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As of September 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Libreville is approximately $1,088 per month, making it one of the premium rental markets in Central Africa.
Rental prices vary significantly by property type and location, with luxury villas commanding $8,000-$10,000 monthly while studios start around $600-$1,500. The city center commands premium rates, with three-bedroom apartments averaging $2,509 monthly compared to $963 in suburban areas. Current rental yields range from 5-7% annually for apartments, with luxury properties achieving higher returns of 7-8%.
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Libreville's rental market offers diverse options from $600 studios to $10,000+ luxury villas, with city center premiums ranging 50-100% above suburban rates.
Rental yields average 5-7% annually, with luxury properties achieving 7-8% returns and lower vacancy rates of 2-5% compared to 8-15% for budget units.
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (City Center) | $600-$1,500 | 5-6% |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,088 | 6-7% |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,509 | 5-7% |
| 2BR House (Suburbs) | $1,600+ | 4-6% |
| Luxury Villa | $8,100-$10,710 | 7-8% |
| 3BR Apartment (Suburbs) | $963 | 4-5% |
| Budget Apartment (Outside) | $300-$500 | 4-5% |
What are the current average rents in Libreville by property type?
Apartment rents in Libreville vary significantly based on size and location, with one-bedroom units in the city center averaging $1,088 monthly while similar units outside the center cost around $502.
Three-bedroom apartments command substantially higher rents, with city center units averaging $2,509 monthly compared to $963 in suburban areas. This represents a premium of approximately 160% for central locations.
House rentals typically start around $1,620 monthly for basic two-bedroom properties, though family-friendly villas in upmarket areas like Malibé can range from $1,800 to $9,000 depending on amenities and specific neighborhood positioning.
Luxury villas represent the premium segment, with properties like White House Residence commanding $8,100-$10,710 monthly. These properties typically exceed $7,000 monthly in prime areas and cater primarily to expatriate executives and diplomatic personnel.
Studio apartments offer the most affordable entry point, ranging from $600-$1,500 monthly depending on location and finish quality, making them popular among students and young professionals.
How do average rents vary by neighborhood in Libreville?
Premium neighborhoods like Sablière, Louis, and Akanda command the highest rents, with three-bedroom luxury apartments often ranging from $3,000-$7,500 monthly due to their proximity to diplomatic areas and upscale amenities.
Mid-tier neighborhoods including Mont-Bouet, Angondjé, Glass, and Plein Ciel offer moderate rental rates typically ranging $1,100-$1,300 per square meter, attracting local professionals and middle-income families.
More affordable suburban areas like Owendo and Lalala provide budget-friendly options starting from $300 monthly, though these locations require longer commutes to central business districts.
The city center consistently commands premium rates across all property types, with rents typically 50-100% higher than equivalent properties in suburban locations.
Neighborhood selection significantly impacts both rental costs and tenant demographics, with expatriate demand concentrated in premium areas while local professionals dominate mid-tier neighborhoods.
What is the rent difference between small, medium, and large properties?
Small properties like studios typically rent for $600-$1,500 monthly, offering 20-35 square meters of living space with basic amenities and compact layouts suitable for single occupants.
Medium-sized properties including two-bedroom apartments and houses range from $1,000-$2,000 monthly, providing 70-100 square meters and targeting small families or professionals requiring additional space.
Large properties with three or more bedrooms command $2,000-$7,500 monthly for luxury units, though standard three-bedroom apartments average around $2,500 with 80+ square meters of living space.
The price progression follows a non-linear pattern, with each additional bedroom adding disproportionately more value, particularly in premium neighborhoods where space commands significant premiums.
Property size directly correlates with amenity access, with larger units typically including features like private parking, security systems, and modern appliances that justify higher rental rates.
What is the typical total monthly cost for renters including all expenses?
| Expense Category | 1BR City Center | 3BR Family Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rent | $1,088 | $2,509 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | $48-$75 | $120-$200 |
| Internet | $22 | $22-$45 |
| Local taxes/fees | $50-$100 | $100-$200 |
| Security/maintenance | $25-$50 | $75-$150 |
| Total Monthly Cost | $1,233-$1,335 | $2,826-$3,104 |
| Annual Total | $14,796-$16,020 | $33,912-$37,248 |
How do mortgage costs compare with rental income for investors?
Current mortgage rates in Libreville range from 8-10% annually, making financing relatively expensive compared to other African markets but still viable for well-positioned properties.
A typical $72,000 one-bedroom apartment requires monthly mortgage payments of $690-$720 over a 20-year fixed term, while generating rental income of $1,088-$1,300 monthly in city center locations.
This creates positive cash flow of approximately $400-$600 monthly before accounting for property management, maintenance, and vacancy periods, resulting in attractive returns for leveraged investors.
Rental yields of 5-7% annually for standard apartments exceed mortgage costs, with luxury properties achieving 7-8% yields that provide even stronger cash flow margins for investors.
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What are current examples of rental prices for different property types?
Studio apartments in decent neighborhoods typically rent for $600-$1,000 monthly, with premium studios in central areas reaching $1,200-$1,500 depending on modern amenities and building quality.
Standard one-bedroom apartments range from $502 in suburban areas to $1,088 in city center, while upgraded units with modern finishes can command $1,200-$1,400 monthly.
