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
Property investment in Cameroon requires a realistic minimum budget of $30,000-$50,000 for a decent apartment in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé.
As of September 2025, residential property prices in Cameroon's economic hubs range from $670 to $1,890 per square meter, with additional costs including 40-50% down payments, legal fees of 3-5%, and stamp duty of 5-15%. The Cameroonian property market offers attractive rental yields of 9-11% nationally, making it one of Africa's most promising real estate investment destinations for both local and foreign investors.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Cameroon, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Cameroon's property market offers compelling opportunities with rental yields of 9-11% and moderate entry costs for investors.
Foreign investors can purchase buildings freely but need ministerial approval for land ownership, with total transaction costs reaching 8-15% of property value.
| Investment Aspect | Douala | Yaoundé | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per m² (City Center) | $1,890 | $1,786 | $1,851 |
| Price per m² (Suburban) | $920 | $670 | $694 |
| Rental Yield (Gross) | 10.3% - 13.2% | 5% - 9% | 9% - 11% |
| Minimum Down Payment | 40-50% | 40-50% | 40-50% |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Transaction Timeline | 2-6 months | 2-6 months | 2-6 months |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 13-17% | 13-17% | 13-17% |
What are the current property prices per square meter in Douala and Yaoundé?
As of September 2025, residential property prices in Cameroon's major cities show significant variation between city centers and suburban areas.
In Douala, Cameroon's economic capital, city center apartments average $1,890 per square meter, while suburban properties cost approximately $920 per square meter. This represents a substantial price difference of over 100% between prime locations and outlying areas.
Yaoundé, the political capital, shows similar patterns with city center properties averaging 1,100,000 CFA francs per square meter (approximately $1,786), and suburban areas priced at around 412,000 CFA francs per square meter (approximately $670). The price gap between central and suburban areas in Yaoundé is even more pronounced than in Douala.
Nationally, urban city centers average $1,851 per square meter, while suburban areas average $694 per square meter. These figures place Cameroon in the mid-range of African property markets, offering reasonable entry points for international investors.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What is the minimum financing required to secure a property investment in Cameroon?
Property financing in Cameroon requires substantial upfront capital due to limited mortgage availability and strict banking requirements.
Most Cameroonian banks require a minimum down payment of 40-50% of the property's total value. This high percentage reflects the banking sector's risk-averse approach and limited mortgage infrastructure compared to more developed markets.
Foreign buyers face even stricter requirements, with banks typically demanding at least 30% down payment, though many institutions prefer 40-50% for non-resident investors. Documentation requirements for foreigners are also more extensive, including proof of income, bank statements, and sometimes letters of guarantee from home country banks.
Mortgage loan amounts typically start from the equivalent of $20,000-$30,000, but availability varies significantly between banks and borrower profiles. The limited mortgage market means cash purchases remain the dominant transaction method for property acquisitions in Cameroon.
Which areas offer the best return on investment and how do prices differ between regions?
| Location | Investment Appeal | Price Range (per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Douala (Bonapriso, Bonanjo) | High commercial activity, expatriate demand | $1,500 - $2,200 |
| Yaoundé (Bastos, Nkolbisson) | Government proximity, upscale residential | $1,400 - $2,000 |
| Kribi (Coastal areas) | Tourism development, beach properties | $800 - $1,300 |
| Buea (University town) | Student accommodation, growing demand | $600 - $1,100 |
| Dschang (Academic center) | Consistent student rental market | $500 - $900 |
What should I expect to pay for property taxes and maintenance fees annually?
Property ownership costs in Cameroon remain relatively low compared to many international markets, making long-term investment attractive.
Annual property tax is set at 0.1% of the assessed property value nationwide. This rate applies uniformly across all regions and property types, representing one of the lowest property tax rates in Africa.
Maintenance fees vary significantly depending on property type and location. Standalone homes typically incur modest annual maintenance costs, primarily covering basic upkeep and occasional repairs. Apartment complexes with shared facilities, security services, and landscaped gardens may charge 2-5% of the property value annually for maintenance and management services.
Additional costs may include waste collection fees, security services in gated communities, and utilities maintenance, though these rarely exceed 1% of property value annually in most areas.
What are the average rental yields for residential properties in Cameroon?
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Cameroon offers some of Africa's most attractive rental yields, particularly in urban centers where demand consistently outpaces supply.
Douala demonstrates exceptional rental performance with city center properties generating gross yields of 10.3% and suburban areas achieving even higher returns of 13.2%. These yields reflect strong economic activity and limited quality housing supply in Cameroon's commercial hub.
Yaoundé shows more moderate but stable returns, with average urban yields ranging from 5-9%. The political capital's rental market benefits from government employment stability and growing diplomatic presence, though competition from newer developments has moderated yield growth.
The national urban average ranges from 9-11% gross yield, positioning Cameroon among Africa's highest-yielding property markets. Rural and secondary towns typically generate lower returns of 4-7% due to reduced demand and limited economic diversification.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What restrictions should foreign investors know when purchasing property in Cameroon?
Foreign property investment in Cameroon operates under a dual framework that distinguishes between building ownership and land acquisition rights.
Foreign investors can freely purchase and own buildings, including apartments, houses, and commercial structures. This process follows standard due diligence procedures and property registration requirements without nationality restrictions.
Land ownership presents more complex regulations, with full ownership typically requiring ministerial approval through the Ministry of State Property. Direct land purchases face restrictions in border areas and strategic zones, with leasehold arrangements serving as common alternatives for foreign investors.
Transaction costs for foreign buyers include an additional 8-15% in legal fees, registration costs, and various taxes compared to local purchasers. Title registration requires particular attention, as unregistered or disputed titles remain common challenges in the Cameroonian property market.
