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 an apartment in Yaoundé can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out how much everything really costs beyond the sticker price.
This guide breaks down everything from average prices per square meter to closing costs and ongoing fees, so you can plan your budget with confidence.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and market conditions in Yaoundé.
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
- Buyer closing costs in Yaoundé typically reach 15 to 20 percent of the purchase price, with the 15 percent transfer duty being the single largest expense most foreign buyers underestimate.
- The price gap between city-centre apartments in Yaoundé (around 500,000 XAF per square meter) and outside-centre areas (around 350,000 XAF) means location choice can save you 30 percent on your purchase.
- New-build apartments in Yaoundé cost 20 to 30 percent more than resale units in the same area, mainly because buyers pay a premium for reliable water tanks, generator backup, and modern security systems.
- A typical down payment in Yaoundé ranges from 30 to 40 percent because local mortgage rates hover around 9.5 percent, making banks more conservative with foreign borrowers.
- Monthly ownership costs for a mid-range Yaoundé apartment, including utilities and building maintenance, typically run between 60,000 and 150,000 XAF, which many first-time buyers forget to budget for.
- Bastos and Nlongkak remain Yaoundé's priciest neighborhoods with prices reaching 700,000 to 1,200,000 XAF per square meter, while Mvan and Ekounou offer entry points below 350,000 XAF per square meter.
- The CFA franc is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 655.957 XAF per euro, which means European buyers can budget in euros without worrying about currency fluctuations.
- A studio apartment in Yaoundé typically costs around 13.5 million XAF (roughly 20,600 euros), but you should budget closer to 16 to 18 million XAF once you add closing costs and basic move-in expenses.
How much do apartments really cost in Yaoundé in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, the average apartment price in Yaoundé sits at roughly 410,000 XAF per square meter (about 625 euros or 680 USD per square meter), while the median price is slightly lower at around 390,000 XAF per square meter (approximately 595 euros or 645 USD per square meter).
To put this in perspective, the average price per square meter in Yaoundé translates to roughly 38,000 XAF per square foot (about 58 euros or 63 USD per square foot), and the median sits at around 36,200 XAF per square foot (roughly 55 euros or 60 USD per square foot).
For most standard apartments in Yaoundé, you can expect prices to fall within a range of 350,000 to 500,000 XAF per square meter (530 to 760 euros, or 580 to 830 USD per square meter), with the lower end representing outside-centre areas and the higher end covering city-centre locations.
How much is a studio apartment in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Yaoundé costs around 13.5 million XAF (approximately 20,600 euros or 22,400 USD), assuming a standard unit in a decent location with basic amenities.
For entry-level to mid-range studio apartments in Yaoundé, expect to pay between 10.5 and 15.6 million XAF (16,000 to 23,800 euros, or 17,400 to 25,900 USD), while high-end or luxury studios in prime areas like Bastos can reach 20 million XAF or more (around 30,500 euros or 33,200 USD).
Studio apartments in Yaoundé typically measure between 30 and 40 square meters, which is consistent with what you find in other Central African capitals but slightly smaller than European standards.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé costs around 21 million XAF (approximately 32,000 euros or 34,800 USD), representing a comfortable mid-market option for buyers.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Yaoundé generally fall between 15.8 and 23.4 million XAF (24,100 to 35,700 euros, or 26,200 to 38,800 USD), while high-end one-bedroom units in neighbourhoods like Nlongkak or near Quartier du Golf can reach 30 million XAF (around 45,700 euros or 49,800 USD).
One-bedroom apartments in Yaoundé typically measure between 45 and 60 square meters, which gives you enough space for a separate living area and a proper bedroom rather than the combined layout of a studio.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé costs around 33 million XAF (approximately 50,300 euros or 54,700 USD), which represents what most families or couples seeking extra space would pay.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Yaoundé typically cost between 26.3 and 35.1 million XAF (40,100 to 53,500 euros, or 43,700 to 58,200 USD), while high-end two-bedroom units in prime city-centre locations can reach 45 million XAF or more (around 68,600 euros or 74,700 USD).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Yaoundé.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé costs around 48 million XAF (approximately 73,200 euros or 79,700 USD), which positions it as a family-sized option that often comes with better building amenities.
