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
Cameroon's property market in 2026 runs at two speeds: expensive city cores in Douala and Yaoundé, and cheaper peri-urban zones that can grow faster when new roads arrive.
Prices keep rising in XAF, but real gains after inflation are much smaller, so understanding the difference matters for any buyer.
We constantly update this blog post with the freshest data on housing prices in Cameroon, so you always have a reliable reference.
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
- The average price per square meter in Cameroon in 2026 sits around 800,000 XAF nationally, but city-center Douala and Yaoundé prices exceed 1.1 million XAF per square meter.
- Cameroon property prices rose 5% to 8% in nominal terms over the past 12 months, but real gains after inflation were only 1% to 4%.
- Neighborhoods like Bonamoussadi and Logpom in Douala are outperforming because they combine improving road access with more affordable prices than premium cores.
- The BEAC central bank raised interest rates in December 2025, which tightens mortgage affordability and caps how far Cameroon property prices can climb in 2026.
- Mid-market two to three bedroom apartments in Cameroon appreciate fastest because they match the largest pool of solvent urban buyers and rent out more easily than villas.
- The World Bank launched a major infrastructure and land services project for Yaoundé and Douala in 2025, which is already lifting prices in targeted corridors.
- Kribi, the coastal port city, is emerging as Cameroon's fastest-growing secondary market thanks to deep seaport activity and related job creation.
- Bastos in Yaoundé and Bonapriso in Douala feel overpriced in 2026 because their prestige premiums have outpaced local income fundamentals and rental yields.
- Cameroon's 5-year property price forecast points to cumulative gains of 25% to 45%, driven by urbanization and infrastructure investment rather than credit expansion.
- Land titling bottlenecks remain Cameroon's biggest structural constraint, keeping formal housing supply scarce and supporting prices for properties with clean documentation.
What are the current property price trends in Cameroon as of 2026?
What is the average house price in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average house price in Cameroon falls between 64 million and 128 million XAF (roughly 114,000 to 229,000 USD or 105,000 to 210,000 EUR), depending on whether you are buying an apartment or a larger family home.
To put that in perspective, the average price per square meter for residential properties in Cameroon sits around 800,000 XAF nationally, which translates to approximately 1,420 USD or 1,310 EUR per square meter.
When we look at where most transactions actually happen, the realistic price range covering roughly 80% of property purchases in Cameroon spans from about 40 million XAF (71,000 USD) for modest apartments or houses outside city centers to around 150 million XAF (267,000 USD) for well-built duplexes or houses in popular commuter belts.
How much have property prices increased in Cameroon over the past 12 months?
Property prices in Cameroon increased by an estimated 5% to 8% in nominal terms (in XAF) over the past 12 months, though the real gain after accounting for inflation was more modest at around 1% to 4%.
Looking at different property types, mid-market apartments and well-located houses in Douala and Yaoundé commuter belts saw the strongest gains closer to 8%, while properties in secondary cities or less accessible areas grew closer to 4% to 5%.
The single most significant factor behind this price movement in Cameroon was the combination of limited formal housing supply and ongoing land titling bottlenecks, which kept "good quality, well-documented" properties scarce and pushed their prices higher.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest rising property prices in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the fastest rising property prices in Cameroon are Bonamoussadi and Logpom in Douala, plus Odza in Yaoundé, all of which benefit from improving road access and strong household formation.
These neighborhoods are experiencing estimated annual price growth of 8% to 12%, with Bonamoussadi leading the pack thanks to its reputation as a desirable middle-class residential area that remains more affordable than ultra-prime districts like Bonapriso.
The main demand driver explaining why these neighborhoods are outperforming is simple: they offer a better combination of accessibility, new construction, and reasonable pricing compared to congested city centers, making them attractive to young families and professionals seeking space without extreme commutes.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges across neighborhoods in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
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.
Which property types are increasing faster in value in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the ranking of property types by value appreciation rate in Cameroon places mid-market apartments (two to three bedrooms) first, followed by duplexes and family houses in commuter belts, then high-quality villas in prime pockets.
The top-performing property type, mid-market apartments in good-access zones, is appreciating at approximately 7% to 10% annually in Cameroon's major cities.
The main reason apartments are outperforming other property types in Cameroon is that they match the largest pool of solvent urban demand and are easier to rent out than large villas, which makes them attractive to both owner-occupiers and investors seeking rental income.
Finally, if you're interested in a specific property type, you will find our latest analyses here:
What is driving property prices up or down in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three factors driving property prices in Cameroon are urban infrastructure investment in Douala and Yaoundé, structural housing supply constraints from land titling difficulties, and major transport projects like the Yaoundé-Douala highway that are re-pricing corridors along the route.
