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
Thinking about starting an Airbnb in Yaoundé? You're probably wondering if it's actually worth it in 2026.
This guide covers everything from legal requirements to realistic profit numbers, so you can decide based on real data.
We constantly update this article with fresh numbers and regulatory changes.
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 Yaoundé.
Insights
- The average Airbnb in Yaoundé generates around $1,700/month gross, but after expenses most hosts keep $650 to $950 net.
- Yaoundé's occupancy rate sits at roughly 29% (8 to 10 booked nights/month), making operational efficiency critical for profitability.
- Bastos remains Yaoundé's priciest Airbnb neighborhood in 2026, with nightly rates between $85 and $130 driven by expat and diplomat demand.
- There's no Yaoundé-specific Airbnb ordinance, but commercial hosting falls under Cameroon's tourism and business registration rules.
- Backup power and reliable Wi-Fi are table stakes in Yaoundé; listings without them struggle to compete.
- One-bedroom apartments get the most bookings because Yaoundé's demand comes mainly from solo business travelers and consultants.
- The $35 to $60/night bracket is most crowded, leaving white space at the $90 to $120 premium business-ready segment.
- Top hosts in Yaoundé achieve 38% to 47% occupancy, 10 to 18 percentage points above average hosts.
- Demand spikes come from conferences at Palais des Congrès and match days at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, not traditional tourist seasons.
- Running multiple Airbnbs is legal but significantly increases tax scrutiny and licensing requirements.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Yaoundé in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term renting through Airbnb is allowed in Yaoundé, though there's no city-specific ordinance like in Paris or New York.
The main legal framework falls under Cameroon's broader tourism laws, particularly the 2016 Tourism and Leisure Law and related decrees on tourism establishments.
The key point: frequent, commercial hosting (versus occasional home-sharing) makes you subject to business registration and potentially tourism licensing requirements.
Penalties for unregistered commercial accommodation can include fines and back taxes, though enforcement focuses on larger operations rather than small-scale hosts.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Cameroon.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Cameroon.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there are no official minimum-stay rules or maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnb rentals in Yaoundé.
These rules don't differ by property type or host residency status because Yaoundé simply doesn't have such regulations, meaning you can rent as frequently as you like.
Your constraints come from your lease agreement, condo/HOA rules, and your compliance posture with business and tax registration if operating commercially.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Yaoundé right now?
There's no primary residence requirement for operating an Airbnb in Yaoundé, so you don't have to live in the property you rent out.
Secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate as short-term rentals, and this is common in expat-heavy districts like Bastos and Golf.
However, operating a secondary home makes your activity look more like a business, so plan for tax registration and potentially tourism licensing depending on scale.
The main difference: secondary homes attract more tax scrutiny and may require more formal business registration.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Yaoundé
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Yaoundé right now?
Yes, you can run multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Yaoundé, as there's no published limit on properties per host.
However, multiple units strongly signal commercial activity, which significantly changes your risk profile.
Expect to need proper business registration, a taxpayer ID, and potentially tourism establishment licensing depending on how you operate.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, if you operate commercially, you'll need business registration and tax identification through MINFI, plus potentially tourism licensing depending on scale and how hotel-like your operation looks.
The process involves registering with tax authorities, obtaining a taxpayer card, and if operating multiple units with staff, pursuing authorization from the tourism ministry.
Documents required include proof of identity, property ownership or lease authorization, and registration forms from the Directorate General of Taxation.
Budget 50,000 to 150,000 CFA francs ($80 to $250) for initial registration, plus ongoing compliance costs.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there are no documented neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Yaoundé.
In practice, restrictions come from building-level rules, security requirements in gated compounds mandating guest ID procedures, and occasional urban planning enforcement for noise complaints.
Some high-security areas have de facto restrictions through strict compound rules, but these are property-level rather than government-mandated.
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.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Yaoundé in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly price (ADR) in Yaoundé is approximately $60 (37,000 CFA francs, 55 euros), with the median around $55 (34,000 CFA francs, 50 euros).
Roughly 80% of listings fall within $35 to $110/night (22,000 to 68,000 CFA francs, 32 to 100 euros), reflecting the gap between budget studios and premium apartments.
Neighborhood is the biggest pricing factor, with expat-heavy Bastos commanding nearly double the rates of residential districts like Biyem-Assi.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Yaoundé.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, nightly Airbnb prices range from $35 (22,000 CFA francs, 32 euros) in Biyem-Assi and Mendong to $130 (80,000 CFA francs, 120 euros) in premium Bastos.
