What properties can you buy in Yaoundéwith $100k, $300k, $500k and more? (January 2026)

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

What can I realistically buy with $100k in Yaoundé right now?

Are there any decent properties for $100k in Yaoundé, or is it all scams?

With a budget of $100,000 (roughly 56 million CFA francs in early 2026), you can find livable apartments or small older houses in mid-market neighborhoods of Yaoundé, but the main challenge is not scams, it is making sure the paperwork is clean and the land title (titre foncier) is properly verified.

The neighborhoods that offer the best value and most legitimate options for a $100,000 budget in Yaoundé include Biyem-Assi, Mendong, Emana, Essos, Ngousso, and Odza, where you can typically find properties with paved road access, reliable water solutions, and cleaner documentation.

Buying in popular or upscale areas like Bastos or Quartier du Lac for $100,000 in Yaoundé is generally not realistic for a nice titled property; what sometimes appears at this price is a small studio, an older unit needing significant renovation, or a deal with documentation red flags you should avoid.

What property types can I afford for $100k in Yaoundé (studio, land, old house)?

For $100,000 (about 56 million CFA francs) in Yaoundé, you can realistically afford a 1 to 2 bedroom apartment in mid-market neighborhoods like Biyem-Assi or Mendong, a small older house in peripheral areas like Odza, or a plot of land, though land purchases carry the highest documentation risk.

At this budget level in Yaoundé, buyers should typically expect properties that need some work: older buildings, variable backup power and water infrastructure, and homes that might require 10% to 25% of the purchase price (roughly 6 to 14 million CFA francs) in first-year renovations to make them comfortable.

For long-term value at the $100,000 level in Yaoundé, apartments in well-connected neighborhoods with clean title documentation tend to offer the best balance of livability and resale potential, as land purchases can be risky and older houses often come with hidden costs.

What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Yaoundé as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Yaoundé is around 84 million CFA francs, which equals approximately $150,000 or 140,000 euros.

Most buyers looking for a comfortable standard in Yaoundé typically need a budget range of 84 to 140 million CFA francs ($150,000 to $250,000, or 140,000 to 230,000 euros) to access properties with reliable utilities, secure compounds, and cleaner documentation.

In Yaoundé, "comfortable" generally means a property with 2 or more bedrooms, reliable water supply (often with a borehole or storage tank), backup generator access, secure parking, and in a neighborhood with good road access and lower crime rates.

The budget needed can vary significantly by neighborhood in Yaoundé: you might achieve comfort at the lower end of this range in emerging areas like Ngousso or Nsimeyong, while prime locations like Bastos or Quartier du Lac will push you toward the higher end or beyond.

What can I get with a $200k budget in Yaoundé as of 2026?

What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Yaoundé as of 2026?

As of early 2026, with $200,000 (about 112 million CFA francs), you can typically access what would be considered a "normal" comfortable home in Yaoundé: a solid 2-bedroom apartment in established neighborhoods like Nsimeyong, Nlongkak, Mfandena, or Ngousso, or a small house or duplex farther out in areas like the Odza corridor.

For this budget in Yaoundé, the typical apartment size ranges from 90 to 140 square meters (970 to 1,500 square feet), depending on building quality, exact micro-location, and whether the property is in an older or newer development.

By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Yaoundé.

What places are the smartest $200k buys in Yaoundé as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the smartest neighborhoods to buy at the $200,000 (112 million CFA francs) level in Yaoundé include Nsimeyong (popular with expats and offering good resale liquidity), Ngousso (strong amenity base near hospitals and international schools), and selected pockets of Essos or Mfandena (central convenience).

What makes these areas smarter buys compared to other $200,000 options in Yaoundé is their combination of steady rental demand, better infrastructure (roads, water, security), and documented properties that tend to resell faster than those in less established neighborhoods.

The main growth factor driving value in these smart-buy areas of Yaoundé is urban densification and infrastructure investment: neighborhoods near schools, hospitals, and major transport corridors see consistent demand from both locals and the growing expatriate community.

What can I buy with $300k in Yaoundé in 2026?

What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Yaoundé in 2026?

As of early 2026, moving from $200,000 to $300,000 (about 168 million CFA francs) in Yaoundé buys you predictability: newer or better-managed buildings with on-site security, covered parking, water reserves, generator backup, and importantly, sellers with cleaner documentation who are less likely to have "mystery" ownership claims.

Yes, $300,000 can buy a property in a newer building in Yaoundé right now, especially for 2-bedroom apartments and sometimes 3-bedroom units in strong neighborhoods outside the absolute prime streets of Bastos or Quartier du Lac.

