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The Gabon rental market offers diverse opportunities for both investors and tenants, with significant variations across cities and property types.
As of September 2025, rental prices in Gabon range from $360 per month for studios in smaller cities to over $2,500 for luxury villas in Libreville, while rental yields typically fall between 3.5% and 8% annually depending on location and property category.
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.
Gabon's rental market is dominated by Libreville and Port-Gentil, where one-bedroom apartments average $555 monthly, while houses rent for around $328 in urban areas.
The market serves primarily expats, oil workers, and middle-class families, with rental yields ranging from 5-7% in major cities and short-term furnished rentals commanding significant premiums over long-term leases.
| Property Type | Libreville Average Rent | Port-Gentil Average Rent | Typical Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $360-$420 | $340-$400 | 5-6% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $555-$650 | $527-$600 | 5-7% |
| 3-Bedroom House | $950-$1,100 | $750-$950 | 6-8% |
| Luxury Villa | $1,500-$2,500 | $1,200-$2,000 | 4-6% |
| Short-term Furnished | $80-$140/night | $70-$120/night | 8-12% |
What's the average rent right now for apartments, houses, and villas in Gabon?
As of September 2025, the Gabon rental market shows clear distinctions across property types and locations.
Apartments in Gabon average $555 per month for a one-bedroom unit, with most properties concentrated in Libreville where demand from expatriates and government workers drives prices higher. Studio apartments typically rent for $360-$420 monthly, while larger two and three-bedroom apartments range from $650 to $1,100 depending on amenities and location within the city.
Houses in urban areas of Gabon rent for approximately $328 per month for typical properties built by formal contractors, though this figure represents basic housing options. Mid-size family homes with three bedrooms command $750-$1,100 monthly in Libreville, while similar properties in Port-Gentil rent for $750-$950 due to strong demand from oil industry workers.
Luxury villas represent the premium segment of Gabon's rental market, with long-term leases ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 monthly in prime Libreville locations. Short-term furnished villa rentals average $815 per night for luxury properties, though this premium pricing targets business travelers and tourists rather than permanent residents.
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How do average rents differ between Libreville, Port-Gentil, and other key cities or regions?
Libreville maintains the highest rental prices in Gabon due to its status as the capital and primary economic center.
Libreville commands premium rents across all property categories, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $555 monthly and three-bedroom houses reaching $950-$1,100. The city's concentration of government offices, international businesses, and expatriate communities creates sustained demand that supports these higher price points. Premium newer units in desirable neighborhoods can reach $650-$800 for one-bedroom apartments.
Port-Gentil follows closely behind Libreville in rental pricing, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $527 monthly. The city's oil industry presence creates a unique rental dynamic where company-subsidized housing for oil workers supports strong demand and rental yields of 6-8%. Three-bedroom houses in Port-Gentil typically rent for $750-$950, reflecting the city's role as Gabon's oil capital.
Franceville and other secondary cities offer more affordable rental options, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $400 monthly and houses renting for $300-$400. Koulamoutou shows similar pricing patterns with houses around $300 monthly, while both cities maintain rental yields of 4-7% due to stable local demand and lower property acquisition costs.
Rural areas throughout Gabon offer the most affordable rental options, with properties typically renting for under $300 for apartments and under $200 for houses, though rental yields drop to 2-4% due to limited demand and economic activity.
What's the breakdown of rents by property size, like studios, one-bedroom, or three-bedroom places?
Property size significantly impacts rental pricing across Gabon's major markets, with clear differentiation between unit categories.
| Property Size | Libreville Range | Port-Gentil Range | Secondary Cities | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $360-$420 | $340-$400 | $250-$350 | Basic amenities, city center location |
| One-Bedroom | $555-$650 | $527-$600 | $350-$450 | Separate bedroom, modern fixtures |
| Two-Bedroom | $700-$900 | $650-$800 | $450-$600 | Family-oriented, balcony/terrace |
| Three-Bedroom | $950-$1,100 | $750-$950 | $550-$700 | Multiple bathrooms, parking |
| Four+ Bedroom Houses | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,000-$1,500 | $700-$1,000 | Compound housing, gardens |
What does the total monthly cost look like once you add management fees, utilities, and local taxes?
