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
If you are thinking about buying property in Cameroon, you probably want to know what the real estate market actually looks like in 2026.
This blog post covers everything from current housing prices in Cameroon to neighborhood trends, foreigner buying rules, and realistic market forecasts.
We constantly update this blog post with the freshest data available, so you always get the most accurate picture of the Cameroonian property market.
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.
How's the real estate market going in Cameroon in 2026?
What's the average days-on-market in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average days-on-market for residential properties in Cameroon is around 90 to 240 days, depending on whether you are looking at apartments in Douala and Yaounde or standalone houses in less central areas.
This wide range exists because most transactions in Cameroon are slowed down by paperwork, title verification, and administrative steps rather than simply finding a buyer, so a well-priced apartment with clear documentation in a prime neighborhood can sell in three months while a house with land-title complications might sit for eight months or longer.
Compared to 2024, the days-on-market in Cameroon has stayed roughly stable, though properties with verified titles and reliable utilities have been moving slightly faster in 2025 and early 2026 as buyers have become more cautious about documentation quality.
Are properties selling above or below asking in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, most residential properties in Cameroon sell between 5% and 15% below the initial asking price, which means that the listed price is usually a starting point for negotiation rather than a final number.
We estimate that roughly 80% to 85% of properties in Cameroon sell at or below asking price, while only about 5% to 10% sell above asking, and this small premium segment is almost entirely limited to units with perfect paperwork, reliable power and water, and prime city locations in Douala or Yaounde.
The neighborhoods most likely to see above-asking sales in Cameroon are Bonapriso, Bonanjo, and Akwa in Douala, plus Bastos and parts of Nlongkak in Yaounde, where demand from expats, diplomats, and high-income professionals creates competition for the rare well-documented, move-in-ready properties.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Cameroon. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What kinds of residential properties can I realistically buy in Cameroon?
What property types dominate in Cameroon right now?
In Cameroon's main cities, the residential market is roughly split between apartments in multi-unit buildings (around 40% to 50% of listings in Douala and Yaounde), standalone houses or villas (about 35% to 45%), and land-plus-build projects or compound properties (the remaining 10% to 20%).
Apartments represent the largest single property type in Cameroon's urban areas, especially in Douala and Yaounde, because they offer simpler land-title verification compared to houses sitting on individual plots.
This apartment dominance grew because rapid urbanization pushed developers toward multi-unit buildings that could house more families per plot, and buyers learned that apartment transactions tend to close faster and carry less paperwork risk than standalone houses with complex land histories.
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
Are new builds widely available in Cameroon right now?
New-build properties in Cameroon represent a small slice of available listings, probably around 10% to 15% of the market, because most formal new construction comes from government social housing programs or small private developments rather than large-scale developer pipelines.
As of early 2026, the highest concentration of new-build developments in Cameroon can be found in Bonamoussadi, Makepe, and Logpom in Douala, plus Odza, Nsimeyong, and Emana in Yaounde, where gated residential projects and newer apartment blocks cater to the growing middle and upper-middle class.
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Which neighborhoods are improving fastest in Cameroon in 2026?
Which areas in Cameroon are gentrifying in 2026?
As of early 2026, the clearest signs of gentrification in Cameroon appear in Bonamoussadi and Makepe in Douala, Nsimeyong and Odza in Yaounde, and along the Kribi beachfront corridor, where older housing stock is being replaced by newer apartments and gated communities.
In these gentrifying neighborhoods, you will notice new restaurants, pharmacies, and private schools opening up, more paved access roads funded by local contributions, generator-equipped apartment buildings replacing older single-story homes, and a visible shift from informal renters toward salaried professionals and diaspora buyers.
Over the past two to three years, prices in Bonamoussadi and Makepe have risen roughly 10% to 20% in nominal terms, while Nsimeyong and Odza in Yaounde have seen similar gains, though inflation means real appreciation has been more modest.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Cameroon.
Where are infrastructure projects boosting demand in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top areas in Cameroon where infrastructure projects are boosting housing demand include the Ndokoti corridor and Akwa-to-Bonaberi axis in Douala (thanks to the BRT project), plus the peri-urban ring around Yaounde along the bypass route near Nkozoa and the northern approaches.
