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
If you are a foreigner thinking about buying an apartment in Yaoundé, you are probably wondering what kind of rental income you can actually expect.
This article breaks down the realistic rental yields, typical rents, best neighborhoods, and all the costs that will eat into your profits, specifically for Yaoundé in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data so you always have the latest numbers.
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.
What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Yaoundé?
What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for apartments in Yaoundé typically falls between 6% and 8%, depending on the size and location of your property.
That said, the realistic range of gross yields for most apartment investments in Yaoundé spans from about 5% for larger luxury units in areas like Bastos, up to 10% for well-positioned studios near universities or hospitals.
The main factor that causes gross rental yields to vary so much in Yaoundé is the reliability of utilities, because tenants in this city will pay a clear premium for apartments with dependable water supply, backup power options, and secure access, which directly impacts how much rent you can charge.
Compared to other major cities in Central Africa, Yaoundé offers relatively attractive gross yields, often outperforming places like Libreville or Brazzaville where property prices tend to be higher relative to achievable rents.
What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for apartments in Yaoundé typically lands between 4.5% and 6.5%, once you subtract all the recurring costs and taxes from your gross income.
Most apartment investors in Yaoundé can realistically expect net yields in the range of 3.5% to 7.5%, with smaller units in high-demand areas at the upper end and larger luxury apartments in prime expat neighborhoods at the lower end.
The single biggest expense that reduces gross yield to net yield in Yaoundé is the cost of ensuring reliable utilities, because many landlords need to budget for water tank systems, backup generators or inverters, and security arrangements that tenants expect but that add up quickly.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Yaoundé.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Yaoundé sits between 6% and 9% annually, meaning most properties take roughly 11 to 16 years of rent to equal the purchase price.
The realistic range of rent-to-price ratios covering most apartment transactions in Yaoundé goes from about 4% to 6% in expensive micro-markets like Bastos, up to 8% to 11% for the best-yielding small units near major demand nodes.
The apartment categories and neighborhoods in Yaoundé that tend to have the highest rent-to-price ratios are compact studios and one-bedrooms located near the University of Yaoundé in areas like Ngoa-Ekellé, Melen, and Biyem-Assi, where strong student and young professional demand keeps rents high relative to purchase prices.
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How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Yaoundé?
What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Yaoundé right now?
The typical monthly tenant budget for renting an apartment in Yaoundé in early 2026 ranges from about 60,000 XAF (around 90 USD or 85 EUR) for basic units in outer areas up to 1,500,000 XAF (roughly 2,300 USD or 2,150 EUR) or more for premium furnished apartments.
For tenants targeting mid-range apartments in Yaoundé, you can expect budgets between 150,000 and 350,000 XAF per month, which is about 230 to 540 USD or 215 to 500 EUR, typically for decent two-bedroom units with reliable utilities and reasonable access to main roads.
For tenants seeking high-end or luxury apartments in Yaoundé, budgets typically start at 350,000 XAF (540 USD or 500 EUR) and can exceed 1,500,000 XAF (2,300 USD or 2,150 EUR) monthly, especially for fully furnished units in expat-heavy neighborhoods like Bastos with security, backup power, and modern amenities.
We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Yaoundé here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Yaoundé falls between 100,000 and 250,000 XAF, which is roughly 150 to 380 USD or 140 to 360 EUR, depending heavily on location and amenities.
At the entry level, a decent 1-bed apartment in Yaoundé rents for about 100,000 to 150,000 XAF (150 to 230 USD or 140 to 215 EUR), and this would typically be an unfurnished unit in areas like Simbock or outer Biyem-Assi with basic finishes and potentially inconsistent water supply.
A typical mid-range 1-bed apartment in Yaoundé costs between 150,000 and 250,000 XAF monthly (230 to 380 USD or 215 to 360 EUR), and this would usually be a furnished or well-maintained unit in neighborhoods like Ngousso or parts of Odza with reliable water, decent security, and good road access.
At the high end, a luxury 1-bed apartment in Yaoundé can command 250,000 to 400,000 XAF or more (380 to 610 USD or 360 to 575 EUR), typically found in expat-facing buildings in Bastos or Nlongkak with generator backup, guards, modern kitchen, and fully furnished interiors.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Yaoundé ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 XAF, which translates to roughly 230 to 610 USD or 215 to 575 EUR.
