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The Cameroon property market is currently experiencing steady growth with attractive investment opportunities, particularly in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé.
Property prices in urban centers are rising at 3-7% annually, driven by urbanization, population growth, and improved infrastructure development. Rental yields remain strong across both residential and commercial sectors, with gross returns reaching 10-13% in prime locations.
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The Cameroon property market offers solid investment potential with rental yields of 6-13% and steady price appreciation of 3-7% annually in major cities.
However, buyers should budget for transaction costs of 15-30% of property value and navigate complex legal documentation processes that can take several months to complete.
| Aspect | Douala | Yaoundé |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price per m² | $1,890 (city center), $920 (suburbs) | $850 (city center) |
| Rental Yield | 10-13% | 6-10% |
| 60m² Apartment Price | $113,400 (city center) | $49,000-$52,000 |
| Annual Price Growth | 3-7% | 3-7% |
| Transaction Costs | 15-30% of property value | 15-30% of property value |
| Mortgage Rates | 12-15% | 12-15% |
| Growth Potential | High (Bonanjo district) | High (Bastos district) |
What is the current trend in Cameroon's property market?
The Cameroon property market is showing moderate but consistent growth as of September 2025.
Property prices in major cities are rising at an annual rate of 3-7%, driven primarily by rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. The urbanization rate has reached 56.5%, which continues to fuel demand for residential and commercial properties in urban centers.
Real estate transactions in major cities increased by 8% year-over-year in 2024, with construction activity remaining active. Douala and Yaoundé alone saw 550 new residential units completed in 2024, indicating sustained market confidence.
Foreign direct investment in the real estate sector has been increasing, contributing to both demand and price appreciation. The market benefits from government policies that support real estate development and easier access to financing options.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What are the average property prices in Douala and Yaoundé?
Property prices vary significantly between city centers and suburban areas in both major cities.
| Location | City Center Price per m² | Suburban Price per m² |
|---|---|---|
| Douala | $1,890 | $920 |
| Yaoundé | $850 | $500-700 |
| Douala (60m² apt) | $113,400 | $55,200 |
| Yaoundé (60m² apt) | $49,000-$52,000 | $30,000-$42,000 |
| Yaoundé Villas | $49,000-$163,000 | $35,000-$120,000 |
What are the rental yields for residential and commercial properties?
Cameroon offers attractive rental yields compared to many other African markets.
Residential rental yields in Douala range from 10-13% gross returns, making it one of the most profitable cities for property investment in Central Africa. Yaoundé offers slightly lower but still competitive yields of 6-10% for residential properties.
Commercial properties perform equally well, with city center office spaces in major cities achieving yields around 10%. The national average for commercial properties stands at 8.57%, which reflects strong demand for business premises.
Prime locations in both cities consistently deliver the higher end of these yield ranges, particularly properties in secure, well-connected neighborhoods with modern amenities.
How has the property market performed in the last 12 months?
The Cameroon property market has shown solid performance throughout 2024 and into 2025.
Real estate transactions increased by 8% year-over-year in 2024, demonstrating growing market activity and investor confidence. Both Douala and Yaoundé maintained steady construction activity with 550 new residential units completed during 2024.
Property values continued their upward trajectory with annual appreciation rates of 3-7% across major urban centers. Foreign investment flows remained strong, supporting both rental demand and property value growth.
The market benefited from improved infrastructure projects and government initiatives supporting urban housing development. Rental occupancy rates remained high due to the ongoing housing deficit and urban migration patterns.
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What is the level of demand for real estate in Cameroon?
Real estate demand in Cameroon remains exceptionally strong due to fundamental supply-demand imbalances.
The country faces a housing deficit exceeding 2.5 million units, creating sustained demand pressure across all property types. Urban housing demand is particularly intense, driven by continued rural-to-urban migration and population growth.
Growing interest in modern, secure, and conveniently located housing drives demand for quality properties. Middle-class expansion and increased foreign investment contribute to steady demand for both rental and purchase markets.
High rental occupancy rates across major cities reflect this strong demand, ensuring consistent income streams for property investors. The combination of population growth and urbanization trends suggests demand will remain robust in the medium term.
Are there government policies affecting the property market?
The Cameroon government has implemented several policies that support real estate market growth.
Stamp duty and transfer tax exemptions apply to new social housing developments, reducing costs for developers and encouraging affordable housing construction. Policy modernization efforts have streamlined various bureaucratic processes related to property transactions.
Substantial government investments in affordable urban housing projects help address the housing deficit while supporting overall market development. Foreign investment regulations have been eased, making it easier for international buyers to access financing and complete property purchases.
