Buea, Southwest Airbnb Market Data 2025: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Buea, Southwest? Based on AirROI's 2025 dataset (May 2024 – April 2025), the short answer is $4,066 per year — at a $57 nightly rate, 22.4% occupancy, and a N/A RevPAR.
With just 21 active listings, Buea is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 250.0% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Buea?
In Buea, the headline Airbnb metrics are $4,066 in average annual revenue,22.4% occupancy, $57 ADR, and $0 in RevPAR, and guests book about 11 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Buea?
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
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Buea?
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
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Buea?
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
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Buea?
RevPAR in Buea is currently N/A. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see N/A RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate N/A RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn N/A RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve N/A RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Buea
RevPAR Insights for Buea
- RevPAR peaks in Jan and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Buea benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of N/A, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Buea?
Buea's peak Airbnb season falls in May, June, February, while the softest stretch is July, September, November. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
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
- Airbnb seasonality in Buea is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Buea's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $1,701, occupancy reaching 58.9%, and ADRs peaking at $94.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $357, occupancy could drop to 0.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $56.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Buea need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Buea, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Buea?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Buea, Southwest, Cameroon point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. 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, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Buea?
With a compact short-term rental market, Buea gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why 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 |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Buea offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Buea?
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 (2026): 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 (2026)
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.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Buea?
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.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Buea STR Market Data (2026)
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 MetricsBuea Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
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.
Buea Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): 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.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Buea?
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.
Buea Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
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 (2026)
Flexible
1 listings
16.7% of total
Moderate
3 listings
50% of total
Firm
1 listings
16.7% of total
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.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Buea Look Like?
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
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Two bedroom apt, AC, hotwater
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Longho Lodge Bundoma - Buea
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cozy 2BDR Apartment in Molyko + Wi-Fi
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Apartment with Mountain View
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
CloudHillsVaasa 2 Bedroom Apt
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Buea?
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 Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host #222493068 | 7 | $29,725 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Gerry | 4 | $15,164 | 18 | 4.51/5.0 |
| Kimonia Bih | 2 | $9,744 | 3 | 2.33/5.0 |
| Emmanuel | 1 | $8,913 | 3 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Host #467805858 | 1 | $6,136 | 1 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #20990828 | 1 | $5,268 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #89185500 | 2 | $4,872 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #379694085 | 1 | $2,752 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #441462717 | 1 | $2,393 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Host #253626999 | 1 | $426 | 5 | 4.60/5.0 |
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.
How Does Buea's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
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.
Compared with Douala I, Buea has 2 percentage points lower occupancy and about $26 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limbé II | 48 | $546 | $97.90 | 19% |
| Douala I | 169 | $505 | $82.75 | 24% |
| Douala II | 48 | $370 | $63.66 | 21% |
| Bafoussam I | 13 | $332 | $67.44 | 19% |
| Douala III | 60 | $327 | $61.67 | 21% |
| Douala V | 542 | $321 | $54.32 | 22% |
| Douala IV | 22 | $241 | $48.09 | 18% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Buea
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Buea.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Buea?
Buea hosts earn about $4,066 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $57 and RevPAR of N/A. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Buea, Southwest, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2025 data, Buea market, May 2024 to April 2025.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buea?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buea is 22.4%. May is the strongest month and September is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Buea?
Listings in Buea average $57 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Buea?
Buea currently has about 21 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Buea?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Buea as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Buea?
RevPAR in Buea is about N/A. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Buea?
Occupancy of 22.4% means Buea is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $4,066, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Buea?
The average booking lead time in Buea is about 11 days — a relatively short booking window, meaning most guests decide within a few weeks of their trip — dynamic pricing can capture late demand. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Buea?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Buea include Molyko, Buea Town, Limbe. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Buea?
entire_home listings make up 90.5% of the active supply in Buea. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Buea compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Limbé II posts $6,555 in average annual revenue with 18.8% occupancy, compared to Buea's $4,066 and 22.4%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
When is the peak season for Airbnb in Buea?
May is the highest-revenue month in Buea, while September is the softest. The revenue spread between them indicates a highly seasonal market — revenue in the peak month is more than double the low month, so cash-flow planning and pricing automation are critical.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2025-04-30. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.