Monthly Blog- January 2025

James Whitmee

I am in Yaoundé which is the administrative capital of Cameroon, Douala being the commercial capital. I prefer Yaoundé. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 750 meters above sea level, which gives it a relatively mild and humid climate compared to other parts of Cameroon. Its topography is hilly and there is a lot of greenery.

I am here undertaking residential valuation work but have also had an opportunity to look at the land market because one of our clients has a site in Bastos that we may be looking to sell.

Yaoundé  has experienced significant growth in its residential real estate market over the past decade. This expansion has been driven by rapid urbanization, a growing middle class, and substantial infrastructure investments.

The city's population increase has led to heightened demand for housing, resulting in the development of various residential projects to accommodate diverse income levels. Notably, upscale neighbourhoods like Bastos have seen the emergence of luxury apartments and gated communities, attracting both local and expatriate residents.

The residential rental market is relatively buoyant at the top end and there is good diplomatic demand for units. In relation to high-end apartments, a 3-bed apartment can lease for around XAF 1,600,000 /month. High-end villas are generally quoting in a range of XAF 1,500,000-2,500,000 /month.