At the entry level, a decent 2-bed apartment in Yaoundé rents for about 150,000 to 220,000 XAF monthly (230 to 340 USD or 215 to 315 EUR), and this would be an unfurnished unit in areas like Essos or Mvan with basic finishes, shared water tank, and no generator.
A typical mid-range 2-bed apartment in Yaoundé costs between 220,000 and 400,000 XAF per month (340 to 610 USD or 315 to 575 EUR), usually meaning a well-maintained building in neighborhoods like Ngoa-Ekellé or Odza with reliable water, gated access, and either furnished or move-in ready condition.
At the high end, a luxury 2-bed apartment in Yaoundé can command 400,000 to 700,000 XAF or higher (610 to 1,070 USD or 575 to 1,000 EUR), typically in Bastos or Golf with 24-hour security, backup power, modern appliances, and expat-standard finishes.
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Yaoundé falls between 220,000 and 600,000 XAF, which is about 340 to 920 USD or 315 to 860 EUR.
At the entry level, a decent 3-bed apartment in Yaoundé rents for around 220,000 to 350,000 XAF monthly (340 to 540 USD or 315 to 500 EUR), typically an unfurnished family unit in areas like Biyem-Assi or Mendong with standard finishes and basic utilities.
A typical mid-range 3-bed apartment in Yaoundé costs between 350,000 and 600,000 XAF per month (540 to 920 USD or 500 to 860 EUR), often found in established neighborhoods like Ngousso or Odza with security guards, reliable water tanks, and space for parking.
At the high end, a luxury 3-bed apartment in Yaoundé can reach 600,000 to 1,000,000 XAF or more (920 to 1,530 USD or 860 to 1,430 EUR), especially in Bastos or near embassies with full generator backup, modern security systems, and high-quality furnishings included.
How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Yaoundé?
A well-priced apartment in Yaoundé typically gets rented within 2 to 6 weeks in early 2026, with studios and 1-beds in high-demand areas often finding tenants in just 2 to 4 weeks.
The typical vacancy rate for apartments in Yaoundé hovers around 5% to 10% for well-located units, though larger or overpriced apartments in less accessible areas can sit empty for 3 months or longer.
The main factors that cause some apartments to rent faster than others in Yaoundé are the reliability of the water supply, the presence of backup power solutions, and whether the building is accessible by good roads during rainy season, because these everyday practicalities matter more to Yaoundé tenants than fancy finishes.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost 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.
Which apartment type gives the best yield in Yaoundé?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and compact 1-bed apartments typically offer the best rental yields in Yaoundé, followed by 2-beds, with 3-beds usually delivering the lowest yields due to higher vacancy risk and more maintenance costs.
The typical gross rental yield range by apartment type in Yaoundé is roughly 7% to 10% for studios and 1-beds, 6% to 9% for 2-beds, and 5% to 7% for 3-beds, with ultra-prime areas sometimes compressing these figures.
The main reason why smaller apartments outperform larger ones in Yaoundé is the concentration of demand from students at the University of Yaoundé, young professionals working in government ministries, and short-term visitors who need compact units near major hospitals and embassies, all of whom keep occupancy high and turnover fast for smaller units.
Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Yaoundé?
The top features that most positively impact rental yield for apartments in Yaoundé are a reliable water tank and pump system, backup power readiness (generator hookup or inverter), a secure gated entrance, and easy access to main roads that remain passable during the rainy season.
In Yaoundé, ground floor and first floor apartments are generally easiest to rent because many older buildings lack reliable elevators, and tenants prefer not to climb multiple flights of stairs with water containers when supply is interrupted.
Apartments with balconies or small outdoor spaces do command slightly higher rents in Yaoundé, but the premium is modest compared to the premium tenants pay for utility reliability, so balconies help but are not the primary rent driver.
Building features like elevators and parking spaces can justify higher rents in Yaoundé, but only if the elevator is well-maintained and the parking is secure, because many tenants have experienced broken elevators and will not pay extra for amenities they cannot depend on.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Yaoundé?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments in Yaoundé include Bastos, Golf, and Nlongkak for expat tenants, Ngoa-Ekellé and Melen for students and young professionals, and Ngousso and Odza for families and mid-market renters.
