Normal Range: 15,000,000 XAF – 90,000,000 XAF
Average Cost: 41,000,000 XAF
Updated June 2025
Highlights
- Building a house in Cameroon varies widely depending on location, house size, materials, and workforce.
- Major cities like Douala, Yaoundé, and Buea have higher construction costs compared to rural regions.
- You’ll need to budget for labor (architects, engineers, masons, etc.), materials, permits, and land development.
House Construction Cost in Cameroon
The average cost to build a house in Cameroon is about 41 million XAF (≈ $66,000), though prices typically range between 15 million and 90 million XAF, depending on the size, materials used, and location. Luxury builds in urban centers can cost well over 100 million XAF, especially when using imported finishes or advanced architectural designs.
| Project Scale | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic 2-bedroom in rural area | 15M – 25M XAF |
| Mid-range 3–4-bedroom in suburban areas | 30M – 50M XAF |
| Upper-middle-class home in a city | 60M – 90M XAF |
| Luxury villa or duplex | 90M – 150M+ XAF |
⚠️ Note: These figures exclude the cost of land.
Cost per Square Meter
In Cameroon, most contractors calculate cost per square meter, not square foot. The average price per square meter is:
- Low end: 120,000 XAF/m²
- Mid-range: 180,000 XAF/m²
- High-end/luxury: 250,000–400,000 XAF/m²
| Home Size (m²) | Avg. Cost (Mid-range) |
|---|---|
| 100 m² | 18,000,000 XAF |
| 150 m² | 27,000,000 XAF |
| 200 m² | 36,000,000 XAF |
| 250 m² | 45,000,000 XAF |
Cost Breakdown by Component
Here’s a breakdown of where your money will go:
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Architect/Design Fees | 3%–8% of total cost (typically 500,000 – 3,000,000 XAF) |
| Structural Engineer | 300,000 – 2,000,000 XAF |
| Foundation Work | 2M – 8M XAF |
| Framing & Walls | 5M – 15M XAF |
| Roofing | 3M – 12M XAF |
| Plumbing & Electrical | 2M – 6M XAF |
| Interior Finishes | 5M – 15M XAF |
| Windows & Doors | 1M – 5M XAF |
| Painting & Tiling | 1.5M – 5M XAF |
| Site Cleanup | 200,000 – 800,000 XAF |
Labor Costs
Labor makes up roughly 30%–40% of total construction costs in Cameroon.
- Masons & Carpenters: 4,000 – 7,500 XAF/day
- Electricians/Plumbers: 6,000 – 10,000 XAF/day
- Construction Supervisor/Foreman: 100,000 – 300,000 XAF/month
- General Contractor (optional): 10%–15% of total cost
Hiring a general contractor helps you manage teams, source materials, and ensure work progresses on schedule.
Cost by Number of Bedroom
| Bedrooms | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2-bedroom | 15M – 25M XAF |
| 3-bedroom | 25M – 40M XAF |
| 4-bedroom | 35M – 60M XAF |
| 5-bedroom | 45M – 90M XAF |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
1. Land
Land prices vary dramatically depending on location:
- Urban plots (Douala, Yaoundé): 15M – 100M+ XAF
- Suburban plots (Buea, Bamenda): 4M – 15M XAF
- Rural plots: 1M – 5M XAF
Don’t forget land registration, notary fees, and transfer taxes, which may cost an additional 10%–15% of the land price.
2. Permits and Administrative Fees
Obtaining building permits and site approvals can cost 300,000 to 1,500,000 XAF, depending on the council.
3. Access to Utilities
If your site doesn’t have utilities nearby:
- Connecting to CAMWATER/CAMTEL grid: 300,000 – 1M XAF
- Installing a borehole/water tank: 1M – 3M XAF
- Installing a solar system: 1.5M – 6M XAF
4. Material Quality
Local materials are more affordable, but imported tiles, Italian kitchens, or high-end fittings significantly increase your bill.
Build Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Some Cameroonians act as their own project managers, buying materials and hiring workers directly. This saves 10–20%, but comes with more risk and time investment.
Hiring a contractor or construction company increases cost but ensures professional oversight and faster delivery.
Off-Site Living Costs
While your home is being built (usually 6–12 months), factor in rent:
- Rural area: 30,000 – 100,000 XAF/month
- City/suburban area: 100,000 – 300,000 XAF/month
Total temporary living costs could range from 500,000 – 2,500,000 XAF depending on location and build time.
Final ThoughtsBuilding a house in Cameroon in 2025 is more accessible than ever, thanks to flexible designs, local material options, and competitive labor. But costs can still spiral if you don’t plan properly.
Key takeaways:
- Work with licensed professionals.
- Get multiple quotes.
- Budget for hidden costs (permits, delays, utility connections).
- Consider long-term durability over short-term savings.
💡 Pro Tip: Hire a building consultant or local firm like UnlimitedTech Projects4Less to connect you with verified engineers, contractors, and architects who can bring your vision to life — affordably and professionally.
Ready to Build?
Start by getting a quote from licensed professionals in your area, or contact UnlimitedTech Projects4Less for personalized support and project management.