Family houses show significant variation, with basic two-bedroom suburban properties starting around $1,620 monthly while upscale family villas in neighborhoods like Malibé range from $3,000-$6,000.
Luxury villas represent the market's premium segment, with properties like White House Residence commanding $8,100-$10,710 monthly, featuring amenities like private pools, gardens, and premium security systems.
Commercial residential complexes often offer mid-range options, with furnished apartments typically adding 20-30% premium over unfurnished equivalents across all property categories.
What profiles of renters are most common in Libreville today?
Expatriate professionals dominate the luxury rental market, particularly in city center and premium neighborhoods, driven by diplomatic missions, international corporations, and oil industry presence.
Local professionals and young families primarily occupy mid-market properties, seeking modern amenities and reasonable commute times to business districts while maintaining budget consciousness.
Students and lower-income families concentrate in suburban areas and budget apartments, often sharing accommodations to reduce individual rental costs.
Wealthy local families increasingly compete with expatriates for luxury properties, particularly in neighborhoods like Sablière and Louis where status and amenities justify premium rents.
Short-term corporate rentals represent a growing segment, with companies providing temporary housing for rotating staff and project-based workers in the energy sector.
What are current vacancy rates by property type and neighborhood?
City center apartments experience vacancy rates of 8-12%, with older or poorly maintained properties showing higher vacancy rates due to tenant preferences for modern amenities.
Luxury units maintain lower vacancy rates of 2-5% due to consistent expatriate and high-income local demand, particularly in premium neighborhoods with established infrastructure.
Suburban and budget units face higher vacancy rates up to 15%, reflecting oversupply in certain areas and competition from newer developments offering better value propositions.
Property type significantly influences occupancy, with furnished luxury apartments maintaining near-full occupancy while basic unfurnished units experience seasonal fluctuations based on expatriate rotation cycles.
Neighborhood infrastructure directly impacts vacancy rates, with areas offering reliable utilities, security, and transportation access maintaining consistently lower vacancy levels across all property types.
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What are rental yields across different property types and highest returns?
Standard apartments in city center locations generate rental yields of 5-7% annually, providing stable returns with relatively predictable tenant demand and moderate maintenance requirements.
Luxury properties in premium neighborhoods like Sablière and Louis achieve higher yields of 7-8% due to premium rents justified by expatriate demand and limited supply of comparable properties.
Suburban houses typically generate yields of 4-6%, though lower purchase prices can offset reduced rental income for investors seeking entry-level opportunities.
Properties outside city center generate yields of 4-5%, reflecting lower rental rates but also reduced acquisition costs and potentially lower ongoing expenses.
Furnished luxury apartments consistently deliver the highest risk-adjusted returns, combining premium rents with lower vacancy rates and stable tenant profiles willing to pay for convenience and quality.
How have rents and yields changed compared to previous years?
The Libreville rental market experienced dramatic growth between 2020-2023, with rents increasing by approximately 86% during this period due to economic recovery and increased expatriate presence.
Over the past year, rental rates have stabilized with minimal changes ranging from 0-2% decline, reflecting economic headwinds and normalized demand following the previous surge.
Rental yields have remained stable at 5-7% since 2023, despite the earlier price volatility, indicating that property values and rents moved proportionally during the growth period.
Luxury properties maintained stronger performance throughout market fluctuations, demonstrating resilience in both rental rates and occupancy levels compared to budget segments.
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What is the forecast for rents and yields over the next one, five, and ten years?
The next twelve months expect stable rental conditions with possible changes ranging from -2% to +3%, reflecting current economic uncertainty and normalized demand patterns following recent growth.
Five-year projections suggest moderate growth of 5-12% driven by planned infrastructure improvements and continued urbanization, though growth rates will likely remain below the exceptional 2020-2023 period.
Ten-year forecasts indicate continued moderate appreciation guided by population growth and increasing expatriate presence, with rental yields expected to maintain the current 5-8% range.
Infrastructure development including port expansion and road improvements should support long-term rental demand, particularly in areas benefiting from improved connectivity and services.
Demographic trends including urbanization and economic diversification suggest sustained rental demand, though growth rates will likely normalize compared to recent exceptional performance.
How does Libreville compare with other similar-sized African cities?
| City | Avg 1BR Rent (Center) | Rental Yield | Investment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libreville | $1,088 | 5-7% | Stable, premium for luxury |
| Yaoundé | $1,350 | 4-6% | Higher rents, less expat demand |
| Port-Gentil | $960 | 6-8% | Oil sector demand |
| Lagos | $900-$1,500 | 7-9% | Rapid growth, volatile prices |
| Johannesburg | $700-$1,200 | 10% | Highest yield; fast-changing |
| Abidjan | $800-$1,100 | 6-8% | Steady growth, lower entry costs |
| Douala | $750-$1,000 | 5-7% | Industrial focus, moderate returns |
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.
Libreville's rental market positions itself as the premium destination in Central Africa, offering stable yields and strong expatriate demand that supports consistent performance.
For investors, apartments and luxury villas in prime neighborhoods consistently deliver the strongest returns with rental yields of 5-8% and lower vacancy risks compared to budget segments.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.