Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Gabon Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Gabon Property Pack
If you're looking to rent or invest in Gabon, understanding current rental prices is essential to making smart decisions.
In this article, we break down the typical rents you can expect across Gabon's main rental market in Greater Libreville, covering studios, apartments, and price-per-square-meter figures.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rental trends in Gabon as of the first half of 2026.
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 Gabon.
Insights
- Rents in Gabon are heavily concentrated in Greater Libreville, where roughly 90% of formal rental transactions happen, making it the only market that matters for serious investors.
- A typical 1-bedroom apartment in Libreville rents for around 500,000 XAF per month, but the same unit in a prime area like Batterie IV can cost 800,000 XAF or more.
- Furnished apartments in Gabon command a premium of 30% to 50% over unfurnished units, with expats and corporate tenants driving most of this demand.
- Vacancy rates in Gabon's rental market split sharply: prime expat-focused properties hover around 4% to 6%, while budget stock can sit empty at 10% to 15%.
- Gabon's inflation environment, tracked by BEAC and INSTAT, suggests rents will grow by 2% to 5% in 2026, not enough for a boom but steady for landlords.
- Neighborhoods like Batterie IV, Quartier Louis, and Sablière consistently rank as the highest-rent areas in Libreville due to security, amenities, and expat demand.
- Properties with reliable backup power and water storage in Gabon can command rent premiums of 15% to 25% because utility interruptions remain common.
- Landlords in Gabon should expect property taxes of around 75,000 XAF per year for a mid-market 1-bedroom, calculated at roughly 1.25% of annual rental value.
What are typical rents in Gabon as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Gabon is around 350,000 XAF, which works out to roughly 580 USD or 530 EUR.
That said, studio rents in Gabon can range from about 200,000 XAF (330 USD / 300 EUR) for basic units in outer neighborhoods to 500,000 XAF (830 USD / 760 EUR) for newer or furnished studios in better locations.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary in Gabon include the neighborhood (central Libreville costs more), whether the unit is furnished, and whether it has reliable utilities like backup water or air conditioning.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Gabon is around 500,000 XAF, which translates to approximately 830 USD or 760 EUR.
Depending on location and condition, 1-bedroom rents in Gabon typically range from 220,000 XAF (365 USD / 335 EUR) in outer areas to 800,000 XAF (1,330 USD / 1,220 EUR) in prime central neighborhoods.
In Greater Libreville, areas like Okala and Alibandeng tend to have the cheapest 1-bedroom rents, while central neighborhoods such as Quartier Louis and Batterie IV command the highest prices.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Gabon is around 700,000 XAF, which equals approximately 1,160 USD or 1,060 EUR.
The realistic range for 2-bedroom apartments in Gabon spans from about 350,000 XAF (580 USD / 530 EUR) for mid-market units to over 1,200,000 XAF (2,000 USD / 1,830 EUR) for prime, furnished properties in sought-after areas.
For affordable 2-bedroom rentals in Gabon, neighborhoods like Owendo and outer Akanda offer lower prices, while Batterie IV and Sablière are where you'll find the most expensive options.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gabon.
What's the average rent per square meter in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Gabon is around 10,000 XAF, which translates to roughly 17 USD or 15 EUR per square meter per month.
Across different neighborhoods in Gabon, rent per square meter ranges from about 8,000 XAF (13 USD / 12 EUR) in mid-market areas to 18,000 XAF (30 USD / 27 EUR) in prime, furnished locations.
Compared to other major cities in Central Africa, Libreville's rent per square meter sits at the higher end due to limited formal housing supply and strong expat demand.
Properties that push rent per square meter above average in Gabon typically feature air conditioning, backup power generators, secure parking, and proximity to embassies or business districts.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Gabon in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Gabon have increased by approximately 3% compared to the previous year in the Greater Libreville area.
The main factors driving rent changes in Gabon this year include steady inflation tracked by INSTAT, limited new housing supply in prime areas, and continued demand from expat and corporate tenants.
This 3% increase is consistent with the previous year's trend, as Gabon's rental market has remained relatively stable without major booms or busts.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Gabon in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Gabon are projected to grow by 2% to 5% over the coming year, with prime expat-focused properties holding firmer than budget stock.
Key factors likely to influence rent growth in Gabon include inflation trends monitored by BEAC, the pace of new construction in Greater Libreville, and whether corporate and expat demand remains stable.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Gabon are Batterie IV, Sablière, and select pockets of Akanda where newer housing stock attracts higher-paying tenants.
