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
Yaoundé's rental market offers foreign investors gross yields between 8% and 11%, which is significantly higher than most Western markets.
However, the real challenge in Yaoundé is not nationality restrictions but rather ensuring your property has a proper land certificate, because untitled properties create legal nightmares when tenant disputes arise.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, market data, and on-the-ground realities in Yaoundé's rental property market.
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
- Short-term rental occupancy in Yaoundé averages only 29%, meaning the majority of Airbnb-style listings sit empty most of the month unless they offer reliable power, water, and security.
- Properties in Mfandena, Tsinga, and Biyem-Assi typically achieve better yields than prestigious Bastos because purchase prices are lower while rental demand remains strong.
- A backup generator and water tank system can justify a 15% to 25% rent premium in Yaoundé, making these upgrades among the highest-ROI investments for landlords.
- Yaoundé landlords should budget 1 to 1.5 months of vacancy per year because tenant turnover and payment delays are more common than in formalized rental markets.
- Furnished apartments in Bastos and Golf can command 500,000 XAF or more per month, but only when they meet expat-grade standards including stable internet and 24-hour security.
- The typical net rental yield in Yaoundé drops to 5% to 8% after accounting for property management, maintenance reserves, and the backup infrastructure costs unique to Cameroon.
- Ngoa-Ekellé near the University of Yaoundé I has consistent student rental demand, but landlords must accept smaller unit sizes and more frequent tenant turnover.
- Yaoundé has no enforced rent caps like Paris or Berlin, so landlords can freely set market rates, but overpricing is quickly punished by extended vacancy periods.
Can I legally rent out a property in Yaoundé as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in Yaoundé, though your investment security depends far more on whether the property has a proper land certificate than on your nationality.
The most common ownership structure for foreign investors in Yaoundé is direct freehold ownership backed by a land title (titre foncier) registered through the Ministry of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure (MINDCAF).
The single biggest restriction foreigners face in Yaoundé is not a legal ban but rather the high prevalence of informally documented properties, because buying untitled land exposes you to disputes that can take years to resolve in Cameroonian courts.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Yaoundé.
Do I need residency to rent out in Yaoundé right now?
You do not need to be a resident of Cameroon to rent out property in Yaoundé, but you will need local infrastructure like a property manager to handle day-to-day operations.
In practice, you should register with the Cameroonian tax administration to comply with rental income rules, and a local accountant can set this up for you relatively quickly.
While not legally mandatory, having a local bank account in Yaoundé makes rent collection much smoother and provides clearer documentation for tax purposes than relying solely on international transfers.
Managing a Yaoundé rental entirely from abroad is feasible if you hire a reliable property manager, but you must budget for someone who can handle repairs, power outages, water issues, and tenant disputes on your behalf.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Yaoundé in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting is generally the safer and more profitable choice for most Yaoundé properties unless you own a high-quality unit in a premium neighborhood with reliable utilities.
A well-managed long-term rental in Yaoundé typically generates around 2.4 million XAF per year (roughly 4,250 USD or 4,000 EUR), while a top-performing short-term rental in Bastos might reach 3 to 4 million XAF, but the average short-term listing earns less due to low occupancy.
Short-term renting in Yaoundé only makes financial sense for properties in Bastos, Golf, or Nsimeyong that offer backup power, reliable water, strong Wi-Fi, and professional management to attract expats and business travelers.
What's the average gross rental yield in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Yaoundé ranges from 8% to 11% per year, which is considerably higher than most European or North American markets.
The realistic range spans from about 6% gross yield for premium Bastos properties with high purchase prices to around 12% for well-located mid-market apartments in neighborhoods like Mfandena or Odza.
Studios and small one-bedroom apartments in Yaoundé typically achieve the highest gross yields because their lower purchase prices combined with steady demand from students and young professionals create favorable rent-to-price ratios.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Yaoundé.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic net rental yield after all operating costs in Yaoundé falls between 5% and 8% per year for long-term residential rentals.
Most Yaoundé landlords experience net yields in the 5% to 7% range after accounting for all expenses, though well-optimized properties in high-demand areas can push toward 8%.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield in Yaoundé are property management fees (8% to 12% of rent), backup infrastructure costs (generator maintenance, water systems, security contributions), and vacancy reserves that must be higher than Western markets due to tenant payment risk.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Yaoundé.
What monthly rent can I get in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Yaoundé are around 60,000 to 120,000 XAF (105 to 215 USD or 100 to 200 EUR) for a studio, 100,000 to 220,000 XAF (175 to 390 USD or 165 to 365 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and 180,000 to 350,000 XAF (320 to 620 USD or 300 to 580 EUR) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A decent entry-level studio in Yaoundé rents for approximately 60,000 to 90,000 XAF per month (105 to 160 USD or 100 to 150 EUR) in neighborhoods like Biyem-Assi or Essos.
