Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cameroon Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cameroon Property Pack
Yes, foreigners can legally buy and rent out residential property in Cameroon, but the process requires careful attention to land title verification and tax compliance.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, market data, and rental trends in Cameroon.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
Insights
- Short-term rentals in Yaoundé average only 29% occupancy according to AirDNA data, making long-term renting the safer default strategy for most foreign investors in Cameroon.
- Gross rental yields in Douala typically reach 8% to 12%, often outperforming Yaoundé because Douala serves as Cameroon's commercial and economic hub.
- Backup power (generator or inverter) and reliable water supply are the two features that increase rent the most in Cameroon, often more than luxury finishes.
- Foreign landlords in Cameroon need a local taxpayer identification number (NIU) to be compliant, which can be obtained through the DGI's online registration system.
- Net rental yields in Cameroon drop significantly from gross yields because landlords must budget for generator fuel, water storage maintenance, and security costs.
- The premium neighborhoods of Bastos and Nlongkak in Yaoundé and Bonapriso in Douala command the highest rents, driven by diplomatic and corporate tenant demand.
- Well-priced properties in Cameroon's major cities typically experience only one month of vacancy per year, while overpriced units can sit empty for two to four months.
- There are roughly 950 short-term rental properties tracked in Yaoundé, which is a small supply for a capital city, suggesting the market is demand-constrained rather than oversupplied.
Can I legally rent out a property in Cameroon as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own residential property in Cameroon and rent it out, provided they secure proper land title documentation through the official registration process.
The most common ownership structure for foreigners in Cameroon is direct ownership with a registered land title (called "titre foncier"), which provides the strongest legal protection for your investment.
The single biggest limitation foreigners face is ensuring the property has a clean, verified land title, because many properties in Cameroon have unclear or disputed ownership histories that can create serious problems later.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Cameroon.
Do I need residency to rent out in Cameroon right now?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Cameroon to own and rent out a property, as there is no legal requirement for landlords to live in the country.
However, you will need a Cameroon taxpayer identification number (NIU/TIN) to legally collect rental income and interact with banks and formal counterparties.
While international transfers are technically possible, most landlords find it much easier to open a local Cameroon bank account or use mobile money services because tenants typically pay through local channels.
Remote management is definitely feasible in Cameroon, but you will need either a professional property manager or a trusted caretaker-agent combination to handle tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Cameroon in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting is generally the more reliable and profitable strategy for most foreign investors in Cameroon because it offers predictable income with lower operational complexity.
A well-managed long-term rental in Yaoundé or Douala can generate 4,000,000 to 7,000,000 XAF per year (roughly 6,500 to 11,500 USD or 6,100 to 10,700 EUR) net, while a short-term rental might earn more gross but loses 35% to 55% to operating costs and suffers from low occupancy.
Short-term renting can outperform long-term only in specific situations: furnished units in secure compounds with backup power and water in prime areas of Yaoundé or Douala, where you have a strong local operator managing the property.
What's the average gross rental yield in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Cameroon's major cities is approximately 9.5%, which is higher than many developed markets but comes with higher operational complexity.
The realistic gross rental yield range in Cameroon spans from about 7% in Yaoundé's quieter neighborhoods to 12% in high-demand commercial areas of Douala.
Studios and small one-bedroom apartments typically achieve the highest gross rental yields in Cameroon because purchase prices are more accessible while rents remain relatively strong due to high demand from young professionals and students.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Cameroon.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all recurring costs for residential properties in Cameroon falls between 5% and 7%, depending on location and how efficiently you manage the property.
The realistic net rental yield range that most landlords actually experience in Cameroon spans from about 4.5% in Yaoundé to 8% in well-located Douala properties with good tenant quality.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield specifically in Cameroon are generator and backup power expenses (fuel and maintenance), property management fees (8% to 12% of rent for remote owners), and security costs for guarded compounds.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Cameroon.
What monthly rent can I get in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Cameroon's major cities range from 100,000 to 250,000 XAF (165 to 415 USD or 150 to 380 EUR) for a studio, 150,000 to 400,000 XAF (250 to 665 USD or 230 to 610 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and 250,000 to 700,000 XAF (415 to 1,165 USD or 380 to 1,065 EUR) for a two-bedroom.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Cameroon is 100,000 to 150,000 XAF (165 to 250 USD or 150 to 230 EUR) in neighborhoods like Odza or Emana in Yaoundé.
A typical mid-range one-bedroom apartment in Cameroon rents for 200,000 to 350,000 XAF (330 to 580 USD or 305 to 535 EUR) in neighborhoods like Bonamoussadi in Douala or Nsimeyong in Yaoundé.
