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
Yes, foreigners can legally buy residential property in Yaoundé, but the real security of your investment depends entirely on whether the property has a proper land title.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about foreign ownership rules, visa requirements, the buying process, mortgages, taxes, and common pitfalls in Yaoundé as of January 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions in Cameroon's capital city.
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
- Closing costs in Yaoundé typically reach 18% to 21% of the property price, with a 15% property transaction fee being the largest single expense most foreign buyers face.
- Mortgage rates for foreigners in Yaoundé in 2026 generally range from 12% to 15%, with loan tenors often capped at around 7 years, making monthly payments significantly higher than in Western markets.
- The World Bank estimates the full property registration process in Yaoundé takes about 81 days from start to finish, so buyers should plan their timelines accordingly.
- Annual property tax in Yaoundé is set at just 0.1% of the assessed value, making it one of the lower ongoing costs for homeowners in the city.
- Rental income for foreign property owners in Yaoundé is subject to a 15% withholding tax at source, which simplifies tax compliance but reduces net yields.
- The biggest mistake foreigners make in Yaoundé is paying for untitled land or properties without a proper "titre foncier," which can lead to complete loss of investment.
- No golden visa or property-linked residency pathway currently exists in Cameroon, so buying a home in Yaoundé will not automatically help you obtain residency or citizenship.
- Foreigners can obtain a Cameroonian tax ID (NIU) online through the official tax authority portal, which is usually required before completing any formal property transaction in Yaoundé.
What can I legally buy and truly own as a foreigner in Yaoundé?
What property types can foreigners legally buy in Yaoundé right now?
Foreign individuals can legally buy apartments, houses, villas, duplexes, townhouses, and residential land in Yaoundé, as long as the property has a proper land title (called a "titre foncier") that can be transferred into their name.
The single most important condition for foreign buyers in Yaoundé is that your ownership security depends entirely on whether the property is formally titled and whether the transfer is properly registered at the land registry.
This means that the big divide in Yaoundé is not between apartment and villa, but between titled property (where you get strong legal ownership) and untitled or customary holdings (where you could lose everything).
For apartments specifically, you should always ask the notary to explain the exact legal instrument proving your unit ownership and your share of the land or building, because some developments have weak documentation even when they look modern.
Finally, please note that our pack about the property market in Yaoundé is specifically tailored to foreigners.
Can I own land in my own name in Yaoundé right now?
Yes, foreigners can own land in their own name in Yaoundé, but only if the land has a proper land title (titre foncier) and the transfer is formally registered through the land registry process.
This applies to all types of residential land, but the key is that your ownership only becomes "real" when the title is transferred and registered at the land registry, not when you sign a private agreement with the seller.
Before signing anything, you or your notary should always obtain a copy of the property deed from the land registry to confirm the seller is the registered owner and to check for any encumbrances or disputes on the land.
By the way, we cover everything there is to know about the land buying process in Yaoundé here.
As of 2026, what other key foreign-ownership rules or limits should I know in Yaoundé?
As of January 2026, the main rules affecting foreign buyers in Yaoundé relate more to documentation and tax compliance than to nationality quotas or purchase limits.
There is no formal foreign-ownership quota for apartments or condos in Yaoundé like you might find in some Southeast Asian countries, so foreigners are not restricted to a certain percentage of units in a building.
However, one important registration requirement is that property tax compliance can block your registration at the land registry, meaning you or the seller may need to prove that property taxes are paid before the transfer can be finalized.
There are no major recent or upcoming regulatory changes specifically targeting foreign ownership in Yaoundé in 2026, but buyers should always verify current requirements with a local notary since administrative practices can shift without formal legal changes.
What's the biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Yaoundé right now?
The single biggest mistake foreigners make in Yaoundé is paying significant money for property that is not cleanly titled and transferable, especially land plots sold with promises that "the title is coming" or apartments in buildings with unclear ownership structures.
If you make this mistake in Yaoundé, you could lose your entire investment because an "attestation de vente" or informal sale letter does not give you enforceable ownership, and someone else with a legitimate claim could take the property from you.