A typical mid-range one-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé commands around 150,000 to 200,000 XAF per month (265 to 355 USD or 250 to 330 EUR) in well-connected areas like Mfandena or Tsinga.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé rents for approximately 200,000 to 300,000 XAF per month (355 to 530 USD or 330 to 500 EUR), with premium furnished units in Bastos reaching 500,000 XAF or higher.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Yaoundé.
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.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Yaoundé in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Yaoundé ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 XAF (90 to 175 USD or 85 to 165 EUR) for a one-bedroom apartment including all regular expenses.
The realistic range spans from about 35,000 XAF per month (60 USD or 58 EUR) for a low-maintenance studio to around 140,000 XAF per month (250 USD or 230 EUR) for a two-bedroom unit with generator and security contributions.
In Yaoundé specifically, the largest cost category is often the backup infrastructure contribution, including generator fuel and maintenance, water tank systems, and security services, which can exceed property management fees in buildings that serve expat-grade tenants.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Yaoundé.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Yaoundé is approximately 8% to 12% per year, which translates to roughly one to one and a half months of vacancy annually.
Yaoundé landlords should realistically budget for 1 to 1.5 months of vacancy per year because tenant payment delays, lease breaks, and the time needed to find quality tenants are more common in Cameroon's informal rental market than in Western countries.
The main factor causing vacancy rates to vary across Yaoundé neighborhoods is the reliability of utilities, because buildings with stable power, water, and security fill faster while properties with frequent outages sit empty longer.
Tenant turnover in Yaoundé tends to peak around September and October when students move for the academic year, and again in December and January when employment contracts often end or renew.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Yaoundé.
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Where do rentals perform best in Yaoundé in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Yaoundé are Biyem-Assi, Mfandena, and Tsinga due to their strong connectivity, established infrastructure, and broad tenant appeal.
Families in Yaoundé tend to concentrate their rental searches in Odza, Nsimeyong, and Emana because these neighborhoods offer more space, calmer streets, and reasonable access to schools and markets.
Student rental demand in Yaoundé is strongest around Ngoa-Ekellé near the University of Yaoundé I campus and in Soa near the University of Yaoundé II, where smaller units and shared housing are common.
Expats and international professionals in Yaoundé strongly prefer Bastos, Golf, and the upper parts of Nsimeyong because these areas offer the security, embassy proximity, and service standards that foreign tenants expect.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Yaoundé.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Yaoundé are Mfandena, Tsinga, and Biyem-Assi because they combine solid rental demand with purchase prices well below the premium Bastos and Golf areas.
These top-yielding Yaoundé neighborhoods typically achieve gross rental yields in the 9% to 12% range, compared to 6% to 8% in the more expensive diplomatic quarters.
The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to outperform on yield is their balance of infrastructure reliability and price accessibility, meaning tenants still get decent utilities and location while investors pay significantly less per square meter than in Bastos.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Yaoundé.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Yaoundé are Bastos, Golf, and the premium sections of Nsimeyong, where diplomatic and corporate tenants drive prices well above the city average.
A standard apartment in these premium Yaoundé neighborhoods rents for approximately 350,000 to 600,000 XAF per month (620 to 1,065 USD or 580 to 995 EUR), with luxury furnished units exceeding 800,000 XAF.
These neighborhoods command the highest rents in Yaoundé because they offer 24-hour security, proximity to embassies and international organizations, reliable backup power systems, and the only consistent expat-grade housing stock in the city.
The typical tenant profile in Yaoundé's highest-rent neighborhoods includes embassy staff, NGO workers, multinational executives, and wealthy Cameroonian professionals who prioritize security and service reliability over price.
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.
What do tenants actually want in Yaoundé in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Yaoundé are a functional backup power system (generator or inverter), a reliable water supply with tank and pump, and strong security including guards and secure parking.
A backup power system alone can add a 15% to 25% rent premium in Yaoundé because frequent electricity outages make this feature essential for tenants who work from home or simply want refrigeration and lighting to function reliably.
One commonly overrated feature that Yaoundé landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is high-end interior finishes like marble countertops or designer fixtures, because tenants prioritize functional reliability over aesthetics in a market where basic utilities are often unreliable.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for Yaoundé landlords is installing quality internet infrastructure with fiber or reliable router setup, because remote workers and expats will pay noticeably more for apartments with fast, stable connectivity.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Yaoundé typically rent one to three weeks faster than unfurnished units, particularly in expat-heavy neighborhoods like Bastos and Golf where tenants prefer move-in-ready options.
Furnished apartments in Yaoundé command a rent premium of approximately 20% to 35% over unfurnished equivalents, though this premium is only achievable in neighborhoods targeting expats, corporate tenants, and short-term stays.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Yaoundé right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Yaoundé right now?
Landlords in Yaoundé have full freedom to set initial rent prices at whatever level the market will bear, as there are no rent control laws or caps similar to those found in cities like Paris or Berlin.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Yaoundé are also largely unregulated, though most landlords negotiate increases at lease renewal rather than mid-contract, and the market itself limits how much tenants will accept before moving elsewhere.
What's the standard lease length in Yaoundé right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Yaoundé is 12 months with the option to renew, though shorter arrangements exist for furnished and corporate housing.