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Yaoundé generally fall between 38.5 and 50.7 million XAF (58,700 to 77,300 euros, or 63,900 to 84,100 USD), while high-end three-bedroom units in diplomatic areas like Bastos can reach 65 million XAF or more (around 99,100 euros or 107,900 USD).
Three-bedroom apartments in Yaoundé typically measure between 110 and 130 square meters, offering enough room for families who need separate spaces for children, a home office, or guest accommodation.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Yaoundé typically cost 20 to 30 percent more than resale apartments in the same micro-area, with the premium driven by infrastructure quality rather than just cosmetic finishes.
New-build apartments in Yaoundé average around 470,000 to 530,000 XAF per square meter (715 to 810 euros, or 780 to 880 USD per square meter), depending on the neighbourhood and the building's amenities package.
Resale apartments in Yaoundé average around 350,000 to 410,000 XAF per square meter (530 to 625 euros, or 580 to 680 USD per square meter), though buyers often need to budget extra for renovations, water tank installation, or generator contributions after purchase.
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Can I afford to buy in Yaoundé in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard two-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé is roughly 39 to 44 million XAF (59,500 to 67,100 euros, or 64,700 to 73,000 USD), which includes the purchase price plus all buyer costs and basic move-in expenses.
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget in Yaoundé should include registration and transfer duties (the biggest item at around 15 percent), notary fees (1 to 2 percent), land registry and administrative fees (0.5 to 1.5 percent), legal due diligence (0.5 to 1 percent), and move-in basics like minor renovations, water tank contributions, and security deposits.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Yaoundé property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Yaoundé.
What down payment is typical to buy in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment in Yaoundé ranges from 30 to 40 percent of the purchase price, which for a standard two-bedroom apartment at 33 million XAF means putting down roughly 9.9 to 13.2 million XAF (15,100 to 20,100 euros, or 16,400 to 21,900 USD).
Most banks and lenders in Cameroon require a minimum down payment of at least 20 to 30 percent, but foreign buyers often face stricter requirements due to limited credit history and the perceived risk of non-resident borrowers.
To secure the most favorable mortgage terms in Yaoundé, a down payment of 40 percent or higher is recommended, especially since local mortgage rates hover around 9.5 percent annually and banks want to see meaningful buyer commitment before extending credit.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Cameroon.
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.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Yaoundé in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter in Yaoundé range dramatically from around 250,000 XAF in budget areas (380 euros or 415 USD per square meter) to over 1,200,000 XAF in ultra-premium diplomatic zones (1,830 euros or 1,990 USD per square meter).
The most affordable neighborhoods for apartments in Yaoundé include Mvan, Ekounou, Nsam, and outer parts of Odza, where prices typically fall between 250,000 and 400,000 XAF per square meter (380 to 610 euros, or 415 to 665 USD per square meter).
The most expensive neighborhoods for apartments in Yaoundé are Bastos, Nlongkak, Quartier du Golf, and Mont Fébé, where prices range from 700,000 to over 1,200,000 XAF per square meter (1,070 to 1,830 euros, or 1,160 to 1,990 USD per square meter), driven by diplomatic presence and superior infrastructure.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Yaoundé.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods for first-time buyers on a budget in Yaoundé are Mvan, Ekounou, and Mendong, all of which offer lower entry prices while still providing reasonable connectivity to the city centre.
In these budget-friendly Yaoundé neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from 10 to 25 million XAF (15,200 to 38,100 euros, or 16,600 to 41,500 USD) for studios and one-bedroom units, making homeownership accessible without stretching finances too thin.
These areas offer advantages like growing commercial activity, improving road access, proximity to markets, and a mix of local and working professional residents who contribute to neighbourhood stability.
The main trade-off when buying in Mvan, Ekounou, or Mendong is that building quality varies significantly, so first-time buyers need to carefully verify generator backup, water supply reliability, and title documentation before committing.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Yaoundé are Odza (particularly well-connected pockets), Emana (where newer developments are clustering), and select parts of Biyem-Assi that benefit from strong rental demand.