The total monthly cost of renting in Gabon extends well beyond the base rental price when factoring in additional fees and utilities.
Management fees typically add 5-10% of monthly rent for properties handled by professional management companies, which translates to approximately $28-$55 for a standard one-bedroom apartment in Libreville. These fees cover property maintenance, tenant relations, and administrative services that many landlords prefer to outsource.
Utilities represent a significant additional expense, averaging $90-$140 monthly for electricity, water, and internet services. Electricity costs can be particularly high during Gabon's hot season when air conditioning usage increases, while reliable internet service commands premium pricing due to infrastructure limitations outside major cities.
Local property taxes are typically the responsibility of property owners rather than tenants, but VAT at 18% applies to rental management services and certain secondary services unless specifically exempted. Additional fees for insurance, security deposits, and building amenities may add another $20-$40 monthly depending on the property type and rental agreement terms.
For a typical one-bedroom apartment in Libreville, tenants can expect total monthly costs of approximately $725, consisting of $555 base rent, $50 management fees, and $120 in utilities, making the all-in cost roughly 30% higher than the advertised rental rate.
How do mortgage payments compare to rental income potential on similar properties?
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The relationship between mortgage payments and rental income in Gabon presents mixed opportunities for property investors depending on property type and financing terms.
A typical one-bedroom apartment valued at $72,000 with an 8% interest rate over a 20-year mortgage term generates monthly payments of approximately $600. With rental income of $555 monthly for similar properties, investors face a negative cash flow of $45 before considering additional expenses like management fees, maintenance, and vacancy periods.
Larger properties and premium locations offer better cash flow potential, particularly in Port-Gentil where oil industry demand supports higher rents. Three-bedroom houses that command $950-$1,100 monthly rent may justify higher purchase prices and mortgage payments, especially when targeting corporate tenants with stable employment and company housing allowances.
Investment success typically depends on achieving rental yields of 6-8% annually, which requires careful property selection in high-demand areas like central Libreville or Port-Gentil's oil district. Properties purchased below market value or in emerging neighborhoods may offer better alignment between mortgage costs and rental income potential.
Many successful investors in Gabon focus on cash purchases or substantial down payments to reduce financing costs, given that mortgage rates of 8% significantly impact monthly cash flow when combined with management expenses and periodic vacancy periods.
What are the typical rental prices for short-term furnished rentals versus long-term leases?
Short-term furnished rentals in Gabon command substantial premiums over long-term lease arrangements, reflecting their targeting of business travelers and tourists.
Short-term furnished apartments typically rent for $80-$140 per night in Libreville, which translates to monthly equivalents of $2,400-$4,200 when fully occupied. Luxury villas in prime locations can command $200-$815 nightly, potentially generating over $20,000 monthly during peak occupancy periods, though such rates target international executives and diplomatic personnel.
Long-term lease arrangements offer dramatically different pricing structures designed for permanent residents and long-term expatriate assignments. Studios rent for $360-$420 monthly, one-bedroom apartments for $555-$650, and three-bedroom houses for $950-$1,100, representing 70-80% discounts compared to short-term equivalent rates.
The occupancy challenge significantly impacts short-term rental profitability, with Libreville showing average occupancy rates of 38.2% for short-term properties. This means annual revenues from short-term rentals often align more closely with long-term lease income when accounting for vacancy periods, marketing costs, and higher maintenance requirements.
Furnished rental premiums reflect the substantial investment required for quality furnishings, appliances, and regular replacement of household items, while also compensating for the higher tenant turnover and management intensity compared to long-term leases.
Can you give examples of what a tenant would pay today for a small apartment, a mid-size family home, and a high-end villa?
Current rental examples across Gabon's major cities demonstrate the significant range in housing costs depending on property type and location preferences.
A small apartment, typically a studio or one-bedroom unit, currently rents for $555 monthly in Libreville's central districts, $420 in Franceville, and $360-$400 in smaller cities like Koulamoutou. These properties usually include basic amenities like running water, electricity connections, and proximity to local markets, though parking and additional services often cost extra.
