Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mauritania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mauritania Property Pack
Mauritania's property market offers unique opportunities with apartment prices ranging from $200 per square meter in rural areas to $3,600 per square meter in central Nouakchott.
Property values in the capital have increased by 15-18% over the past five years, driven by urban development and infrastructure projects. As of September 2025, the market presents distinct investment opportunities across different property types and locations, though financing remains challenging with mortgage rates between 16-20%.
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.
Mauritania's real estate market is characterized by significant price variations between urban and rural areas, with Nouakchott commanding the highest prices.
Investment opportunities exist primarily in emerging neighborhoods and coastal developments, though buyers should expect high transaction costs and limited mortgage accessibility.
| Property Type | Central Nouakchott Price | Outer Areas Price | Investment Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartments (per m²) | $3,600 | $1,200 | Steady growth expected |
| Houses/Villas | $120,000-$200,000 | $60,000-$110,000 | Premium areas appreciating |
| Development Land (per m²) | $100-$250 | $40-$80 | Government-backed areas preferred |
| Transaction Costs | 6-15% of value | 6-15% of value | High but standard |
| Mortgage Down Payment | 30-50% | 30-50% | Cash purchases common |
| Annual Growth (2024) | 5% | 2-3% | Urban outperforming rural |
| Rental Yields | 1.8-3.2% | 2-4% | Modest returns |
What are the current average property prices in Mauritania by property type?
As of September 2025, Mauritania's property market shows clear price distinctions across different property types and locations.
Apartments in central Nouakchott command the highest prices at approximately 135,000-141,073 MRU per square meter, equivalent to around $3,600 per square meter. Outside the city center, apartment prices drop significantly to 45,000-46,000 MRU per square meter, or roughly $1,200 per square meter.
Houses and villas represent the premium segment of the Mauritanian property market. A quality villa in the upscale Tevragh-Zeina neighborhood typically costs around $200,000, while mid-range houses in central Nouakchott range from $120,000 to $200,000. In outer areas of the capital, house prices fall to $60,000-$110,000.
Development land prices vary considerably based on location. In Nouakchott city areas, expect to pay around $100 per square meter, with premium locations reaching $250 per square meter. Peripheral areas offer land at $40-$80 per square meter.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
How do property prices vary across different cities and neighborhoods?
Nouakchott dominates Mauritania's property market with the highest prices nationwide, particularly in premium neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and emerging areas like Ksar.
Tevragh-Zeina stands as the most expensive neighborhood in the country, housing diplomatic residences and upscale developments. Ksar represents an emerging area with growing investment interest due to urban renewal projects and government infrastructure investments.
Nouadhibou, the country's second-largest city, maintains property prices slightly below Nouakchott levels but shows steady growth driven by mining activities and port infrastructure development. The city benefits from its strategic location and economic importance.
Smaller towns and rural areas offer significantly cheaper property options, with prices often 70-80% below Nouakchott levels. However, these areas also experience lower demand and more stagnant price appreciation. Rural properties typically range from $200-$600 per square meter for apartments and $25,000-$50,000 for houses.
What is the typical cost per square meter for residential properties?
Residential property costs per square meter in Mauritania depend heavily on location and property quality as of September 2025.
| Location | 2024 Price (MRU/m²) | 2025 Forecast (MRU/m²) | USD Equivalent (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott City Center | 135,000 | 138,000-141,000 | $3,600 |
| Outside Nouakchott Center | 45,000 | 46,000 | $1,200 |
| Nouadhibou | 38,000-42,000 | 40,000-44,000 | $1,050-$1,150 |
| Emerging Cities | 28,000-35,000 | 30,000-37,000 | $780-$970 |
| Small Towns | 15,000-22,000 | 15,500-23,000 | $405-$600 |
| Rural Areas | 8,000-15,000 | 8,200-15,500 | $215-$405 |
What are the total purchase costs including fees, taxes, and legal expenses?
Property buyers in Mauritania should budget for total additional costs ranging from 6% to 15% of the property's purchase price.
Notary fees typically account for 1-2% of the property value, while registration taxes range from 1-5% depending on the property type and location. Legal fees for property transactions generally fall between 1-3% of the purchase price.
Real estate agent commissions, when used, add another 2-5% to the total cost. Annual property taxes range from 0.5-2% of the property's assessed value. Additional costs include stamp duties and technical inspections, which vary based on specific circumstances.
For a $100,000 property purchase, buyers should expect to pay an additional $6,000 to $15,000 in various fees and taxes. Higher-value properties in premium locations often face costs toward the upper end of this range.
How accessible are mortgages in Mauritania and what are the typical terms?
Mortgage accessibility in Mauritania remains challenging, with most property transactions conducted through cash payments as of September 2025.
Interest rates for available mortgages range from 16% to 20%, significantly higher than international standards. These high rates make borrowing expensive and often uneconomical for many buyers. Banks typically require substantial down payments of 30% to 50% of the property value.
Foreign buyers face additional restrictions and may not qualify for local mortgage products. Most international investors and expatriates opt for cash purchases or arrange financing through their home countries. Local banks prioritize lending to established Mauritanian residents with proven income sources.
The limited mortgage market means that property demand depends heavily on cash availability, which can limit market liquidity but also reduces speculation-driven price volatility.
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What are some current example purchase prices for properties in popular areas?
Current property prices in Mauritania's most sought-after areas reflect the market's premium positioning as of September 2025.
A studio apartment in Arafat, a popular Nouakchott suburb, typically costs around $50,000. One-bedroom apartments in Nouakchott's city center range from $50,000 to $75,000, depending on building quality and exact location.
