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Property prices in Mauritania vary significantly between the capital Nouakchott and secondary cities like Nouadhibou. Understanding these price differences is crucial for making informed investment decisions in this West African market.
Nouakchott commands the highest property prices in the country, with city center rates reaching $3,600 per square meter as of September 2025. Tevragh-Zeina stands as the most expensive neighborhood, while Dar Naim offers budget-friendly options starting around $35,000 for modest family properties.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Mauritania, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Mauritanian property prices range from $1,157 per sqm in outer Nouakchott to $3,600 per sqm in prime city center locations, with Nouadhibou falling between $1,750-$2,100 per sqm.
Total purchase costs include 3-7% in closing fees, while ownership costs add $15-32 per sqm annually depending on location and property type.
| City/Area | Price per sqm (USD) | Typical 2-bed Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott City Center | $3,428 - $3,600 | $150,000 - $250,000 |
| Nouakchott Outside Center | $1,157 - $1,200 | $50,000 - $75,000 |
| Nouadhibou City Center | $1,750 - $2,100 | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| Tevragh-Zeina (Premium) | $3,500 - $3,600 | $200,000 - $300,000 |
| Ksar (Up-and-coming) | $2,200 - $2,800 | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| Dar Naim (Budget) | $1,000 - $1,400 | $35,000 - $60,000 |
What is the current average price per sqm in Mauritania, and how does it differ between major cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou?
As of September 2025, Mauritania's property market shows significant price variations between its major urban centers.
Nouakchott dominates as the country's most expensive real estate market. City center properties command between $3,428 and $3,600 per square meter, making it the premium destination for property investment. Areas outside the city center offer more affordable options at $1,157 to $1,200 per square meter.
Nouadhibou ranks as the second most expensive market in Mauritania. City center properties typically range from $1,750 to $2,100 per square meter. This pricing reflects the city's growing importance as a port and mining hub, with ongoing infrastructure developments driving demand upward.
The substantial price gap between these cities reflects their different economic roles. Nouakchott benefits from its status as the political and commercial capital, while Nouadhibou's prices are supported by its strategic port location and mining sector growth.
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Within each major city, what are the average prices per sqm by neighborhood, highlighting the most expensive, up-and-coming, and budget-friendly areas?
Nouakchott's neighborhood price structure creates distinct investment opportunities across different budget ranges.
| Neighborhood | Category | 2-bed Apartment Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tevragh-Zeina | Most Expensive | $150,000 - $250,000 | Embassy zone, modern amenities, high rental yields |
| Ksar | Up-and-coming | $80,000 - $120,000 | Historic center, rising demand, gentrification |
| Arafat | Mid-market | $60,000 - $90,000 | Family-friendly, good schools, established |
| Sebkha/El Mina | Budget | $40,000 - $75,000 | Growth potential, new transport links |
| Dar Naim | Most Budget | $35,000 - $60,000 | Community feel, very affordable entry point |
| Coastal Areas | Luxury/Growth | $100,000 - $200,000 | Tourism development, waterfront properties |
How do prices per sqm change by property type—studio/1-bed apartments, family apartments, villas/houses, townhouses, land plots, and commercial units?
Property type significantly influences pricing per square meter across Mauritanian markets.
Studio and 1-bedroom apartments command premium per-square-meter rates, especially in city centers where they range from $3,400 to $3,600 per sqm. These smaller units benefit from high demand from young professionals and investors seeking rental properties.
Family apartments (2-3 bedrooms) maintain similar per-square-meter pricing to studios in prime areas but offer better resale potential. Outside city centers, these properties cost $1,150 to $1,200 per sqm, making them attractive for families seeking space and value.
Villas and houses represent the luxury segment, with total prices reaching $200,000+ in premium areas. Per-square-meter rates vary widely based on location and amenities, often commanding $1,150 to $2,500 per sqm outside centers.
Commercial units achieve the highest per-square-meter rates, ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 per sqm in prime locations and $1,500 to $3,500 per sqm in secondary areas. Land plots start around $100 per sqm in city areas, representing scarce investment opportunities with high appreciation potential.
How does price per sqm vary with property size (e.g., small ≤50 m², medium 51–120 m², large >120 m²)?
Property size creates distinct pricing patterns in the Mauritanian real estate market.
Small properties under 50 square meters typically command a premium per square meter due to strong demand and limited supply. Studios in central districts benefit from this size premium, making them attractive for investors seeking higher per-unit returns.
Medium-sized properties between 51-120 square meters represent the market sweet spot. These properties generally reflect neighborhood average pricing per square meter and attract the broadest buyer base, from families to investors.
