Buying real estate in Yaoundé?

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6 strong forecasts for real estate in Yaoundé in 2025

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cameroon Property Pack

buying property foreigner Cameroon

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cameroon Property Pack

What will happen in Yaoundé’s real estate market? Will prices go up or down? Is Yaoundé still a hotspot for foreign investors? How is Cameroon’s government impacting real estate policies and taxes in 2025?

We’re constantly asked these questions because we’re deeply involved in this market. Through our work with notaries, real estate agents, and clients who buy properties in Yaoundé, we’ve gained firsthand insights.

That’s why we created this article: to provide clear answers, insightful analysis, and a well-rounded perspective on market predictions and forecasts.

Our goal is simple: to ensure you feel informed and confident about the market without needing to look elsewhere. If you think we missed the mark or could do better, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to message us with your feedback or comments, and we’ll work hard to improve this content for you.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The Africanvestor, we study the Yaoundé 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 throughout the place. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

When working on this content, we started by gathering insights from these conversations and our own observations. But we didn’t stop there. To make sure our predictions are reliable, we also dug into trusted sources like UNESCO, Knight Frank, and Deloitte (among many others).

We are committed to accuracy and authority. Any forecast lacking strong backing from reliable data or expert opinions was set aside. For the forecasts that pass our initial screening (meaning, we consider there is enough solid data to consider them credible), we take things a step further by incorporating insights from trusted real estate blogs, industry publications, and expert analyses. This additional information helps us gain a clearer perspective without compromising reliability. Naturally, we also draw on our own experience and knowledge.

Trustworthiness is key to us. Clear citations are provided throughout this article, allowing you to see exactly where our information comes from. To ensure our explanations are easy to read and engaging, we used an AI-powered writing tool—but only for this specific purpose.

To make the data even more accessible, our design team created custom infographics that highlight key trends and comparisons. We hope you find them helpful.

Finally, every illustration, screenshot, and other non-text media was produced in-house and added manually.

If you think we could have done anything better, please let us know. You can always send a message. We answer in less than 24 hours.

1) Property demand in Bastos and Nlongkak will rise as diplomatic activities and expat presence increase

Bastos and Nlongkak are hot spots for property buyers due to a boom in diplomatic activities and a growing expatriate community.

Since around 2023, Yaoundé has seen a rise in diplomatic missions, which has naturally increased the demand for housing in these neighborhoods. The influx of diplomats and international staff has made these areas particularly appealing.

The expatriate community in Yaoundé is on the rise. According to the 3rd Survey on Employment and the Informal Sector (EESI3), nearly 30% of employed individuals in the city are migrants. Many of these expatriates prefer living in Bastos and Nlongkak because of their proximity to diplomatic missions and international organizations.

International organizations, like UNESCO, which has a regional office in Yaoundé, play a significant role in this trend. These organizations attract more expatriates and diplomats, who look for housing that offers the amenities and security they need.

This demand has led to a surge in luxury housing and serviced apartments in Bastos and Nlongkak. These neighborhoods are known for their upscale living options, making them desirable for those seeking comfort and convenience.

As diplomatic activities continue to grow, the property market in these areas is expected to remain strong, offering lucrative opportunities for potential buyers.

Sources: Business in Cameroon, UNESCO

2) Demand for homes with outdoor spaces and gardens in Yaoundé will grow as health awareness increases

In Yaoundé, there's a growing trend towards health consciousness.

Back in 2023 and 2024, many people in Yaoundé were dealing with obesity and lack of exercise. This has sparked a shift in mindset, with more folks looking for ways to improve their well-being. As a result, there's a noticeable increase in the sales of fitness and wellness products, like vitamins and dietary supplements, showing that people are prioritizing their health.

This health-focused mindset is influencing the type of homes people are interested in. More and more, they're seeking properties with outdoor spaces where they can exercise and relax. The idea is to have a home that supports a healthy lifestyle, offering a place to unwind and stay active.

Gardening and outdoor activities are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas. Spending time in nature is known for its stress-reducing and mental health benefits. This has been highlighted in media coverage, which emphasizes the perks of having access to outdoor spaces, making such properties more appealing.

In Yaoundé, the demand for homes with gardens and outdoor areas is on the rise. People are recognizing the value of these spaces for both physical and mental well-being. It's not just about having a place to live; it's about having a space that enhances your quality of life.

As more people become aware of the benefits of outdoor spaces, the real estate market in Yaoundé is likely to see a shift. Properties with gardens and areas for outdoor activities are becoming more desirable, reflecting the city's growing focus on health and wellness.

Sources: Euromonitor, Johnson Fitness, Knight Frank

infographics map property prices Yaoundé

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.

3) Smart home features will drive demand for new homes in Yaoundé

Smart home technology is becoming a big deal in Yaoundé.

In 2023, the Africa smart home market was worth USD 2.32 billion, and it's expected to skyrocket to USD 8.63 billion by 2030. This boom, with a 20.7% annual growth rate, shows how much people are embracing smart homes across the continent.

In Yaoundé, there's a growing buzz for homes with tech features. People are looking for convenience, security, and energy efficiency in their living spaces. This trend is similar to what's happening in the Middle East & Africa, where the smart home market is set to hit USD 8.33 billion by 2028, especially in smart apartment complexes.