The main demand driver that makes these neighborhoods attractive is their proximity to specific employment and education hubs, with Bastos benefiting from nearby embassies and international organizations, while Ngoa-Ekellé and Melen draw tenants from the University of Yaoundé and the surrounding student ecosystem.
In these high-demand Yaoundé neighborhoods, well-priced apartments typically rent within 2 to 4 weeks, and vacancy rates tend to stay below 5% for units with reliable utilities.
One emerging neighborhood gaining rental demand momentum in Yaoundé is Odza, particularly the areas along the Borne corridors, where new residential developments and improved road access are attracting both long-term tenants and short-stay furnished apartment demand.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Yaoundé.
Which neighborhoods have the highest yields for apartments in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for apartments in Yaoundé are Ngoa-Ekellé, Melen, Biyem-Assi, and parts of Odza, where purchase prices remain reasonable while rents stay solid due to consistent demand.
The typical gross rental yield range in these top-yielding Yaoundé neighborhoods is about 8% to 11% for well-bought small units, compared to 4% to 6% in premium areas like Bastos where property prices run ahead of achievable rents.
The main reason these neighborhoods offer higher yields than others in Yaoundé is that they sit close to major demand generators like the University of Yaoundé and key hospitals, but have not yet seen the price inflation that affects more established expat zones, so you can still buy at reasonable prices while charging competitive rents.
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.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Yaoundé?
Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental for apartments in Yaoundé is not banned, but it is an area of growing regulatory attention, and landlords should assume they may need to comply with tourism and hospitality rules.
The main legal requirements for operating a short-term rental apartment in Yaoundé include potential registration with tourism authorities, proper tax declarations on rental income, and ensuring your property meets any applicable safety or hospitality standards.
While there is no specific Airbnb licensing regime in Yaoundé yet, evidence from official procurement notices shows that Cameroon's tourism ministry is actively studying the furnished apartment sector, which suggests more formal rules could come in the future.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Yaoundé.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Yaoundé can generate gross revenue that is 20% to 60% higher than long-term rentals, but the net yield advantage is usually smaller once you account for additional costs and vacancy.
The typical gross yield for short-term rentals in Yaoundé ranges from 10% to 15% at good occupancy, compared to 6% to 9% gross for long-term rentals, assuming you can maintain consistent bookings and deliver reliable utilities.
The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Yaoundé include cleaning fees between guests, higher furnishing and replacement costs, platform commissions of 15% to 20%, utility bills you pay instead of the tenant, and the cost of local management to handle turnovers.
To outperform a long-term rental in Yaoundé, a short-term rental typically needs to achieve at least 50% to 60% occupancy, because at lower occupancy rates the extra costs and management hassle often outweigh the higher nightly rates.
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What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Yaoundé?
What are building service charges as a % of rent in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, typical building service charges for apartments in Yaoundé run between 3% and 8% of monthly rent, which works out to roughly 5,000 to 30,000 XAF (8 to 45 USD or 7 to 43 EUR) per month for mid-range apartments.
The realistic range of building service charges for apartments in Yaoundé spans from about 3% to 6% of rent for basic buildings with minimal shared services, up to 8% to 12% of rent for buildings with security guards, shared generators, and maintained common areas.
The services that typically justify higher-than-average service charges in Yaoundé are shared generator fuel contributions, 24-hour guarding, functioning water pump systems for the building, and regular cleaning of stairwells and common areas, all of which address the daily reliability concerns that define tenant satisfaction in this city.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Yaoundé right now?
A typical annual maintenance budget for an apartment in Yaoundé in early 2026 is about 1% to 2% of the property value, which translates to roughly 300,000 to 800,000 XAF (460 to 1,230 USD or 430 to 1,145 EUR) for a mid-market apartment.
The realistic range of annual maintenance costs in Yaoundé goes from 1% of property value for newer, unfurnished apartments with normal wear, up to 3% to 4% for older buildings or furnished units with high tenant turnover that require more frequent repairs and replacements.