Other classic pitfalls in Yaoundé include paying large "reservation" deposits without having a notary verify the title first, buying from sellers who are not actually the registered owners, and assuming that modern-looking buildings automatically have proper legal documentation.
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.
Which visa or residency status changes what I can do in Yaoundé?
Do I need a specific visa to buy property in Yaoundé right now?
You do not need a specific visa to buy property in Yaoundé, and in practice most foreigners can view properties, negotiate, and even sign purchase agreements while on a short-stay tourist or business visa obtained through Cameroon's official e-Visa portal.
The most common administrative blocker for foreigners without local residency is the requirement to obtain a Cameroonian tax identification number (NIU), which banks and notaries typically ask for before completing formal transactions.
The good news is that you can apply for a NIU online through the Directorate General of Taxation website, so you do not necessarily need to be a resident to get one.
When completing a purchase in Yaoundé, foreign buyers typically need to present a valid passport, their NIU, proof of funds or financing approval, and any documents the notary requires for the specific transaction.
Does buying property help me get residency and citizenship in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, buying property in Yaoundé does not help you get residency or citizenship in Cameroon, because the country does not offer a golden visa or investor visa program tied to real estate purchases.
If residency in Cameroon matters to you, you will need to pursue it through other pathways such as employment, business establishment, family ties, or long-stay visa arrangements that are separate from your property purchase.
Can I legally rent out property on my visa in Yaoundé right now?
Your visa status in Yaoundé does not directly affect your ability to own and rent out property, because property ownership and rental income are treated separately from your right to be physically present in Cameroon.
You do not need to live in Cameroon to rent out your property in Yaoundé, and many foreign owners manage their rentals from abroad using local property managers or agents who handle tenants, repairs, and rent collection.
The most important detail for foreign landlords in Yaoundé is that rental income is subject to a 15% withholding tax at source under Cameroon's tax code, so you should work with a local accountant or property manager to ensure your tax obligations are properly handled.
We cover everything there is to know about buying and renting out in Yaoundé here.
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How does the buying process actually work step-by-step in Yaoundé?
What are the exact steps to buy property in Yaoundé right now?
The standard sequence to buy property in Yaoundé includes: agreeing on price and terms, obtaining a copy of the title from the land registry to verify ownership and check for encumbrances, having a notary draft the sale agreement, signing and notarizing the contract, submitting tax declarations and registration documents, and finally transferring the title at the land registry into your name.
You do not have to be physically present for every step in Yaoundé, because a properly drafted power of attorney can allow someone to sign on your behalf, but you should discuss this with your notary early in the process to ensure everything is set up correctly.
The step that typically makes the deal legally binding in Yaoundé is when the sale agreement is signed and notarized by the notary, which is the point where both buyer and seller become formally committed to the transaction.
From accepted offer to final title registration, the World Bank estimates the process in Yaoundé takes about 81 days, though delays can occur depending on the complexity of the transaction and administrative backlogs.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the whole buying process our pack about properties in Yaoundé.
Is it mandatory to get a lawyer or a notary to buy a property in Yaoundé right now?
A notary is effectively mandatory to buy property safely in Yaoundé, because the formal sale agreement, tax filing steps, and registrable transfer process all run through the notarial channel in Cameroon's legal system.
The key difference between a notary and a lawyer in Yaoundé is that the notary is the official who authenticates and files the transaction documents required by law, while a lawyer (which is optional but helpful for foreigners) can provide independent advice, negotiate terms, and review contracts from your perspective as the buyer.
One key item that should be explicitly included in your notary engagement in Yaoundé is the title verification step, where the notary obtains an official copy of the deed from the land registry and confirms the seller's ownership and any encumbrances before you commit any significant money.
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 checks should I run so I don't buy a problem property in Yaoundé?
How do I verify title and ownership history in Yaoundé right now?
The official authority you should use to verify title and ownership history in Yaoundé is the land registry (Conservation Foncière or Service des Domaines), where your notary can request an official copy of the property deed on your behalf.
