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For first time home buyers, choosing the right house to buy is no small thing. Let’s face it, finding a comfortable house at an affordable price in Cameroon can be tough. As an adult, you have to deal with rush hour, long hours at work, school, meeting deadlines, achieving goals, dealing with colleagues, bosses and the many other factors totally out of your control. The one place in the world you can truly call yours is your home.

To help you make the best decision, here are five factors to consider when buying your first home in Cameroon:

Consider your financial health

Owning a home in Cameroon is a big deal. Homeownership in this part of the world is considered a sign of financial success and an asset. According to the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF), Inflation rates in Cameroon were reported to be 2.45 per cent in 2019 and rose to 2.8 per cent in 2020. Coupled with the growing urbanization rates, homeownership in semi-urban and urban areas is an ideal long-term option. But before you go house hunting, it is important to check your financial health.

Consider the cost of the property up front and the ongoing expenses of maintaining and running a home. To get you started, take a hard look at your savings. As a rule of thumb, before making a down payment, ensure you have an emergency savings account to cover over three to six months of your regular living expenses. Putting aside your monthly housing budget is a smart move. This should include expenses such as property taxes, insurance premiums, utility bills, and other recurring costs. To lower costs, in the long run, explore homes with innovative features like home security, solar backup systems to lower ongoing energy costs.

Beyond the cost of the property today, consider the return on investments in the long run.  With 56.3% of Cameroon’s population dwelling in the urban areas and an urbanization rate of 3.6%, the demand for housing and the value placed on landed properties is expected to skyrocket.

Pick the right neighborhood

Moving into a new home can be quite exciting, new neighbors … a fresh start. Typically, every neighborhood has something unique to offer and as a newcomer, you need to define your expectations and ensure your new community is a good fit for you and your family.

With planned housing developments on the rise in Cameroon, choose an estate that has a master plan.

Ask to see the master design, if possible, to help you choose a suitable location for your house. Also, seeing the grand plan of the neighborhood could fill you with jubilant expectations for the future. Take into consideration the amenities provided for and ensure your top three must-haves are included. The following amenities should be non-negotiable:

• Electrical supply
• Potable water supply
• Adequate security

Weigh the pros and cons of different neighborhoods with your lifestyle and budget. A condo may be more affordable than a single-family home, but shared walls with neighbors may mean less privacy. The cost of a house within a gated community might be higher than a lone house, however, the cost of security, in the long run, may override the cost of living within a gated community.

Consider the noise effect

In deciding where to buy a home, noise might not be the first factor or the third on your mind. However, this single factor can determine how much peace you enjoy in your new home. Whether you hate parties or you throw parties, find out the policies against loud parties that extend late into the night in your neighborhood. Be informed on what sort of activities are permitted within the neighborhood. The size of your family will determine what you consider to be noise.

If you’re a single person who loves music and fun nights, a club down the road might not be a deterrent. On the other hand, a family with children may require the quietness of a church on Mondays. Whatever your preferences are, be clear about them and ask questions.

Take a tour of the property

No matter what you choose, do not skip a home inspection. While videos and pictures are great, it’s always a good idea to see the property for yourself or have a trusted loved one do it on your behalf. Buying a property blindly in Cameroon can land you in unfortunate circumstances.

A home inspection offers you the chance to thoroughly assess the structure of the building and its mechanical systems. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• For newly built properties, assess the vicinity. Is it easily accessible?
• What is the commute time to work, school, church, hospital etc.?
• For old houses, in addition to the aforementioned tips, check out for mold on the walls, pests and roaches in the cabinets, the roof and any crawl space.
• As a side note, remember to stick to your budget.

Work with a reputable Real Estate company

Brands with solid reputations avoid flops at all costs, never forget this. This one rule secures the rest, consider enlisting the help of a reputable real estate company. With the growing number of mushroom real estate companies in Cameroon, springing up one minute and gone in the next, Diamond Realty provides the extra support necessary to make a smart purchase. Our expertise transcends maneuvering the complex Cameroonian real estate market to delivering unmatched amenities such as:

• Uninterrupted power supply backed by the ENEO electricity supply and solar-powered backup system.
• Continuous pipe-borne water supply centrally treated from boreholes.
• State of the art security with first-grade surveillance systems installed, perimeter fencing and patrol teams on standby.
• Well-paved roads with built-in drainage systems.
• Contemporary designed architectural buildings.
• A planned neighborhood with street lighting, Pedestrian boulevard and designated green areas.

We understand the problems associated with construction and development in Cameroon, from securing land, to obtaining the right land documents, construction and finishing. Our goal at Diamond Realty is to find you the perfect home in Cameroon.

Take the first step to becoming a homeowner by calling us on +237 682859009 or send us an email at info@diamondrealty.estate

Bookings for site inspection can be made at the company office:

Aidenville Estates, New Bonako, Tiko Toll Gate,

SWR, Cameroon