Globally, the smart home market is on fire, expected to jump from $149.43 billion in 2025 to $633.2 billion by 2032. This surge is thanks to better security tech, IoT gadgets, and more ways to customize homes. These global shifts are nudging places like Yaoundé to get on board with smart home solutions.

Governments are also pushing for digital innovation and smart city projects. In the Middle East & Africa, they're weaving smart home tech into new buildings, aiming for connected and tech-savvy urban areas.

Sources: Africa Smart Home Market, The Rise of Smart Homes in West Africa, Cameroon Home Automation System Market, Middle East & Africa Smart Home Market Outlook, 2028

4) Yaoundé’s real estate market will attract more investors as blockchain technology simplifies property transactions

Blockchain technology is reshaping the real estate industry, making property transactions more efficient and transparent in places like Yaoundé.

One major perk of blockchain is its ability to slash transaction times and costs. Imagine buying or selling property without the usual hassle. A Deloitte report shows that blockchain can cut real estate transaction costs by up to 30% by automating processes and eliminating middlemen. This means faster deals and more savings, which is a win for investors eager to boost their returns.

Blockchain also ramps up transparency and cuts down on fraud. It creates records that are immutable and accessible to everyone involved, drastically reducing the chances of disputes and fraud. The International Blockchain Real Estate Association found that blockchain could cut real estate fraud by up to 50%, potentially saving $160 billion annually. This kind of security and trust is exactly what investors are looking for in Yaoundé's market.

Globally, blockchain is gaining traction in various sectors like finance and healthcare, showing a growing interest in its potential. This widespread acceptance suggests that blockchain's role in real estate isn't just a fad but a lasting change that will keep drawing investors to places like Yaoundé.

In Yaoundé, the adoption of blockchain technology is set to streamline property transactions, making the real estate market even more appealing to investors. The city's market is becoming a hotspot, thanks to the efficiency and security that blockchain brings.

As blockchain continues to integrate into real estate, Yaoundé stands out as a promising destination for investors. The technology's ability to simplify and secure transactions is a game-changer, making the market more attractive than ever.

Sources: Savvycom Software, CXO Today, Hakia

5) Virtual reality tours will become common in Yaoundé property listings, improving the buying experience

Virtual reality tours are now a must-have in property listings, making the buying experience in Yaoundé much more engaging.

Thanks to the rise of VR technology in real estate, platforms like Floorfy have changed the game. They let agents create 3D virtual tours and detailed floor plans that can be shared instantly with potential buyers, making it easier to explore properties from anywhere.

In Cameroon, the spread of the internet and smartphones has been a big help. By 2023, internet penetration hit 45.6%, with millions of users online. The mobile broadband rate also jumped to 39%, thanks to cheaper smartphones and better infrastructure, making virtual tours more accessible in Yaoundé.

People love virtual tours when shopping for homes. Surveys show they cut down on unnecessary visits by 70%, helping agents figure out who's really interested. This trend has pushed many real estate agencies in Yaoundé to embrace VR, seeing how it enhances the buying experience and slashes costs.

With more people online and using smartphones, virtual tours are becoming a key part of the property market in Yaoundé. They offer a convenient way to explore homes without the hassle of physical visits, making the process smoother for everyone involved.

Sources: Floorfy, DataReportal, Business in Cameroon

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6) Suburban areas in Yaoundé will become more appealing to homebuyers as public transportation expands

The expansion of public transportation in Yaoundé is set to make suburban areas more attractive to homebuyers.

With the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, up to 43,000 passengers will be transported daily by 2028 in its first phase. This means better connectivity for those living outside the city center. Imagine hopping on a bus and reaching your destination without the usual traffic hassle. The second phase will serve even more people, 110,000 passengers daily, making suburban living a breeze.

Look at Dakar, where the BRT system has already made a big difference. Travel times have dropped, and people are moving around more easily. This success story hints at what could happen in Yaoundé. The MoVe Yaoundé project is also in the works, aiming to create a smooth and affordable transit system, which could make suburban areas even more appealing.

Homebuyers often look for places with good public transit. It's a common theme in urban planning and real estate studies. When public transportation improves, the demand for homes in suburban areas tends to rise. Developers notice this trend and start investing in new residential projects to cater to the growing interest.

As suburban areas become more connected, they naturally become more attractive. People want the convenience of city life without the chaos. Better transit options mean you can have the best of both worlds—peaceful suburban living with easy access to the city.

So, if you're thinking about buying a property in Yaoundé, keep an eye on these developments. The expansion of public transportation could be a game-changer, making suburban areas a hot spot for homebuyers.

Sources: Cameroon Online, Transformative Mobility

While this article provides thoughtful analysis and insights based on credible and carefully selected sources, it is not, and should never be considered, financial advice. We put significant effort into researching, aggregating, and analyzing data to present you with an informed perspective. However, every analysis reflects subjective choices, such as the selection of sources and methodologies, and no single piece can encompass the full complexity of the market. Always conduct your own research, seek professional advice, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses remain your responsibility.