What's the purchase process to buy a property in Yaoundé?

Last updated on September 1, 2025

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 property in Yaoundé involves navigating Cameroon's complex land ownership laws and registration procedures.

Foreign buyers can purchase buildings and houses but face restrictions on direct land ownership, while the entire process from offer to registration typically takes 2-6 months and costs 8-15% of the property value in fees and taxes.

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.

Quick Summary:

The property purchase process in Yaoundé requires extensive documentation verification through MINDCAF and municipal offices, with foreigners typically limited to building ownership rather than direct land ownership.

Buyers should budget 8-15% of property value for transaction costs including stamp duties (5-15%), registration fees, and notary charges, while the complete process takes 2-6 months to finalize.

Purchase Stage	Required Authority	Typical Duration
Title Verification	MINDCAF Land Registry	2-4 weeks
Document Authentication	Licensed Notary	1-2 weeks
Sale Agreement	Notary + Municipal Office	1-2 weeks
Registration Process	MINDCAF + Land Registry	60-90 days
Certificate Issuance	Land Registry	2-3 weeks
Municipal Registration	Local Council	1-2 weeks
Utility Registration	Service Providers	1-2 weeks

Who is the author of this content?

THE AFRICANVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in African countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Yaoundé. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At TheAfricanvestor, we explore the Cameroon real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Yaoundé and Douala. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Florian Benda 🇩🇪

Co-Founder & CFO

As Co-Founder & CFO of CFB Holding, Florian Benda is dedicated to fostering economic growth in Yaoundé. With a deep understanding of global markets and financial structuring, he works to bring strategic investments into the city, particularly in real estate and infrastructure. Florian's goal is to ensure that CFB Holding contributes to Yaoundé's transformation, helping businesses and individuals benefit from well-planned, long-term development.

What types of property can foreigners and locals buy in Yaoundé?

Locals can purchase all forms of land and buildings without restrictions in Yaoundé's residential and commercial real estate market.

Foreigners can legally buy buildings, houses, and commercial properties but face significant restrictions on direct land ownership. Foreign buyers typically need ministerial endorsement to own land outright, making leasehold arrangements the most practical option.

Border zones and agricultural lands present additional limitations for foreign ownership. Customary lands, which are common in peri-urban areas of Yaoundé, require traditional leader consent and often present complex ownership structures that foreign buyers should approach with caution.

As of September 2025, the most viable property types for foreigners include completed residential buildings, commercial properties with existing structures, and condominium units in established developments.

Which authorities verify property titles in Yaoundé?

The Ministry of State Property, Surveys, and Land Tenure (MINDCAF) serves as the primary authority for property title verification and registration in Yaoundé.

The Land Registry under MINDCAF maintains official records of all registered properties and handles title authenticity verification. The Department of Surveys within MINDCAF provides technical verification of property boundaries and cadastral information.

Local municipal councils also play a crucial role in confirming property status and ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations. The Department of Land Tenure handles legal aspects of property rights and ownership transfers.

It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.

All three entities must be consulted for comprehensive title verification to avoid conflicting claims or legal disputes.

What documents must sellers provide before purchase agreements?

Sellers must provide a valid land title deed or certificate of ownership as the fundamental proof of legal ownership.

Document Type	Purpose	Issuing Authority
Land Title Deed	Proves legal ownership	MINDCAF Land Registry
Certificate of Non-Encumbrance	Confirms no debts or liens	Land Registry
Tax Clearance Certificate	Shows property taxes paid	Tax Administration
Survey Plan	Defines property boundaries	Department of Surveys
Seller's National ID	Identity verification	Civil Registry
Certificate of Habitation	Building compliance (if applicable)	Municipal Authority
Purchase Agreement Draft	Terms and conditions	Notary

How do I verify that land titles are authentic?

Visit the MINDCAF Land Registry office in person to verify the original title against their official records.

Request an encumbrance certificate that shows the complete ownership history and confirms no outstanding debts, liens, or legal disputes. Cross-check the title number, property description, and owner details in the proprietorship register.

Engage a licensed notary to conduct independent verification and review all documentation for authenticity markers, official seals, and proper registration stamps. Municipal authorities can provide additional confirmation for properties within their jurisdiction.

Beware of photocopied documents or titles that cannot be verified through official channels, as property fraud is a significant concern in Yaoundé's real estate market.

What are the exact registration steps after agreement?

Begin by having both parties sign the sale agreement in the presence of a licensed notary who will authenticate the transaction.

1. Sign the notarized sale agreement with all parties present2. Pay stamp duties (5-15% of property value), registration fees, and notary charges3. Submit complete documentation package to MINDCAF Land Registry4. Wait for official processing and title verification (60-90 days typically)5. Ensure new owner's name is recorded in the Land Registry database6. Collect the new land certificate issued in the buyer's name7. Register the property with municipal authorities for local tax purposes8. Update utility accounts and service registrations to the new owner's name

Each step requires specific fees and documentation, with the registration phase being the most time-consuming part of the process.

