How is the property market forecast in Yaoundé?

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

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 The AfricanVestor, we explore the Cameroonian 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, Douala, and other major centers. 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's the current average price per square meter for residential property in Yaoundé?

As of September 2025, residential properties in Yaoundé's city center average 1,100,000 CFA francs per square meter.

Suburban areas offer significantly more affordable options at around 412,000 CFA francs per square meter. This price difference reflects the premium for central locations with better access to business districts, amenities, and transportation networks.

When calculated per square foot, city center properties average 46,451 CFA francs while areas outside the center cost around 32,515 CFA francs per square foot. These figures position Yaoundé as relatively affordable compared to other major African capitals while still reflecting its status as Cameroon's political and economic hub.

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

How much have property prices changed in the past 12 months, both in percentage terms and in actual CFA francs?

Yaoundé's residential property market has experienced steady growth with prices increasing 3-7% over the past 12 months ending September 2025.

For a typical city center property valued at 1,100,000 CFA francs per square meter, a 5% increase translates to an additional 55,000 CFA francs per square meter. Suburban properties originally priced at 412,000 CFA francs per square meter have seen increases of approximately 20,600 CFA francs per square meter under the same growth scenario.

Luxury properties have experienced slightly higher growth rates, often reaching the upper end of the 3-7% range. This price appreciation has been driven by urbanization trends, strong housing demand, inflation pressures, and ongoing infrastructure development throughout the capital.

The consistent upward trajectory reflects Yaoundé's growing economic importance and increasing population, making it an attractive destination for both local and international property investors.

What is the current rental yield for apartments and houses in central versus suburban Yaoundé?

Rental yields in Yaoundé currently range from 6.1% to 8.8%, making the city attractive for income-focused property investors.

City center and urban properties typically achieve yields within this range, with variations depending on specific location, property type, and condition. Well-maintained apartments in prime locations often command the higher end of the yield spectrum.

Suburban properties generally trend toward the lower end of the range but still offer compelling returns compared to many international markets. The strong rental market reflects consistent demand from Yaoundé's growing professional population and limited housing supply.

These yield figures compare favorably with other African capitals and indicate healthy rental market fundamentals supported by the city's role as Cameroon's administrative center.

How many new housing units were built last year, and how many are projected for the coming year?

Specific construction numbers for new housing units completed in 2024 are not publicly available in current market reports.

However, industry data indicates significant construction activity is ongoing to address Cameroon's nationwide housing deficit of 2.5 million units, with Yaoundé as a key focus area for new urban housing projects. The capital city receives priority attention from both government housing initiatives and private developers.

Construction permits and development approvals suggest continued strong building activity through 2025 and 2026. New residential zones are being developed as part of broader urban expansion plans, though exact unit projections vary by developer and project timeline.

The housing shortage ensures continued demand for new construction, creating opportunities for both developers and investors in emerging residential areas around the capital.

What's the current vacancy rate in the city's main residential areas?

Specific vacancy rates for Yaoundé's main residential districts are not published in current September 2025 market data.

However, market indicators suggest relatively low vacancy rates in central districts based on rising rental prices and strong housing demand. The ongoing housing shortage and steady population growth into the capital contribute to tight rental markets.

Properties in well-connected neighborhoods with good infrastructure typically experience shorter vacancy periods. Areas near government offices, universities, and major employers maintain particularly strong occupancy rates.

The limited housing supply relative to demand suggests that well-located and properly managed rental properties should experience minimal vacancy challenges in the current market environment.

How long does it typically take to sell a property in Yaoundé right now, compared with last year?

Specific comparative data on property sale timelines between 2024 and 2025 is not available in current industry reports.

General market trends indicate that demand remains high in Yaoundé, particularly for central district properties, which typically sell faster than suburban or peripheral listings. The strong buyer interest suggests reasonable sale timelines for properly priced properties.

Properties in prime locations with good infrastructure access continue to attract multiple buyers, while suburban properties may require slightly longer marketing periods. Market dynamics favor sellers in desirable neighborhoods due to limited inventory.

The overall market strength suggests that sale timelines have likely remained stable or potentially improved for well-positioned properties throughout 2025.

What percentage of property purchases are financed through mortgages, and what are the current average mortgage interest rates?

Mortgage interest rates in Yaoundé currently average around 6% for new residential loans as of September 2025.

