Yeka Abado Condominium

Yeka Abado is one of the largest government condominium sites in Addis Ababa. It sits on the north-east edge of the city, in Yeka sub-city, next to Legetafo. A 2015 report describes about 18,000 flats on a 200 hectare site. Prices here are among the lowest for a full-size condominium in the city. Listings write the name as Yeka Abado, Abado or in Amharic as አባዶ.

Where Yeka Abado is

The site is about 16 km east of Meskel Square. OpenStreetMap places Yeka Abado at about 9.066 N, 38.877 E. Legetafo starts just to the east.

People find their way around by local names:

• Abado G-7 Square. A bus terminal and square at the west side of the site. Listings say "around G-7".
• Abado Piazza. A local centre near the middle of the site.
• Abado Project 13. A residential area at the north of the site.
• Block numbers. OpenStreetMap marks blocks such as Block 374 and Block 495.

Banks have Yeka Abado branches in the site, including Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Bank of Abyssinia, Wegagen Bank and Ahadu Bank. Churches and mosques include Yeka Abado St. Arsema Church, St. Gabriel Church and Abado Mosque.

Getting there

Yeka Abado has no light rail station. The Ayat terminus of the east-west line is about 5 km to the south. OpenStreetMap lists these routes from Yeka Abado:

• Sheger buses to Megenagna (SH004), Piassa (C51), Mexico (SH070) and Tulu Dimtu (SH077)
• Anbessa city buses to Mexico (AB128) and Piassa (AB129)
• Minibus taxis to Megenagna

Direct buses to Piassa and Mexico are useful for work in the centre.

History and housing programs

Yeka Abado was built on a green-field site during the city's big condominium push. In April 2015, Construction Review Online reported that 18,000 flats at Yeka Abado were close to completion. The site covered 200 hectares. The report described the Yeka Abado scheme as a mix of the 10/90, 20/80 and 40/60 programs. The plan also included schools, health centres, green areas and commercial areas.

The same report says 20/80 blocks have ground plus 4, 7 or 12 floors. Listings at Yeka Abado mention G7 buildings and units on the 7th floor. Ask about the lift in a tall block before you choose a high floor.

Unit types and sizes

Ground floor shops of about 37 m2 also come up for sale.

Prices to buy

Yeka Abado has many listings. The table shows asking prices seen on listing portals in October 2026. Some listings were posted earlier in 2026.

A one-bedroom unit asks about ETB 4.5 to 5.2 million. A two-bedroom unit asks about ETB 4.3 to 7.4 million. That is about ETB 57,000 to 100,000 per square metre, well below central sites such as Balderas.

Rent

A semi-furnished one-bedroom unit of 53 m2 on the 3rd floor is listed at ETB 32,000 a month. The landlord notes that it is close to public transport. Compare it with current condominiums for rent in Addis Ababa before you sign.

Water and daily life

Water supply is the main issue at Yeka Abado. In June 2023, Addis Fortune spoke with a mother in a Yeka Abado condominium. She said running water barely reaches the upper floors. She pays at least Br 2,000 a month extra for water from private trucks. She also stopped drinking tap water after she found residues in it.

Before you buy or rent, ask neighbours how often water comes, and whether the block has a working pump and tank. A low floor helps.

The site has its own banks, shops and churches. Daily trips to the centre are long, so Yeka Abado suits people who work in the east of the city or who can accept the commute.

Buy or rent?

Buy at Yeka Abado if you want the most space for your money and accept a long trip to the centre. Rent here if you want low costs and your work is in Megenagna, Ayat or the east of the city. Compare prices with Tafo condominium and Ayat condominium to the south.

Checks before you buy

1. Papers and scheme. Ask for the allocation papers and the title (ካርታ). Confirm the scheme, the block and the unit number.
2. Loan balance. Several listings say "sold through the bank". Ask the bank for the loan balance and the steps to transfer it.
3. Transfer rules. Confirm with the housing agency that the unit can transfer to you now.
4. The 40/60 court case. In 2019, the Federal High Court suspended title transfer for more than 18,000 40/60 units. For a 40/60 unit, ask whether the case affects it.
5. Occupancy rules. In 2024, the city housing corporation told owners of empty 40/60 units to move in or lose their contracts. Check the current rules if you plan to rent the unit out.
6. Water, lift and floor. Visit at different times of day.

Read our condominium guide for the full process, and browse condominiums for sale in Addis Ababa.