leisure segments due to central location and infrastructure access.
Success in short-term rentals requires understanding seasonal demand patterns and maintaining high service standards to compete with established hospitality providers. Properties near government buildings, international organizations, and business centers perform consistently due to steady business travel demand.
Where are the strongest long-term rental markets in Gabon currently?
Port-Gentil leads long-term rental yields at 6-8% due to constant demand from industrial and offshore workers, while Libreville city center provides stable 5-7% returns.
Port-Gentil's industrial economy drives consistent long-term rental demand, with oil and gas workers requiring quality accommodation for extended periods. The city's rental market supports yields of 6-8% across all property types, with houses particularly popular among families on long-term assignments. This industrial base provides recession-resistant demand compared to tourism-dependent markets.
Libreville city center maintains steady rental performance with 5-7% yields for apartments, driven by government workers, expatriate professionals, and local business executives. The capital's diverse economy supports stable occupancy rates and reliable rent collection. Suburban houses attract long-term family tenants seeking more space, typically generating 4-6% yields with lower turnover costs.
Emerging markets like Koulamoutou show promise as economic development creates new employment opportunities, though current rental data remains limited. Rural markets offer lower yields of 2-4% due to limited demand and economic constraints.
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 locations and property types look most promising for profitable resale?
Prime Libreville districts including Sablière, Batterie IV, and Mont-Bouet offer the strongest capital growth potential, particularly for luxury and mid-high segment properties.
Capital appreciation strategies should focus on Libreville's established premium areas where demand consistently exceeds supply. Sablière and Batterie IV attract wealthy buyers seeking luxury amenities and security, supporting price premiums and steady appreciation. Mont-Bouet represents the sweet spot for growth potential, combining central location with ongoing development momentum.
Emerging markets present higher risk-reward opportunities, with Koulamoutou demonstrating the fastest recent growth rates among provincial cities. The area benefits from agricultural development and infrastructure investment, though buyers must accept higher volatility and liquidity constraints. Tchibanga offers exceptional value entry points with strong upside potential as urbanization accelerates.
Property type selection for resale should emphasize new and off-plan projects in prime locations, which command premiums and benefit from appreciation during construction. Luxury apartments in established areas provide the most liquid resale market, while houses in emerging zones offer higher percentage gains but longer holding periods.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
How have property prices changed from five years ago to today?
Gabonese property prices have surged 86.65% over the past five years, with a 60-square-meter Libreville apartment rising from $39,000 in 2020 to $72,000 in 2025.
The five-year price trajectory represents one of Africa's strongest real estate appreciation cycles, driven by economic recovery, infrastructure investment, and increased foreign interest. A typical 60-square-meter apartment in Libreville cost approximately $39,000 in 2020, reaching $72,000 by 2025 for an 86.65% nominal increase.
This dramatic appreciation reflects Gabon's economic stabilization following oil price volatility and government reforms aimed at diversifying the economy. Infrastructure improvements, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil, have supported property values while foreign investment regulations have become more accommodating.
However, the ten-year perspective shows a more complex picture with an overall decline of 13.29%, indicating the recent five-year surge represents recovery from earlier weakness rather than sustained long-term growth. The market appears to have stabilized at current levels after the recent rapid appreciation phase.
What were the property price changes over the past year in Gabon?
Gabonese property prices have essentially stabilized in 2025, with minimal growth of just 0.3% over the past year following the dramatic appreciation of previous years.
The 2024-2025 period marks a cooling phase for Gabon's real estate market, with nominal price changes limited to 0.3% annually. This stabilization follows several years of rapid appreciation as the market reaches equilibrium between supply and demand at current price levels. The minimal growth suggests buyers and sellers have adjusted expectations to current market conditions.
This price stabilization reflects several factors including improved housing supply, normalized foreign investment flows, and economic conditions that support stable rather than explosive growth. The cooling represents a healthy market correction rather than distress, with transaction volumes maintaining reasonable levels.
Regional variations exist within this overall stability, with some emerging areas continuing moderate growth while premium segments have largely plateaued. The stable pricing environment benefits both buyers and sellers by providing predictable market conditions for decision-making.
What do property price forecasts look like for Gabon over the next one, five, and ten years?
Gabon property forecasts predict continued stability with minimal growth, expecting 0% to -2% in 2026, followed by gradual moderate increases over the medium to long term.
| Time Period | Forecast | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (1-year) | 0% to -2% | Market saturation, economic uncertainty |
| 2025-2030 (5-year) | Gradual moderate growth | Infrastructure development, economic diversification |
| 10-year outlook | Slow, steady gains | Reform success, sustained infrastructure investment |
| Best case scenario | 3-5% annual growth | Successful economic transformation |
| Worst case scenario | Continued stagnation | Economic challenges, political instability |
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
How do Gabon's property prices compare with other major African capitals?
Libreville ranks among Central Africa's most expensive property markets at $1,200-$1,500 per square meter, slightly below Brazzaville but above most regional capitals.
Within Central Africa, Libreville's property prices position it as a premium market, with apartments averaging $1,200-$1,500 per square meter compared to slightly higher rates in Brazzaville, Congo. This pricing reflects Gabon's oil wealth and relatively stable political environment, which attract foreign investment and support higher valuations than most neighboring countries.
Compared to major African capitals, Libreville falls into the mid-tier category. While significantly more expensive than markets in countries like Chad or Central African Republic, it remains more affordable than top-tier African cities like Cape Town, Lagos, or Nairobi. The pricing gap reflects differences in economic development, infrastructure quality, and international connectivity.
The regional premium justifies itself through better infrastructure, security, and quality of life compared to less expensive neighbors, though buyers must weigh these benefits against the higher entry costs and potentially limited resale liquidity compared to larger African markets.
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 analysis of local conditions, pricing trends, and investment objectives.
Whether buying for residence, rental income, or capital appreciation, success depends on selecting the right location and property type for your specific goals and budget.
Sources
- The African Investor - Gabon Price Forecasts
- The African Investor - Gabon Real Estate Market
- The African Investor - Gabon Which Area
- The African Investor - Libreville Price Forecasts
- The African Investor - Gabon Real Estate Foreigner Tips
- Numbeo - Gabon Property Investment
- Trading Economics - Gabon Interest Rate
- Global Property Guide - Gabon Rent Yields
- AirROI - Gabon Report
- Global Property Guide - Gabon Square Meter Prices