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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cameroon Property Pack
Cameroon's property market offers competitive advantages over other African countries with moderate prices and strong rental yields as of September 2025. The country provides accessible foreign investment opportunities and steady economic growth, though political stability and corruption remain concerns compared to regional peers like Mauritius and Botswana.
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 urban property prices average $1,851/m² in city centers, significantly lower than South Africa's $1,200-$2,500/m² range, while offering rental yields of 7-13% that compete with Ghana's 8-20% returns.
The country's 0.1% annual property tax rate undercuts Nigeria's 0.3-0.7% and Kenya's 0.3%, making it attractive for long-term investors despite moderate political risks and infrastructure challenges.
| Country | Average Price per m² (Urban) | Rental Yield Range | Property Tax Rate | GDP Growth 2025 | Political Stability | Foreign Investment Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | $1,851 | 7-13% | 0.1% | 4.3-4.5% | Moderate | Open |
| Nigeria | $1,133-$1,455 | 8-15% | 0.3-0.7% | 3.2% | Moderate | Open |
| Kenya | $1,500+ | 6-12% | 0.3% | 5.3% | Good | Open |
| South Africa | $1,200-$2,500 | 8-12% | Variable | 1.8% | Good | Open |
| Ghana | $800-$1,200 | 8-20% | 0.5% | 3.8% | Good | Open |
| Tanzania | $600-$1,000 | 5-12% | 0.3% | 4.8% | Good | Restricted |
| Mauritius | $2,000-$4,000 | 4-8% | 1.5% | 3.8% | Excellent | Open |
What are the current average property prices in Cameroon compared to other key African countries?
Cameroon's urban property prices average $1,851 per square meter in city centers as of September 2025, positioning the country competitively within the African market.
Nigeria's Lagos market shows three-bedroom apartments costing approximately $31,250, with prime areas averaging $1,133-$1,455 per square meter. Kenya's Nairobi market commands higher prices, with city-center properties often exceeding $1,500 per square meter and townhouses averaging $260,000 in Q1 2025.
South Africa's prime urban markets typically range from $1,200-$2,500 per square meter, making it the most expensive among major African markets. Ghana offers more affordable options at $800-$1,200 per square meter, while Tanzania provides the lowest entry point at $600-$1,000 per square meter.
Cameroon's suburban properties average $694 per square meter, making them significantly more affordable than urban centers. Despite these moderate prices, Cameroon ranks among Africa's least affordable housing markets relative to local income levels, similar to Ethiopia.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
How does the rental yield in Cameroon compare to countries like Ghana or Tanzania?
Cameroon offers some of Africa's highest rental yields, with city-center properties delivering 7-13% annual returns as of September 2025.
Douala specifically provides yields up to 10.3%, while suburban areas generate 6-9% returns. Ghana's rental market shows yields ranging from 8-20%, with short-term rentals achieving the higher end of this range.
Tanzania's rental yields span 5-12% for prime urban properties, with net yields after costs typically falling to 4-9% depending on the sector. South Africa's city-center yields average around 10.3%, similar to Cameroon's urban performance.
Cameroon's strong rental yields stem from robust urban demand and limited quality housing supply in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé. The country's rental market benefits from steady urbanization and a growing middle class seeking modern accommodations.
What are the property tax rates in Cameroon, and how do they compare to other African nations?
Cameroon maintains one of Africa's lowest property tax rates at 0.1% of assessed value annually, making it highly attractive for long-term property investors.
Nigeria's property tax typically ranges from 0.3-0.7% per year of property value, with Lagos implementing a land use charge of 0.039-0.394% depending on property type. Kenya applies a 0.3% national urban property tax rate, with Nairobi specifically charging 1% of unimproved site value plus additional county rates.
South Africa operates a progressive sliding scale system starting at zero for properties up to R1.21 million, then applying various brackets up to 45% on capital gains, plus municipal rates that vary by location. Ghana's property tax stands at approximately 0.5% annually.
Cameroon also applies a 10% tax on land income from rentals, but the combination of low property tax and moderate rental income tax still provides favorable conditions compared to regional peers. Tanzania maintains a 0.3% property tax rate similar to Kenya.
What is the general level of property demand and supply in Cameroon compared to major cities like Nairobi or Lagos?