Risks that could cause rent growth in Gabon to differ from projections include a sudden drop in oil revenues affecting the economy, unexpected currency movements in the CFA franc, or policy changes like the new housing tax announced for January 2026.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Gabon. 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.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Gabon as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Gabon are Batterie IV, Quartier Louis, and Sablière, where 1-bedroom apartments typically rent for 600,000 to 900,000 XAF (1,000 to 1,500 USD / 915 to 1,370 EUR) per month.
These Gabon neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer better security, proximity to embassies and business centers, newer building stock, and more reliable infrastructure.
The tenant profile that typically rents in these high-rent Gabon neighborhoods includes expats working for international organizations, corporate executives on housing allowances, and diplomats seeking secure, well-serviced accommodations.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Gabon.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Gabon right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Gabon are Quartier Louis, Glass, and Lalala, all offering good access to offices, restaurants, and nightlife in Libreville.
Young professionals in these Gabon neighborhoods typically pay between 350,000 and 600,000 XAF (580 to 1,000 USD / 530 to 915 EUR) per month for a 1-bedroom or studio apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these Gabon neighborhoods is the combination of shorter commutes to downtown Libreville, vibrant social scenes, and a good selection of cafes, gyms, and coworking spaces.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gabon.
Where do families prefer to rent in Gabon right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Gabon are Okala, Angondjé, and Akanda, which offer more space, quieter streets, and family-friendly environments around Libreville.
Families in these Gabon neighborhoods typically pay between 500,000 and 1,000,000 XAF (830 to 1,660 USD / 760 to 1,525 EUR) per month for 2 to 3 bedroom apartments or houses.
What makes these Gabon neighborhoods attractive to families is the availability of larger units with parking, lower traffic, green spaces, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to central Libreville.
Top educational options near these family-friendly Gabon neighborhoods include international schools in the Akanda area and established schools accessible from Angondjé, making school runs more convenient for parents.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Gabon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas that rent fastest in Gabon are the Owendo corridor near the port and rail terminus, central districts like Glass and Centre-Ville, and areas around Omar Bongo University, all benefiting from steady worker and student demand.
Properties in these high-demand Gabon areas typically stay listed for 15 to 30 days, compared to 45 days or more in less desirable locations.
The rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit hubs or the university in Gabon is roughly 50,000 to 100,000 XAF (80 to 165 USD / 75 to 150 EUR) per month above comparable units further away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Gabon right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Gabon are Batterie IV, Sablière, and Centre-Ville/Vallée Sainte-Marie, all known for security, proximity to embassies, and higher-quality housing stock.
Expats in these Gabon neighborhoods typically pay between 600,000 and 1,500,000 XAF (1,000 to 2,500 USD / 915 to 2,290 EUR) per month for furnished apartments with amenities.
What makes these Gabon neighborhoods attractive to expats is the combination of reliable utilities, secure compounds, proximity to international schools, and easy access to restaurants and services catering to foreigners.
The most represented expat communities in these Gabon neighborhoods include French nationals, other European professionals, and workers from international organizations and oil companies operating in Libreville.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Gabon.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Gabon
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Gabon right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Gabon?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Gabon are local salaried workers seeking mid-market apartments, corporate and contractor tenants on housing allowances, and students or early-career renters looking for affordable rooms or studios.
In terms of market share in Gabon, local salaried renters make up roughly 50% to 60% of demand, corporate and expat tenants account for about 25% to 30%, and students or entry-level workers represent the remaining 15% to 20%.
Local renters in Gabon typically seek unfurnished 1 to 2 bedroom apartments, corporate tenants prefer furnished units with amenities, and students look for studios or shared housing near Omar Bongo University.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Gabon.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Gabon?
In Gabon's rental market, roughly 60% to 70% of tenants prefer unfurnished apartments to keep monthly costs lower, while 30% to 40% opt for furnished units for convenience.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments compared to unfurnished in Gabon is around 150,000 to 250,000 XAF (250 to 415 USD / 230 to 380 EUR) per month, representing a 30% to 50% increase.
Tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Gabon include expats, corporate transferees, diplomats, and anyone on short-term assignments who wants to move in quickly without buying furniture.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Gabon?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Gabon are reliable backup power (generator), water storage with pump, air conditioning, secure parking with guarding, and good internet readiness.
