What is the average price per sqm in Senegal?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Senegal Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Senegal Property Pack

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THE AFRICANVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in African countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Senegal. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The Africanvestor, we explore the Senegal real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Dakar, Thiès, and Saly. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What's the current average price per square meter in Senegal?

As of September 2025, Senegal's residential property market shows clear price tiers across different regions and property types.

The national median price for apartments stands at XOF1,042,323 per square meter (approximately $1,709), while houses are priced lower at XOF887,875 per square meter (approximately $1,455).

In Dakar, the capital and most expensive city, apartment prices reach XOF1,110,121 per square meter ($1,820), with houses averaging XOF926,362 per square meter ($1,518). These prices reflect Dakar's position as the economic and political center of Senegal.

Outside the capital, the Thiès region offers more affordable options with apartments at XOF808,753 per square meter ($1,325) and houses at XOF890,298 per square meter ($1,460).

Land prices vary significantly by location, with urban plots in Dakar averaging around $273 per square meter, while rural agricultural land trades at much lower prices through private negotiations.

How does the average differ by property type, like apartments, single-family homes, and land?

Property Type	National Median Price (XOF/m²)	Dakar Price (XOF/m²)
Apartments	1,042,323	1,110,121
Single-Family Houses	887,875	926,362
Urban Land	168,000 - 273,000	273,000
Luxury Properties	N/A	2,000,000 - 3,500,000
Rural Land	Varies greatly	N/A
Suburban Properties	Below 500,000	N/A

Which areas or neighborhoods in Senegal are most expensive, upcoming, or budget-friendly?

Senegal's property market shows distinct price zones that reflect development levels and proximity to key amenities.

The most expensive neighborhoods are concentrated in Dakar, particularly Almadies, Mermoz, and Plateau, where luxury properties command XOF2,000,000 to XOF3,500,000 per square meter. These areas attract embassy personnel, expatriates, and wealthy locals due to their prime locations and high-end infrastructure.

Upcoming areas with strong growth potential include Saly (driven by coastal tourism development), Fann, and Ngor, which benefit from urban redevelopment projects and new amenity additions. These neighborhoods are experiencing rapid infrastructure improvements and increasing investor interest.

Budget-friendly options are found in Grand Dakar, suburban areas of Thiès, and select rural communities where prices remain below XOF500,000 per square meter. These areas still offer good connectivity to major centers while maintaining affordability.

The price disparity is significant, with luxury urban properties costing up to 10 times more than budget rural options, reflecting Senegal's diverse economic landscape.

How does price per sqm vary between urban versus suburban or rural locations?

Senegal's property market displays a sharp urban-rural price divide that reflects infrastructure access and economic opportunities.

Urban areas, particularly Dakar's center, command premium prices averaging $2,193 per square meter for prime locations. The concentration of businesses, government offices, and international organizations in urban centers drives sustained demand and higher valuations.

Suburban areas around major cities offer middle-ground pricing at approximately $1,298 per square meter, providing a balance between accessibility and affordability. These areas are particularly attractive to families and commuters seeking space while maintaining reasonable access to urban amenities.

Rural locations present the most affordable options, with agricultural land and residential plots available at substantially lower prices. However, these properties often require private negotiations and may lack standardized infrastructure services.

The Thiès region exemplifies suburban pricing dynamics, with apartments at XOF808,753 per square meter, offering significant savings compared to Dakar while maintaining reasonable connectivity to the capital.

What's the typical total purchase price including fees, taxes, and closing costs?

Property purchases in Senegal involve significant additional costs beyond the base purchase price that buyers must factor into their investment calculations.

Standard closing costs range from 16.75% to 20.5% of the property value, representing one of the higher cost structures in West Africa. These costs include notary fees (0.75% to 4.5%), land registry fees (6%), stamp duty (approximately 10%), and legal or survey fees that vary by property complexity.