At this budget level in Yaoundé, you typically gain access to better finishing standards such as modern kitchens, quality bathroom fixtures, air conditioning throughout, reliable elevator service in taller buildings, and professional property management in well-maintained compounds.

Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Yaoundé in 2026 in good areas?

As of early 2026, yes, $300,000 (168 million CFA francs) can definitely buy a very solid 2-bedroom apartment, and often a 3-bedroom, in good areas of Yaoundé.

Specific good areas in Yaoundé where 2-bedroom options are available at this $300,000 budget include parts of Bastos (though not necessarily the most prime micro-locations), Quartier Fouda, Nsimeyong, Nlongkak, and good pockets of Tsinga.

A $300,000 2-bedroom apartment in Yaoundé typically offers around 100 to 150 square meters (1,080 to 1,615 square feet), with better-quality finishes, secure parking, and often amenities like a swimming pool or fitness area in the building.

Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Yaoundé as of 2026?

At the $300,000 (168 million CFA francs) price point in Yaoundé, the diplomatic quarter of Bastos becomes more realistic for good-quality apartments, and Quartier du Lac becomes possible though you will need to be selective about specific buildings and units.

What makes these newly accessible areas desirable in Yaoundé is their combination of prestige, security (proximity to embassies and international organizations), better-maintained roads, reliable services, and the strongest resale liquidity in the city.

In these newly accessible areas for $300,000 in Yaoundé, buyers can typically expect well-maintained 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in secure compounds, often with amenities like pools, generators, boreholes, and 24-hour security guards.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Yaoundé.

What does a $500k budget unlock in Yaoundé in 2026?

What's the typical size and location for $500k in Yaoundé in 2026?

As of early 2026, with $500,000 (about 280 million CFA francs) in Yaoundé, you are in "prime family comfort" territory: large 3 to 4 bedroom apartments in Bastos, Quartier du Lac, or Fouda, or a properly titled family house with meaningful outdoor space in a strong neighborhood.

Yes, $500,000 can buy a family home with outdoor space in Yaoundé, though the real constraint is not money but finding a property with clean title documentation, genuine quality construction, and a secure compound in a good location.

At the $500,000 level in Yaoundé, the typical property offers 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, and often includes features like a private garden or terrace, secure parking for multiple vehicles, staff quarters, and high-end finishes throughout.

Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Yaoundé here.

Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Yaoundé in 2026?

At the $500,000 (280 million CFA francs) price point in Yaoundé, the premium neighborhoods that fully open up include Bastos (the classic diplomatic benchmark), Quartier du Lac (with its scarcity premium), Fouda, Santa Barbara, and prime pockets around Mvolyé and Etoudi.

What makes these neighborhoods considered premium in Yaoundé is their combination of embassy proximity, international school access, well-maintained infrastructure, lower population density, established security presence, and the concentration of expatriate and diplomatic residents who maintain high property standards.

In these premium neighborhoods of Yaoundé for $500,000, buyers can realistically expect spacious 3 to 4 bedroom apartments or smaller villas with modern amenities, secure compounds with 24-hour guards, backup power and water systems, and often views of the surrounding hills or green spaces.

What counts as "luxury" in Yaoundé in 2026?

At what amount does "luxury" start in Yaoundé right now?

In Yaoundé, "luxury" properties typically start at around 340 million CFA francs, which equals approximately $600,000 or 560,000 euros for houses, and around 225 to 340 million CFA francs ($400,000 to $600,000, or 370,000 to 560,000 euros) for truly prime, high-spec apartments.

What defines entry-level luxury in Yaoundé is less about marble floors and more about risk reduction: properties with impeccable title documentation, reliable backup power and water infrastructure, 24-hour security, secure parking, excellent access roads, and no flood risk.

Compared to luxury thresholds in neighboring African capitals, Yaoundé's luxury entry point is relatively accessible: similar properties in Lagos or Nairobi would often cost significantly more, making Yaoundé attractive for buyers seeking high-end living at a lower price point.

The typical price range for mid-tier luxury properties in Yaoundé falls between 340 to 560 million CFA francs ($600,000 to $1 million, or 560,000 to 930,000 euros), while top-tier luxury villas can reach 560 million to over 1 billion CFA francs ($1 million or more, exceeding 930,000 euros).

Which areas are truly high-end in Yaoundé right now?

The truly high-end neighborhoods in Yaoundé right now are Bastos (the established diplomatic and expatriate hub), Quartier du Lac (known for exclusivity and scenic lakeside settings), and select premium pockets of Fouda, Mvolyé, and Etoudi.