In terms of rent premiums in Gabon, backup power can add 50,000 to 100,000 XAF (80 to 165 USD / 75 to 150 EUR) per month, water storage adds 30,000 to 60,000 XAF, air conditioning adds 40,000 to 80,000 XAF, secure parking adds 30,000 to 50,000 XAF, and internet readiness adds 20,000 to 40,000 XAF.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Gabon, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Gabon?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Gabon are installing a generator hookup, adding a water storage tank with pump, upgrading to efficient air conditioning, improving security with gates and lighting, and renovating kitchens and bathrooms with durable, humidity-resistant finishes.
In Gabon, a generator hookup costs around 500,000 to 1,500,000 XAF (830 to 2,500 USD) and can boost rent by 50,000 to 100,000 XAF per month, while a water tank system costs 300,000 to 800,000 XAF and adds 30,000 to 60,000 XAF monthly, meaning both typically pay back within 12 to 24 months.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Gabon and should be avoided include luxury finishes that tenants don't value, swimming pools that are expensive to maintain, and overly custom designs that limit your tenant pool.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Gabon 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 strong is rental demand in Gabon as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Gabon is around 8% overall in the Greater Libreville area.
Across different neighborhoods in Gabon, vacancy rates range from about 4% to 6% in prime expat-focused areas like Batterie IV and Sablière to 10% to 15% in budget or less desirable locations.
Compared to historical averages, the current vacancy rate in Gabon is relatively stable, as the market hasn't experienced major supply shocks or demand collapses in recent years.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gabon.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rentals in Gabon stay listed for an average of 30 to 35 days when correctly priced and in decent condition.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Gabon, days on market can range from 20 days for well-located units in high-demand areas to 60 to 120 days or more for overpriced or poorly maintained properties.
Compared to one year ago, days-on-market figures in Gabon have remained largely stable, with no major shifts in absorption speed as the market continues at a steady pace.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Gabon?
The peak months for tenant demand in Gabon are August through October and January through February, when relocations, school enrollments, and corporate contract renewals drive the most activity.
The specific factors driving these seasonal patterns in Gabon include the academic calendar at Omar Bongo University, back-to-work timing after holidays, and corporate rotation schedules for expat employees.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Gabon are typically April through June, when fewer relocations happen and the market tends to slow down between peak seasons.
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An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Gabon as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Gabon should expect to pay around 75,000 XAF (125 USD / 115 EUR) per year in property tax for a typical mid-market 1-bedroom apartment renting at 500,000 XAF per month.
Depending on property value and rental income, annual property taxes in Gabon can range from about 30,000 XAF (50 USD / 45 EUR) for smaller, cheaper units to 200,000 XAF (330 USD / 305 EUR) or more for larger, higher-rent properties.
Property taxes in Gabon are calculated through the CFU (Contribution Foncière Unique), which takes 25% of the annual rental value as the taxable base and applies a 5% rate, effectively working out to about 1.25% of gross annual rent.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Gabon, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Gabon right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Gabon is around 600,000 to 1,800,000 XAF (1,000 to 3,000 USD / 915 to 2,745 EUR), depending on property condition and age.
The range of annual maintenance costs in Gabon spans from about 400,000 XAF (665 USD / 610 EUR) for newer, well-maintained properties to over 2,500,000 XAF (4,150 USD / 3,800 EUR) for older buildings requiring more repairs.
Landlords in Gabon typically set aside 10% to 15% of rental income for maintenance, which accounts for the extra wear from humidity, air conditioning servicing, and occasional utility-related repairs.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Gabon right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Gabon are shared building security costs and sometimes water in multi-unit properties, while electricity, internet, and gas are usually tenant responsibilities.
When landlords do cover water or security in Gabon, the typical monthly cost is around 20,000 to 50,000 XAF (33 to 83 USD / 30 to 76 EUR) for water and 30,000 to 80,000 XAF (50 to 133 USD / 46 to 122 EUR) for compound security services.
The common practice in Gabon is for tenants to pay their own metered electricity and water bills directly to SEEG, while landlords handle any building-level security or shared maintenance costs.
How is rental income taxed in Gabon as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Gabon is subject to a 5% withholding tax on gross rent when collected through a property manager or agency, which serves as a credit toward your final personal income tax.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Gabon include property-related expenses, maintenance costs, and the 75% standard deduction used to calculate the CFU tax base, which reduces your taxable rental value significantly.