The specific projects driving this demand include the Douala Bus Rapid Transit system (a 27-kilometer, 44-station network with 80 kilometers of feeder roads funded by a World Bank loan of around 335 billion CFA francs) and the Yaounde bypass road sections being developed with European Investment Bank support to improve connectivity for outer neighborhoods.
The Douala BRT feeder roads are scheduled to start construction in the first quarter of 2026, with the main corridor beginning in the third quarter of 2026 and full operations expected by 2027 or 2028, while the Yaounde bypass sections are in financing and phased construction stages.
Historically in Cameroon, infrastructure announcements tend to lift nearby property prices by 5% to 15% in anticipation, and actual completion can add another 10% to 20% depending on how much commute times improve, though buyers should expect a lag between groundbreaking and real price gains.
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.
What do locals and insiders say the market feels like in Cameroon?
Do people think homes are overpriced in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the general sentiment among locals and market insiders in Cameroon is that homes in premium neighborhoods of Douala and Yaounde feel overpriced relative to local incomes, while middle-market properties are seen as expensive mainly because clean-title options are scarce.
When locals argue that Cameroon homes are overpriced, they typically point to the fact that construction costs jumped during the 2022 to 2024 inflation shock (inflation hit 7.4% in 2023), that asking prices often include a built-in negotiation buffer, and that many listings with questionable titles sit unsold for months.
On the other side, those who believe prices are fair in Cameroon argue that urban housing supply cannot keep up with demand, that properties with verified titles and reliable utilities deserve a premium, and that rental yields around 6% to 10% in Douala and Yaounde justify current valuations.
The price-to-income ratio in Cameroon's major cities is quite high, often exceeding 15 to 20 times the average annual household income, which is above the regional average for Sub-Saharan Africa and makes homeownership a stretch for most middle-class families without diaspora support.
What are common buyer mistakes people regret in Cameroon right now?
The most frequently cited buyer mistake in Cameroon is purchasing land or a house without rigorous title verification, which leads to boundary disputes, competing claims, or discovery that the seller did not actually have full ownership rights, a problem that can take years and significant legal fees to resolve.
The second most common regret is underestimating total transaction costs and timelines, as buyers often budget only for the purchase price and then get surprised by notary fees, registration taxes, survey costs, and administrative delays that can add 10% to 15% to the total cost and stretch closing by several months.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Cameroon.
It's because of these mistakes that we have decided to build our pack covering the property buying process in Cameroon.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Cameroon
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
How easy is it for foreigners to buy in Cameroon in 2026?
Do foreigners face extra challenges in Cameroon right now?
Foreigners buying property in Cameroon face a moderate-to-high difficulty level compared to locals, not because of outright legal bans but because of extra documentation requirements, stronger scrutiny on funds sources, and the need to navigate an administrative system that rewards local knowledge.
Legally, foreigners can own property in Cameroon, but they may face additional requirements such as providing proof of funds origin, notarized identity documents, and sometimes a local representative or power of attorney, plus longer processing times at land registries.
The practical challenges foreigners encounter in Cameroon include dealing with a land-registry system that has large amounts of unregistered or informally held land, needing a trustworthy local lawyer who understands both formal rules and informal practices, and managing transactions remotely when administrative steps require in-person appearances or signatures.
We will tell you more in our blog article about foreigner property ownership in Cameroon.
Do banks lend to foreigners in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgage financing for foreign buyers in Cameroon is available but limited, offered on a case-by-case basis mainly to borrowers with local income streams, established banking relationships in the CEMAC region, or strong collateral.
Foreign buyers in Cameroon can typically expect loan-to-value ratios of 50% to 70% (meaning down payments of 30% to 50%), with interest rates ranging from about 8% to 12% annually for CFA franc loans, though rates vary depending on the borrower's profile and the bank.
Banks in Cameroon usually require foreign applicants to provide proof of stable income (preferably local), clear property documentation including a verified land title, identity documents, and sometimes a local guarantor or co-signer, which makes the process more demanding than for cash buyers.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Cameroon.
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 risky is buying in Cameroon compared to other nearby markets?
Is Cameroon more volatile than nearby places in 2026?
As of early 2026, Cameroon's residential property market shows moderate price volatility, generally lower than Nigeria (which faces higher currency and inflation swings) but similar to other CEMAC neighbors like Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, which share the same central bank and currency.