Mid-size family homes with three bedrooms serve Gabon's growing middle class and expatriate families, renting for $950-$1,100 monthly in Libreville, $750-$950 in Port-Gentil, and $550-$700 in rural areas or secondary cities like Franceville. These properties typically feature multiple bathrooms, parking spaces, and small garden areas, making them suitable for families with children.
High-end villas represent Gabon's luxury rental segment, commanding $1,500-$2,500 monthly for long-term leases in prime Libreville locations. These properties feature premium finishes, security systems, landscaped grounds, and often include staff quarters or additional amenities like swimming pools, particularly in expatriate-focused neighborhoods.
Short-term luxury options reach premium pricing levels, with high-end villas renting for $815-$900 nightly when targeting international business travelers, diplomatic missions, or tourists seeking luxury accommodations during extended stays in Gabon's major cities.
Who are the main renters—expats, students, government workers, or local families—and what are their typical budgets?
Gabon's rental market serves distinct tenant categories with varying budget capacities and housing preferences that shape demand across different property segments.
Expatriates represent the highest-budget tenant category, typically allocating $900 or more monthly for housing and preferring premium apartments or villas in central Libreville. These tenants often receive housing allowances from international companies, oil firms, or diplomatic missions, enabling them to afford luxury amenities like security services, modern appliances, and prime locations near international schools or business districts.
Oil industry workers, particularly those based in Port-Gentil, maintain budgets of $800-$1,500 monthly and often benefit from company-subsidized housing arrangements. This group drives significant demand for mid-to-high-end housing and contributes to Port-Gentil's strong rental yields of 6-8% as companies compete for quality housing near oil facilities.
Middle-class families, including government workers and local professionals, typically budget $400-$850 monthly for housing and prefer suburban areas or new developments that offer better value. This demographic often seeks three-bedroom houses with parking and family-friendly neighborhoods, contributing to steady demand in Libreville's outer districts and secondary cities.
Students and young professionals operate with more constrained budgets of $250-$450 monthly, often sharing studio apartments or seeking smaller units near universities and business centers. Government workers similarly budget $350-$700 monthly and frequently prefer family homes near government buildings and infrastructure projects.
What are the current vacancy rates in major neighborhoods, and how do they vary by property type?
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.
Vacancy rates across Gabon vary significantly by location and property type, reflecting the diverse demand patterns in different market segments.
Libreville maintains relatively low vacancy rates of 8-12% for long-term rentals in the city center, though outer districts experience higher vacancy rates due to limited transportation infrastructure and distance from employment centers. Short-term rental occupancy in Libreville averages 38.2%, indicating substantial seasonal variation and competition among furnished rental properties targeting business travelers.
Port-Gentil shows the lowest vacancy rates in Gabon at under 10% for well-located rental properties, driven by consistent demand from oil industry workers and limited quality housing supply near major oil facilities. The city's economic specialization creates stable tenant demand that supports premium rents and strong occupancy rates.
Secondary cities and rural areas experience vacancy rates of 16-22%, particularly outside urban centers where economic opportunities remain limited. These higher vacancy rates reflect both oversupply in some locations and outmigration of young people toward Libreville and Port-Gentil for employment opportunities.
Property type significantly influences vacancy patterns, with luxury villas experiencing longer lease-up periods due to limited target tenant pools, while mid-range apartments and houses maintain steadier occupancy due to broader tenant demand from local families and government workers.
What's the average rental yield right now, and how does it break down across different types of properties?
Rental yields in Gabon vary substantially by location and property type, offering investors different risk-return profiles across market segments.
Libreville apartments generate rental yields of 5-7% annually, with newer properties in prime locations typically achieving the higher end of this range due to premium rents and strong tenant demand. One-bedroom apartments represent the most liquid segment with consistent rental demand from expatriates and young professionals.
Port-Gentil properties deliver higher rental yields of 6-8% annually, reflecting the city's oil industry demand and limited quality housing supply. Three-bedroom houses near oil facilities often achieve yields closer to 8% due to company-sponsored tenant demand and willingness to pay premium rents for quality accommodations.
Suburban and rural properties across Gabon generate lower rental yields of 2-4% annually, though these areas offer lower entry costs and potential for appreciation as infrastructure development continues. Properties in secondary cities like Franceville typically achieve yields of 4-5%, balancing affordability with steady local demand.