A common tax mistake landlords in Gabon should avoid is failing to properly document the 5% withholding or not reconciling it with their annual personal income tax return, which can lead to overpayment or compliance issues with the DGI.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Gabon.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Gabon 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 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 Gabon, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gabon Tax Authority (DGI) | It's the official Gabonese tax authority that explains how property taxes are calculated. | We used it to describe how the annual property tax base is defined and computed. We also translated their examples into plain-language landlord math. |
| General Tax Code of Gabon | It reproduces the official tax code structure and rates in a consolidated, verifiable document. | We used it for property tax rates, rental income withholding rules, and personal income tax bands. We cross-checked these against the French-language original. |
| BEAC (Central Bank) | BEAC is the regional central bank for the CFA franc zone and sets monetary policy expectations. | We used it to frame the inflation backdrop that influences rent indexation in Gabon. We treated it as one leg of our rent growth triangulation. |
| World Bank | The World Bank is a top-tier international institution with transparent economic methodology. | We used it to cross-check the macro environment affecting household demand and landlord pricing power. We treated it as a reality-check alongside BEAC data. |
| World Bank Data (Inflation) | It's a standardized, comparable dataset used widely by researchers and policymakers. | We used it to anchor a conservative baseline for expected nominal rent changes. We then reconciled it with local market signals from listings. |
| INSTAT Gabon | INSTAT is Gabon's official national statistics producer for consumer price data. | We used it as an official inflation reference point close to our January 2026 viewpoint. We treated it as the official side of our rent-growth analysis. |
| SEEG (Utility Company) | It's the national water and electricity utility's own tariff documentation. | We used it to describe utilities landlords and tenants may pay and why bills can vary. We also used it to justify realistic utility allowances in cost planning. |
| SUEZ | SUEZ is a major global utility operator with direct involvement in Gabon's water infrastructure. | We used it to contextualize water reliability and investment trends. We treated it as infrastructure context relevant to tenant preferences and rent premiums. |
| Reuters | Reuters is a top-tier international wire service with explicit sourcing on policy changes. | We used it to flag the new housing tax planned for January 2026. We treated it as a watch item for monthly costs separate from rent itself. |
| Wise | It's a widely used FX platform with transparent historical exchange rate snapshots. | We used it only to provide rough USD equivalents for readers paid in dollars. We kept XAF as the main unit since rents are quoted locally in CFA francs. |
| Numbeo | It's a transparent, contributor-based cost-of-living database that provides rent ranges. | We used it as a sanity-check benchmark and to define plausible rent bands by unit type. We reconciled it with live local listings rather than relying on it alone. |
| Expatistan | It's a structured cost-of-living dataset with explicit price points and square meter units. | We used it to triangulate rent-per-square-meter for furnished, expensive-area housing. We then cross-checked against Numbeo and listing prices. |
| CoinAfrique | It's a major classifieds marketplace in Francophone Africa with timestamped listings and asking prices. | We used it for current asking rent signals by neighborhood in Libreville. We treated these as asking rents and discounted slightly to estimate typical signed rents. |
| Gabonhome | It's a local Gabon housing portal with concrete unit specifications and published dates. | We used it as an additional local cross-check for what 2-bedroom apartments in central areas look like in XAF. We validated that our central-city band wasn't drifting too high or low. |
| Wikipedia (Libreville) | It consolidates commonly accepted district names and basic city structure with citations. | We used it only to confirm widely used district names like Batterie IV, Quartier Louis, Glass, and Lalala. We did not use it for prices, only geography context. |
| Petit Futé | It's a long-running travel publisher with concrete neighborhood breakdowns for Libreville. | We used it to enrich neighborhood examples with locally used names. We then mapped those names back to listing data from CoinAfrique for rent tiers. |
| Gabon4you | It's a local guide to communes and neighborhoods in the Greater Libreville area. | We used it to identify family-friendly areas like Akanda. We cross-referenced these with listing patterns to understand where families typically rent. |
| Wikivoyage | It's a collaborative travel guide with practical information about Libreville's layout and transport. | We used it to understand the Owendo corridor and transit-adjacent areas. We mapped this to rental demand patterns near the port and rail terminus. |
| Omar Bongo University | It's Gabon's main university and a key driver of student housing demand in Libreville. | We used it to understand seasonal demand patterns tied to the academic calendar. We also identified student-focused rental areas near the campus. |
| Le Pratique du Gabon | It's a local practical guide to Libreville's neighborhoods and administrative areas. | We used it to identify expat-preferred areas like Centre-Ville and Vallée Sainte-Marie. We mapped these to the premium rent segment in our analysis. |
| Expat.com | It's a major expat community platform with housing listings and tenant discussions for Gabon. | We used it to understand tenant preferences and landlord-tenant customs in Libreville. We treated it as qualitative context alongside quantitative listing data. |
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