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
Gabon's property market presents a unique investment landscape in Central Africa.
As of September 2025, property prices in Libreville average $1,200 per square meter, with Port-Gentil offering opportunities at around $960 per square meter. The market has experienced significant growth over the past five years but is now stabilizing, making it an interesting time to evaluate investment potential.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Gabon, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Gabon's real estate market offers moderate opportunities with average prices of $1,200/m² in Libreville and $960/m² in Port-Gentil.
Foreign buyers face restrictions with leasehold-only ownership and high transaction costs of 15-20%.
| Location | Price per m² (USD) | Rental Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libreville Apartments | $1,200 | 5-7% | Expat rentals |
| Libreville Houses | $1,100 | 4-6% | Family living |
| Port-Gentil | $960 | 6-8% | Oil worker housing |
| Secondary Cities | $700-900 | 2-5% | Long-term hold |
| Transaction Costs | 15-20% | - | All purchases |
| Mortgage Rates | 8-10% | - | Local buyers |
| Ownership Type | 99-year lease | - | Foreigners only |
What's the current price per square meter for apartments and houses in Gabon?
Property prices in Gabon vary significantly between major cities and secondary markets.
In Libreville, the capital and largest city, apartments and houses average $1,200 per square meter as of September 2025. High-end properties in prime locations can reach $1,500 per square meter, while basic units start around $450 per square meter.
Port-Gentil, the oil capital, offers more affordable options at approximately $960 per square meter, representing about 20% savings compared to Libreville. This pricing reflects the city's strong demand from oil industry workers but lower overall cost of living.
Secondary cities across Gabon typically range between $700-900 per square meter. Koulamoutou stands out among emerging cities, showing rapid growth due to urbanization and new development projects.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
How do property prices compare between Libreville, Port-Gentil, and smaller cities?
Price differences between Gabonese cities reflect economic activity, infrastructure, and demand patterns.
| City | Average Price/m² (USD) | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Libreville | $1,200 | Capital premium, government sector, highest amenities |
| Port-Gentil | $960 | Oil industry hub, strong rental demand |
| Koulamoutou | $850 | Fastest-growing secondary city |
| Franceville | $750 | University town, stable demand |
| Oyem | $700 | Border city, lower costs |
| Lambaréné | $700 | Historical significance, limited growth |
| Mouila | $650 | Rural center, basic infrastructure |
What rental yields can you expect from apartments versus houses by location?
Rental yields in Gabon's property market show clear geographical and property type variations.
Libreville apartments deliver 5-7% yields, particularly strong in city center locations catering to expats, NGO workers, and business travelers. Short-term rental demand drives higher yields for well-located properties with modern amenities.
Libreville houses in suburban areas generate 4-6% yields, appealing to families seeking longer lease terms and more space. These properties typically attract diplomatic families and senior executives.
Port-Gentil leads yield performance at 6-8% across both apartments and houses, driven by oil industry demand and limited quality housing supply. The city's strategic importance to Gabon's petroleum sector creates consistent rental demand from international workers.
Secondary cities offer lower yields of 2-5% but provide more stability for long-term investors willing to accept reduced returns for lower volatility.
How have property values changed over the past five years and what's the outlook?
Gabon's property market has experienced dramatic shifts over the recent five-year period.
Property values surged 86.65% between 2019-2024 in Libreville and national averages, driven by oil price recovery, infrastructure investments, and limited housing supply. This remarkable growth outpaced most African markets during the same period.
However, the longer ten-year trend shows -13.3% real growth, indicating the market underwent significant correction after an earlier boom period. This suggests current pricing may reflect more sustainable levels.
The forecast for 2025-2026 predicts stable to slight decline of 0% to -2%, as the market consolidates recent gains. Economic reforms and diversification efforts may support moderate growth through 2030, but rapid appreciation is unlikely.
Regional variations exist, with Port-Gentil showing more volatility tied to oil sector cycles, while Libreville demonstrates greater stability due to diversified economic base.
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What are the transaction costs, taxes, and fees when buying property in Gabon?
Property transaction costs in Gabon are substantial and significantly impact overall investment returns.
Total transaction costs range from 15-20% of the property's purchase price, among the highest in the region. The primary component is an 8% transfer tax applied to all property transactions.
Notarial and legal fees add another 3-5% to transaction costs. These cover property title verification, contract preparation, and registration with government authorities.
Foreign buyers face additional restrictions, as they can only acquire long-term leaseholds up to 99 years, never full freehold ownership. This limitation affects both acquisition costs and resale potential.
Ongoing costs include rental income tax of 5% for individuals or 20% for corporate ownership. The legal process typically involves multi-week due diligence, government approval periods of 1-3 months, and notarial deed registration.
Which budget ranges offer the best opportunities and growth potential?
The mid-range property segment dominates Gabon's most active and promising market segment.
Properties priced between $60,000-$150,000 represent the sweet spot for steady returns and liquidity. This range aligns with young professionals, growing families, and retirees seeking quality housing without luxury premiums.
The affordable segment in fast-growing satellite cities shows strong growth potential, particularly in areas like Koulamoutou where urbanization drives demand. Entry-level properties benefit from population growth and infrastructure development.
High-end luxury properties above $300,000 face limited growth prospects due to narrow buyer pools consisting mainly of expatriate diplomats and senior executives. These properties experience longer sale times and less predictable appreciation.
Budget positioning should consider local income levels, with median household incomes supporting the mid-range segment most effectively across urban centers.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
How difficult is it to resell property and what are typical timeframes?
Property liquidity in Gabon varies significantly by location and price segment.
Libreville and Port-Gentil offer relatively higher liquidity, with average transaction times spanning several months depending on property segment and pricing. Well-priced mid-range properties typically sell faster than luxury or entry-level options.
Secondary cities experience slower sales cycles, with properties potentially remaining on market for six months to over a year. However, emerging markets like Koulamoutou show improving liquidity due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development.
The most resalable properties fall within the mid-range segment, as premium luxury properties face limited buyer pools and longer marketing periods. Location within city centers or near major employment hubs significantly improves resale prospects.
Foreign ownership restrictions complicate resales, as buyers must also accept leasehold arrangements rather than freehold ownership. This limitation can extend marketing periods and reduce buyer interest.
How do long-term appreciation prospects vary by region?
Regional appreciation potential reflects economic fundamentals and development patterns across Gabon.
1. **City centers (Libreville, Port-Gentil)**: Offer best resilience and liquidity due to established infrastructure, employment centers, and amenities 2. **Coastal areas around Port-Gentil**: Benefit from oil sector stability but remain vulnerable to commodity price volatility 3. **Inland emerging cities**: Present higher growth potential with lower entry prices, particularly Koulamoutou's rapid development 4. **Border regions**: Face limited appreciation due to infrastructure constraints and economic isolation 5. **Tourist coastal areas**: Show moderate potential if tourism development materializesInfrastructure development plans, including road improvements and utility expansion, will significantly influence regional appreciation patterns. Areas receiving government investment priority demonstrate better long-term prospects.
What financing options exist for local and foreign buyers?
Financing availability in Gabon's property market remains challenging, particularly for foreign investors.
Local buyers can access mortgages through domestic banks, but terms are expensive with typical rates of 8-10% and maximum terms up to 15 years. These high rates significantly limit affordability and restrict demand, especially outside major cities.
Foreign buyers face even greater financing challenges, with loan availability rare and costly when available. Rates for foreigners typically range from 7.75-13%, with complicated approval processes involving bureaucratic delays.
Most foreign property purchases rely on cash transactions or external financing arranged in buyers' home countries. This cash-heavy market creates barriers for many potential investors but also opportunities for those with available capital.
The high interest rate environment reduces overall market activity and favors cash buyers, creating potential negotiation advantages for well-funded investors.
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.
Which property types are most in demand and for what purposes?
Property demand in Gabon follows clear patterns based on user profiles and economic drivers.
Apartments dominate demand for expat housing and short-term rentals, particularly in Libreville's business districts and Port-Gentil's oil sector areas. Modern apartments with amenities attract NGO workers, business travelers, and international professionals.
Houses and villas appeal to families and upper middle-class buyers seeking space and privacy. These properties work well for longer-term family rentals and owner-occupation by senior executives and diplomatic personnel.
High-rise modern apartments represent a growing trend, especially developments with security, parking, and modern utilities. Eco-friendly homes also show increasing interest among environmentally conscious buyers.
Land purchases attract investors planning future development, though foreign ownership restrictions limit this market segment. Raw land in emerging growth areas offers potential for patient investors willing to hold long-term.
What risks and barriers do foreign investors face in Gabon?
Foreign property investment in Gabon involves several significant challenges and restrictions.
1. **Ownership limitations**: Foreigners can only acquire long-term leaseholds up to 99 years, never full freehold ownership of land 2. **Bureaucratic delays**: Long approval and registration periods create uncertainty and carrying costs 3. **Infrastructure inefficiencies**: Legal system gaps and corruption risks complicate transactions 4. **Currency risks**: Central African franc exposure and potential devaluation concerns 5. **Political stability**: Government policy changes could affect foreign investment rules 6. **Market transparency**: Limited reliable market data makes due diligence challenging 7. **Exit restrictions**: Resale limitations and capital repatriation rules may constrain investment liquidityThese risks require careful legal advice and thorough due diligence before committing capital to Gabonese property investments.
Where should you buy today and what type of property makes sense?
Current market conditions favor strategic positioning in specific locations and property types.
For living purposes, focus on mid-range apartments or houses in Libreville or Port-Gentil, close to business districts and social amenities. These locations offer the best combination of lifestyle quality and property performance.
For rental investment, apartments in Libreville target the short-term expat and NGO market, while Port-Gentil properties benefit from consistent oil sector demand. Both cities provide strong rental yields and reliable tenant bases.
For resale potential, concentrate on properties in major urban centers and emerging secondary cities like Koulamoutou. Avoid ultra-high-end luxury properties and ultra-low budget options, as both segments show limited liquidity.
Budget positioning in the $60,000-$150,000 range offers optimal balance of affordability, demand, and growth potential. This segment attracts the broadest buyer pool and demonstrates strongest transaction activity.
It's something we develop in our Gabon property pack.
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.
Gabon's property market presents mixed opportunities with moderate yields and significant barriers for foreign investors.
Mid-range properties in Libreville and Port-Gentil offer the best balance of risk and return for investors willing to navigate ownership restrictions and high transaction costs.
Sources
- TheAfricanvestor - Gabon Price Forecasts
- TheAfricanvestor - Gabon Real Estate Forecasts
- TheAfricanvestor - Gabon Real Estate for Foreigners
- TheAfricanvestor - Gabon Real Estate Market
- Global Property Guide - Gabon Square Meter Prices
- IMF - Gabon Economic Analysis 2025
- Statista - Gabon Residential Real Estate Outlook
- Global Property Guide - Gabon Rental Yields