What makes these areas considered truly high-end in Yaoundé is their proximity to embassies and international organizations, lower density development, mature landscaping, established security infrastructure, and the presence of well-maintained properties with professional management.

The typical buyer profile for these high-end areas in Yaoundé includes diplomats and embassy staff, executives at international organizations, successful Cameroonian business owners, members of the diaspora returning home, and foreign investors seeking stable rental income from the expatriate market.

How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Yaoundé in 2026?

What are the total closing costs in Yaoundé in 2026 as a percentage?

As of early 2026, the total closing costs for buying property in Yaoundé typically range from 10% to 15% of the purchase price, with approximately 13.7% being a useful benchmark based on the World Bank's Doing Business registration-cost framework for Cameroon.

The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard property transactions in Yaoundé is 10% at the lower end (for straightforward deals with clean documentation) to 15% at the higher end (for complex transactions requiring additional legal work or title clarification).

The specific fee categories that make up this total percentage in Yaoundé include notary fees, land registration and transfer taxes, stamp duties, administrative charges for ministerial endorsement (required for foreign buyers), and legal due diligence costs.

To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Yaoundé.

How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Yaoundé in 2026?

As of early 2026, the combined cost for notary, registration, and legal fees in Yaoundé typically runs between 5.6 to 11 million CFA francs ($10,000 to $20,000, or 9,300 to 18,600 euros) on a mid-range property, though this scales with purchase price.

These fees together typically represent 7% to 12% of the property price in Yaoundé, with variation depending on the complexity of the transaction and whether additional legal work is needed to clear title issues.

Of these three fee types in Yaoundé, notary fees are usually the most expensive, commonly charged at around 10% of the transaction value (though negotiable for higher-value properties), followed by registration and transfer taxes, with pure legal counsel fees being the smallest component.

What annual property taxes should I expect in Yaoundé in 2026?

As of early 2026, the annual property tax (taxe foncière) in Yaoundé is based on 0.1% of the declared or assessed property value, which means a typical $100,000 home would owe roughly 56,000 CFA francs ($100, or about 93 euros) per year.

This annual property tax represents 0.1% of the assessed property value in Yaoundé, making it relatively low compared to property taxes in many Western countries or even some other African cities.

Property taxes in Yaoundé can vary based on location and property type: a $300,000 property would expect annual taxes around 168,000 CFA francs ($300, or 280 euros), while a $500,000 property would owe approximately 280,000 CFA francs ($500, or 465 euros), though actual assessed values may differ from market prices.

There may be exemptions or reductions available for certain buyers in Cameroon, including newly constructed properties or developments in designated zones, though these provisions can change with each Finance Law and should be verified with a tax professional at the time of purchase.

You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Yaoundé here.

Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Yaoundé right now?

Getting a mortgage as a foreigner in Yaoundé is possible but not easy by default: banks like Société Générale, Afriland First Bank, and Crédit Foncier du Cameroun offer housing loans, but they typically require an existing banking relationship, documented local income, and substantial collateral.

The typical loan-to-value ratios for foreign buyers in Yaoundé range from 50% to 70%, meaning you will need a significant down payment of at least 30% to 50%, and interest rates tend to be higher than Western markets, often in the double digits with shorter repayment periods (10 to 15 years rather than 25 to 30).

To qualify for a mortgage in Yaoundé, foreign buyers typically need to provide proof of stable income (preferably domiciled at the lending bank), valid identification, property documentation including the titre foncier, and often additional collateral or guarantees beyond the property itself.

To get information about the rental yield of the area, check the tool we've made: Yaoundé rental yield.

What should I predict for resale and growth in Yaoundé in 2026?

What property types resell fastest in Yaoundé in 2026?

As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Yaoundé are clean-title 2-bedroom apartments in strong-demand neighborhoods like Nsimeyong, Nlongkak, Ngousso, and the Bastos fringe, especially those in secure compounds with parking and backup water and power.

The typical time on market to sell a property in Yaoundé ranges from 2 to 6 months for well-priced, properly documented apartments in good locations, while houses with complications (plot issues, access problems, unfinished work) can take 4 to 12 months or longer.

What makes certain properties sell faster in Yaoundé is the combination of "boring but perfect" documentation (single owner, clear chain of title, verified at MINDCAF), practical features like parking and reliable utilities, and pricing that reflects actual market conditions rather than seller aspirations.

The slowest to resell in Yaoundé are properties with any documentation ambiguity, houses in areas with poor road access or flood risk, large luxury villas that exceed what most buyers can afford, and any property where multiple family members claim ownership rights.

If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Yaoundé.

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.