Cameroon faces a housing shortage of approximately 2.5 million units, but the demand-supply gap is narrowing due to government housing initiatives and increased construction activity.
| City/Country | Housing Deficit | Demand Trend | Supply Response | Market Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameroon (Urban) | 2.5 million units | Fast-rising | Government-driven increase | Improving |
| Lagos, Nigeria | 3.4 million units | Persistent high demand | Supply lags urbanization | Tight |
| Nairobi, Kenya | Moderate deficit | Strong suburban demand | Balanced in outlying areas | Mixed |
| Accra, Ghana | 1.7 million units | Steady growth | Private sector led | Gradually improving |
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | 3 million units | Rapid urbanization | Limited formal supply | Very tight |
Douala and Yaoundé drive Cameroon's property demand, with the market becoming increasingly competitive as supply improves. Lagos continues to experience the most severe demand-supply mismatch among major African cities, with housing deficits fueling persistent price increases.
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What is the legal process for foreigners investing in property in Cameroon, and how does it differ from places like Morocco or Egypt?
Cameroon allows foreigners to own property with relatively few restrictions, requiring only proper registration, duty payments, and public notary involvement for title transfers.
The process involves registration fees, stamp duties, and notarial costs but imposes no major ownership restrictions on foreign investors. Due diligence remains essential given potential documentation and bureaucratic challenges.
Morocco permits foreign property ownership but restricts agricultural land purchases and requires local legal representation for certain property types. Egypt allows foreign ownership in designated areas but often requires government approval for coastal or luxury properties, making it more restrictive than Cameroon.
Cameroon's legal framework provides more straightforward access compared to Egypt's geographic limitations and Morocco's agricultural restrictions. However, investors should account for potential corruption and documentation issues that can complicate the process.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What is the economic growth rate of Cameroon, and how does it affect real estate returns compared to other African countries?
Cameroon's GDP growth is projected at 4.3-4.5% for 2024-2025, providing solid economic fundamentals that support real estate price growth and market stability.
Kenya leads with projected 5.3% growth for 2025, driving stronger property value appreciation and development activity. Nigeria's economy shows more volatility, with real estate growth driven by urbanization but affected by inflation shocks.
South Africa's projected 1.8% growth represents the slowest among major African markets, limiting property appreciation potential. Ghana's 3.8% growth provides moderate support for real estate returns, while Tanzania's 4.8% growth supports steady property market development.
Cameroon's economic growth directly translates to real estate demand through increased urbanization, middle-class expansion, and infrastructure investment. The construction industry specifically shows 4.8% growth in 2025, indicating robust sector performance.
How stable is the political environment in Cameroon for property investments, and how does it compare with more stable African countries?
Cameroon maintains moderate political stability but faces ongoing risks from regional unrest and governance challenges that require investors to factor in risk premiums.
The country's political environment is less stable than top-tier African destinations like Mauritius and Botswana, which are generally considered highly stable and investor-friendly. Mauritius particularly stands out for its strong institutional framework and consistent policy environment.
Compared to Nigeria and Kenya, Cameroon shows similar moderate stability levels, though both countries have larger economies that can absorb political shocks more effectively. Ghana demonstrates better political stability than Cameroon, with smoother democratic transitions and stronger institutions.
Investors should consider Cameroon's political risks when calculating expected returns, particularly for long-term investments. The ongoing security issues in some regions and occasional governance concerns require careful due diligence and local knowledge.
What is the current infrastructure development status in Cameroon, and how does it compare to other growing markets like Rwanda or Ethiopia?
Cameroon has significant ongoing infrastructure investments in energy, transport, and housing, with the construction industry growing 4.8% in 2025.
The country's infrastructure development still lags behind Rwanda and Ethiopia, both noted for rapid infrastructure expansion and strong governmental focus on transformative urban upgrades. Rwanda particularly excels in systematic urban planning and technology integration.
Major Cameroonian cities like Douala and Yaoundé are experiencing infrastructure improvements, but the pace remains slower than Ethiopia's massive urban transformation projects or Rwanda's comprehensive development approach. Transportation networks and energy systems continue to see investment, supporting property market growth.
While Cameroon's infrastructure development supports real estate appreciation, the country would benefit from accelerated investment to match the rapid progress seen in East African markets. Current projects focus on basic utilities and transportation links essential for property market growth.