Premium villas in Tevragh-Zeina, the capital's most exclusive neighborhood, command prices around $200,000 for well-appointed properties. Three-bedroom houses in established middle-class neighborhoods typically range from $80,000 to $120,000.
Development land in coastal areas offers investment opportunities at approximately $100 per square meter, with some premium coastal plots reaching $150-$200 per square meter. These prices reflect growing interest in coastal development projects and tourism-related investments.
Which neighborhoods offer the best value across different price ranges?
Mauritania's property market segments clearly into expensive, emerging, and budget-friendly neighborhoods, each offering distinct investment characteristics.
Most expensive neighborhoods include Tevragh-Zeina, central Nouakchott, and new coastal developments. These areas command premium prices due to established infrastructure, diplomatic presence, and proximity to business centers.
Emerging neighborhoods present growth potential:
- Ksar district in Nouakchott - benefiting from urban renewal projects
- Nouadhibou suburban areas - growing due to mining industry expansion
- Coastal development zones - attracting tourism and hospitality investments
- Areas around new infrastructure projects - roads, ports, and government facilities
- Neighborhoods near planned shopping centers and commercial developments
Budget-friendly options include outer Nouakchott neighborhoods, older residential areas, and most small towns throughout the country. These areas offer affordability but may experience slower appreciation rates.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
How have property prices changed over recent years?
Mauritania's property market has shown consistent upward momentum over the past five years, with notable acceleration in urban areas.
Property prices in Nouakchott have increased by 15-18% since 2020, representing steady annual growth averaging 3-4% per year. This growth reflects urbanization trends, infrastructure development, and increased foreign investment interest.
The most recent year (2024) saw approximately 5% price growth in urban areas, while rural and small-town properties experienced more modest increases of 1-2%. Central Nouakchott and emerging neighborhoods like Ksar outperformed the market average.
Coastal areas and neighborhoods near infrastructure projects experienced above-average appreciation, with some premium locations seeing 8-10% annual growth. The trend indicates strong demand for well-located properties with good infrastructure access.
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.
What are the property price forecasts for the coming years?
Property price forecasts for Mauritania show continued but moderate growth across different time horizons, with urban areas expected to outperform rural locations.
One-year outlook for 2026 predicts modest growth of 2-4% in urban areas, with Nouakchott and Nouadhibou leading appreciation. Premium coastal developments and government-backed infrastructure areas may see higher growth rates of 5-7%.
Five-year projections through 2030 anticipate total appreciation of 10-15% in main cities, assuming current economic and political stability continues. This represents annual growth averaging 2-3%, which aligns with broader West African property market trends.
Ten-year forecasts depend heavily on economic diversification beyond mining and agriculture. Urban areas with strong infrastructure development and coastal locations with tourism potential offer the best long-term appreciation prospects. Rural areas are expected to see minimal growth unless significant development projects emerge.
What are the best property options for different ownership purposes?
Property selection in Mauritania should align with intended use, whether for personal residence, rental income, or resale investment.
Owner-occupiers should prioritize city-center apartments or mid-range houses in established suburbs for value retention and lifestyle benefits. These properties offer better infrastructure, security, and resale potential.
Short-term rental investments face limited opportunities due to modest tourism influx. Focus on properties targeting expatriate or business travelers in Nouakchott's business districts or near the airport.
Long-term rental properties generate modest yields of 1.8-3.2% annually. Best opportunities exist in up-and-coming urban districts with infrastructure projects, targeting local professionals and expatriate workers.
Buy-to-resell strategies work best in growth neighborhoods like coastal developments, Tevragh-Zeina, and Ksar. Avoid oversupplied areas to minimize liquidity risk and holding costs.
What are the smartest investment choices for buyers in 2025?
As of September 2025, the smartest property investment strategies in Mauritania focus on emerging neighborhoods with government backing and established premium locations.
Top investment recommendations include:
- Emerging neighborhoods with government investment - Ksar district and new coastal developments offer growth potential
- Established city-center properties - provide stability and easier resale opportunities
- Properties near infrastructure projects - roads, ports, and commercial developments drive appreciation
- Quality apartments in Nouakchott suburbs - balance affordability with growth potential
- Coastal land for long-term development - requires local partnerships and secure title verification
Avoid land speculation unless working with reliable local partners and ensuring complete title security. Properties in oversupplied areas or those far from infrastructure development present higher risks.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
How do Mauritania's property prices compare regionally?
Mauritania's property market positions itself in the middle tier among West and North African capitals, offering moderate pricing compared to regional competitors.
| City | Price per m² (City Center) | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott, Mauritania | ~$3,600 | Stable growth, limited financing |
| Algiers, Algeria | $3,800-$4,200 | Higher prices, more developed market |
| Dakar, Senegal | $3,500-$5,500 | Premium zones command higher prices |
| Conakry, Guinea | $1,300-$2,000 | Lower prices, emerging market |
| Bamako, Mali | $2,800-$3,200 | Similar to Mauritania, less coastal access |
| Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire | $4,500-$6,000 | Economic hub, higher prices |
Mauritania offers competitive pricing compared to more developed West African markets while providing better value than premium locations like Dakar or Abidjan.
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.
Mauritania's property market offers opportunities for patient investors willing to navigate limited financing options and focus on established urban areas.
Success requires thorough due diligence, local partnerships, and realistic expectations about appreciation rates and market liquidity.
Sources
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Price Forecasts
- Sands of Wealth - Algiers Property Market
- TheAfricanVestor - Moving to Mauritania Property Guide
- Arab Land Initiative - Mauritania
- ENS Africa - Tax in Brief
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania
- TheAfricanVestor - Real Estate Market Analysis
- Numbeo - Cost of Living Mauritania