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Property prices in Nouakchott vary significantly depending on location, with city center apartments averaging $3,500 per square meter while peripheral areas cost around $1,200 per square meter as of September 2025.
The Nouakchott property market has experienced substantial growth over recent years, with prime neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina commanding premium prices while emerging areas like Dar Naim offer more affordable entry points for both investors and residents.
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.
Nouakchott's property market shows strong price differentiation between central and peripheral areas, with buying costs including 6-15% in additional fees beyond the purchase price.
The market has grown 143% over five years, with continued moderate growth expected through 2035, making it one of West Africa's more expensive capitals for property investment.
| Property Type | Location | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments (per m²) | City Center | $3,427-$3,600 |
| Apartments (per m²) | Outside Center | $1,157-$1,200 |
| Studio Apartment | Arafat | $47,500-$50,000 |
| 2-bedroom Apartment | Tevragh-Zeina | $256,000-$274,000 |
| Luxury Villa | Tevragh-Zeina | $190,000-$200,000 |
| Urban Land (per m²) | Development Areas | $95-$100 |
| Additional Fees | All Properties | 6-15% of base price |
What is the current average price per square meter for apartments, houses, and land in Nouakchott?
Property prices in Nouakchott's city center average between 135,000 and 135,647 MRU per square meter, equivalent to approximately $3,427 to $3,600 per square meter as of September 2025.
Outside the city center, prices drop significantly to around 45,800 to 45,807 MRU per square meter, which translates to roughly $1,157 to $1,200 per square meter. This represents a substantial price differential of nearly 200% between central and peripheral locations.
Development land in urban areas typically costs between $95 and $100 per square meter, though prices can be lower in more peripheral locations. These land prices reflect the growing demand for new construction projects throughout the capital.
The pricing structure clearly favors central locations, with the most expensive properties concentrated in established neighborhoods that offer better infrastructure and proximity to business districts.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
How do those average prices vary between different neighborhoods or districts in Nouakchott?
Tevragh-Zeina commands the highest property prices in Nouakchott, with luxury villas reaching up to $200,000 and representing the city's most prestigious residential area.
Ksar neighborhood demonstrates strong price growth and maintains its status as a central, prestigious location with substantial appreciation potential. Nouakchott Nord also attracts premium pricing due to high expatriate demand and consistent growth trends.
Dar Naim offers the most budget-friendly options with lower land prices and major urban development projects underway, making it appealing for affordability-focused buyers. This area represents significant value for money while still providing access to city amenities.
Arafat serves as another affordable option, particularly for studio apartments priced around $47,500 to $50,000, making it accessible for first-time buyers or small-scale investors.
The coastal areas of Nouakchott Ouest command premium prices due to their desirable location and proximity to embassies and international business centers.
What is the average total purchase price of a typical property including all fees and closing costs?
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Tevragh-Zeina costs between 10,000,000 and 10,700,000 MRO (approximately $256,000 to $274,000) before additional fees and closing costs.
Studio apartments in Arafat range from $47,500 to $50,000 as base prices, while premium houses and villas in Tevragh-Zeina cost between $190,000 and $200,000 before fees.
All property purchases require adding 6% to 15% of the purchase price for various fees and closing costs, significantly impacting the total investment required. This means a $200,000 property could cost anywhere from $212,000 to $230,000 total.
The fee structure includes multiple components that buyers must budget for beyond the advertised property price, making careful financial planning essential for any purchase.
These total costs place Nouakchott among the more expensive capitals in West Africa for property acquisition when considering both base prices and additional expenses.
What taxes and additional costs should be added to the purchase price?
| Cost Type | Percentage of Purchase Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fees | 1-2% | Legal documentation and verification |
| Registration Tax | 1-5% | Government property registration |
| Legal Fees | 1-3% | Attorney and legal consultation |
| Agent Commission | 2-5% | Real estate agent services (if used) |
| Stamp Duty | Variable | Applied to legal documents |
| Technical/Approval Fees | Fixed/Variable | Building inspections and permits |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.5-2% | Ongoing yearly obligation |
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How much would monthly mortgage payments be today for a representative property?
Local mortgage interest rates in Mauritania currently range from 16% to 16.4%, significantly higher than the central bank rate of 6.75%.
For a $100,000 property with a 20% down payment financed over 15 years at 16% interest, monthly payments would approximately equal $1,183. This calculation assumes an $80,000 loan amount after the down payment.
Mortgages remain difficult to access for foreigners and are not widely available through the banking system, making cash purchases more common for international buyers.
The high interest rates reflect the challenging lending environment and limited mortgage market development in Mauritania, impacting affordability for financed purchases.
Most property transactions occur through cash payments or alternative financing arrangements rather than traditional mortgage products.
What are the current best neighborhood options if you want to live in the city?
Tevragh-Zeina stands out as the premier residential choice, offering proximity to embassies, top schools, employment centers, and the best urban infrastructure in Nouakchott.
Ksar provides excellent central location benefits with established infrastructure and high demand from residents seeking urban convenience and accessibility.