Security deposits in Yaoundé typically range from two to six months of rent (roughly 200,000 to 1,200,000 XAF or 355 to 2,130 USD or 330 to 1,990 EUR depending on the property), with landlords often requiring larger deposits to protect against the higher default risk in Cameroon's rental market.
Rules for returning security deposits in Yaoundé are governed by the lease contract terms rather than strict statutory timelines, so landlords should specify deduction conditions clearly in writing and tenants should document the property condition at move-in and move-out.
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 does short-term renting really work in Yaoundé in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Yaoundé right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal and actively operating in Yaoundé, though properties offering tourist accommodation may need to comply with the 2016 tourism and leisure law that governs hospitality establishments.
A formal license or permit may be required if your Yaoundé short-term rental is classified as a tourism accommodation business, and you would obtain this through registration with the Ministry of Tourism (MINTOUL) or local authorities.
There are no specific annual night limits or caps on how many days per year a property can be rented short-term in Yaoundé, unlike cities such as Paris or Amsterdam that restrict Airbnb activity.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Yaoundé is administrative fines or forced registration, though enforcement has historically been inconsistent and focused more on larger commercial operations than individual apartment owners.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Yaoundé.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Yaoundé is approximately 25% to 30%, which translates to roughly 7 to 9 booked nights per month for a typical listing.
The realistic occupancy range in Yaoundé spans from around 15% to 20% for average listings up to 40% or higher for top-tier properties in prime locations with excellent amenities and reviews.
The highest occupancy months for Yaoundé short-term rentals are typically November through February and June through August, coinciding with the dry season, holiday travel, and international conference schedules.
The lowest occupancy months for Yaoundé short-term rentals tend to be March through May and September through October, when rainy season peaks and business travel slows.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Yaoundé.
What's the average nightly rate in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Yaoundé is approximately 30,000 to 45,000 XAF per night (55 to 80 USD or 50 to 75 EUR) for a typical entire-place listing.
The realistic nightly rate range in Yaoundé spans from around 15,000 XAF (27 USD or 25 EUR) for basic rooms to over 80,000 XAF (140 USD or 130 EUR) for premium furnished apartments in Bastos with full amenities.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season and off-season in Yaoundé is approximately 10,000 to 15,000 XAF per night (18 to 27 USD or 17 to 25 EUR), with rates climbing during major conferences and holiday periods.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Yaoundé is not saturated in the way major tourist destinations are, but competition among quality listings is real and the gap between top performers and average properties is wide.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Yaoundé has been gradually growing as more property owners discover platforms like Airbnb, though growth remains slower than in major African tourism hubs like Cape Town or Marrakech.
The neighborhoods most saturated with short-term rentals in Yaoundé are Bastos and the central business district area, where multiple hosts compete for the same expat and business traveler demand.
Neighborhoods in Yaoundé that still have room for new short-term rental supply include Nsimeyong, Mfandena, and areas near major hospitals or universities, where quality furnished options remain limited but demand from visiting professionals exists.
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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 and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance No. 74-1 (Land Tenure) | It's the primary legal text defining Cameroon's land ownership rules. | We used it to explain what legal ownership means in practice. We also used it to frame why title verification matters more than nationality for foreign buyers. |
| MINDCAF (Ministry of State Property) | It's the government authority responsible for land titles in Cameroon. | We used it to confirm what a land certificate represents. We also used it to support our guidance that registry verification is essential. |
| Cameroon General Tax Code | It's the official published tax code used by the tax administration. | We used it to ground rental income tax discussions in actual law. We avoided inventing rules by referencing this primary source. |
| Housing Finance Africa Rental Study | It's produced by a recognized research institution using surveys. | We used it to understand Cameroon's rental market risks and informality. We also used it to justify conservative vacancy and cost buffers. |
| AirDNA | It's a widely used short-term rental analytics provider. | We used it to estimate Yaoundé STR occupancy and nightly rates. We cross-checked it with a second data source to avoid bias. |
| AirROI | It's an independent STR analytics view showing occupancy distribution. | We used it to understand typical versus top-quartile STR performance. We used it to avoid overestimating what average listings can achieve. |
| Numbeo | It's transparent about methodology and shows sample sizes. | We used it as a baseline for citywide price-per-sqm estimates. We then stress-tested those numbers against live current listings. |
| Koutchoumi | It provides direct visibility into current Yaoundé asking rents. | We used it to ground rent estimates in actual current prices by neighborhood. We used it to ensure our averages match market reality. |
| Expat.com Housing | It shows expat-targeted listings with neighborhood detail. | We used it to identify where expat rental demand clusters. We used it to understand premium market pricing patterns. |
| Law No. 2016/6 (Tourism) | It's the governing statute for tourism activities in Cameroon. | We used it to explain short-term rental legal frameworks. We used it to support guidance on potential registration requirements. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | PwC is a major tax publisher with structured country guides. | We used it to cross-check how rental income is treated in practice. We used it as a sanity check against dense tax code language. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Cameroon. 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.
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