A mid-to-high two-bedroom apartment in premium areas like Bonapriso in Douala or Bastos in Yaoundé commands 400,000 to 800,000 XAF (665 to 1,330 USD or 610 to 1,220 EUR) per month.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Cameroon.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cameroon 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.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Cameroon in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Cameroon ranges from 50,000 to 200,000 XAF (85 to 330 USD or 75 to 305 EUR), depending on property standards and whether you provide backup power.
A realistic monthly cost range that covers most standard rental properties in Cameroon is 60,000 to 150,000 XAF (100 to 250 USD or 90 to 230 EUR), which includes management fees, maintenance reserves, and basic utilities the landlord covers.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs specifically in Cameroon is generator fuel and servicing, which can run 20,000 to 80,000 XAF (35 to 135 USD or 30 to 120 EUR) per month depending on how frequently power outages occur in your area.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Cameroon.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for well-priced rental properties in Cameroon's major cities is approximately 8%, which translates to roughly one month of vacancy per year.
Landlords in Cameroon should realistically budget for one to two months of vacancy per year because tenant turnover, payment delays, and the time needed to find quality replacements add up, especially for remote owners who cannot respond quickly.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to vary across Cameroon neighborhoods is infrastructure reliability, meaning properties with consistent water supply, backup power, and good road access in areas like Bonamoussadi or Bonapriso rent much faster than those in areas with frequent outages or flooding.
The highest tenant turnover in Cameroon typically occurs between August and October, when the academic year ends and young professionals and students relocate, creating both vacancies and new rental demand simultaneously.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Cameroon.
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Where do rentals perform best in Cameroon in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Cameroon are Bonamoussadi and Akwa in Douala and Nsimeyong in Yaoundé, all of which benefit from strong employment access and established infrastructure.
Families looking for long-term rentals in Cameroon concentrate in Bonapriso and Bonanjo in Douala and Bastos and Santa Barbara in Yaoundé, where they find better security, international schools, and quieter residential environments.
Students create strong rental demand in Ngoa-Ekellé near the University of Yaoundé I, in Soa which hosts another major university campus, and in Molyko in Buea which is the main student hub for the anglophone region.
Expats and international professionals in Cameroon prefer Bastos and Nlongkak in Yaoundé (close to embassies and international organizations) and Bonapriso in Douala (the city's most established upscale residential area).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Cameroon.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Cameroon are Bonamoussadi and Makepe in Douala and Odza in Yaoundé, where strong working-class demand meets relatively affordable purchase prices.
The estimated gross rental yield range in these top-yielding Cameroon neighborhoods is 9% to 12%, compared to 7% to 9% in the premium districts where purchase prices are higher.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is their large population of employed professionals who need decent housing but cannot afford premium areas, creating strong rental demand without the inflated property prices of diplomatic zones.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Cameroon.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Cameroon are Bastos in Yaoundé and Bonapriso and Bonanjo in Douala, where monthly rents for standard apartments range from 400,000 to 1,000,000 XAF (665 to 1,665 USD or 610 to 1,525 EUR).
A typical monthly rent for a standard two-bedroom apartment in these premium Cameroon neighborhoods is 500,000 to 800,000 XAF (830 to 1,330 USD or 760 to 1,220 EUR), with larger or better-finished units exceeding 1,000,000 XAF.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents is their concentration of embassies, international organizations, and corporate headquarters, which creates a stable pool of tenants with housing allowances and foreign-currency incomes.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Cameroon neighborhoods includes diplomats, NGO staff, multinational executives, and international consultants who prioritize security, reliable utilities, and proximity to their workplaces over price sensitivity.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Cameroon. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Cameroon in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Cameroon are backup power (generator or inverter system), reliable water supply with storage tank and pump, and secure parking within a guarded compound.
Backup power alone can add a 15% to 25% rent premium in Cameroon because power outages are common and tenants, especially expats and professionals, will pay significantly more to avoid disruption to their work and daily life.
One commonly overrated feature that landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for in Cameroon is high-end kitchen finishes, because most tenants prioritize reliability (power, water, security) over aesthetic upgrades that do not solve daily inconveniences.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for landlords in Cameroon is installing a quality water storage tank with an electric pump, which costs relatively little but addresses one of tenants' top concerns and can justify a meaningful rent increase.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Cameroon typically rent two to four weeks faster than unfurnished ones in the same location, because they attract corporate tenants and expats who need to move in quickly without sourcing furniture locally.
Furnished apartments in Cameroon command a rent premium of approximately 20% to 35% over unfurnished equivalents, but this premium only holds if the property also delivers reliability basics like backup power, water, and security.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Cameroon right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Cameroon right now?
Landlords in Cameroon have significant freedom to set initial rent prices because there is no national rent control system, and rents are determined primarily by market negotiation between landlord and tenant.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Cameroon are also largely unregulated, meaning landlords can negotiate increases at lease renewal, though practical constraints like tenant affordability and competition from nearby properties keep increases reasonable in most cases.