These rates are expected to remain stable or experience slight decreases in the coming months, making property financing relatively affordable for qualified buyers. The competitive mortgage environment supports continued property market activity.

While specific data on the percentage of purchases financed through mortgages is not precisely reported for Yaoundé, the affordable 6% interest rate environment encourages mortgage usage among eligible buyers. Many international and local buyers utilize financing to leverage their property investments.

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

How much foreign investment is entering Yaoundé's property market annually, and from which main countries?

Foreign property investment in Yaoundé has grown by approximately 12% annually since 2020, demonstrating strong international confidence in the market.

The primary sources of foreign investment come from neighboring African nations and European countries. This diversified investor base provides stability to the market while bringing varied investment approaches and capital sources.

European investors often focus on longer-term appreciation potential and rental income properties, while investors from other African countries may prioritize both investment returns and potential relocation opportunities. The growing foreign interest reflects Yaoundé's improving infrastructure and political stability.

This international capital flow supports market liquidity and helps drive continued development in both residential and commercial sectors throughout the capital.

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's the forecasted demand growth for residential housing over the next 3 to 5 years in terms of number of households?

Cameroon's residential sector is projected to grow at approximately 5% annually from 2025 onward, with Yaoundé capturing a significant portion of this growth.

This demand growth is primarily driven by continued urbanization and migration patterns that bring people to the capital for employment and educational opportunities. The city's role as the political and administrative center ensures steady population growth.

The total market size for Cameroon's residential real estate is projected to reach US$291.3 billion in 2025 with a steady upward trajectory through 2030. Yaoundé, as the largest urban center, represents a substantial portion of this market expansion.

Young professionals, government workers, and international residents contribute to household formation, creating sustained demand for both rental and ownership properties across various price segments.

What infrastructure projects are planned or ongoing in Yaoundé that could directly influence property values, and what are their expected completion dates?

Several key infrastructure projects are currently ongoing or planned in Yaoundé that will likely boost property values in surrounding areas.

Major initiatives include new residential zones, expanded urban transport links, and comprehensive road and utility upgrades. These projects are targeting completion dates between 2026 and 2027 for operational delivery, though specific timelines may vary by project scope and funding.

The infrastructure improvements focus on connecting peripheral areas to the city center, improving water and electricity supply reliability, and creating new planned residential communities. These developments typically increase property values within a 2-3 kilometer radius of major improvements.

Transportation upgrades are particularly valuable for property appreciation, as better connectivity makes previously less accessible areas more attractive to both residents and investors looking for growth potential.

What are the main risks investors should watch out for in Yaoundé's real estate market, and what are the estimated probabilities or impacts?

The primary risks facing Yaoundé property investors include inflation-driven cost overruns, currency depreciation, fluctuating demand, and regulatory uncertainties.

Inflation is projected at 3.4% for 2025, directly affecting construction and acquisition costs. New construction projects face potential cost overruns of 10-15% over original budgets due to material price increases and labor cost inflation.

Currency depreciation against major international currencies can impact foreign investors' returns when converted back to their home currencies. However, this risk can be offset by the local appreciation of property values in CFA francs.

Regulatory changes in property ownership laws or foreign investment policies represent longer-term risks, though the current government maintains pro-investment policies to encourage economic development.

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

What's the projected property price growth rate over the next 5 years, both optimistic and conservative scenarios?

Property price projections for Yaoundé over the next five years show positive growth under both scenarios, driven by infrastructure expansion and population growth.

The optimistic scenario forecasts annual residential price growth of 7%, which would result in substantial appreciation for current property owners and attractive returns for new investors. This scenario assumes continued economic stability, successful infrastructure project completion, and sustained foreign investment interest.

The conservative scenario projects around 3% annual price growth, which still outpaces inflation and provides real returns to property holders. Even this cautious forecast reflects the underlying strength of Yaoundé's market fundamentals.

Both projections are supported by the city's role as Cameroon's capital, ongoing urbanization trends, and the substantial housing deficit that ensures continued demand pressure on the existing property stock.

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.

Sources

1. The AfricanVestor - Yaoundé Price Forecasts
2. The AfricanVestor - Cameroon Price Forecasts
3. The AfricanVestor - Cameroon Worth It
4. Statista - Cameroon Residential Real Estate Outlook
5. Numbeo - Property Investment in Yaoundé
6. Properstar - Yaoundé House Prices
7. AirROI - Yaoundé Real Estate Report
8. Simtrade - Cameroonian Real Estate Market