Over the past decade, Cameroon has not experienced dramatic property price crashes; instead, prices have moved slowly upward in nominal terms, with corrections happening through extended time-on-market and wider negotiation discounts rather than sudden drops, while Nigeria's Lagos market has seen sharper boom-and-bust cycles tied to oil revenues and naira fluctuations.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing the updated housing prices in Cameroon.
Is Cameroon resilient during downturns historically?
Historically, Cameroon's property market has shown moderate resilience during economic downturns, with prices tending to stagnate or decline slowly (5% to 15% in nominal terms) rather than crashing, while transaction volumes drop significantly and days-on-market stretch out.
During the most recent major stress period (the 2020 pandemic and 2022 to 2023 inflation shock), Cameroon property prices in Douala and Yaounde softened by roughly 5% to 10% in real terms, and recovery took about 18 to 24 months as inflation cooled and buyer confidence returned.
The property types and neighborhoods that have historically held value best in Cameroon during downturns are well-documented apartments in Bonapriso, Bonanjo, and Bastos, because clean titles, reliable utilities, and expat or diplomatic demand provide a floor that middle-market and informal-title properties do not have.
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How strong is rental demand behind the scenes in Cameroon in 2026?
Is long-term rental demand growing in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term rental demand in Cameroon is growing steadily, driven by continued urban migration to Douala and Yaounde, a housing deficit estimated at over 2.5 million units nationally, and a young population forming new households faster than formal housing supply can respond.
The tenant demographics driving this demand include young professionals working in banking, telecoms, and services; university students in Yaounde and Douala; and expats or diaspora members who rent before deciding whether to buy, plus middle-income families who cannot afford to purchase in the current market.
The neighborhoods with the strongest long-term rental demand in Cameroon right now are Bonamoussadi, Makepe, and Akwa in Douala, plus Bastos, Nlongkak, and Mvan in Yaounde, where proximity to jobs, schools, and reliable infrastructure keeps occupancy rates high.
You might want to check our latest analysis about rental yields in Cameroon.
Is short-term rental demand growing in Cameroon in 2026?
Cameroon does not have heavy formal regulation of short-term rentals like some European cities, but operators still need to navigate local tax obligations and occasional municipal requirements, and enforcement varies significantly between Douala, Yaounde, and coastal areas like Kribi.
As of early 2026, short-term rental demand in Cameroon is growing, particularly in Douala for business travelers, Yaounde for government and diplomatic visitors, and Kribi for weekend and holiday tourism, though the market remains smaller and more volatile than long-term rentals.
Occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Cameroon's main cities typically range from 40% to 60% annually, with higher peaks during conferences, holidays, and dry-season tourism months, though properties without reliable power backup or online booking visibility struggle to maintain consistent bookings.
The guest demographics driving short-term demand include regional business travelers, NGO and diplomatic staff on short assignments, diaspora visitors returning to see family, and domestic tourists heading to Kribi or Limbe for beach weekends.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Cameroon.
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 are the realistic short-term and long-term projections for Cameroon in 2026?
What's the 12-month outlook for demand in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 12-month demand outlook for residential property in Cameroon is cautiously positive, with steady interest in prime urban neighborhoods, but constrained by inflation pressures and limited mortgage availability for most buyers.
The key factors likely to influence Cameroon property demand over the next 12 months include inflation trends (projected at around 3% to 4% for 2026), the pace of infrastructure project execution (especially the Douala BRT), and political stability following the October 2025 presidential election.
We forecast nominal price growth of about 3% to 7% for well-located properties with clean titles in Douala and Yaounde, while average and peripheral stock may see 0% to 3% growth and longer time-on-market as buyers remain selective.
By the way, we also have an update regarding price forecasts in Cameroon.
What's the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing in Cameroon is constructively positive, with prices expected to rise moderately in real terms in well-connected urban areas while peripheral and informal-title properties lag behind.
The major projects expected to shape Cameroon's housing market over this period include the full rollout of the Douala BRT system (operational by 2027 or 2028), continued Yaounde bypass construction, the World Bank's Sustainable Cities and Land project improving land administration, and new mining and energy developments that could boost regional incomes.
