To build a home is no longer just a personal dream—in 2026, it has become a strategic financial move. As the Cameroonian economy evolves, the window for affordable construction in Cameroon is shifting. With new fiscal policies, rising urban demand, and a transforming landscape in cities like Douala and Yaoundé, waiting until next year could be a costly mistake.
At A & C Contractors and Real Estate Group (ACCREG), we are navigating these changes in real-time. Here is why to build a home in 2026 is the smartest decision you can make for your future and your family.
1. The 2026 Finance Law: A New Reality for Landowners
The most urgent reason to break ground this year is the implementation of the 2026 Finance Law. The Cameroonian government has introduced a stricter framework for the development of private state land.
Progressive Revaluation: Under the new budget, forfeited or undeveloped state land is now subject to a value increase of 10% to 30%. If you have an allocation but haven’t built, the state now recalculates the lot’s value using a progressive scale starting just one year after allocation.
VAT on Real Estate: The previous exemptions on the sale of real estate and specific social housing projects are being repealed. By starting your project now, you can lock in current valuations and contracts before these tax adjustments fully ripple through the secondary material and labor markets.
2. Property Values: The Search for “Titled” Scarcity
In 2026, the market is running at two speeds. While general inflation is present, the value of properly documented and titled land is outstripping everything else.
Urban Growth Pressure: Neighborhoods like Bonamoussadi and Logpom in Douala, and Odza or Olembé in Yaoundé, are seeing annual price growth between 8% and 12%.
The New-Build Premium: Current data shows that a new home in Cameroon carries a 20% price premium over older existing stock. Why? Because 2026 buyers prioritize modern amenities that older houses lack, such as integrated backup power systems, reliable water storage, and modern security features. Building your own home allows you to capture this 20% equity “gain” immediately upon completion.
3. Stabilizing Material Costs (For Now)
While 2025 saw significant volatility, the early part of 2026 has brought a temporary plateau in the cost of key inputs like cement and steel. However, with the government’s massive push for infrastructure—including the goal to reach 11,300 km of paved roads by 2027—demand for raw materials is projected to skyrocket by the end of the year.
Expert Tip: Securing a fixed-price contract with a reputable firm like ACCREG in the first half of 2026 protects you from the “meat grinder” of material price hikes expected in late 2026 and 2027.
Strategic Locations for Investment in 2026
Choosing where to build your home in 2026 is just as important as when. We recommend focusing on “growth corridors” where infrastructure is actively improving:
| Neighborhood | City | 2026 Growth Driver | Avg. Price per m² (XAF) |
| Logpom / Logbessou | Douala | Improved road access to job centers | 550k – 800k |
| Odza | Yaoundé | Proximity to Nsimalen Airport corridor | 600k – 900k |
| Kribi (Emerging) | South | Industrial port expansion | 450k – 700k |
| Bonaberi | Douala | Most affordable entry-level pricing | 350k – 550k |
How ACCREG Makes Construction Affordable
At A & C Contractors and Real Estate Group, we understand that “affordable” doesn’t mean “cheap.” It means value engineering. Our approach ensures your project stays on budget through:
Supply Chain Control: By managing the acquisition of aggregates and essential materials directly, we bypass the middleman markups.
Modern Technologies: We utilize advanced concrete sealants and waterproofing membranes to ensure your home lasts for generations, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Our 2026 Project Roadmap
Site Audit & Due Diligence: We verify your land titles to ensure your investment is legally sound.
Climate-Smart Design: Our architects design for the Cameroonian climate, maximizing natural cooling to save you thousands in future electricity bills.
Fast-Track Construction: Using modern scheduling technology, we aim for completion in record time to beat seasonal price fluctuations.
Conclusion: The Cost of Waiting
The housing deficit in Cameroon currently exceeds 2.5 million units. As the population grows and the 2026 Finance Law takes hold, the competition for land and materials will only intensify. Building today isn’t just about a roof over your head; it’s about securing an asset in a market where “well-built and well-titled” is the ultimate currency.
Don’t let the 2026 window close. Would you like me to create a customized 12-month construction timeline based on your specific location in Douala or Yaoundé?
