What To Look For When Buying a Land To Build In Cameroon

  Buying land in Cameroon can be a profitable investment—but only if you know the types of land that exist and which ones are safe to buy....

 

Buying land in Cameroon can be a profitable investment—but only if you know the types of land that exist and which ones are safe to buy. Choosing the wrong land can lead to legal disputes or even losing your hard-earned money.

In this post, we will disclose what you need to look out for when buying a land to build in Cameroon.

Without wasting time, let get down to business...

In Cameroon, there are three main types of land:

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1. Private Land

Private land is fully registered and has a land title. Once you purchase it:

• Your ownership is legally protected.

• No one, including the state, can take it from you without due legal process or compensation.

• It can be used as collateral for loans.

Private land is considered the best type of land to buy because of its legal security, minimal disputes, and investment potential.

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2. Customary Land

Customary land is owned by families, individuals, communities, or traditional chiefs.

• These lands do not initially have land titles, but they can be converted into private land after purchase.

• Most real estate companies help buyers navigate the process: they obtain necessary chief attestations, survey plans, and deeds of conveyance.

• Customary land is the second-best option for investment.

Documents you will typically receive when buying customary land:

• Chief attestation: Signed by the local chief.

• Site plan or survey plan: Prepared by a registered surveyor.

• Deed of conveyance: Legally transfers ownership to you.

Costs for these documents usually range between 300,000 to 400,000 FCFA.

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3. State Land

State land is owned by the government and cannot be sold outright. It can only be leased for specific purposes. State land is divided into two types:

• Public Land: Includes roads, riversides, schools, hospitals, and football fields.

• National Land: Reserved lands without a specific purpose.

Warning: Avoid purchasing state land. Projects built on such lands are at risk of government repossession once identified.

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Red Flags to Watch Out For

When inspecting a property, avoid land that:

• Has high tension cables passing over it (likely public land).

• Is in swampy or steep areas (often untitled or unsuitable).

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Which Land Is Best to Buy?

1. Private Land – Legally secure, dispute-free, and usable as collateral.

2. Customary Land – Requires due diligence but can be converted into private land.

3. State Land – Avoid at all costs due to government ownership and high risk.

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Investing in private or customary land ensures your money is safe and your investment is legally protected.

For help finding the best and genuine real estate deals in Buya, Cameroon, you can contact Daniel at +237 679 139 580 or click the WhatsApp link in the description.