6 Key Steps to Take When Buying a House or Land Property in Cameroon 07/Apr/2022
There are a number of points to look out for and keep in mind when buying a new home or land property especially in a place like Douala or Yaounde Cameroon. The following 6 steps are crucial and will serve as guideline while you make that investment in property in Cameroon.
1. Understand the Nature of the Property
Investors want to get the best value for their money. And this often translates to the best return on their investment. With this in mind, you want to evaluate the potential growth in investment in a particular area before you throw your hard earned money at it. Growth range is between 5%-30%. Why get less when you can get more? Choose your investment location wisely.
2. Research Who is Selling
Always keep the following questions in mind: "Who is the owner of the property?" "Who is selling the property? Is it the owner, the owner's wife, son, daughter, or someone else?" "Who's name appears in the documents? Is it the current owner or the previous owner?" "What liabilities currently exist on the property?"
3. Verify the True Owner
Before you buy a plot of land or a completed building, be sure to conduct what is called a "search" on the property. This is the process of verifying from the land registrar of the Divisional/ provisional delegation of state property and land tenure if the property in question is within government acquired properties and whether there are any pending litigation or other issues on the property. The bureau of lands Registrar of in the Ministry of state Property and land tenure is responsible for all land related matters in Cameroon. It also has offices in all regional headquarters.
4. Make Payment and Get the Right Documentation
Pay the property amount to the property owner, then collect the (a) purchase receipt (b) the contract of sales (c) the building plan (d) originals of other relevant documents in possession of the previous owner
5. File the Documentation for Your New Purchase With the Land Registrar
It's important to do this step because it legally makes you the new owner in the eyes of the law. If the property already has a land certificate, you’ve got Government's consent for it which is great. If it does not, then you start processing your land certificate as soon as possible.
6. Appoint An Estate Agent to Help Manage the Property
You safeguard your investment when you do this especially if you live outside Cameroon or overseas. Folks who have invested big time in Cameroon real estate have found that it has been one of the wisest decisions they made in their lifetime.
Think we missed anything out? Drop a comment below.
To receive updates on our blog posts, follow us on Twitter