Nouakchott Ouest and Nord offer coastal living with premium amenities, close proximity to business districts and international organizations, making them ideal for expatriate communities.
Las Palmas within Tevragh-Zeina offers a quieter, safer residential environment while maintaining access to central city benefits and high-quality services.
These neighborhoods provide the best combination of lifestyle amenities, infrastructure quality, and long-term livability for residents prioritizing urban convenience and quality of life.
What are the best neighborhood options if you want to rent the property out long-term?
Tevragh-Zeina delivers the highest rental yields and most consistent tenant demand, particularly from expatriates, NGO workers, and international professionals.
Nouakchott Ouest attracts higher-income renters due to its proximity to embassies, international companies, and premium coastal location, ensuring steady rental income potential.
Dar Naim increasingly appeals to young professionals seeking affordable rental options, with growing demand driven by new developments and urban expansion projects.
The embassy district areas within Tevragh-Zeina maintain consistent demand from diplomatic staff and international organizations requiring quality housing with security and amenities.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
What are the best areas if you plan to rent short-term to tourists or via short-stay rentals?
Nouakchott Ouest and Plage areas offer prime locations for short-term rentals due to beach proximity, embassy district access, and appeal to business travelers and tourists.
Ksar attracts travelers seeking central location convenience with easy access to city attractions, restaurants, and business districts for short-stay accommodation.
Tevragh-Zeina's embassy district provides excellent opportunities for business traveler accommodation, with high demand from visiting professionals and diplomatic personnel.
Las Palmas and Cité Plage are noted for their calm atmosphere and quality accommodation options, appealing to visitors seeking peaceful yet accessible locations.
These coastal and central areas benefit from tourism infrastructure and business travel demand, supporting viable short-term rental operations.
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.
Which neighborhoods or property types offer the best prospects for resale at a higher price later?
Tevragh-Zeina demonstrates the strongest long-term appreciation potential with its established history of price growth and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Ksar offers reliable resale prospects due to consistent demand, central location advantages, and ongoing renovation projects that enhance property values.
New coastal and urban development zones present high-growth potential backed by government investment and urban planning initiatives focused on modernization.
Dar Naim represents an up-and-coming area undergoing gentrification with the lowest current buy-in costs for future capital gains as development progresses.
Properties in established neighborhoods with infrastructure improvements and those in emerging areas with development potential offer the best combination of appreciation prospects and investment security.
Can you provide example purchase prices including fees for an apartment, a house, and a plot of land?
| Property Type | Area | Base Price (USD) | Fees (6-15%) | Total Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | Arafat | $50,000 | $3,000-$7,500 | $53,000-$57,500 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | Tevragh-Zeina | $260,000 | $15,600-$39,000 | $275,600-$299,000 |
| Luxury Villa | Tevragh-Zeina | $200,000 | $12,000-$30,000 | $212,000-$230,000 |
| Urban Land (per m²) | Dar Naim/Peripheral | $100 | $6-$15 | $106-$115 |
Which areas are currently the most expensive, which are up-and-coming, and which are more budget-friendly?
The most expensive areas include Tevragh-Zeina, coastal Nouakchott Ouest, and Ksar, representing the premium property market with highest price points and strongest demand.
Up-and-coming neighborhoods include Dar Naim with major development projects underway, outlying new development zones receiving government investment, and Arafat for studio and small property segments.
Budget-friendly options concentrate in Dar Naim for land and houses, and Arafat for studios and smaller homes, offering affordable entry points into the Nouakchott property market.
The market clearly segments between established premium areas, emerging neighborhoods with growth potential, and affordable peripheral areas suitable for different budget levels and investment strategies.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
How have average property prices changed compared to five years ago, one year ago, and what are the forecasts?
Property prices in Nouakchott have increased by 143% nominally over the past five years since 2020, representing substantial market growth and appreciation.
Year-over-year growth from 2024 to mid-2025 shows a more moderate 5% increase, indicating market stabilization after the rapid growth period.
Forecasts for 2025 through 2035 predict continued steady growth of 3% to 7% annually in city center and premium neighborhoods, with slightly lower growth rates expected in peripheral areas.
Rental yields remain relatively low at 1.8% to 3.2% overall, with better performance in Tevragh-Zeina and coastal areas compared to peripheral locations.
Compared to regional capitals, Nouakchott property prices exceed those in Dakar and Abidjan (both around $2,092 per square meter), though rental income potential remains lower, making Nouakchott one of West Africa's more expensive property markets for buyers while offering limited rental returns.
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.
Nouakchott's property market offers diverse investment opportunities across different price segments, from affordable studios in Arafat to luxury villas in Tevragh-Zeina.
While property prices have grown significantly over recent years, buyers should carefully consider the substantial additional fees and limited rental yield potential when making investment decisions.
Sources
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Price Forecasts
- TheAfricanVestor - Nouakchott Price Forecasts
- Sands of Wealth - Algiers Property
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Which Area
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Real Estate Foreigner Tips
- TheAfricanVestor - Moving Mauritania Buy Property
- Trading Economics - Mauritania Interest Rate
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Real Estate Forecasts