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How much should I budget for all purchase costs in Yaoundé?

Budget 8-15% of the property's purchase price for total transaction costs in Yaoundé's real estate market.

Stamp duty represents the largest single cost at 5-15% of property value, depending on the property type and location. Registration fees paid to the Land Registry vary but constitute a significant portion of total costs.

Notary fees are included within the total transaction cost range and cover document authentication, legal compliance verification, and registration oversight. Additional costs include surveyor fees, document certification charges, and potential municipal approval fees.

For a 50 million CFA franc property, expect to pay 4-7.5 million CFA francs in total transaction costs, excluding any informal payments that may arise during the process.

Which banks provide mortgages and what are their requirements?

Afriland First Bank, Ecobank, Bange Bank Cameroun, and Access Bank Cameroon are the primary mortgage providers in Yaoundé.

Interest rates typically range from 12-15% annually, with loan terms varying from 10-20 years depending on the borrower's profile. Banks require steady employment or business income, a valid property title, and substantial down payments often exceeding 30% of property value.

Required documentation includes employment certificates, income statements, bank account history, property valuation reports, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Foreign borrowers face additional requirements including residency permits and local guarantors.

It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.

Loan processing typically takes 4-8 weeks after application submission, with banks conducting thorough property and borrower assessments.

What is the typical timeline from offer to final registration?

The complete property purchase process in Yaoundé takes 2-6 months from initial offer to final registration.

Title verification and document gathering consume 2-4 weeks, while notary authentication and sale agreement preparation require 1-2 weeks. The registration phase alone takes 60-90 days, representing the longest single stage of the process.

Municipal approvals and utility transfers add another 2-4 weeks to the timeline. Delays commonly occur during the MINDCAF registration phase due to administrative backlogs and document verification requirements.

Foreign buyers may experience longer timelines due to additional verification requirements and ministerial approvals for certain property types.

infographics rental yields citiesYaoundé

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 most common legal verification mistakes?

Buyers frequently fail to verify complete ownership history and outstanding encumbrances, leading to post-purchase legal disputes.

Accepting photocopied or uncertified documents without original verification at MINDCAF offices represents a critical error. Many buyers overlook the distinction between customary and registered titles, which have different legal implications and transfer requirements.

Failing to confirm municipal approvals or traditional leader consent for relevant land types creates future complications. Not using independent legal representation or trusted notaries, instead relying on seller recommendations, compromises due diligence quality.

Incomplete boundary verification and survey plan confirmation lead to property disputes with neighbors or government authorities.

How can I protect against double sales and fraud?

Insist on formal registration and title transfer at the Land Registry and MINDCAF offices to establish legal ownership.

Verify with the charges register that no pending disputes, prior sales, or competing claims exist on the property. Ensure the seller is the sole person with legal rights to the property by checking the proprietorship register thoroughly.

Use only licensed notaries with verified credentials and avoid any seller-recommended legal representatives. Conduct all transactions through official channels with proper documentation and government oversight.

Never make significant payments before completing full title verification and ensuring exclusive selling rights through official channels.

What role do notaries play and how do I choose one?

Notaries authenticate all transaction documents, ensure legal compliance, oversee payment of state duties, and manage the registration process.

They verify seller identity, confirm document authenticity, draft sale agreements, and coordinate with MINDCAF for official registration. Notaries also calculate and collect all required taxes and fees on behalf of the government.

Choose a notary based on professional reputation, proper licensing credentials, and independent references from previous clients. Avoid notaries recommended by sellers to maintain independence and avoid potential conflicts of interest.

It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.

Licensed notaries must be registered with Cameroon's legal authorities and maintain professional insurance for client protection.

What hidden costs and informal payments should I expect?

Budget additional funds for document certification, survey updates, municipal approvals, and bank processing charges beyond official transaction costs.

Informal "facilitation" payments to expedite administrative processes are common but not officially required. These payments typically range from 50,000-500,000 CFA francs depending on the complexity and urgency of requests.

Traditional leader payments may be necessary for customary land transfers in peri-urban areas of Yaoundé. Administrative charges not listed in official fee schedules often emerge during the registration process.

Transportation costs for multiple office visits, document photocopying, and translation services add to the total expense. Always maintain a 20-30% contingency fund above the official transaction costs to handle unexpected charges.

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.

The property purchase process in Yaoundé requires careful navigation of Cameroon's complex land ownership laws and extensive documentation requirements.

Success depends on thorough due diligence, proper legal representation, and realistic budgeting for both official and informal costs that arise during the 2-6 month transaction timeline.