These fast-appreciating Yaoundé neighborhoods have seen estimated year-over-year price increases of 8 to 15 percent, significantly outpacing the citywide average as infrastructure improvements attract more buyers.
The main driver behind the rapid price growth in Odza, Emana, and Biyem-Assi is a combination of new road access, modern compound developments with generator and water infrastructure, and demand from professionals priced out of expensive areas like Bastos and Nlongkak.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Yaoundé.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Yaoundé in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Yaoundé?
For a typical two-bedroom apartment at 33 million XAF in Yaoundé, total buyer closing costs typically range from 5 to 6.6 million XAF (7,600 to 10,100 euros, or 8,300 to 11,000 USD), which represents a significant addition to your purchase budget.
The main categories of closing costs buyers must pay in Yaoundé include registration and transfer duties, notary fees, land registry and administrative fees, stamps, and legal due diligence costs if you hire a lawyer to verify the title.
The single largest closing cost in Yaoundé is the registration and transfer duty, which stands at 15 percent of the property value for urban built property according to Cameroon's tax code, making it far higher than many buyers from Western countries expect.
Some closing costs in Yaoundé can vary or be negotiated, particularly notary fees (which typically range from 1 to 2 percent) and due diligence costs, though the 15 percent transfer duty is fixed by law and non-negotiable.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Yaoundé?
Buyers in Yaoundé should budget approximately 15 to 20 percent of the purchase price for total closing costs, which is significantly higher than in most European or North American markets due to the substantial transfer duty.
The realistic range that covers most standard apartment transactions in Yaoundé runs from 15 percent (if you minimize notary and due diligence costs) to 20 percent or slightly higher (if you include comprehensive legal verification and encounter additional administrative fees).
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market 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 ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Yaoundé in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Yaoundé right now?
HOA-style fees are common in Yaoundé apartment buildings, though they're often called building maintenance or security contributions, and typical monthly fees range from 30,000 to 75,000 XAF (46 to 114 euros, or 50 to 125 USD) for mid-range buildings.
For basic buildings with minimal services in Yaoundé, expect fees around 10,000 to 30,000 XAF per month (15 to 46 euros, or 17 to 50 USD), while expat-grade buildings with guards, generators, and water infrastructure can charge 75,000 to 150,000 XAF monthly (114 to 229 euros, or 125 to 249 USD) or even higher.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Yaoundé right now?
The estimated total monthly utility cost for a typical 85 square meter apartment in Yaoundé is roughly 50,000 to 105,000 XAF (76 to 160 euros, or 83 to 174 USD), covering electricity, water, garbage, and internet.
Depending on apartment size and your usage habits, monthly utility costs in Yaoundé can range from 35,000 XAF for a small unit with minimal air conditioning to 120,000 XAF or more for larger apartments with heavy cooling and generator backup needs.
The typical monthly utility budget in Yaoundé includes electricity (often the biggest variable), water supply, garbage collection, and internet, with electricity and water being essential priorities given Yaoundé's infrastructure challenges.
Electricity tends to be the most expensive utility for apartment owners in Yaoundé, especially if you rely heavily on air conditioning or need to run a generator during power outages, which can double or triple your energy costs.
How much is property tax on apartments in Yaoundé?
Annual property tax on apartments in Yaoundé varies considerably, but owners should budget roughly 50,000 to 200,000 XAF per year (76 to 305 euros, or 83 to 332 USD) depending on the property's assessed value and location.
Property tax in Cameroon is calculated based on the cadastral value of the property and local municipal rates, though in practice the "big tax moment" for most owners occurs at purchase (via the 15 percent transfer duty) rather than through annual assessments.
The realistic range for annual property tax in Yaoundé spans from around 30,000 XAF for modest outside-centre apartments to 300,000 XAF or more for prime city-centre or diplomatic-area properties with higher assessed values.
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 the yearly building maintenance cost in Yaoundé?
The estimated typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Yaoundé ranges from 360,000 to 900,000 XAF (549 to 1,372 euros, or 597 to 1,493 USD) for mid-range buildings, calculated by multiplying monthly HOA contributions by twelve months.