Large properties over 120 square meters often see slight reductions in per-square-meter pricing as total costs increase. However, luxury villas in premium areas like Tevragh-Zeina can command substantial total price premiums despite lower per-square-meter rates.
The size premium for smaller units reflects urbanization trends and affordability constraints in Mauritania's growing cities.
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What are realistic total purchase prices for example properties (35 m² studio, 90 m² 2-bed, 180 m² house) in prime, mid-market, and budget areas, including all buyer fees and taxes?
Total purchase costs in Mauritania include both property prices and additional transaction expenses that buyers must factor into their budgets.
| Property Type | Prime Area (Tevragh-Zeina) | Mid-market (Arafat/Ksar) | Budget (Dar Naim/Sebkha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35m² Studio | $120,000 | $50,000 - $70,000 | $30,000 - $38,000 |
| 90m² 2-bed Apartment | $300,000 | $120,000 - $160,000 | $50,000 - $75,000 |
| 180m² House | $720,000+ | $220,000 - $300,000 | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| Closing Costs | 3-7% of purchase price | 3-7% of purchase price | 3-7% of purchase price |
Closing costs typically range from 3-7% of the purchase price and include transaction taxes, registration fees, legal expenses, and notary costs. These additional expenses can add $3,000 to $50,000+ depending on the property value.
What recurring ownership costs should I expect (property tax, condo/HOA fees, insurance, maintenance, utilities), and how much do they add per sqm per year?
Property ownership in Mauritania involves several recurring costs that vary by location and property type.
Property taxes range from 0.25% to 0.5% annually of the assessed property value. For a $100,000 property, this translates to $250-$500 per year in tax obligations.
Condominium and HOA fees apply primarily to apartment buildings in central areas, typically costing $35-$75 monthly. These fees cover building maintenance, security, and common area upkeep in modern developments.
Property insurance costs between $120-$320 annually, depending on property value and coverage level. Maintenance expenses normally require $5-$18 per square meter yearly, with older or larger properties demanding higher maintenance budgets.
Utility costs for mid-class urban apartments range from $1.60-$2.50 per square meter monthly, covering electricity, water, and basic services.
Combined ownership costs typically add $15-$32 per square meter annually in Nouakchott's prime districts, with lower costs in budget areas and secondary cities.
What mortgage options are available right now (rates, max LTV, terms), and what would monthly payments be for the example purchases?
Mauritanian mortgage market conditions remain challenging as of September 2025, with limited financing options available to buyers.
Commercial banks offer mortgage rates between 16-17% annually, significantly higher than international standards. The Central Bank of Mauritania maintains its key rate at 6%, but commercial lending rates reflect higher risk premiums and limited competition.
Maximum loan-to-value ratios typically reach 80%, though most approved loans stay below 70% LTV due to conservative lending practices. Loan terms generally span 10-15 years, shorter than international standards.
For a $120,000 studio apartment with a 16% annual interest rate over 10 years, monthly payments would approximate $1,700 for principal and interest. These high rates make cash purchases more attractive for many buyers.
Mortgage qualification requires substantial income documentation, down payments of 20-30%, and often additional collateral or guarantees from local banks.
If I plan to live in the property, which areas and property types offer the best value today considering safety, amenities, schools, and commute?
Residential value in Mauritania depends on balancing price, safety, amenities, and accessibility across different neighborhoods.
Tevragh-Zeina offers the highest safety levels and best amenities but commands premium prices. This embassy district provides excellent security, international schools, modern infrastructure, and easy access to business centers, making it ideal for expatriates and affluent locals.
Ksar presents excellent value for residents seeking central location with character. This historic district offers rising property values, cultural amenities, good security, and central access to city services at more moderate prices than Tevragh-Zeina.
Arafat provides the best family-focused value proposition. This established neighborhood offers good schools, family amenities, reasonable safety levels, and moderate commute times to central business areas at mid-market pricing.
For budget-conscious residents, Dar Naim offers community atmosphere and affordability, though with longer commutes and fewer premium amenities. Sebkha provides growth potential with improving transport links.
Property types offering best residential value include 2-3 bedroom apartments in established buildings and modest houses in family-oriented neighborhoods.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mauritania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
If I plan to rent out, what are realistic gross and net yields for short-term vs long-term rentals by area and property type?
Rental investment returns in Mauritania vary significantly by location, property type, and rental strategy.
Short-term rental yields in Tevragh-Zeina range from 1-3.5% gross annually, benefiting from business travel and expatriate demand. However, management costs and vacancy periods often reduce net yields to 0.5-2%.