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 financing options available for property buyers in Cameroon, and how does the interest rate compare to other African countries?
Cameroon's mortgage market offers financing options but at relatively high interest rates of approximately 13% for individual buyers as of September 2025.
Nigeria and Kenya also face high mortgage rates exceeding 12%, with banks increasingly offering products but maintaining demanding terms. South Africa provides more mature mortgage markets with better rates, typically ranging from 8-12% depending on credit profiles.
The financing sector in Cameroon is growing but remains costlier than established markets like South Africa or Mauritius. Local banks require substantial down payments, typically 20-30% of property value, and thorough income verification.
Compared to regional peers, Cameroon's financing costs reflect the broader African trend of expensive credit, though the market is gradually improving with increased competition among lenders. International buyers often find better terms through offshore financing or cash purchases.
What are the most profitable property sectors in Cameroon, and how do they compare to sectors in other African countries?
Cameroon's residential sector delivers the highest yields in urban centers, with commercial and mixed-use properties gaining from urban expansion trends.
- Urban residential properties: Highest yields (7-13%) driven by housing shortages
- Student housing: Strong returns due to university expansion
- Mid-tier rental properties: Consistent demand from growing middle class
- Commercial properties: Benefiting from urban economic growth
- Mixed-use developments: Capitalizing on urbanization trends
Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa show similar patterns with robust urban residential performance, prime commercial properties, and retail developments yielding strong returns in growth corridors. Lagos specifically excels in commercial real estate, while Nairobi shows strong residential apartment demand.
Cameroon's retail sector faces challenges due to macroeconomic pressures, similar to trends across Africa where consumer spending remains constrained. However, well-located retail properties in major cities continue to perform adequately.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
How does the property appreciation rate in Cameroon compare to other African countries over the past 5-10 years?
Cameroon's urban property prices have risen 3-7% annually, with appreciation driven primarily by urbanization while new supply moderates future growth potential.
Nigeria's Lagos area shows stronger appreciation rates of 5-15% annually, with even higher increases in premium zones, driven by persistent supply shortages and strong economic activity. Kenya's Nairobi market demonstrates consistent 7.8% annual growth supported by steady economic expansion.
South Africa's major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg show moderate high-single-digit growth rates, reflecting more mature market conditions. Ghana's property appreciation has been more volatile, ranging from 4-12% depending on economic conditions and political stability.
Cameroon's appreciation rates remain moderate compared to high-growth markets like Lagos but offer more stability than volatile markets. The country's urbanization continues to drive demand, though increasing supply may temper future appreciation rates compared to supply-constrained markets.
What is the level of corruption in the property sector in Cameroon, and how does it impact investments compared to other African nations?
Cameroon faces notable sectoral corruption in land registry processes, title disputes, and informal payment requirements that impact investment security and increase due diligence costs.
The corruption challenges include documentation fraud, bureaucratic delays requiring facilitation payments, and potential title disputes arising from unclear ownership records. These issues increase transaction costs and time requirements for property investments.
Nigeria and Kenya also experience similar challenges with documentation fraud and bureaucratic hurdles, though larger cities in these countries often have stronger legal recourse frameworks and more established professional services. South Africa and Ghana generally offer cleaner processes but still require careful due diligence.
Mauritius and Botswana stand out as having minimal corruption in property transactions, with transparent processes and reliable legal systems. Investors in Cameroon should budget additional time and costs for thorough due diligence, legal verification, and professional advisory services to mitigate corruption-related risks.
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 competitive advantages within Africa, particularly through low property taxes, strong rental yields, and accessible foreign investment policies.
While political stability and corruption concerns require careful consideration, the country's moderate prices and growing economic fundamentals position it favorably compared to more expensive markets like South Africa or more restrictive environments like Egypt.
Sources
- TheAfricanVestor - Average Property Price Cameroon
- TheAfricanVestor - Cameroon Price Forecasts
- Halle Law - Foreign Property Investment Guide Cameroon
- Nigeria Property Centre - Market Trends
- Kenya Property Centre - Average Prices
- PKF South Africa Tax Guide 2025-2026
- Numbeo Property Investment Rankings 2025
- PWC Tax Summaries - Cameroon Individual Taxes
- Global Property Guide - Cameroon Rent Yields
- World Bank - Cameroon Economic Update