Highest-priced neighborhoods: Bastos ($85 to $130, 52,000 to 80,000 CFA francs), Golf and Tsinga ($70 to $110, 43,000 to 68,000 CFA francs), and Quartier Fouda ($70 to $100, 43,000 to 62,000 CFA francs).
Lowest-priced: Biyem-Assi and Mendong ($35 to $60, 22,000 to 37,000 CFA francs), Odza ($35 to $65, 22,000 to 40,000 CFA francs), and Ngousso ($45 to $80, 28,000 to 50,000 CFA francs), though these still attract steady demand from price-conscious travelers and visiting families.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, Yaoundé's typical Airbnb occupancy averages around 29%, roughly 8 to 10 booked nights monthly.
Most listings fall between 25% and 33% occupancy depending on neighborhood, property quality, and host responsiveness.
This is lower than beach resorts, reflecting Yaoundé's business-capital nature where demand comes in spikes rather than steady leisure tourism.
The biggest factor for above-average occupancy is operational reliability: fast responses, consistent cleaning, reliable Wi-Fi, and backup power solutions.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, average monthly revenue per active Airbnb listing in Yaoundé is approximately $1,700 (1,050,000 CFA francs, 1,550 euros).
Roughly 80% of listings earn $900 to $2,400 monthly (550,000 to 1,480,000 CFA francs, 820 to 2,190 euros), varying by property, location, and host quality.
Top performers in Bastos can achieve $2,500 to $3,500 monthly (1,540,000 to 2,160,000 CFA francs). A well-run Bastos apartment at $110/night with 38% occupancy generates around $1,250; at 50% occupancy, that pushes toward $1,650.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Yaoundé.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, low-season revenue in Yaoundé ranges from $1,200 to $1,450 (740,000 to 895,000 CFA francs, 1,090 to 1,320 euros), while high season brings $1,900 to $2,400 (1,170,000 to 1,480,000 CFA francs, 1,730 to 2,190 euros).
Unlike beach destinations, Yaoundé's seasons follow business and conference calendars: high season coincides with major conference periods, low season with government/business slowdowns.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, monthly operating expenses range from $450 to $750 (280,000 to 460,000 CFA francs, 410 to 685 euros) for lean self-managed apartments, up to $1,100 to $2,200 (680,000 to 1,360,000 CFA francs) for villas with security and garden maintenance.
The largest expense: utilities plus backup power (generator fuel/inverter maintenance), easily $100 to $250 monthly depending on reliability needs.
Expect to spend 35% to 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, higher if using property managers or staffed villas.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Yaoundé.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a well-run Yaoundé apartment is $650 to $950 (400,000 to 585,000 CFA francs, 595 to 870 euros), roughly $22 to $32 profit per available night.
The range spans from $300 for average hosts up to $1,600 (185,000 to 985,000 CFA francs) for strong performers in Bastos.
Most hosts achieve 35% to 55% net profit margins, with higher margins for self-managed properties.
Break-even occupancy is around 15% to 20%, meaning you need 5 to 6 booked nights monthly just to cover operating expenses.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Yaoundé, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
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 competitive is Airbnb in Yaoundé as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there are approximately 850 to 900 active Airbnb and Vrbo listings in Yaoundé.
This has grown steadily as property owners recognize Yaoundé's business travel opportunity, though growth remains moderate compared to major tourist destinations.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, most saturated Airbnb neighborhoods in Yaoundé are Bastos, Nlongkak, Tsinga, Golf, Essos, and Elig-Edzoa.
These areas became saturated because they combine expat concentration, newer buildings, better security perception, and embassy proximity, creating a self-reinforcing loop.
Undersaturated opportunities: Ngousso (hospital/medical visitor traffic), Odza (airport convenience), and Biyem-Assi/Mendong (price-conscious and longer-stay guests).
What local events spike demand in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, main demand spikes come from conferences at Palais des Congrès, match days at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, major concerts, and diplomatic/NGO workshop weeks.
During peak events, booking inquiries increase 30% to 60%, and hosts can raise rates 20% to 40% without losing bookings.
To capture this demand, monitor the Palais des Congrès calendar and adjust pricing 2 to 3 weeks before major gatherings, as business travelers book close to travel dates.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, top-performing Yaoundé hosts achieve 38% to 47% occupancy (11 to 14 booked nights monthly).
Average hosts see 25% to 30% (7 to 9 nights), a 10 to 18 percentage point gap translating to hundreds of dollars in revenue difference.
New hosts typically need 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels, assuming quality photos, fast responses, and reliable amenities.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Yaoundé.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Yaoundé right now?
In Yaoundé, reliable Wi-Fi is the #1 filter for business travelers, and listings without it struggle badly.