The single factor with the strongest upward pressure on Cameroon property prices is the persistent shortage of formally titled, well-built housing, which keeps quality supply scarce even when demand is steady, forcing buyers to compete for limited "good product."
If you want to understand these factors at a deeper level, you can read our latest property market analysis about Cameroon here.
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What is the property price forecast for Cameroon in 2026?
How much are property prices expected to increase in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, property prices in Cameroon are expected to increase by approximately 4% to 9% in nominal terms over the year, with a middle-case scenario of around 6% growth.
The range of forecasts from different analysts for Cameroon property price growth spans from a conservative 4% (if credit conditions tighten further and project delays occur) to an optimistic 9% (if infrastructure spending accelerates and inflation moderates).
The main assumption underlying most price increase forecasts for Cameroon is that public investment in urban infrastructure will continue and that the structural housing shortage will persist, keeping demand for quality properties stronger than supply.
We go deeper and try to understand how solid are these forecasts in our pack covering the property market in Cameroon.
Which neighborhoods will see the highest price growth in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods expected to see the highest price growth in Cameroon are Logpom, Bonamoussadi, and Yassa in Douala, plus Odza, Mvan, and Nsimeyong in Yaoundé.
The projected price growth for these top neighborhoods in Cameroon ranges from 8% to 12% over 2026, outpacing the national average by two to four percentage points.
The primary catalyst driving expected growth in these Cameroon neighborhoods is improved road access and drainage infrastructure, combined with relatively affordable entry prices compared to ultra-prime districts.
One emerging neighborhood in Cameroon that could surprise with higher-than-expected growth is Kribi's central coastal zone, which benefits from the deep seaport expansion and growing service sector employment that could push residential demand beyond current expectations.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Cameroon.
What property types will appreciate the most in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, mid-market apartments with two to three bedrooms are expected to appreciate the most in Cameroon, followed by family houses and duplexes in commuter belts.
The projected appreciation for mid-market apartments in Cameroon is around 7% to 10% over 2026, driven by their accessibility to the broadest pool of buyers.
The main demand trend driving appreciation for apartments in Cameroon is the growing urban middle class seeking secure, well-serviced housing at price points that do not require difficult-to-obtain mortgages or decades of savings.
In contrast, ultra-luxury villas in prime areas like Bastos in Yaoundé are expected to underperform the market average in Cameroon because their prices have already stretched beyond local income fundamentals, and higher interest rates make financing these larger purchases even harder.
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 will interest rates affect property prices in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, higher interest rates from the BEAC (the central bank for the CEMAC zone) are expected to moderate property price growth in Cameroon by reducing affordability for buyers who rely on bank financing.
The BEAC raised its main policy rate in December 2025, and mortgage rates in Cameroon typically run several percentage points above this benchmark, meaning borrowers now face higher monthly payments than they did a year ago.
As a general rule, a 1% increase in mortgage rates in Cameroon can reduce a buyer's borrowing capacity by roughly 8% to 10%, which tends to shift demand toward smaller units and lower price brackets rather than causing outright price declines.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Cameroon.
What are the biggest risks for property prices in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three biggest risks for property prices in Cameroon are further credit tightening by BEAC that squeezes affordability, delays in promised infrastructure projects that were already priced into certain neighborhoods, and fiscal or macroeconomic slippage that weakens purchasing power.
The single risk with the highest probability of materializing in Cameroon is infrastructure project delays, because large public works often face funding gaps or implementation challenges, and neighborhoods that priced in future road or drainage improvements could see price corrections if those projects stall.
We actually cover all these risks and their likelihoods in our pack about the real estate market in Cameroon.
Is it a good time to buy a rental property in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying a rental property in Cameroon can be a good decision if you focus on rentable formats like two to three bedroom apartments in improving neighborhoods with clean land documentation, but it requires careful selection rather than buying anywhere.
The strongest argument in favor of buying a rental property in Cameroon now is that structural housing supply constraints and ongoing urban growth ensure steady tenant demand, especially for well-located, properly documented properties that remain scarce.
On the other hand, the strongest argument for waiting before buying a rental property in Cameroon is that interest rates have risen, meaning financing costs are higher and yields are compressed in ultra-prime areas, so buyers who overpay for prestige locations may see disappointing returns.
If you want to know our latest analysis (results may differ from what you just read), you can read our assessment on whether now is a good time to buy a property in Cameroon.