The national average rental yield ranges from 3.5-8% depending on property location, condition, occupancy management, and tenant quality. Premium properties in central Libreville may achieve lower yields due to higher acquisition costs, while well-managed properties in Port-Gentil's oil district consistently outperform other market segments.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
How have rents and yields changed compared to one year ago and five years ago, and what's the forecast for one year, five years, and ten years?
Gabon's rental market has experienced measured growth over recent years, with distinct patterns emerging across different time periods and future projections.
Over the past year since September 2024, rental prices have remained largely stable with modest upward pressure concentrated in Port-Gentil due to renewed oil sector activity. Libreville rents showed minimal change, while rural areas experienced flat or slightly declining rents due to continued urbanization trends drawing residents toward major cities.
The five-year period from 2020-2025 showed overall rental growth of 8-12% in urban areas, primarily driven by oil industry investment and infrastructure development projects. However, the 2023-2025 period marked a stabilization phase as inflation and higher interest rates tempered rapid growth, leading to more sustainable price increases aligned with economic fundamentals.
Short-term forecasts for 2025-2026 anticipate continued stability with slight annual increases of 2-4% as the market adjusts to current economic conditions. Oil price stability and government infrastructure spending should support moderate rental growth, particularly in Port-Gentil and central Libreville where demand remains strongest.
Five-year projections through 2030 suggest gradual rental growth aligned with urbanization trends and oil industry demand, though growth rates will likely moderate compared to the previous decade. Continued youth migration from rural areas to cities should support rental demand, while infrastructure improvements may unlock new rental submarkets.
Ten-year forecasts indicate steady urban rental gains with potential risks from oversupply if construction activity accelerates significantly. However, ongoing demographic shifts toward urban centers and potential economic diversification beyond oil should provide fundamental support for rental market growth through 2035.
How do current rents and yields in Gabon compare with other big African cities with similar markets?
Gabon's rental market positions competitively within the broader African investment landscape, showing comparable metrics to other mid-tier African markets with strong expatriate and resource industry presence.
| City | Average 1-Bed Rent | Typical Yield Range | Market Characteristics | Primary Demand Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libreville, Gabon | $555 | 5-7% | Stable, expat-heavy | Government, oil, expatriates |
| Lagos, Nigeria | $650 | 5-7% | High growth, volatile | Financial services, trade |
| Accra, Ghana | $530 | 6-8% | Busy, fast turnover | Mining, services, expats |
| Nairobi, Kenya | $400 | 5-6% | Rapid construction | Technology, agriculture |
| Abidjan, Ivory Coast | $600 | 5-7% | Diverse economy | Port activities, manufacturing |
Gabon's rental yields and urban rent levels align closely with other resource-rich African markets, particularly those with significant expatriate populations and oil industry presence. Libreville's $555 average rent for one-bedroom apartments falls within the regional range, while Port-Gentil's higher yields reflect specialized demand from oil sector workers.
Compared to Lagos's higher rents but similar yields, Gabon offers more stable market conditions with less volatility, though potentially lower long-term growth prospects. Accra presents comparable market dynamics with slightly higher yields, while Nairobi's lower rents reflect different economic fundamentals and rapid supply growth.
Gabon's competitive positioning benefits from political stability, established oil industry presence, and French colonial ties that attract specific expatriate communities, though the market lacks the diversification and growth potential seen in larger African economies like Nigeria or Kenya.
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.
Gabon's rental market demonstrates stability and opportunity for investors seeking exposure to African real estate markets with strong oil industry fundamentals.
The combination of expatriate demand, government presence, and oil sector activity in cities like Libreville and Port-Gentil creates sustainable rental yields of 5-8% annually, though investors should carefully consider location and property type when making investment decisions.
Sources
- Global Property Guide - Gabon Rent
- ERI Economic Research Institute - Libreville Cost of Living
- Housing Finance Africa - Gabon Country Detail
- Casai - Gabon Rentals
- The Africanvestor - Gabon Price Forecasts
- The Africanvestor - Gabon Real Estate Market
- Expedia - Gabon Apartments
- The Africanvestor - Gabon Real Estate Forecasts
- The Africanvestor - Gabon Property Investment
- Global Property Guide - Gabon Rent Yields