How to Buy Land in Cameroon: Step-by-Step Guide

  Buying land in Cameroon can be profitable, as land hardly depreciates over time and often gains value. However, the process can be trick...

 

Buying land in Cameroon can be profitable, as land hardly depreciates over time and often gains value. However, the process can be tricky, and some buyers risk losing their money if they aren’t careful. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you buy land safely and legally.

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1. Hire a Good Lawyer

A lawyer experienced in real estate will guide you through the process, help verify ownership, and ensure all documents are legally correct. If you cannot afford a lawyer, it’s still essential to follow these steps carefully to avoid mistakes.

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2. Verify Ownership and Land Documents

• Land Title: In Cameroon, the official certificate of ownership is called a land title (or “titre foncier”).

• Verify Name: Ensure the name on the land title matches the owner’s passport or national ID card.

• Location Check: Make sure the land is not on a river, sea, or roadside, as these areas are usually government property.

• Land Registry: Go to the Land Registry Office to request a copy of the land certificate. This certificate shows the land’s surface area, owner, and any encumbrances.

• Cost & Duration: This verification process costs roughly 8,000–10,000 CFA and takes 2–3 days.

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3. Visit a Notary and Survey the Land

• Most notaries work with surveyors. A surveyor draws a survey plan and marks the boundaries of the land.

• The legal sale is done at the notary’s office, where both buyer and seller sign a sales agreement.

• Registration Costs: Usually around 16% of the land’s purchase price.

  • Example: For a 20 million CFA land, expect to pay about 3.2 million CFA to obtain the land title.

• Once payments are complete, the buyer returns after a few weeks to collect the official land title.

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4. Obtain a Building Permit

Before constructing, you must get a building permit, which typically costs 1% of the total building cost.

• Example: For a 250 million CFA house, the building permit would cost around 2.5 million CFA.

• Properties built without permits or on government land may face demolition, indicated by signs like “AD” on buildings.

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5. Consider Getting a Loan

Several financial institutions in Cameroon provide loans for buying land or constructing buildings, such as Credit Fon and other banks.

• Loans can help you complete unfinished buildings or purchase land for investment.

• Alternatively, you can start a real estate company to act as a middleman between buyers and sellers or manage estates.

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6. Safeguard Your Land Certificate (Bonus Tip)

If you already have a land certificate, keep it safe. Losing it is frustrating and difficult to replace.

• Steps to replace a lost certificate:

  1. Declare the loss at the police station to obtain a certificate of loss.

  2. File a motion at the Court of First Instance where the land is located.

  3. The Department of Lands can then issue a replacement land certificate.

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Final Thoughts

Buying land in Cameroon requires careful planning and verification. From hiring a lawyer, verifying land documents, surveying, obtaining permits, to possibly securing a loan, every step matters to protect your investment.

If you need help buying or selling land, starting a real estate company, or finding a reputable lawyer or notary, professional guidance is highly recommended.