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 steady growth, with urban property prices rising 3-7% annually in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé.
However, buying property in Cameroon requires careful navigation of complex legal requirements, especially for foreigners who face restrictions on freehold land ownership but can purchase buildings and enter leasehold arrangements. The process involves significant documentation, ministerial endorsements for land purchases, and transaction costs ranging from 8-15% of the property value.
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 solid investment opportunities with urban price growth of 3-7% annually and rental yields of 6.1-8.8%.
Foreign buyers can purchase buildings but face restrictions on freehold land ownership, requiring ministerial endorsement and comprehensive due diligence.
| Key Aspect | Details | Timeline/Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership Rights | Buildings: Yes, Land: Leasehold mainly | 2-6 months process |
| Transaction Costs | 8-15% of property value | Paid during process |
| Required Documents | 7+ official documents needed | 1-2 months to gather |
| Down Payment | 5-30% (foreigners: higher end) | Upfront payment |
| Mortgage Rates | 12-15% interest rates | Through local banks |
| Property Tax | 0.1% annually of property value | Yearly obligation |
| Market Growth | 5% annual growth projected to 2029 | Ongoing trend |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Cedella Besong 🇨🇲
Co-Founder & CEO, CFB Holding
What is the current property market situation in Cameroon, and how have prices been trending in the past year?
Cameroon's property market is experiencing robust growth in 2025, particularly in major urban centers like Douala and Yaoundé.
Urban property prices are rising 3-7% annually as of September 2025, driven by sustained urbanization, infrastructure development projects, and increased foreign investment. The residential real estate market is projected to grow by approximately 5% annually through 2029, with the market expected to reach US$354 billion.
City center apartment prices currently average about $1,851 per square meter (1,100,000 XAF/m²), while rental yields remain stable between 6.1% and 8.8%. New government housing projects are adding supply to the market, but overall demand driven by population growth continues to keep prices buoyant across urban areas.
Rural property prices are experiencing the opposite trend, dropping as urban migration persists and people move from rural areas to cities for better opportunities. This urban-rural price divergence creates distinct investment opportunities depending on your strategy and target market.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What legal requirements must I meet as a foreigner to purchase property in Cameroon?
As a foreigner, you can purchase buildings such as houses, apartments, and commercial properties almost anywhere in Cameroon, except in border regions and much customary land.
However, freehold land ownership presents more complex requirements for foreign buyers. Purchasing freehold land requires endorsement from the Minister of Lands, making this process more complicated and less common for non-Cameroonian citizens. Most foreign buyers opt for leasehold land arrangements instead.
You must involve a notary and often a lawyer in your transaction, and you'll need to secure a certificate of non-encumbrance to prove the property is dispute-free. All documentation must be meticulous and include apostilles and certified translations into French if your documents originate from abroad.
Foreign buyers cannot purchase property in certain restricted areas, including border regions and areas designated under customary land laws. You'll also need to demonstrate legitimate reasons for your property purchase and maintain proper legal residency status during the transaction process.
What are the main types of properties available for purchase in Cameroon?
Cameroon's property market offers four main categories of real estate for purchase.
Land parcels are available, though foreigners typically access these through leasehold arrangements rather than freehold ownership. Standalone houses range from modest family homes to luxury villas, particularly popular in suburban areas of major cities.
Apartments and condominiums represent a growing segment, especially in urban centers like Douala and Yaoundé, with options ranging from budget-friendly units to luxury penthouses. Commercial properties, including office spaces and retail locations, are also available for foreign investment.
In large cities, you'll find both new developments and resale properties actively traded in the market. The luxury segment has expanded significantly, with high-end developments offering modern amenities and international construction standards.
How do I find reliable real estate agents or developers in Cameroon?
Finding trustworthy real estate professionals requires a systematic approach and careful vetting process.
| Source Type | Recommended Approach | Red Flags to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Referrals | Contact reputable law firms, embassies, other foreign buyers | Agents demanding large upfront payments |
| Credentials | Verify licenses and professional registrations | Refusal to provide documentation |
| Online Platforms | Realting, Tranio, BBoyo Real Estate | Unverified online listings only |
| Due Diligence | Check references from previous clients | Pressure to sign quickly |
| Payment Terms | Standard commission after completion | Requests for cash payments only |
Always verify agent or developer credentials through official real estate associations and avoid those who demand large upfront payments or refuse to allow proper due diligence procedures.
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What are the standard procedures for conducting due diligence on a property before making a purchase?
Proper due diligence is critical in Cameroon's property market and requires hiring an experienced property lawyer to conduct thorough investigations.
Your lawyer should check the seller's legal authority and identity, confirm property title and history through the official land registry, and obtain a certificate of non-encumbrance showing no liens or disputes. They must ensure all taxes and fees are current and review all original paperwork for authenticity.
Survey the property's physical boundaries and ensure all plans match the legal documents exactly. This physical verification prevents disputes over property boundaries and ensures what you're buying matches official records.
Never rush this process or pay full price before all legal checks and notarization are complete. The due diligence phase typically takes 1-2 months but can save you from significant legal and financial problems later.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What documents are required to complete a property purchase in Cameroon, and how do I obtain them?
Property purchases in Cameroon require seven essential document categories, each obtained from different sources.
1. Valid passport from your home country 2. Certificate of non-encumbrance from local authorities proving no disputes 3. Land title deed or certificate from the land registry 4. Purchase/sales agreement prepared by notary or lawyer 5. Survey plan/cadastral document from the survey department 6. Tax clearance certificate from tax authorities 7. Local authority authorizations from municipal or regional officesAll foreign paperwork must be apostilled in your home country and officially translated into French by certified translators. The document gathering process typically takes 1-2 months, depending on the efficiency of various government offices.