For a typical 60-square-meter apartment in Dakar priced at 75-80.25 million CFA ($123,000-$132,000), buyers should expect additional fees of 13-16 million CFA, bringing the total investment to approximately 88-96 million CFA.

These costs are generally non-negotiable and must be paid in local currency, making cash flow planning essential for international buyers. Some fees may be reduced for certain property types or buyer categories, but the overall cost structure remains substantial.

It's something we develop in our Senegal property pack.

How do financing costs, like mortgage rates and monthly payments, affect the effective cost per sqm?

Senegal's mortgage market operates with competitive rates but limited availability, significantly impacting the effective cost per square meter for financed purchases.

Current mortgage rates range from 8.15% to 8.54% annually for both residents and foreign buyers, representing reasonable financing costs in the West African context. These rates apply to conventional mortgages with standard terms and conditions.

Monthly payment structures can substantially increase the effective cost per square meter compared to cash purchases, particularly over longer loan terms. The interest burden over a typical 15-20 year mortgage can add 40-60% to the base property cost.

Cash purchases remain common in Senegal's property market, allowing buyers to avoid mortgage origination fees and reduce long-term costs. This preference for cash transactions also reflects the limited mortgage infrastructure and documentation requirements that can complicate financing processes.

Foreign buyers may face additional documentation requirements and slightly higher rates, making cash purchases even more attractive for international investors.

If I want to live in the property, which areas offer the smartest value for owner-occupation today?

For owner-occupiers seeking the best value proposition, several Dakar neighborhoods and regional options provide optimal combinations of amenities, infrastructure, and pricing.

1. **Sacré-Coeur** offers excellent connectivity to central Dakar with modern infrastructure and reasonable pricing below luxury district levels2. **Grand Dakar** provides stable residential communities with good access to schools and healthcare facilities3. **Fann** combines university proximity with cultural amenities and improving infrastructure4. **Ngor** benefits from coastal access and ongoing development projects while maintaining moderate pricing5. **Plateau** delivers central location advantages with urban renewal projects enhancing livability

Suburban Thiès presents exceptional value for families and commuters willing to travel to Dakar for work, offering larger properties and lower cost of living while maintaining reasonable transport connections.

These areas avoid the premium pricing of luxury expatriate zones while providing essential services, security, and growth potential that make them ideal for long-term residence.

Infrastructure improvements in these neighborhoods continue to enhance their attractiveness without the dramatic price increases seen in already-established luxury areas.

If I want to rent out short-term (e.g. vacation rentals), which areas or property types yield the best returns?

Senegal's short-term rental market shows strong performance in coastal and premium urban areas, driven by growing tourism and business travel.

Coastal areas including Saly, Ngaparou, and Rufisque generate the highest short-term rental yields, reaching 6-9% annually due to tourism growth and limited supply of quality accommodations. These locations benefit from beach access and resort development that attracts both international visitors and domestic travelers.

Premium Dakar neighborhoods like Almadies, Plateau, and Ngor command higher nightly rates and maintain strong occupancy levels throughout the year. These areas attract business travelers, conference attendees, and upscale tourists seeking quality accommodations with modern amenities.

Apartment properties generally outperform houses for short-term rentals due to easier management and lower maintenance costs. Properties with 1-3 bedrooms show optimal occupancy rates and guest satisfaction levels.

The growing conference and business travel sector in Dakar creates consistent demand for quality short-term accommodations, particularly during the dry season from November to May.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Senegal 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'd rather rent long-term, where does the rent-to-price ratio make the most sense?

Senegal's long-term rental market offers attractive yields in specific areas where demand remains steady and property prices haven't reached luxury levels.

Central Dakar apartments generate rental yields between 6.3% and 9.0%, representing some of the best returns in West Africa. These properties benefit from consistent demand from government workers, business professionals, and long-term expatriates.

Grand Dakar, Sacré-Coeur, and Thiès provide practical rent-to-price ratios with lower vacancy rates compared to luxury districts. These areas attract stable tenant demographics including middle-income professionals and families seeking reliable housing.