The single biggest uncertainty that could alter this outlook is whether land-administration reforms actually improve title clarity and transaction speed; if the World Bank-funded improvements stall, buyer confidence could weaken and transaction friction would persist.
Are demographics or other trends pushing prices up in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, demographic trends are a significant driver of housing prices in Cameroon, with urban population growth of around 3% to 4% annually creating sustained demand that formal supply cannot match.
The specific demographic shifts affecting Cameroon prices include continued rural-to-urban migration (urbanization is expected to reach 70% by 2050, up from 56% today), a young population with a median age around 18 forming new households, and diaspora remittances funding property purchases in Douala and Yaounde.
Beyond demographics, non-demographic trends pushing prices in Cameroon include infrastructure improvements like the Douala BRT that make certain corridors more accessible, the growing preference for gated communities with backup power among the middle class, and increased foreign investment in residential real estate from regional and international buyers.
These demographic and trend-driven pressures are expected to continue in Cameroon for at least the next 10 to 15 years, as the structural housing deficit is so large that even accelerated construction would take decades to close the gap.
What scenario would cause a downturn in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most likely scenario that could trigger a housing downturn in Cameroon would be a significant tightening of credit conditions (banks raising deposit requirements or cutting lending) combined with a macroeconomic shock that reduces household incomes, such as a sharp drop in commodity prices or a fiscal crisis.
Early warning signs of a downturn in Cameroon would include a noticeable increase in days-on-market across all neighborhoods, wider negotiation discounts (sellers accepting 20% or more below asking), a spike in listings with price cuts, and reports of banks pulling back from mortgage lending.
Based on historical patterns, a realistic downturn in Cameroon would likely involve nominal price declines of 10% to 20% over two to three years, with the brunt falling on informal-title properties and peripheral locations, while prime city apartments with clean titles would hold up better.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon National Institute of Statistics (INS) | It's Cameroon's official statistics agency responsible for inflation, household surveys, and economic indicators. | We used INS data to ground our discussion of inflation trends and purchasing power that affect housing affordability. We also referenced their inflation monitoring reports to set realistic expectations for price changes. |
| World Bank | It's a major international institution financing urban infrastructure and land administration reforms in Cameroon. | We used World Bank project documentation to identify where infrastructure improvements are targeted in Douala and Yaounde. We also relied on their data to support our infrastructure-driven neighborhood analysis. |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | It's the primary source for macroeconomic assessments used by policymakers and investors globally. | We used IMF staff reports to ground our 2026 outlook in macro risks including growth, inflation, and fiscal conditions. We also referenced their analysis to frame potential downturn scenarios. |
| Bank of Central African States (BEAC) | It's the central bank for the CEMAC region that sets monetary policy affecting mortgage rates in Cameroon. | We used BEAC policy rate data to anchor our discussion of the interest rate environment. We also cross-checked their open data to provide realistic mortgage rate ranges. |
| MINDCAF (Land Registry Authority) | It's the Cameroonian government ministry responsible for land titles, certificates, and property registration. | We used MINDCAF guidance to explain where transactions get stuck in Cameroon. We also referenced their procedures to justify why days-on-market can be longer than in other markets. |
| Global Property Guide | It's a long-running property data publisher with transparent methodology for rental yield calculations. | We used their data to produce quantified yield ranges for Cameroon. We also compared their figures with nearby markets to give context on investment returns. |
| Business in Cameroon | It's a major national business outlet that reports on infrastructure project timelines and financing. | We used their coverage to pin down the Douala BRT construction schedule and corridor details. We referenced their reporting to support our infrastructure-demand analysis. |
| UN-Habitat | It's the United Nations agency focused on urbanization and housing policy. | We used UN-Habitat data to contextualize informal housing and urban growth pressure in Cameroon. We also referenced their work to explain why location and infrastructure matter more than cosmetic finishes. |
| U.S. State Department | It's a government-grade assessment that explicitly discusses business climate constraints including land tenure. | We used their investment climate statement to triangulate land-tenure and administrative bottlenecks. We also referenced their analysis to frame foreigner-specific challenges as process risk. |
| Statista | It's a widely used data platform that aggregates market forecasts and trends from multiple sources. | We used Statista projections to cross-check our market growth estimates. We also referenced their customer preference insights to validate demand trends in Cameroon. |