Long-term rental yields typically deliver 1-2.5% net returns after taxes, management fees, and maintenance costs. Established neighborhoods like Arafat and Ksar can achieve up to 4% gross yields with stable tenant demand.
Nouadhibou offers slightly higher rental yields of 2-5% gross in port-side mixed-use properties, but with increased risk from economic volatility in the mining and port sectors.
Studios and 1-bedroom apartments generally provide the highest yields per square meter, while family apartments offer more stable long-term rental income. Commercial properties in prime locations can exceed 5% yields but require larger initial investments.
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If I plan to buy, renovate, and resell, where are the strongest flip opportunities, typical renovation costs, expected timelines, and target exit prices?
Property flipping opportunities in Mauritania focus on emerging neighborhoods with gentrification potential.
Ksar offers the strongest flip potential due to its central location, historic character, and ongoing gentrification. Properties purchased at $80,000-$100,000 can target exit prices of $100,000-$130,000 after renovation, representing 20-30% upside potential.
Sebkha and El Mina present additional opportunities for buyers seeking higher-risk, higher-reward investments. These areas benefit from infrastructure improvements and transport development, though market timing remains crucial.
Typical renovation costs range from $200-$600 per square meter for standard upgrades including flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, and cosmetic improvements. Higher-end renovations can exceed $800 per square meter for luxury finishes.
Project timelines typically span 5-9 months from acquisition to sale, including 3-4 months for renovations and 2-5 months for marketing and closing. Local contractor availability and permit processing can extend timelines.
Successful flips require careful market research, reliable contractor relationships, and sufficient capital buffers for unexpected costs and extended holding periods.
How have average prices, transaction volumes, and rental yields changed versus one year ago and five years ago, and what drove those changes?
Mauritanian property markets have experienced significant transformation over recent years, driven by urbanization and economic development.
Over the past 12 months, Nouakchott property prices increased approximately 5%, while Nouadhibou saw 4-6% growth. These moderate increases reflect continued urban demand despite economic challenges and affordability constraints.
Five-year price growth tells a more dramatic story, with countrywide property values increasing 143% since 2020. This substantial appreciation resulted from rapid urbanization, infrastructure investments, mining sector expansion, and limited supply in key urban areas.
Transaction volumes remained robust through 2024-2025, particularly in urban and up-and-coming districts where buyer interest concentrated. However, high prices have begun constraining first-time buyer participation.
Rental yields have modestly declined due to rapid price appreciation outpacing rent increases. Property prices rose faster than rental rates, compressing yield calculations for new investors.
Key drivers include government infrastructure spending, mining industry growth, urbanization from rural areas, foreign investment interest, and limited developable land in prime areas.
What is the outlook for prices and yields over the next 1, 5, and 10 years, and how do Mauritania's main cities compare with similar regional capitals on price per sqm and returns?
Mauritanian property market outlook reflects both opportunities and challenges in the evolving West African economy.
Next 12 months forecast shows 2-4% annual price growth, with urban areas maintaining resilience despite broader economic pressures. Nouakchott and Nouadhibou should continue outperforming secondary cities due to job creation and infrastructure development.
Five to ten-year projections suggest continued appreciation driven by urbanization trends, mining sector development, and foreign investment flows. However, growth rates will likely moderate post-2026 as affordability constraints limit buyer pools and supply gradually increases.
Regional price comparisons show Nouakchott exceeding Dakar ($2,193/sqm), Abidjan ($1,772-$2,092/sqm), and Bamako in per-square-meter costs. However, Mauritanian rental yields remain lower than these established markets, reflecting rapid recent price appreciation.
Mauritania's market offers upside potential due to land scarcity, economic diversification, and infrastructure development. However, affordability challenges, limited financing options, and regional political risks require careful investment consideration.
Long-term success depends on continued economic stability, infrastructure development, and gradual improvement in financing accessibility for local buyers.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Mauritanian property prices reflect the country's rapid urbanization and economic development, with Nouakchott commanding premium rates while secondary cities offer value opportunities.
Investment success requires understanding neighborhood dynamics, financing constraints, and long-term market trends that will shape returns over the coming decade.
Sources
- The AfricanVestor - Mauritania Price Forecasts
- The AfricanVestor - Nouakchott Property Market
- The AfricanVestor - Nouakchott Price Forecasts
- Sands of Wealth - Regional Property Analysis
- Financial Afrik - Mauritania Central Bank Rate
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania 5-Year Price Changes
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania Rental Market
- Numbeo - Mauritania Cost of Living