Depending on building age and type, yearly maintenance costs in Yaoundé can range from 120,000 XAF for basic older buildings (183 euros or 199 USD) to 1,800,000 XAF or more for expat-grade compounds with heavy service packages (2,744 euros or 2,986 USD).
Building maintenance costs in Yaoundé typically cover security guard salaries, generator fuel and servicing, water tank maintenance, common area cleaning, lift maintenance where applicable, and minor building repairs.
In most Yaoundé buildings, maintenance costs are included within the HOA or building contribution fee rather than billed separately, so what you pay monthly already covers these expenses.
How much does home insurance cost in Yaoundé?
The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for an apartment in Yaoundé ranges from 66,000 to 200,000 XAF (100 to 305 euros, or 110 to 332 USD), depending on the insured value and coverage level you choose.
Based on property value, annual home insurance in Yaoundé typically costs between 0.2 and 0.6 percent of the insured value, so a two-bedroom apartment valued at 33 million XAF would carry premiums of roughly 66,000 to 198,000 XAF per year (100 to 302 euros, or 110 to 328 USD).
Home insurance is not strictly mandatory for apartment owners in Yaoundé, but it's strongly recommended, especially for foreign buyers who want protection against fire, theft, and water damage in a market where building quality can be inconsistent.
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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 reliable | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Numbeo Property Prices Yaoundé | It's a widely used crowdsourced database that shows sample sizes, ranges, and update dates. | We used it as the core benchmark for Yaoundé apartment prices per square meter. We then converted the data into typical apartment totals by unit size. |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Yaoundé | It provides consistent city-level data with published update timing. | We used it to sanity-check monthly cost items like internet and everyday utilities. We kept it as a reality check alongside other sources. |
| Numbeo Basic Utilities Tool | It offers a structured comparison of the same utility basket across cities. | We used it to estimate electricity, water, and garbage costs for an 85 square meter apartment. We then scaled estimates based on apartment size. |
| Cameroon Tax Code Article 543 | It's a legal reference quoting the explicit transfer duty rates from Cameroon's tax code. | We used it to anchor the 15 percent transfer duty for urban built property transfers. We combined it with other fees to estimate total buyer closing costs. |
| World Bank Registering Property | It's the World Bank's official dataset defining what registering property costs include. | We used it to confirm the scope of typical transaction costs like taxes, fees, and registration. We used that scope to build an all-in buyer cost estimate. |
| World Bank Doing Business Cameroon | It's a World Bank publication consolidating regulation metrics with documented methodology. | We used it to verify the order of magnitude for formal transaction costs. We used it as a cross-check against tax code rates. |
| BEAC Policy Rates Decision | It's an official BEAC document setting policy rates for the CEMAC zone including Cameroon. | We used it to explain why mortgage rates in Cameroon are structurally high. We used it as a macro interest-rate context alongside local mortgage observations. |
| Forbes Advisor EUR/XAF Converter | It's a mainstream finance reference clearly stating the EUR/XAF conversion level. | We used it to convert XAF estimates into euros for foreign buyers. We also used it to explain the stable EUR peg for budgeting purposes. |
| TheMoneyConverter XAF/EUR | It clearly states the CFA franc's peg to the euro and the fixed parity. | We used it as a second confirmation for the EUR peg level. We used it to keep currency conversions consistent throughout the article. |
| ValutaFX USD/XAF 2026 History | It provides date-stamped USD/XAF exchange rate history useful for current conversions. | We used it to convert XAF amounts into USD using early January 2026 rates. We used it to provide accurate dollar figures for American buyers. |
| Properstar Yaoundé Price Indicators | It's an international listing aggregator that flags when data is limited. | We used it as a cross-check on listing-based price-per-square-meter data. We noted its insufficient data warnings to avoid overclaiming neighborhood precision. |
| Presidency of Cameroon Finance Law 2026 | It's an official government publication page for the 2026 finance law. | We used it to ground our "as of early 2026" framing in official fiscal-year timing. We did not rely on it alone for rate details. |
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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