Buea Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Southwest, Cameroon

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-05-01

Is Airbnb profitable in Buea in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Buea, Southwest, Cameroon to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Buea, based on AirROI data from May 2024 to April 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 21 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Buea, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Buea Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Buea Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$57
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Buea.
Occupancy Rate(?)
22.4%
Lower demand, potentially seasonal or market factors at play.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$4,066
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Buea. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
331.6%
Strong growth (331.6%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
May
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Buea.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
September
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Buea.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
21
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Buea (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Buea is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Buea is typically May, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Buea across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,964+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,300 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $594 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $346, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Buea

Buea Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Buea STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Junesees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while September experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Buea:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 48%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 38% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 28%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 11% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Buea

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Buea (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Buea involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Buea typically peaks in July and dips lowest during December. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $131+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $83 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $53 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $34 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Buea

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Buea (2025)

Peak Season (May, June, February)
  • Revenue averages $1,474 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 29.9%
  • Daily rates average $82
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $799 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 25.6%
  • Daily rates hold near $70
Low Season (July, September, November)
  • Revenue drops to average $397 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 18.2%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $93

Seasonality Insights for Buea

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Buea shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Buea's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $1,701, occupancy reaching a high of 58.9%, and ADRs peaking at $94.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $357, occupancy could drop to 0.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $56.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Buea.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Buea seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Buea (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Buea? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Molyko
A vibrant neighborhood known for its local markets, shops, and close proximity to the University of Buea. Attracts students and local visitors, making it ideal for budget travelers.
University of Buea, Buea Town Market, Mount Cameroon, Vinco Beach, Buea Cultural Center
Buea Town
The central hub of Buea with restaurants, cafes, and a bustling atmosphere. Great for tourists looking to experience local life and access various amenities.
Buea Waterfall, Buea Regional Museum, St. Michael's Cathedral, Main Market Buea, Mount Cameroon National Park
Limbe
A nearby coastal city known for its beaches and waterfront. Ideal for tourists looking for a beach vacation combined with cultural experiences.
Limbe Botanical Gardens, Limbe Beach, Lighthouse Beach, The Limbe Wildlife Centre, Cheminée Beach
Buea Mountain area
Nestled at the foot of Mount Cameroon, this area is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, attracting those interested in hiking and outdoor activities.
Mount Cameroon hiking trails, Cultural festivals, Scenic viewpoints, Ecotourism activities
Banga Bakundu
A tranquil suburb with a blend of local culture and nature. It offers a retreat from city life while still being close to Buea.
Local farms, Nature walks, Traditional markets, Cultural events
Wokaka
A growing community known for its hospitality and local experiences. Ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Buea's culture.
Community markets, Local restaurants, Craft shops, Cultural events
Buea Central Market
A bustling market area where visitors can experience the local commerce and culture. Great for travelers looking for unique souvenirs and local foods.
Buea Central Market, Street food stalls, Local artisans, Cultural festivals surrounding the market
Upper Buea
A residential area with a mix of tranquility and accessibility to Buea's vibrant life. Suitable for families and longer-term visitors.
Local parks, Community events, Proximity to schools and amenities, Scenic views of Mount Cameroon

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Buea (2025)

While Buea, Southwest, Cameroon currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Buea to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Buea (2025)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Bueabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Hakeem's Luxury Suites Apt: 3C

Hakeem's Luxury Suites Apt: 3C

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$8,913
Revenue
30.1%
Occupancy
$99.65
Daily Rate
Two bedroom apt, AC, hotwater

Two bedroom apt, AC, hotwater

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$7,744
Revenue
16.1%
Occupancy
$116.49
Daily Rate
Longho Lodge Bundoma - Buea

Longho Lodge Bundoma - Buea

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$6,136
Revenue
22.5%
Occupancy
$99.48
Daily Rate
Cozy 2BDR Apartment in Molyko + Wi-Fi

Cozy 2BDR Apartment in Molyko + Wi-Fi

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$5,367
Revenue
16.1%
Occupancy
$82.02
Daily Rate
Apartment with Mountain View

Apartment with Mountain View

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$5,268
Revenue
16.1%
Occupancy
$82.87
Daily Rate
CloudHillsVaasa 2 Bedroom Apt

CloudHillsVaasa 2 Bedroom Apt

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$4,865
Revenue
21.3%
Occupancy
$39.06
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Buea (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Buea based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Host #2224930687$29,72500.00/5.0
Gerry4$15,164184.51/5.0
Kimonia Bih2$9,74432.33/5.0
Emmanuel1$8,91335.00/5.0
Host #4678058581$6,13610.00/5.0
Host #209908281$5,26800.00/5.0
Host #891855002$4,87200.00/5.0
Host #3796940851$2,75200.00/5.0
Host #4414627171$2,39300.00/5.0
Host #2536269991$42654.60/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Buea.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Buea STR Market Data (2025)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Buea. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Buea Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Buea

  • The Buea Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 90.5% of the 21 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Buea, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (71.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • The presence of 19% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.

Buea Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Buea

  • The dominant room capacity in Buea is 1 bedroom listings, making up 57.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 90.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Buea, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • With over half the market (57.1%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Buea is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.
  • Listings with 3+ bedrooms (9.6%) represent a smaller niche, potentially indicating an underserved market for larger group accommodations in Buea.

Buea Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Buea

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Buea vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (42.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Buea STR market, accounting for 76.2% of listings.
  • A significant 42.9% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Buea.
  • 14.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Buea.
  • On average, properties in Buea are equipped to host 3.5 guests.

Buea Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Buea

  • The most common availability pattern in Buea falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 90.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 100.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Buea (81%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.

Buea Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (100%)

1 Night

20 listings

100% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Buea is 1 Night, adopted by 100% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (100.0%) of the Buea Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 100% of Buea hosts use this setting.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Buea.

Buea Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (16.7%)

Flexible

1 listings

16.7% of total

Moderate (50%)

Moderate

3 listings

50% of total

Firm (16.7%)

Firm

1 listings

16.7% of total

Strict (16.7%)

Strict

1 listings

16.7% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Buea

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Buea is Moderate, used by 50% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (66.7%) and stricter (33.4%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 50% market standard in Buea.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Buea.

Buea STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Buea

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Buea is 11 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 42 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 0 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (23 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (4 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (11 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Buea.
  • For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 42 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • During May, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (0 days avg.).
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 23 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Buea averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Buea (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Buea

  • Essential amenities in Buea that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Kitchen, TV, Air conditioning. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Washer, Essentials, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Buea: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Kitchen, TV, Air conditioning.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Washer or Essentials to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Buea to stay competitive.

Buea Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Buea

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Buea consists of predominantly international visitors (100%), with top international origins including South Africa, typically belonging to the 1990s (Older Gen Z) group (50%), primarily speaking French or English.
  • Domestic travelers account for 0.0% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (58.3%) and South Africa (16.7%).
  • Top languages spoken are French (44.4%) followed by English (44.4%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from South Africa.
  • Offer listing details and communication support in French.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant 1990s (Older Gen Z) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

How does the Buea Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Limbé II48$546$97.9019%
Douala I169$505$82.7524%
Douala II48$370$63.6621%
Bafoussam I13$332$67.4419%
Douala III60$327$61.6721%
Douala V542$321$54.3222%
Douala IV22$241$48.0918%

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