I’ve moved several times within Yaoundé in the past few years. Some moves were for healing, others were for peace, others were out of necessity. But each time, I’ve learned something new about the apartment hunt in this city—and today I want to share those lessons with you.

Here’s what to consider, avoid, and stay aware of when apartment hunting in Yaoundé:

Apartment Hunting in Yaoundé: What to Expect and What to Avoid —Lessons from my personal experience

1. Start with the Right Neighbourhood for YOU

Before even stepping into any apartment, ask yourself what you want your life to look like—not just your living room.

Think about:

• Proximity to work or school

• Access to the main road or transportation

• Availability of essential services like water, electricity, hospitals, markets, and shops

• Calmness vs. activity (do you love quiet or prefer some daily buzz?)

Every neighbourhood in Yaoundé has its own energy and level of development. Some are very residential and calm; others are lively but noisy. Some areas are great for access but prone to issues like flooding or blackouts. Know what matters to you first.

2. Know Your Apartment Criteria (Negotiables & Non-Negotiables)

When you’re house-hunting, you won’t always get everything you want, but knowing your priorities helps you avoid disappointment or discomfort later.

Some examples to reflect on:

• Do you want a spacious kitchen because you cook a lot and own many utensils?

• Is natural light important to you?

• Do you want a balcony or outside space?

• Can you compromise on a smaller bedroom if the living room is big enough?

• Do you prefer modern fittings?

Having a clear list of what you must have vs. what you can manage without will help you make better and quick decisions, especially when under pressure.

3. Understand That What You Want May Not Fully Exist

This one might sound a little contradictory, but it’s real. Yaoundé is a mix of old and new construction styles. Older neighborhoods often have buildings that were built decades ago, with older standards in terms of layout, finishes, or aesthetics.

In newer or upcoming neighbourhoods—usually on the outskirts—you’ll find more modern features like:

• Spacious kitchens and bathrooms

• Bigger windows

• Better tiles and paintwork

• Improved room configurations

However, these places may be farther from the city center, more expensive, or less developed in terms of access roads and public services. And if you find a modern house in an older neighbourhood, it often comes with a higher price tag.

Moral of the story: Stay open-minded, flexible, and ready to compromise on the less essential things.

4. Vet the Neighbourhood Thoroughly

One of the most underrated yet important aspects of house hunting in Yaoundé is evaluating the environment surrounding the apartment, not just the building.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Flood risk: Yaoundé is a hilly city. Areas near valleys are more prone to floods. Avoid houses in low-lying zones, especially during rainy seasons.

• Electricity & water reliability: Some areas experience more power cuts, others have more water shortages. Ask the neighbours what’s common.

• Noise & security: Visit during the day and in the evening. Some areas are quiet by day but noisy at night due to nearby bars or clubs.

• Safety: Avoid suspicious areas or compounds. Check if the neighbourhood has a security presence (some areas near top officials’ homes are better protected).

And if you can, walk around the neighbourhood. Observe the people, the traffic, and the atmosphere. Can you see yourself living there? Do you feel at peace?

5. Do a Careful Check of the Building Itself

Some things I’ve learned the hard way:

• Uncompleted buildings may have construction issues like water leaking into the walls, which leads to mold and dampness (and even health problems).

• Buildings that look good at first glance may still have structural or plumbing issues. Inspect carefully—especially during rainy season.

• If the landlord lives in the same compound, get as much information as you can. If they’re the “monitor everything you do” type, life may get uncomfortable.

Talk to tenants if you can. Ask questions like:

• How often do they fix things?

• How are electricity and water bills partitioned? Are there individual meters?

• What’s the landlord like?

• Do they increase rent suddenly?

Also, read your contract carefully and ask for clarification if something doesn’t sit right with you.

6. Accessibility and Social Amenities

Your new home should not feel like a trap or an isolated island, except you have a car for easy transportation.

Basic services you should look for nearby:

• Provision store (for bread, sugar, milk, toilet paper, oil, etc.)

• Pharmacy or clinic

• Market or food stalls (even small ones)

• Transport options (bike, taxi, junctions)

If your house is inside an interior zone where you need to take a bike or walk a distance to the main road, and it’s a quiet or isolated area, I strongly recommend this:

Get the contact of a trustworthy bike rider or taxi driver who works around your neighbourhood. Call them when transport is scarce, or when you need to get out early/late. It makes it easy for you to go out and come in easily and faster when you don't get a bike/taxi at the time you are going out or coming in.

7. Every Move Teaches You Something

The more I move, the more I learn. I’ve learned to be realistic. I’ve learned not to rush when I have time. And I’ve also learned that sometimes, no matter how much you plan, the right apartment only shows up when it’s time.

So give yourself grace. Don’t feel pressured to find “the perfect place.” Focus on finding a safe, livable, and peaceful environment that matches your needs as best as possible.

House hunting in Yaoundé isn’t always easy, but with the right mindset, preparation, and awareness, you can avoid many of the common pitfalls. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, walk around, or even say no if something feels off.

And most importantly, remember that your home should give you peace. That’s worth waiting for and searching for except you don't have much time to find the best place.