The most common maintenance expenses apartment owners face annually in Yaoundé are plumbing repairs related to water tank and pump systems, electrical work to address voltage fluctuations and generator connections, repainting after tenant turnover, and replacement of door locks and window hardware that wear out quickly in the humid climate.
What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, property taxes for apartments in Yaoundé typically include an annual property tax and a tax on rental income, with rates and bases defined by the official tax code, and the total can vary significantly based on your ownership structure and property value.
The realistic range of property-related taxes in Yaoundé depends on whether you hold the property as an individual or through a company, and whether you are a resident or non-resident, so it is difficult to give a single number without knowing your specific situation.
Property taxes in Yaoundé are calculated based on the declared or assessed value of your property, with rental income subject to separate taxation that may include withholding at source depending on tenant type.
Some exemptions or reductions may be available for new constructions or certain property categories in Yaoundé, but the safest approach is to treat taxes as non-negotiable, budget them explicitly, and confirm your exact obligations with the Cameroon tax authority or a local adviser before you buy.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Yaoundé.
How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Yaoundé in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical annual landlord insurance for an apartment in Yaoundé costs roughly 0.2% to 0.5% of the property's rebuild value, which works out to approximately 80,000 to 250,000 XAF (120 to 380 USD or 115 to 360 EUR) for a mid-market apartment.
The realistic range of annual landlord insurance costs in Yaoundé spans from about 0.2% of rebuild value for basic coverage on a standard building, up to 0.5% to 0.7% for more comprehensive policies covering furnished units, short-term rental liability, or buildings in areas with higher perceived risk.
What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Yaoundé as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical property management fee for apartments in Yaoundé is about 8% to 12% of collected rent for long-term rentals, which works out to roughly 15,000 to 50,000 XAF (23 to 75 USD or 21 to 72 EUR) per month on a mid-market apartment.
The realistic range of property management fees in Yaoundé goes from 7% to 10% for basic rent collection and tenant coordination, up to 15% to 25% for full-service management of short-term rentals that includes guest messaging, cleaning coordination, and turnover inspections.
Standard property management services in Yaoundé typically include tenant sourcing, rent collection, basic maintenance coordination, and handling tenant complaints, though landlords should confirm exactly what is covered because service quality varies widely between agencies.
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 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 Directorate General of Taxation (DGI) | Official tax authority for Cameroon tax rules. | We used it as the source of truth for property and rental income taxation. We translated tax obligations into practical cost estimates for landlords. |
| Cameroon Ministry of Finance (MINFI) | Government source for fiscal law and budget context. | We used it to anchor the 2025 fiscal framework. We treated it as a stability check for our tax assumptions. |
| BEAC (Central Bank of Central African States) | Regional central bank for inflation and macro data. | We used it to understand rent growth expectations in Yaoundé. We avoided using inflation as a proxy for yields but it helped set realistic expectations. |
| World Bank Data | Internationally standardized demographic indicators. | We used it to contextualize urban housing demand drivers in Yaoundé. We kept it as background support rather than direct rent input. |
| UN-Habitat | UN agency specializing in housing and urbanization. | We used it to explain why utility reliability matters so much for Yaoundé rents. We treated it as qualitative validation for demand patterns. |
| Mapiole | Major Cameroon real estate marketplace with live listings. | We used it to triangulate current asking rents and sale prices across Yaoundé neighborhoods. We combined it with other platforms to avoid overweighting any single source. |
| Jumia Deals Cameroon | Large classifieds platform with transparent listing prices. | We used it as a market snapshot for rent bands in Yaoundé. We only used listings to triangulate ranges, not as a single source of truth. |
| Campiole | Platform showing both nightly and monthly rental pricing. | We used it to estimate short-term rental rates in Yaoundé. We converted nightly rates to monthly revenue using conservative occupancy assumptions. |
| ARMP (Cameroon Procurement Regulator) | Official regulator publication showing government attention. | We used it to confirm that furnished apartments are on the regulatory radar. We translated this into a practical compliance assumption for short-term landlords. |
| National Institute of Statistics Cameroon (INS) | Official statistics agency for national data standards. | We used it to verify our narrative is consistent with official institutions. We treated it as a credibility check rather than a direct rent data source. |
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