What is the property acquisition process and what additional costs should I plan for?
1. **Preliminary verification phase** - Conduct comprehensive title verification, tax clearance checks, and document authentication with legal professionals 2. **Negotiation and contract phase** - Engage licensed notaries and real estate agents to facilitate price negotiation and contract preparation 3. **Legal filing and registration** - Complete property registration with land registry offices, paying required stamp duties and notary fees 4. **Ministerial approval process** - Obtain necessary approvals for land purchases (buildings exempt) through relevant government ministries 5. **Final transfer and possession** - Complete ownership transfer documentation and receive property possession certificatesKey additional costs include registration fees of 2-4% of purchase price for land registry processing. Legal and notary fees typically range from 1-3% of property value, though investors should budget a minimum of 3-5% for total legal and transactional charges.
Stamp duty represents the largest additional cost, ranging from 5-15% of property value depending on property type and applicable regulations. These costs significantly impact total investment requirements and should be factored into initial budget planning.
What is the typical timeline for completing a real estate transaction in Cameroon?
Property transactions in Cameroon typically require 2-6 months from initial property selection to final registration and possession.
Standard transactions involving registered properties with clear titles generally complete within 2-3 months. This timeframe includes preliminary due diligence, contract negotiation, legal documentation, and registry filing processes.
Complex transactions requiring ministerial approval, particularly land purchases by foreign investors, may extend to 4-6 months or longer. Rural property purchases often face additional delays due to limited administrative infrastructure and potential title complications.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies and inconsistent enforcement can cause unexpected delays throughout the process. Working with experienced local legal professionals and maintaining realistic timeline expectations helps manage transaction completion effectively.
What kind of rental demand can I expect in major cities?
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.
Rental demand in Cameroon's major cities shows strong fundamentals driven by urbanization, economic growth, and limited quality housing supply.
Douala experiences robust rental demand driven by commercial activity, port operations, and expatriate populations. Areas like Bonamoussadi and central districts maintain consistently high occupancy rates, particularly for quality apartments serving international businesses and diplomatic missions.
Yaoundé demonstrates stable rental demand concentrated in upscale neighborhoods like Bastos and Nkolbisson. Government employment, international organizations, and educational institutions provide consistent tenant populations seeking quality accommodation near infrastructure and services.
Emerging markets including Kribi benefit from tourism development and coastal property demand, while university towns like Buea and Dschang offer specialized student accommodation markets with seasonal demand patterns but reliable annual occupancy rates.
What are the most common pitfalls investors face in the Cameroonian property market?
Title verification issues represent the most significant risk facing property investors in Cameroon's developing real estate market.
Unregistered properties, improperly transferred titles, and disputed ownership claims create substantial legal and financial risks. Many properties lack proper documentation or have incomplete registration processes, requiring extensive verification before purchase commitments.
Bureaucratic delays and inconsistent regulatory enforcement can significantly extend transaction timelines and increase costs. Administrative inefficiencies in government offices and registry systems often create unpredictable delays that impact investment planning and financing arrangements.
Construction quality variations require careful property inspection and technical assessment. Building standards may not meet international expectations, particularly in older developments or rapid construction projects, potentially affecting long-term investment value and maintenance costs.
Regulatory complexity and changing legal frameworks require ongoing professional guidance. Tax obligations, compliance requirements, and investment regulations can change without adequate notice, making local expert advice essential for successful property investment.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What is the property appreciation rate and future outlook for Cameroon?
Cameroon's property market demonstrates steady appreciation patterns supported by urbanization trends and infrastructure development.
Urban property prices in Douala and Yaoundé increased 3-8% annually during 2020-2025, with variation depending on specific zones and property types. Prime locations and quality developments typically outperformed market averages, while secondary areas showed more modest appreciation rates.
Future projections indicate annual appreciation of 5-7% in major cities through 2029, driven by continued urbanization and government infrastructure investments. The African Development Bank's infrastructure projects and regional economic integration initiatives support positive long-term growth expectations.
Market fundamentals including population growth, urban migration, and limited quality housing supply continue supporting property value appreciation across major Cameroonian cities and emerging regional centers.
What financing options are available and what are current mortgage rates?
Mortgage financing in Cameroon remains limited but accessible through major banking institutions serving both local and international investors.
Local mortgages are available to foreign investors, though with heightened scrutiny and documentation requirements. Non-resident investors typically face minimum deposit requirements of 30-50% of property value, with most banks preferring the higher end of this range.
Annual interest rates typically range from 13-17% on fixed-rate mortgages, with loan terms generally capped at 15-25 years. These rates reflect the developing financial market conditions and perceived investment risks in the Cameroonian economy.
Major banking institutions including Société Générale Cameroun and Standard Chartered Bank Cameroon offer property financing services. However, the limited mortgage market means cash purchases remain the preferred transaction method for most property acquisitions.
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.
Cameroon's property market offers compelling investment opportunities with rental yields of 9-11% and moderate entry costs for foreign investors.
Success requires careful due diligence, local professional support, and realistic budget planning including 40-50% down payments and 8-15% additional transaction costs.
Sources
- The AfricanVestor - Average Price per Square Meter in Douala
- BambooRoutes - Average Property Prices in Cameroon
- The AfricanVestor - Average Price per Square Meter in Yaoundé
- Numbeo - Property Investment in Douala
- Global Property Guide - Cameroon Rental Yields
- PwC Tax Summaries - Cameroon Property Taxes
- LexAfrica - Cameroon Business Guide 2025
- Edenate Lawyers - Property Purchase Process in Cameroon
- Kinsmen Advocates - Buying Property in Cameroon
- Statista - Cameroon Real Estate Market Outlook