The key document you need to confirm ownership in Yaoundé is the land certificate or title (titre foncier), which is the official proof that shows who the registered owner is and provides the legal basis for transferring the property to you.
A realistic look-back period for ownership history checks in Yaoundé is at least the last 10 to 15 years, which helps you see whether there have been disputes, multiple transfers, or any irregularities in how the property changed hands.
One clear red flag that should stop or pause your purchase in Yaoundé is any gap, inconsistency, or unresolved dispute in the ownership chain, such as transfers that were never properly registered or competing claims from family members or previous owners.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Yaoundé.
How do I confirm there are no liens in Yaoundé right now?
The standard way to confirm there are no liens or encumbrances on a property in Yaoundé is to have your notary obtain an official copy of the title record from the land registry, which will show any mortgages, charges, or legal claims registered against the property.
One common type of lien you should specifically ask about in Yaoundé is an existing mortgage or bank charge, because some sellers try to complete transactions before fully paying off their loans, which could leave you responsible for the debt.
The best form of written proof showing lien status in Yaoundé is the official deed copy or title extract from the land registry, which is an authoritative document that your notary can obtain and which will list any registered encumbrances.
How do I check zoning and permitted use in Yaoundé right now?
The authority you should consult to check zoning and permitted use for a property in Yaoundé is the local urban planning office or the Yaoundé Urban Council (Communauté Urbaine de Yaoundé), which maintains zoning classifications and building regulations for the city.
The document or reference that typically confirms zoning classification in Yaoundé is the urban development plan or zoning certificate for the specific plot, which your notary or a local surveyor can help you obtain from the relevant municipal authorities.
One common zoning pitfall that foreign buyers miss in Yaoundé is purchasing a property with undocumented extensions or modifications that do not match the approved building permits, which could create problems if you want to sell later or if authorities decide to enforce regulations.
Buying real estate in Yaoundé can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner in Yaoundé, and on what terms?
Do banks lend to foreigners for homes in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, some banks in Yaoundé do lend to foreigners for home purchases, but approval is selective and comes with stricter requirements than for local borrowers, including larger down payments and stronger income documentation.
The realistic loan-to-value (LTV) range that foreign borrowers see in Yaoundé is typically 50% to 70%, meaning you should plan to bring at least 30% to 50% of the property price as a down payment.
The most common eligibility requirement that determines whether a foreigner qualifies for a mortgage in Yaoundé is proof of stable income, preferably in hard currency or from a verifiable local or international employer, along with a solid banking relationship.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Cameroon.
Which banks are most foreigner-friendly in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, the most foreigner-friendly banks for mortgages in Yaoundé are Afriland First Bank, SCB Cameroun, and BICEC, with Crédit Foncier du Cameroun also worth approaching for specialized housing finance options.
What makes these banks more foreigner-friendly in Yaoundé is that they have established retail banking operations with published tariff schedules, explicit real estate credit products, and experience processing applications from non-local customers.
These banks may lend to non-residents in Yaoundé on a case-by-case basis, but you will generally have a stronger application if you can show local income, a local bank account history, or strong collateral like a large down payment.
We actually have a specific document about how to get a mortgage as a foreigner in our pack covering real estate in Yaoundé.
What mortgage rates are foreigners offered in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, foreign borrowers in Yaoundé typically see mortgage interest rates in the range of 12% to 15% per year, with the best rates going to borrowers with strong local income, substantial down payments, or existing banking relationships.
Most mortgages offered in Yaoundé are variable-rate products priced as the bank's base rate (TBB) plus a margin, and fixed-rate options are rare, so borrowers should expect their payments could change if the base rate moves.
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.
What will taxes, fees, and ongoing costs look like in Yaoundé?
What are the total closing costs as a percent in Yaoundé in 2026?
The typical total closing cost for a formally registered property purchase in Yaoundé in 2026 is around 18% to 21% of the property price, which is significantly higher than in many other markets.
This range covers most standard transactions in Yaoundé, though the exact percentage can vary slightly depending on the property price and specific fees involved.
The specific fee categories that make up total closing costs in Yaoundé include the property transaction fee (about 15%), title transfer fees (about 2%), notary fees on a sliding scale, and various stamps and administrative charges.
