Buying a house in Cameroon: the steps to follow
Immobilier

Buying a house in Cameroon: the steps to follow

Jazlyn Yost

Buying a house in Cameroon: the steps to follow

Buying a home is a major life project. Whether you're looking to live there, invest, or secure your future, it's essential to understand the key steps in the process. Discover our practical guide to buying a home in Cameroon with complete peace of mind, from the property search to the signing before a notary.

1. Define your budget and your needs

First of all, evaluate:

  • Your financial capacity (savings, bank loans available)
  • The type of house you're looking for (villa, townhouse, duplex, etc.)
  • Location (Yaoundé, Douala, Kribi, etc.)
  • The desired surface area, number of bedrooms, and the presence of a garden or swimming pool

Zapimmo advice: Always allow a margin to cover additional costs (notary, transfer, taxes).


2. Find a suitable property

Use a reliable platform like Zapimmo to browse reliable real estate listings for sale in Cameroon.
Select several properties that match your criteria and schedule viewings.

Points to check during viewings:

  • The general condition of the building (foundations, roof, plumbing, electrical)
  • The environment (safety, accessibility, nearby services)
  • The administrative status of the property (does the land title exist?)

3. Check administrative documents

Real estate purchases in Cameroon are governed by specific regulations.
Make sure the seller has:

  • A valid land title (document proving exclusive ownership)
  • A valid town planning certificate
  • The absence of mortgages or disputes over the property

Important: A simple deed of sale or donation does not replace a land title.


4. Negotiate the selling price

Once the property has been selected, you can:

  • Make an offer lower than the asking price
  • Negotiate the terms of sale (timeframe for vacating the property, payment of certain costs)

With Zapimmo, you benefit from advice on how to negotiate effectively and get the right price, especially in tight markets like Douala.


5. Sign before a notary

The signing of the authentic deed of purchase must take place before a notary.
The notary:

  • Verifies the legality of the documents
  • Officially records the sale
  • Manages the transfer of the land title to the new owner

Costs to be expected:

  • Transfer tax (approximately 5 to 10% of the purchase price)
  • Notary fees
  • Land registration fees

✅ In summary

Buying a house in Cameroon requires rigor and caution:

  • Set your budget
  • Search on a reliable platform like Zapimmo
  • Check the legal documents
  • Negotiate intelligently
  • Finalize before a notary

With Zapimmo, quickly find homes in Douala, Yaoundé, or other cities, and complete your real estate project safely!

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