However, the new Finance Law has increased certain land acquisition fees, which may slow transaction processes for smaller buyers. Overall, the policy environment remains supportive of real estate investment and development.
What are the main risks of buying property in Cameroon?
Property investment in Cameroon involves several key risks that buyers must carefully consider.
Legal risks include incomplete or forged property titles, making thorough due diligence essential before any purchase. Verifying land titles and using qualified legal representation are critical steps to avoid fraud and ownership disputes.
Political risks remain relatively low as Cameroon maintains a stable environment, though regional instability can occasionally affect certain areas. Transaction risks have increased with the new Finance Law raising land acquisition fees, potentially slowing deals for smaller investors.
Foreign buyers should note that property ownership does not automatically confer residence or citizenship rights. Total transaction costs can reach 15-30% of property value, significantly impacting investment returns if not properly budgeted.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What are the total costs involved in purchasing property?
Property purchase costs in Cameroon extend well beyond the property price itself.
| Cost Component | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Duty | 1-15% | Varies by transaction type |
| Legal Fees | 1-3% | Attorney and notary costs |
| Property Tax | 0.1% annually | Based on property value |
| Survey Costs | 0.5-1% | Land surveying and verification |
| Transfer Taxes | 2-5% | Government transfer fees |
| Total Transaction Costs | 15-30% | All fees combined |
How accessible is property financing in Cameroon?
Property financing is available through major banks but comes with specific requirements and higher rates.
Mortgage rates for both foreign and local buyers typically range from 12-15% annually, which is considerably higher than many developed markets. Minimum deposit requirements vary from 5-30% depending on the bank and borrower profile.
Local financing is accessible through established banks, but approval processes are more stringent for non-residents and foreign buyers. Banks typically require extensive documentation, proof of income, and may request additional collateral or guarantees.
Foreign buyers often find it beneficial to explore both local and international financing options, as some international banks operating in Cameroon may offer more competitive terms for qualified applicants.
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.
How stable is Cameroon's economy for property investment?
Cameroon's economic outlook supports continued property market growth in the near term.
GDP growth forecasts remain moderately positive at 4.3% for 2024 and 4.5% for 2025, indicating economic expansion that typically supports real estate demand. The medium-term macroeconomic outlook appears stable, providing a favorable environment for property investment.
Economic diversification efforts and infrastructure development projects contribute to long-term stability. However, like many African economies, Cameroon remains sensitive to global commodity price fluctuations and external economic shocks.
The stable political environment and government focus on urban development create a supportive framework for property investment. Currency stability and controlled inflation rates further support the investment climate for real estate.
Which areas show the highest growth potential?
Several specific areas in Cameroon demonstrate particularly strong growth potential for property investment.
In Douala, the Bonanjo district leads property demand and price appreciation due to its central location and business concentration. This area consistently attracts both local and foreign investment, driving continued value growth.
Yaoundé's Bastos district similarly shows high growth potential, benefiting from its upscale residential character and proximity to government and diplomatic facilities. These prime locations command premium prices and rental rates.
Kumba is emerging as a growth market due to new agricultural and infrastructure projects that are attracting investment and population growth. Suburban areas around major cities offer lower entry prices but rising demand due to urban expansion patterns.
Secondary cities with improving infrastructure connections also present opportunities for early-stage investors willing to take on slightly higher risk for potentially greater returns.
How complex is the legal documentation process?
Property documentation in Cameroon requires careful navigation of complex legal requirements.
Essential documents include passport, non-encumbrance certificate, land title, survey plan, purchase agreement, and tax clearance certificates. Each document must be properly verified and authenticated through appropriate channels.
Legal representation is highly recommended throughout the transaction process due to the complexity of documentation requirements and potential fraud risks. Qualified attorneys can verify document authenticity and ensure proper completion of all legal procedures.
The complete transaction process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on title verification complexity and bureaucratic processing times. Delays are common, so buyers should plan accordingly and avoid rushed timelines.
Proper due diligence and document verification are essential to avoid costly legal disputes and ensure clear property ownership rights.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon 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.
The Cameroon property market offers compelling investment opportunities with strong rental yields and steady appreciation, but requires careful planning and thorough due diligence.
Success in this market depends on understanding local regulations, budgeting for significant transaction costs, and working with qualified legal professionals throughout the purchase process.
Sources
- Simtrade - Cameroonian Real Estate Market
- TheAfricanVestor - Average Rental Yield Cameroon
- BambooRoutes - Average Property Price Douala
- BambooRoutes - Average Property Price Yaoundé
- TheAfricanVestor - Property Prices Yaoundé
- Numbeo - Property Investment Rankings
- World Bank - Cameroon Economic Update
- Fitch Solutions - Cameroon Growth Forecast