Suburban and rural zones offer lower yields but present reduced risk profiles with more stable demand patterns. These properties typically attract long-term tenants who prioritize space and affordability over premium location advantages.

The rental market benefits from Senegal's growing economy and increasing urbanization, creating sustained demand for quality residential properties across different price segments.

It's something we develop in our Senegal property pack.

If my goal is to buy and resell later at a higher price, which locations or property types seem most promising?

Senegal's appreciation potential concentrates in specific areas experiencing infrastructure development and increasing demand from both local and international buyers.

Almadies, Plateau, and Mermoz demonstrate the highest appreciation rates with consistent demand from locals and expatriates. These established luxury districts benefit from continued development and their status as preferred locations for high-income residents.

Emerging areas including Saly, Fann, and Ngor show rapid infrastructure growth and tourism development that drives property value increases. These neighborhoods are transitioning from secondary markets to prime investment zones.

Land purchases near major infrastructure projects offer strong resale potential as connectivity and development reach previously underserved areas. Government investment in roads, utilities, and public services typically precedes significant property value increases.

Coastal properties benefit from Senegal's growing tourism sector and limited beachfront availability, creating scarcity value that supports long-term appreciation. Properties with beach access or ocean views command premium resale values.

Urban properties in Dakar consistently outperform rural investments for resale purposes due to greater liquidity and standardized valuation processes.

How have prices per sqm changed compared to one year ago, and compared to five years ago?

Senegal's property market has demonstrated consistent growth over both short and medium-term periods, outperforming many regional competitors.

Annual price increases from 2024 to 2025 range from 3% to 7%, with luxury segments and coastal areas experiencing the higher end of this range. This growth reflects continued economic development and increasing investor confidence in Senegal's stability.

Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2025, Senegal has consistently outpaced regional peers, achieving almost double the appreciation rate of Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This superior performance stems from political stability, infrastructure investment, and economic diversification efforts.

The luxury property segment has significantly outperformed mid-market and rural properties, with premium Dakar neighborhoods seeing annual increases approaching 7% while rural areas experience more modest 3-4% growth.

These trends reflect increasing wealth concentration in urban areas and growing international interest in Senegal as an investment destination, supported by government policies encouraging foreign investment in real estate.

It's something we develop in our Senegal property pack.

What are the forecasted trends in average price per sqm over the next one year, five years, and ten years, and how does Senegal's pricing compare to similar major cities elsewhere?

Senegal's property market outlook remains positive across all time horizons, supported by infrastructure development and economic growth projections.

One-year forecasts indicate expected price growth of 4-7% in Dakar, Saly, and coastal zones, driven by continued infrastructure projects and tourism development. These areas benefit from government investment and private sector confidence.

Five-year projections anticipate major infrastructure projects including rail connections, road improvements, and resort developments will expand appreciation potential throughout the country. Urban luxury properties and tourism-related real estate are expected to lead growth during this period.

Ten-year forecasts position Senegal for top-tier West African performance, with urban luxury properties potentially reaching $2,500-3,000 per square meter. Suburban and rural land values will also increase as connectivity and investor interest spread beyond current prime areas.

Regional comparisons show Senegal currently outperforms Ivory Coast (Abidjan averages $2,061 per square meter) while remaining less expensive than Ghana's top urban districts ($2,500+ per square meter). This positioning suggests continued growth potential as Senegal catches up to more developed regional markets.

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.

Sources

1. Properstar New Zealand - Senegal House Prices
2. The Africanvestor - Senegal Price Forecasts
3. The Africanvestor - Dakar Price Forecasts
4. The Africanvestor - Buy Land in Senegal
5. The Africanvestor - Which Area in Senegal
6. Proprietes de Charme - Luxury Real Estate Senegal
7. Trading Economics - Senegal Lending Rate
8. AirROI - Senegal Rental Yields
9. Global Property Guide - Senegal Rent Yields
10. Global Property Guide - Senegal Price Changes