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 is experiencing robust growth in 2025, with Douala and Yaoundé leading exceptional price appreciation and rental yields that outperform most African cities. The market shows strong fundamentals driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and growing demand from both local and international 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.
Douala and Yaoundé property markets are experiencing strong growth with prices averaging $1,890/m² and $1,851/m² respectively in city centers as of September 2025.
Rental yields in Douala reach exceptional levels of 10-13%, significantly higher than most African cities, while annual price growth is projected at 3-7% through 2030.
| Key Metric | Douala | Yaoundé |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price per m² (City Center) | $1,890 | $1,851 |
| Rental Yield (Gross %) | 10-13% | 6-9% |
| Monthly Rent 2BR (XAF) | 450,000-520,000 | 400,000-600,000 |
| Annual Price Growth Forecast | 3-7% | 3-7% |
| Top Growing Neighborhoods | Bonapriso, Bonamoussadi | Bastos, Etoudi |
What are the current average property prices per square meter in Douala and Yaoundé as of September 2025?
As of September 2025, Douala's city center properties average $1,890 per square meter (approximately 1,100,000 XAF/m²), while outskirts areas command around $920 per square meter (535,000 XAF/m²).
Yaoundé shows similar pricing patterns with city center properties averaging $1,851 per square meter (1,100,000 XAF/m²). The desirable districts in Yaoundé typically price around $1,200 per square meter (696,000 XAF/m²).
These prices position both cities among the higher-priced African markets. For comparison, Lagos averages over $2,450 per square meter while Dakar sits around $1,950 per square meter in their respective city centers.
The national average for Cameroon's city center properties stands at approximately $1,851 per square meter, making both major cities representative of the country's premium market pricing.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What are the projected annual property price increases in these cities through 2030?
Both Douala and Yaoundé are forecast to experience annual property price appreciation of 3-7% through 2030, reflecting strong underlying market fundamentals.
The national Cameroonian real estate market is projected to expand at an annual rate of 4.99-5.04%, supported by continued urbanization, major infrastructure projects, and growing demand from both domestic and international buyers.
These growth projections align with broader economic indicators showing Cameroon's GDP growth of 4-4.5%, providing a solid foundation for sustained real estate appreciation.
The price growth is particularly driven by supply constraints in prime areas, ongoing infrastructure development, and the country's strategic position as a regional economic hub in Central Africa.
How do rental yields in Douala and Yaoundé compare to other African cities?
Douala delivers exceptional rental yields ranging from 10-13% gross, with city center properties achieving around 10.3% and suburban areas reaching up to 13.2%.
Yaoundé offers solid rental yields of approximately 6-9% in prime districts and student-heavy neighborhoods, which remains well above the continental average.
These yields significantly outperform most large African cities where gross rental yields typically range from 4-8%. For context, many major African markets struggle to achieve yields above 6-7%.
The exceptional performance in Douala stems from supply constraints, high urban migration, and strong rental demand from the growing expatriate community and emerging middle class.
Yaoundé's yields benefit from its status as the political capital, steady government employment, and robust student rental market driven by major universities.
What is the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Douala and Yaoundé?
In Douala's city center, a two-bedroom apartment typically rents for 456,000-517,500 XAF ($745-$850) per month, with outskirts and mid-range units commanding lower rents.
Yaoundé's two-bedroom apartments average 400,000-600,000 XAF ($650-$950) monthly rent, with significant variation based on neighborhood quality and available amenities.
Premium areas in both cities command higher rents, while emerging neighborhoods offer more affordable options for tenants seeking modern amenities at competitive rates.
The rental market remains robust due to limited homeownership caused by high purchase prices relative to local incomes, creating sustained demand across all price segments.
Don't lose money on your property in Cameroon
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
Which neighborhoods in Douala and Yaoundé are experiencing the highest demand and price appreciation?
In Douala, Bonapriso and Akwa lead price appreciation driven by luxury demand and strong international presence, making them the most sought-after districts for premium properties.
Bonamoussadi and Logpom represent emerging hotspots with rapid growth, favored by middle-class families and expatriates seeking modern amenities and strong rental potential.
Yaoundé's top performers include Bastos and Etoudi, which experience the highest annual growth rates of 6-8% due to their premium diplomatic and expatriate markets plus new infrastructure development.
Obili stands out as a strong student district with consistent rental demand, while Santa Barbara and Nlongkak attract young professionals seeking modern residential complexes with improved amenities.
These neighborhoods benefit from strategic locations, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and proximity to business districts and international facilities.
What are the emerging real estate hotspots in Cameroon, such as Kribi, Limbe, and Ngaoundéré?
Kribi is experiencing a property boom as both a tourist destination and industrial hub, significantly boosted by the deep seaport development and new industrial projects attracting national and international investment.