Ensure all documents are current and authentic, as fraudulent paperwork is a significant risk in Cameroon's property market. Your lawyer should verify each document's authenticity before proceeding with the transaction.
How long does the property transaction process take from start to finish in Cameroon?
Property transactions in Cameroon take between 2 to 6 months from initial agreement to final completion.
The timeline depends heavily on several factors: thoroughness of due diligence, completeness of existing paperwork, and speed of government approvals. Properties with clear and complete records move through the process faster than those requiring extensive investigation or missing documents.
The longest delays typically occur during the due diligence phase, document authentication, and waiting for ministerial endorsements (particularly for land purchases). Government offices can be slow, and some approvals require multiple levels of bureaucratic review.
Foreign buyers should expect longer timelines due to additional documentation requirements, translation needs, and more thorough vetting by authorities. Plan for the upper end of the timeline range to avoid disappointment and ensure you have adequate time for proper legal review.
What are the taxes and fees associated with buying property in Cameroon, and what percentage of the property's value should I budget for these?
Budget 8-15% of the property's value for total transaction costs when buying property in Cameroon.
Notary fees represent the largest component at 4-10% of the property value, followed by registration fees at 5%. Land registration fees add another 1%, while title issuance fees contribute 2% of the property value.
Additional costs include stamp duty (fixed administrative amount), legal fees, and survey costs that vary based on property complexity and location. These supplementary costs typically add 1-3% to your total transaction budget.
After purchase, you'll pay yearly property tax of 0.1% of the property's assessed value. This ongoing cost is relatively low compared to many other countries but represents a permanent annual obligation.
Foreign buyers often face higher fees due to additional documentation requirements and more complex approval processes, so budget toward the higher end of the cost range.
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 does the land registration process work, and how can I verify the property's ownership?
Land registration is mandatory for legal validity in Cameroon, and the verification process requires professional legal assistance.
Use an attorney or notary to trace property title back to original registration, cross-check all records across different government databases, and validate the seller's legal authority to sell. This process involves reviewing historical ownership records and ensuring no competing claims exist.
The land registry system in Cameroon can be complex, with some properties having unclear or disputed titles. Your legal representative should verify ownership through multiple sources and check for any encumbrances, liens, or legal disputes affecting the property.
Registration involves submitting all required documents to the appropriate land registry office, paying registration fees, and waiting for official confirmation. The process can take several weeks to complete once all documents are properly submitted.
What is the typical down payment required for a property in Cameroon, and what are the financing options available?
Typical down payments range from 5-30% of the property's value, with foreigners usually required to pay toward the higher end of this range.
Mortgages are available through major banks such as Société Générale Cameroun, but interest rates are high at 12-15% annually. These loans require establishing banking relationships, providing local income proof, and often securing a guarantor who is a Cameroonian citizen or resident.
Foreign buyers face additional financing challenges, including stricter documentation requirements, higher down payment expectations, and more complex approval processes. Many international banks operating in Cameroon prefer to work with borrowers who have established local business or employment connections.
Cash purchases are common among foreign buyers due to financing complexities, though this requires careful planning for fund transfers and compliance with foreign exchange regulations.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What are the risks involved in buying property in Cameroon, and how can I protect myself legally?
Property investment in Cameroon involves several significant risks that require careful mitigation strategies.
Main risks include title fraud, incomplete or falsified documents, disputed land rights, unlicensed agents, politically motivated property claims, and inconsistent legal enforcement. These risks are particularly acute for foreign buyers who may be unfamiliar with local practices and vulnerable to exploitation.
Legal protections include always hiring a vetted lawyer with property law experience, using only licensed notaries for transactions, thoroughly verifying titles through multiple sources, and never advancing funds before completing legal checks. Consider title insurance where available to protect against ownership disputes.
Additional protective measures include working only with established real estate professionals, maintaining detailed records of all transactions, and ensuring all agreements are properly documented in French legal format. Avoid any transaction that seems rushed or discourages thorough due diligence.
What steps should I take to ensure my property is properly insured after purchase in Cameroon?
Property insurance should be arranged immediately after completing your purchase and receiving official title registration.
Approach both local Cameroonian insurers and international insurance companies that operate in Cameroon for comprehensive coverage options. Standard policies should include fire insurance, natural disaster protection, and liability coverage for accidents on your property.
Insurance providers will require proof of title or ownership documentation and a current property survey showing the building's condition and value. Some insurers may conduct their own property inspection before issuing coverage.
Review policy terms carefully, particularly regarding coverage limits, deductibles, and claim procedures. Consider additional coverage for specific risks relevant to your property's location, such as flooding in coastal areas or security concerns in urban centers.
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 opportunities for informed investors willing to navigate its complexities.
Success requires patience, professional legal support, and thorough due diligence, but rewards include solid rental yields and capital appreciation in a growing economy.
Sources
- TheAfricanvestor - Cameroon Price Forecasts
- Simtrade - Cameroonian Real Estate Market
- TheAfricanvestor - Cameroon Real Estate Trends
- TheAfricanvestor - Moving to Cameroon Buy Property
- Realting - Cameroon
- BBoyo Real Estate
- Tranio - Cameroon
- CFB Holding - Buying Property Guide
- Statista - Cameroon Real Estate Outlook
- 6W Research - Cameroon Real Estate Investment Market