You'll also find a dedicated document about this specific question in our pack about real estate in Cameroon.
Buying real estate in Cameroon can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Where will property prices be in 5 years in Cameroon?
What is the 5-year property price forecast for Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, cumulative property price growth in Cameroon over the next five years is expected to reach 25% to 45%, depending on how well the country executes on infrastructure and land administration reforms.
The range of 5-year forecasts for Cameroon spans from a conservative 25% (if macro risks materialize and project delays persist) to an optimistic 45% (if infrastructure investment accelerates and inflation stays moderate).
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of roughly 4.5% to 7.5% over the next five years in Cameroon, with a realistic middle path around 6% per year.
The key assumption most forecasters rely on for their 5-year Cameroon property predictions is that urbanization will continue at a steady pace while public and multilateral investment in roads, drainage, and land services gradually unlocks new residential corridors.
Which areas in Cameroon will have the best price growth over the next 5 years?
The top three areas in Cameroon expected to deliver the best price growth over the next five years are Douala's commuter belts (Logpom, Bonamoussadi, Yassa), Yaoundé's expanding corridors (Odza, Nsimeyong, Nkolbisson), and the coastal city of Kribi.
The projected 5-year cumulative price growth for these top-performing areas in Cameroon ranges from 35% to 55%, significantly outpacing the national average as infrastructure improvements and new construction make them more desirable.
This 5-year outlook differs from the shorter 2026 forecast primarily in scale rather than direction: the same neighborhoods leading in 2026 are expected to keep outperforming over five years, but the gains compound as road projects complete and land services improve.
One currently undervalued area in Cameroon with strong potential for outperformance over five years is Nkolbisson on Yaoundé's northwestern edge, where university-driven demand and planned infrastructure extensions could deliver above-average returns once access improves.
What property type will give the best return in Cameroon over 5 years as of 2026?
As of early 2026, mid-market rental apartments (two to three bedrooms) in well-located Cameroon neighborhoods are expected to give the best total return over five years, combining steady appreciation with reliable rental income.
The projected 5-year total return (appreciation plus rental income) for this top-performing property type in Cameroon is estimated at 50% to 70%, assuming roughly 6% annual price growth plus rental yields of 5% to 7% per year.
The main structural trend favoring apartments over the next five years in Cameroon is the continued growth of the urban middle class, which creates sustained demand for secure, well-serviced units at price points accessible without expensive mortgages.
For buyers seeking a balance of return and lower risk over five years in Cameroon, family houses or duplexes in established commuter belts offer slightly more space and stability, with less competition from new construction and fewer tenant turnover issues.
How will new infrastructure projects affect property prices in Cameroon over 5 years?
The top three major infrastructure projects expected to impact property prices in Cameroon over the next five years are the Yaoundé-Douala highway, the World Bank-funded urban infrastructure and land services program in Douala and Yaoundé, and the ongoing Kribi deep seaport expansion.
The typical price premium for properties near completed infrastructure projects in Cameroon ranges from 15% to 30% above comparable properties in areas without such improvements, based on how similar upgrades have repriced neighborhoods in the past.
The specific neighborhoods in Cameroon that will benefit most from these infrastructure developments include corridor towns along the Yaoundé-Douala route, drainage-improved zones in Douala's Logpom and Yassa areas, and residential districts near Kribi's expanding port facilities.
How will population growth and other factors impact property values in Cameroon in 5 years?
Cameroon's projected population growth rate of around 2.5% annually, combined with rapid urbanization, is expected to add sustained upward pressure on property values in major cities over the next five years as more households compete for limited formal housing.
The demographic shift with the strongest influence on property demand in Cameroon is the expansion of young, urban households seeking their first homes, which concentrates demand on affordable apartments and compact family houses rather than luxury villas.
Migration patterns in Cameroon, including rural-to-urban movement and some international return migration, are expected to reinforce property values in Douala and Yaoundé while also boosting secondary cities like Kribi and Buea where job opportunities are growing.
The property types and areas that will benefit most from these demographic trends in Cameroon are two to three bedroom apartments in Douala and Yaoundé commuter belts, as well as modest family homes in secondary cities with improving infrastructure and employment prospects.
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.
What is the 10 year property price outlook in Cameroon?
What is the 10-year property price prediction for Cameroon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, cumulative property price growth in Cameroon over the next ten years is expected to reach 55% to 110%, reflecting a wide range of possible outcomes depending on infrastructure execution and macroeconomic stability.
The range of 10-year forecasts for Cameroon spans from a conservative 55% (if growth disappoints and land reforms stall) to an optimistic 110% (if Cameroon executes well on urban infrastructure and formal housing supply expands).