Limbe shows strong growth in high-end coastal properties, driven by expansion in the oil and energy sectors creating demand from industry professionals and executives.
Ngaoundéré and Garoua are benefiting from major infrastructure upgrades including the €330 million road rehabilitation project, positioning them as strategic trade and logistics centers.
These emerging markets offer substantial growth potential for early investors, with infrastructure development creating new economic opportunities and driving property demand.
The coastal cities particularly benefit from tourism growth and industrial development, while northern cities capitalize on their strategic positions for regional trade and commerce.
How does the affordability of housing in Cameroon compare to other countries, and what are the implications for investors?
Cameroon ranks among the world's least affordable housing markets, second only to Ethiopia in Africa, with a Price-to-Income Ratio exceeding 46.
This means the average Cameroonian would need 46+ years of average income to purchase a home, creating significant barriers to homeownership for most residents.
The affordability gap forces middle and lower-income residents to rent rather than buy, creating resilient rental demand that underpins the high rental yields attractive to investors.
For investors, this dynamic means strong rental markets but a resale market that primarily serves affluent buyers and diaspora investors with international income sources.
The situation creates excellent rental investment opportunities but requires careful consideration of exit strategies and target tenant markets.
What are the financing options available for property buyers in Cameroon, including mortgage interest rates and loan terms?
Local banks offer mortgages to foreign buyers, though they typically require larger down payments and substantial documentation compared to domestic borrowers.
Mortgage interest rates average around 13% for individuals, with rates varying by lender and borrower profile, while loan-to-value ratios are typically lower than European or North African standards.
The Central Bank benchmark rate stands at 4.5% as of 2025, but end-user mortgage rates remain much higher due to market conditions and risk premiums.
Loan terms are generally shorter than Western norms, often ranging from 10-15 years, though commercial and development projects may enjoy more flexible financing options.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
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 key infrastructure projects underway in Cameroon that could impact property values?
The Douala-Yaoundé Highway represents a major infrastructure upgrade that will streamline trade and access between the two economic capitals, potentially boosting property values along the corridor.
The Yaoundé Bypass T3 Section involves construction of a 22.8 km dual carriageway designed to decongest city traffic and improve urban mobility throughout the capital region.
The Ngaoundéré-Garoua Road project, valued at €330 million, aims to improve regional integration and economic expansion in northern Cameroon, creating new investment opportunities.
The Kribi Deep Seaport expansion and industrial zone development continues fueling coastal property values and creating demand for residential and commercial properties.
Local urban renewal projects in both Yaoundé and Douala include road upgrades, public lighting improvements, and green space development that enhance neighborhood attractiveness and property values.
How does the political and economic stability of Cameroon influence the real estate market?
Cameroon's real estate market benefits from relatively high economic growth of 4-4.5% GDP, providing a solid foundation for property appreciation and market confidence.
The government maintains strong policy commitment to urbanization and foreign direct investment, creating a supportive environment for real estate development and international investment.
However, regional security challenges and infrastructure bottlenecks present ongoing concerns that investors should factor into their risk assessments and investment strategies.
Political stability has been maintained at the national level, though investors should consider political risk insurance for large-scale investments to protect against potential disruptions.
The overall investment climate remains positive for real estate, supported by economic growth and government pro-investment policies, but requires careful risk management and local market knowledge.
What are the legal requirements and processes for foreigners purchasing property in Cameroon?
| Legal Requirement | Details | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Rights | Foreigners may purchase and own freehold property | Except agricultural land, military zones, customary lands |
| Purchase Process | Title due diligence, land survey, Ministry approval | 15-20% total taxes and fees |
| Legal Framework | OHADA commercial law (French & English system) | Mandatory legal review required |
| Ownership Structure | Direct individual, local subsidiary, or joint venture | Clear title verification essential |
| Registration | Formal registration and transfer process | Compliance with regulatory requirements |
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 real estate market presents compelling opportunities with exceptional rental yields and strong growth potential, particularly in Douala and Yaoundé.
However, success requires careful navigation of affordability challenges, legal requirements, and thorough due diligence to maximize returns while managing inherent risks.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
Sources
- BambooRoutes - Average Property Price Douala
- TheAfricanVestor - Average Price per SQM Douala
- BambooRoutes - Average Price per SQM Yaoundé
- TheAfricanVestor - Cameroon Price Forecasts
- Statista - Cameroon Real Estate Market
- TheAfricanVestor - Average Rental Yield Douala
- Knight Frank - Africa Report 2024-25
- Housing TV Africa - Affordability Report
- Halle Law - Foreign Property Investment Guide
- Trading Economics - Cameroon Interest Rate