The single biggest contributor to closing costs in Yaoundé is the 15% property transaction fee, which alone makes Cameroonian property transfers more expensive than in most comparable markets.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Yaoundé.
What annual property tax should I budget in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, the annual property tax in Yaoundé is set at 0.1% of the assessed property value, so for a property assessed at 100 million XAF (about 150,000 USD or 140,000 EUR), you would budget around 100,000 XAF (roughly 150 USD or 140 EUR) per year.
Property tax in Yaoundé is assessed as a percentage rate applied to the declared or assessed value of the property, and payment is due annually by June 30 following the January 1 assessment date.
How is rental income taxed for foreigners in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, rental income for foreign property owners in Yaoundé is subject to a 15% withholding tax at source, which is the effective tax rate you should expect on your rental earnings.
The basic requirement for foreign owners in Yaoundé is that if your tenant is an organization or company, they typically withhold the 15% and remit it to the tax authority on your behalf, but if rents are paid informally you should work with a local accountant to ensure proper tax filing.
What insurance is common and how much in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, annual home insurance premiums in Yaoundé typically range from 0.2% to 0.6% of the declared rebuild value, so for a property valued at 100 million XAF (about 150,000 USD or 140,000 EUR), you might pay between 200,000 and 600,000 XAF (roughly 300 to 900 USD or 280 to 840 EUR) per year.
The most common type of property insurance coverage that owners carry in Yaoundé is building or fire insurance, which protects against structural damage, fire, and related risks.
The biggest factor that makes insurance premiums higher or lower in Yaoundé is the property's location and construction quality, with higher-end villas in premium neighborhoods like Bastos costing more to insure due to larger rebuild values and added security or contents coverage.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Yaoundé
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon General Tax Code (2024) | Official consolidated tax law published by Cameroon's tax authority. | We used it to confirm the property tax rate (0.1%) and the 15% rental income withholding rate. We also verified property tax compliance requirements that can affect registrations. |
| Directorate General of Taxation (DGT) | Direct instruction page from the national tax authority. | We used it to confirm that foreigners can obtain a NIU (tax ID) online. We referenced it for practical tax registration requirements. |
| World Bank Doing Business (Cameroon) | Standardized cross-country dataset with transparent methodology. | We used it to map the step-by-step property transfer process and timeline (81 days). We anchored our closing cost estimate (18.7%) on their standardized case data. |
| Cameroon Official e-Visa Portal | Government's official online visa application portal. | We used it to confirm the current visa application channel. We referenced it for practical guidance on entering Cameroon to view and purchase property. |
| MINREX (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) | Official ministry site describing visa validity and fees. | We used it to explain short-stay versus long-stay visa parameters. We confirmed that no property-linked residency pathway exists. |
| Cameroon Embassy USA | Official embassy service page reflecting current processes. | We used it to verify that visa applications now go through the online platform. We cross-checked entry requirements for foreign buyers. |
| Afriland First Bank (2024 Tariffs) | Primary-source bank tariff document from a major Cameroonian bank. | We used it to anchor mortgage rate estimates (TBB plus margin, max around 14.5%). We referenced loan tenor limits (up to 7 years for real estate). |
| SCB Cameroun | Primary-source product description from a major local bank. | We used it to confirm that mainstream banks offer home credit products. We included SCB in our foreigner-friendly bank recommendations. |
| BICEC | Official public fee disclosure from a major bank. | We used it to confirm banks publish formal tariffs. We recommended requesting written fee schedules before committing to a mortgage. |
| Crédit Foncier du Cameroun | Public institution specialized in housing finance. | We used it to note that Cameroon has a specialized housing finance option. We included CFC as an alternative for longer-tenor financing. |
| UNEP Legal Repository | Reputable international legal database used by governments. | We used it to ground the importance of formal land titles (titre foncier). We referenced Cameroon's document-driven land system. |
| MINDCAF (Ministry of State Property) | Official ministry responsible for land administration. | We used it to verify land registration procedures. We cross-checked practical steps for title verification and transfer. |
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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