Competitive listings universally offer backup power, hot water, security features (guards/gated compounds), good bedding with AC in main bedroom, and equipped kitchens for longer stays.
The biggest differentiator: a clear "reliability story" with transparent power backup communication and consistent cleaning/check-in processes.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Yaoundé right now?
The most crowded price range is $35 to $85/night (22,000 to 52,000 CFA francs, 32 to 78 euros), covering most studios and standard apartments.
White space exists at the premium end: $90 to $120/night (55,000 to 74,000 CFA francs) for business-ready apartments in Bastos/Golf/Tsinga, and family-oriented 2 to 3BR units with parking in Ngousso/Odza.
Success requires reliable backup power, consistent Wi-Fi, professional photos, secure parking, and polished check-in processes appealing to consultants and NGO professionals.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Yaoundé right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, one-bedroom apartments get the most bookings in Yaoundé, followed closely by two-bedrooms.
Booking breakdown: 1BRs capture roughly 40%, 2BRs around 30%, studios about 15%, and 3BR+ units the remaining 15%.
One-bedrooms win because Yaoundé's demand is dominated by solo business travelers, consultants, and NGO staff needing workspace but not extra bedrooms.
What property type performs best in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, modern furnished apartments (studios through 2BRs) perform best in Yaoundé, offering the best balance of demand and manageable costs.
Occupancy by type: apartments average 28% to 32%, duplexes 25% to 30% when well-located, villas 20% to 28% with higher volatility.
Apartments win because business travelers reward reliability and location, easiest to deliver in well-managed buildings with security; villas involve more maintenance and a narrower guest profile.
What location traits boost bookings in Yaoundé right now?
Booking-boosting traits: fast access to Bastos and central areas, good roads with less flooding/traffic, secure parking, walkable basics (pharmacy, supermarket), and quiet nights.
Micro-location matters significantly: two properties in the same neighborhood can have vastly different experiences if one sits on a potholed, flood-prone side road.
Most important: a clear "reliability story" with secure entry, consistent utilities, and professional management. Business travelers pay premiums for properties that won't surprise them.
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 Yaoundé, 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.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| AirDNA Yaoundé Market Overview | Widely used STR data provider tracking Airbnb/Vrbo at city level. | We used it as our anchor for listings, occupancy, ADR, and revenue, then cross-checked against what hosts realistically charge in Yaoundé. |
| AirDNA Help Center | Explains how AirDNA calculates occupancy, ADR, revenue, and listings. | We used it to interpret metrics and convert market averages into conservative profit estimates. |
| DGI General Taxation Code | Cameroon's official tax authority hosting the primary tax code. | We used it to ground business tax compliance discussion and as the backstop for what taxes exist. |
| DGI Code Général des Impôts 2025 | Official DGI page for updated tax code. | We used it to confirm tax code timing and avoid outdated third-party summaries. |
| DGI Taxe de Séjour Form | Primary tax authority document on accommodation tax. | We used it to confirm accommodation is a tax-relevant category and estimate compliance work. |
| MINFI Business Setup | Ministry of Finance explaining business creation and tax registration. | We used it to outline the paperwork pathway and keep legal sections grounded. |
| Cameroon Tourism Law (2016) | Full legal text governing tourism/leisure activities. | We used it to frame hosting under tourism activity and justify compliance questions. |
| Decree No. 99/443/PM | Official decree on tourism establishment authorization. | We used it to support licensing requirements for tourism establishments. |
| Decree No. 95/539 | PM Office decree on tourism license fees. | We used it to show established licensing/fee structures. |
| MINTOUL Commission Communiqué | Tourism ministry on establishment oversight. | We used it as current context on active ministry oversight around 2026. |
| INS Cameroon Statistics | Official statistics agency publishing economic indicators. | We used it to ground inflation assumptions affecting hosting margins. |
| INS Monthly CPI Note | Official monthly inflation note with publication. | We used it to justify expense buffers for 2026. |
| World Bank Cameroon Update (2025) | Top-tier institution publishing macroeconomic analysis. | We used it to contextualize demand drivers and validate market realism. |
| BEAC Inflation Note | Regional central bank's inflation notes. | We used it to cross-check regional inflation feeding into 2026 costs. |
| MINHDU Urban Planning | Housing ministry portal for planning/land-use texts. | We used it to explain zoning/building rules even without Airbnb-specific regulations. |
| CoinAfrique Furnished Apartments | Large classifieds marketplace showing real asking prices. | We used it to reality-check furnished unit costs and triangulate pricing. |
| MINTOUL Tourism Yearbook | Official tourism sector statistics compilation. | We used it for demand structure context and official sector framing. |
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.
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