What's the standard lease length in Cameroon right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Cameroon is 12 months, renewable by mutual agreement, though six-month leases are sometimes used for smaller units and longer terms for corporate tenants.
Landlords in Cameroon typically require a security deposit of two to three months' rent, which amounts to 200,000 to 900,000 XAF (330 to 1,500 USD or 305 to 1,370 EUR) depending on the property, plus one to three months of rent paid in advance.
Security deposit return rules in Cameroon are largely governed by the lease contract rather than strict statutory requirements, so landlords should clearly document the deposit amount and conditions for deductions in writing to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Cameroon compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Cameroon in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Cameroon right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Cameroon, as there is no nationwide ban on vacation rentals, though operators should be aware that running multiple units may trigger tourism and hospitality compliance requirements.
There is no specific short-term rental license or permit widely enforced for individual hosts in Cameroon, but professional operators with multiple properties may need to register as accommodation providers and comply with local business regulations.
Cameroon does not currently impose annual night limits or caps on how many days per year a property can be rented short-term, giving hosts more flexibility than in many European or North American markets.
The most common consequence for operating a short-term rental without proper compliance in Cameroon is potential tax liability and back-payment demands if the tax authority identifies unreported rental income, rather than fines specifically targeting short-term rentals.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Cameroon.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Cameroon's major cities is approximately 29% in Yaoundé, which is significantly lower than popular tourist destinations and reflects limited leisure travel demand.
The realistic occupancy rate range for most short-term rentals in Cameroon spans from 20% for poorly located or managed properties to 40% for well-positioned units in Douala that capture business travel demand.
The highest occupancy months for short-term rentals in Cameroon are typically November through February, when business conferences, holiday travel, and the dry season combine to boost visitor numbers.
The lowest occupancy months in Cameroon are generally June through August, when the rainy season peaks and both business and leisure travel slow down significantly.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Cameroon.
What's the average nightly rate in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Cameroon is approximately 36,000 XAF (60 USD or 55 EUR), based on AirDNA data for Yaoundé.
A realistic nightly rate range that covers most short-term rental listings in Cameroon spans from 27,000 to 54,000 XAF (45 to 90 USD or 40 to 80 EUR), with premium furnished units in secure compounds reaching higher.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (November to February) and off-season (June to August) in Cameroon is approximately 10,000 to 15,000 XAF (17 to 25 USD or 15 to 23 EUR), though well-managed properties maintain more stable pricing.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Cameroon is not saturated in the traditional sense, but it is demand-constrained, meaning the challenge is finding enough guests rather than competing against too many listings.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Cameroon appears relatively stable, with approximately 950 properties tracked in Yaoundé, which is modest for a capital city and suggests room for quality entrants.
The neighborhoods in Cameroon most oversaturated with short-term rentals are the central areas of Yaoundé near government buildings, where too many hosts compete for a limited pool of business travelers.
Neighborhoods in Cameroon that still have room for new short-term rental supply include Bonapriso in Douala (business travel demand outpaces quality supply) and Bastos in Yaoundé (expat and diplomatic visitor demand remains underserved by professional STR operators).
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cameroon, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Justice (Cameroon) | Official government publication of Cameroon's land tenure laws. | We used it to define what property ownership looks like for foreigners in Cameroon. We also used it to explain what buyers must verify on the title. |
| eRegulations Cameroon | Government portal standardizing official procedures. | We used it to explain the practical steps around land titles and legal security. We also used it to translate law into what buyers must verify. |
| Directorate General of Taxation (DGI) | Official Cameroon tax authority for compliance guidance. | We used it to confirm tax ID requirements for rental income. We also used it to explain how foreign owners can get compliant remotely. |
| BEAC (Central Bank) | Central bank for Cameroon and the CEMAC region. | We used it to understand currency and financial system context for rent collection. We also used it to check macro assumptions on inflation. |
| IMF Cameroon | Leading international organization for macro and policy context. | We used it to assess country risk factors affecting rental demand. We also used it to cross-check Cameroon's recent economic backdrop. |
| World Bank Cameroon Update 2025 | Primary source for Cameroon's economic conditions and outlook. | We used it to contextualize rental demand drivers like urban growth. We also used it to validate our vacancy and rent assumptions. |
| INS Cameroon | Cameroon's official statistics producer for inflation data. | We used it to anchor inflation when estimating rent increases and cost drift. We also used it to keep budgeting tied to observed price trends. |
| AirDNA Yaoundé | Specialized STR data provider with transparent metrics. | We used it to estimate realistic STR occupancy and nightly rates. We also used it to compare short-term versus long-term rental income. |
| IMF eLibrary (CFA Zone) | IMF publication on the CFA franc monetary framework. | We used it to explain currency stability for rents and budgeting. We also used it to clarify why FX risk is lower in Cameroon than elsewhere. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Cameroon. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.