This translates to a projected average annual appreciation rate of roughly 4.5% to 7.5% over the next decade in Cameroon, similar to the 5-year rate because the same structural factors are expected to persist.
The biggest uncertainty factor in making 10-year property price predictions for Cameroon is whether the government and multilateral partners can sustain infrastructure investment and land administration reforms over multiple political cycles, as delays or reversals would significantly slow price growth.
What long-term economic factors will shape property prices in Cameroon?
The top three long-term economic factors that will shape property prices in Cameroon over the next decade are urban infrastructure quality (roads, drainage, utilities), land administration and title security, and the interest rate environment that determines credit affordability.
The single long-term economic factor with the most positive impact on Cameroon property values is likely to be improvements in land titling and administration, because cleaner documentation unlocks liquidity, attracts formal investment, and supports higher prices for well-documented properties.
Conversely, the single long-term economic factor posing the greatest structural risk to Cameroon property values is fiscal instability, which could interrupt public investment in infrastructure and weaken the purchasing power of potential buyers if the government faces persistent budget pressures.
You'll also find a much more detailed analysis in our pack about real estate in Cameroon.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Statistics (INS), Cameroon | It's Cameroon's official statistics office, the closest to ground truth for national data. | We use it to anchor our article in official, nationally produced numbers. We also use it to sanity-check anything coming from private-sector datasets. |
| INS Cameroon CPI dataset (Open Data for Africa) | It's a public CPI series attributed to Cameroon's official statistics system. | We use it to translate price growth into real growth after inflation. We also use it to explain why nominal property price changes can feel bigger than real gains. |
| IMF Cameroon country page | The IMF provides standardized, transparent macro forecasts and country surveillance. | We use it to frame the 2026 macro backdrop that influences housing demand. We also use it to keep our forecasts consistent with credible macro assumptions. |
| World Bank Resilient Cities project | The World Bank publishes vetted project information tied to implementation. | We use it to link infrastructure and land administration improvements to neighborhood-level price pressure. We also use it to identify which cities are most directly impacted. |
| BEAC rate coverage (Magazine de l'Afrique) | It clearly reports a specific BEAC decision with date and rate levels. | We use it to set the January 2026 interest-rate regime affecting mortgages and investor returns. We also use it to explain why affordability can tighten even when demand is strong. |
| BEAC rate coverage (Agence Ecofin) | It summarizes an official BEAC meeting outcome in a verifiable way. | We use it to show the rate path leading into 2026. We also use it to support our narrative that rates were tighter than in earlier years. |
| BEAC economic bulletin (PDF) | It's a direct publication from the regional central bank for CEMAC. | We use it to ground regional macro context and the central bank's framing of risks. We also use it to keep our discussion aligned with official monetary authorities. |
| Reuters Cameroon 2026 budget reporting | Reuters is a top-tier wire service that cites primary documents and official statements. | We use it to explain fiscal impulse in 2026 and what it means for construction, jobs, and housing demand. We also use it to anchor public spending trends with hard numbers. |
| MINEPAT Yaoundé-Douala highway update | It's a direct government communication about nationally important infrastructure. | We use it to connect transport improvements to commuter belt neighborhoods and land-price spillovers. We also use it to justify why some peri-urban zones can outperform. |
| African Development Bank MapAfrica project page | AfDB is a major multilateral lender and MapAfrica is its official project tracker. | We use it to support the corridor investment theme beyond the two biggest cities. We also use it for our 5 to 10 year infrastructure-driven outlook. |
| Housing Finance Africa Cameroon snapshot | It's a specialist housing-finance research organization with comparable country snapshots. | We use it for structural constraints like land titling and housing supply bottlenecks that shape long-run prices. We also use it to explain why formal housing supply doesn't catch up quickly. |
| Wise USD/XAF exchange rate history | It's a widely used conversion reference with timestamped history. | We use it to express prices in both XAF and USD without guesswork. We also use it to keep January 2026 conversions coherent throughout the article. |
| Numbeo Cameroon property benchmarks | It's transparent about being contributor-based and provides consistent benchmarks. | We use it as a secondary yardstick for price-per-square-meter levels when official house price indices are missing. We cross-check the levels against local-market logic and keep estimates conservative. |
| CameroonOnline Kribi seaport coverage | It provides specific reporting on Kribi port development tied to economic activity. | We use it to explain the growth narrative for Cameroon's emerging coastal market. We also use it to identify which secondary city is gaining momentum fastest. |
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If you want to go deeper, you can read the following: