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
Buying a house in Yaoundé requires understanding Cameroon's unique property laws, which allow foreigners to purchase residential properties but restrict direct land ownership. The process involves multiple government approvals, notarized documentation, and can take 2-6 months to complete with total costs reaching 8-15% of the property value.
Foreign buyers can legally purchase houses and apartments in Yaoundé, but land ownership requires special permits and ministerial approval. The buying process involves eleven key steps from property search to final registration, with mandatory documents including land title deeds, certificates of non-encumbrance, and notarized sales agreements.
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.
Foreigners can buy houses and apartments in Yaoundé but need special permits for land ownership.
The complete purchase process takes 2-6 months and costs 8-15% of property value in fees and taxes.
| Aspect | Details | Cost/Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Property Types Available | Houses, apartments, commercial properties | Land requires permits |
| Purchase Process | 11-step process with notary involvement | 2-6 months |
| Total Costs | Notary fees, registration, taxes | 8-15% of property value |
| Documentation | 9 mandatory documents required | Processing varies |
| Financing Options | Cash or mortgage (12-15% interest) | Higher down payment required |
| Popular Areas | Bastos, Golf, Omnisport neighborhoods | Premium pricing |
| Legal Protection | Basic protection with enforcement challenges | Lawyer essential |
What property types can foreigners legally buy in Yaoundé and what are the restrictions?
Foreigners can legally purchase houses, apartments, and commercial properties in Yaoundé without major restrictions.
However, direct freehold land ownership requires government approval and ministerial endorsement. Land purchases are subject to specific restrictions, including exclusions near borders and strategic areas designated by Cameroonian authorities.
Most residential property transactions involve buildings rather than raw land, making the process more straightforward for foreign buyers. When land is involved, foreigners typically receive leaseholds or special permits rather than outright ownership rights.
As of September 2025, the Cameroonian government maintains these restrictions to preserve national security interests while still allowing foreign investment in the residential property market.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
Can you purchase a home in Yaoundé without physically being in Cameroon?
Yes, you can purchase property in Yaoundé without being physically present in Cameroon by granting a power of attorney to a trusted local representative.
The remote purchase process requires appointing a qualified local lawyer or representative who will handle document submission, price negotiations, and property registration on your behalf. All power of attorney documents must be properly notarized and witnessed according to Cameroonian legal requirements.
Remote purchases demand rigorous coordination and enhanced due diligence to prevent fraud. Your appointed representative will need to conduct property visits, verify documentation, and handle all interactions with notaries, government offices, and sellers.
The power of attorney must specify exact authorities granted to your representative, including signing contracts, making payments, and completing registration procedures. This approach adds complexity but enables international buyers to complete transactions from abroad.
What are the step-by-step stages of buying a house in Yaoundé?
The Yaoundé house purchase process follows eleven distinct stages from initial search to final ownership transfer.
- Property Search: Identify suitable properties through real estate agencies, online listings, or direct contact with sellers
- Due Diligence: Verify property ownership, title validity, and check for encumbrances while consulting a qualified lawyer
- Offer and Negotiation: Submit formal purchase offer and negotiate terms including price, payment schedule, and completion timeline
- Preliminary Agreement: Draft comprehensive sales agreement with notary or lawyer involvement to establish binding terms
- Document Collection: Gather all mandatory and recommended documents required for the transaction
- Official Approval: Seek ministerial ratification if the purchase involves land ownership rather than just building ownership
- Payment Transfer: Transfer purchase funds while ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations
- Conveyance Signing: Sign the notarized deed of sale at an official notary public office
- Registration Submission: Submit signed deed, survey plan, and supporting documents to the land registry office
- Certificate Issuance: Wait for land registry to update records and issue certificate of ownership or title
- Transfer and Possession: Receive property keys and take physical possession of your new home
Each stage requires specific documentation and may involve waiting periods for government processing, particularly for steps involving ministerial approval or land registry updates.
Which documents are mandatory for the transaction and which are recommended?
Property purchases in Yaoundé require nine mandatory documents that must be provided for legal completion.
| Document Type | Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Passport or National ID | Mandatory | Identity verification for buyer and seller |
| Land Title Deed | Mandatory | Proves current ownership and property boundaries |
| Certificate of Non-Encumbrance | Mandatory | Confirms no outstanding liens or claims |
| Proof of Payment Receipt | Mandatory | Documents purchase transaction for authorities |
| Notarized Sales Agreement | Mandatory | Legal contract binding both parties |
| Survey Plan/Cadastral Map | Mandatory | Defines exact property boundaries and size |
| Town Planning Certificate | Mandatory | Confirms property complies with zoning laws |
| Local Authority Authorization | Mandatory (if applicable) | Special permissions for restricted areas |
| Certificate of Habitation | Mandatory | Confirms building is suitable for residential use |
Recommended optional documents include power of attorney for remote purchases, technical surveys for risk assessment, legal opinions from qualified lawyers, municipal compliance certificates, and previous tax payment receipts.
Don't lose money on your property in Yaoundé
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
How long does the entire process take from offer to registration?
The complete purchase and registration process in Yaoundé typically requires 2-6 months from initial offer to completed ownership registration.
Timeline variations depend primarily on whether land ownership approval is required and how efficiently documents are compiled and processed by government agencies. Purchases involving only building ownership without land rights generally complete faster than transactions requiring ministerial endorsement.
The documentation collection phase often represents the longest component, particularly when gathering certificates from multiple government offices. Land registry processing alone can take 4-8 weeks once all documents are submitted.
Remote purchases may extend timelines due to additional coordination requirements and power of attorney processing. Planning for 4-6 months provides a realistic timeframe that accounts for potential delays in government approvals.
What are all the taxes, fees, and hidden costs involved in the purchase?
Property purchase costs in Yaoundé typically total 8-15% of the property value when including all taxes, fees, and administrative charges.
The largest expense is notary fees, ranging from 4-10% of the sale price on a tiered structure based on property value. Registration fees add another 5% of the sale price for official title registration with government authorities.
Additional mandatory costs include land registration at 1% of sale price, title issuance at 2% of purchase price, and stamp duty at a fixed 2,000 CFA francs. Sellers typically pay capital gains tax at 5% for urban properties or 10% for rural properties when applicable.
Ongoing costs include annual property tax at 0.1% of property value. Budget for additional expenses such as technical surveys, legal fees, municipal compliance fees, and potential currency conversion charges for international buyers.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
Is it possible to buy entirely in cash and are there advantages?
Purchasing entirely in cash is legal and commonly practiced in Yaoundé's real estate market.
Cash purchases require transparency and comprehensive documentation for anti-money laundering compliance, including official transaction receipts, proof of legitimate fund sources, and detailed record-keeping throughout the process.
The main advantages include faster transaction completion by avoiding bank loan delays and eliminating mortgage interest payments over time. Cash buyers often have stronger negotiating positions and can close deals more quickly than financed purchasers.
However, large cash transactions may attract scrutiny from financial authorities, requiring additional documentation to prove fund legitimacy. Cash purchases also offer less financial leverage compared to mortgage-financed acquisitions, requiring larger upfront capital commitments.
Do mortgages exist for foreigners and what are the conditions?
Mortgages are available to foreigners in Cameroon, but they require extensive documentation and typically involve stricter conditions than those offered to local buyers.
Interest rates for foreign borrowers typically range from 12-15% annually, with higher down payment requirements often exceeding 30-40% of property value. Banks generally require proof of legal residency, comprehensive asset verification, and robust financial statements demonstrating income stability.
Major reputable banks with established expat lending programs offer the best approval chances. Successful applications require presenting complete documentation, proof of reliable income sources, and engaging local lawyers to navigate specific bank requirements.
Consider negotiating shorter loan terms or providing partial self-funding to improve approval odds. Joint ventures with local partners may also help secure better lending terms and conditions.
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 reliable are real estate agents in Yaoundé and what should you watch out for?
Real estate agent reliability varies significantly in Yaoundé, with registered agencies offering more transparency while informal agents pose higher fraud risks.
Reputable agencies include Yaoundé IMMOBILIER, Agence Immobilière et d'Ingénierie du Cameroun (Agiicam), Mapiole, and LM PLATINUM ESTATES, which maintain proper licensing and established business practices.
Key warning signs include agents who rush transactions, hide fees, refuse to provide transparent paperwork, or pressure you into quick decisions without proper due diligence periods.
Always verify agency licensing and reputation before engaging services. Prefer agents with physical offices, verifiable references, and willingness to work with licensed notaries for transactions while allowing independent legal reviews.
Will the legal system protect you as a foreign buyer and what precautions should you take?
The Cameroonian legal system offers basic protection to foreign buyers, but enforcement inconsistencies and slow court processes create potential vulnerabilities.
Contract enforcement can be unpredictable, and interpreting customary land rights adds complexity to property disputes. Court proceedings often take extended periods, making prevention more valuable than legal remedies after problems arise.
Essential precautions include obtaining all statutory and recommended documents, using licensed notaries and qualified lawyers, and never releasing payments until official deeds are signed and registered with authorities.
Conduct personal or agent-led property visits to verify physical existence and confirm no encumbrances exist. Retain copies of all transaction records, communications, and legal documents for future reference and potential dispute resolution.
What are the most common mistakes foreigners make when buying in Yaoundé?
Foreign buyers frequently make preventable mistakes that lead to legal complications, financial losses, or prolonged disputes.
- Skipping legal due diligence - Failing to verify ownership, title validity, or existing encumbrances before purchase
- Using informal agents - Relying on unlicensed or unregistered agents who lack proper qualifications or accountability
- Not confirming title validity - Proceeding without verifying that sellers actually own the property being sold
- Ignoring ministerial approval requirements - Purchasing land without securing required government endorsements
- Failing to validate boundaries - Not obtaining proper surveys to confirm exact property limits and prevent neighbor disputes
- Underestimating costs and timelines - Poor budgeting for total expenses and unrealistic completion expectations
- Neglecting ongoing obligations - Ignoring annual property taxes and local compliance requirements after purchase
Prevention strategies include always engaging qualified local lawyers and licensed notaries, verifying all agent credentials and reputation, obtaining comprehensive ownership documentation, securing proper government approvals, demanding technical surveys and boundary verification, and budgeting adequately for all costs while building in timeline buffers.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with foreigners and why?
Foreign buyers in Yaoundé gravitate toward specific neighborhoods that offer security, amenities, and international community presence.
Bastos remains the top choice due to its diplomatic area status, embassy locations, modern apartment complexes, and enhanced security measures. The Golf neighborhood attracts buyers seeking upscale residential properties, quiet environments, and proximity to recreational amenities.
Omnisport appeals to foreigners interested in newer developments, improved infrastructure, and access to international schools. Nkoldongo offers mixed residential options with good rental investment potential for buyers seeking income-generating properties.
Melen and Mendong represent emerging mid-to-upper market areas experiencing growth with varied property supply and competitive pricing. The Central Business District attracts foreign investors focused on commercial properties and proximity to business centers.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon 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.
Buying property in Yaoundé requires careful navigation of Cameroonian real estate laws, which allow foreign ownership of buildings but restrict land ownership through permit requirements.
Success depends on thorough due diligence, proper documentation, qualified legal representation, and realistic budgeting for the 8-15% total transaction costs involved in the purchase process.
Sources
- Halle Law - Foreign Property Investment Guide
- TheAfricanvestor - Cameroon Real Estate for Foreigners
- Djoukang and Partners - Land Purchase Guide
- CFB Holding - Property Buying Guide
- TheAfricanvestor - Moving to Cameroon Guide
- Edanate Lawyers - Land Purchase Steps
- PwC Tax Summaries - Cameroon Taxes
- IPRJB - Legal Property Framework Study