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As of September 2025, average rent in Nouakchott ranges from 4,000 MRU ($107) for a studio in peripheral areas to 25,100 MRU ($670) for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center.
The Nouakchott rental market shows significant geographical variation, with city center properties commanding premium rates due to proximity to amenities and infrastructure. Rental yields remain low at 1.8-3.2%, making the market more attractive for capital appreciation than income generation.
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Nouakchott's rental market offers affordable options compared to regional peers but delivers low rental yields for investors.
The city center commands the highest rents while peripheral areas provide better value, with short-term rentals potentially offering higher returns than traditional long-term leases.
| Property Type | City Center Rent (MRU/month) | Outside Center Rent (MRU/month) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 4,000-5,000 | 4,000-5,000 | $107-$134 |
| 1-Bedroom | 8,981-9,023 | 6,446-6,477 | $172-$240 |
| 2-Bedroom | 13,000-18,000 | 11,000-15,000 | $347-$480 |
| 3-Bedroom | 23,883-25,106 | 16,500 | $437-$670 |
| Large Villa | 60,000+ | 45,000+ | $1,200+ |
What's the current average rent across different types of properties in Nouakchott?
As of September 2025, Nouakchott's rental market shows clear price tiers based on property type and location.
In the city center, 1-bedroom apartments average 8,981-9,023 MRU per month ($240), while 3-bedroom apartments command 23,883-25,106 MRU monthly ($635-670). Studios in peripheral areas like Arafat rent for approximately 4,000-5,000 MRU per month ($107-134).
The rental market reflects the city's economic structure, with premium properties concentrated in central districts where government offices, embassies, and commercial centers are located. Large villas, primarily found in upscale neighborhoods, start at 60,000 MRU monthly ($1,600) and can reach significantly higher prices depending on amenities and exact location.
Short-term rental rates operate on different pricing structures, with studios commanding $28-53 per night and villas ranging from $67-378 nightly depending on size and luxury level.
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How does rent vary depending on the neighborhood or area of the city?
Nouakchott's rental prices show significant geographical variation, with the city center commanding the highest premiums.
The Ksar and Tevragh-Zeina districts represent the premium rental market, where 1-bedroom apartments average 9,000 MRU monthly and luxury villas can sell for over $200,000. These areas benefit from proximity to government buildings, embassies, and superior infrastructure.
Coastal and embassy zones maintain elevated rental rates due to their strategic locations near main roads, diplomatic missions, and commercial markets. These neighborhoods attract expatriate professionals and international organizations, creating sustained demand for furnished, high-quality accommodations.
Peripheral districts including Sebkha and Arafat offer more affordable options, with studios and small apartments typically renting for around 6,000 MRU monthly. These areas serve primarily local residents and provide basic amenities at lower cost points.
The rental gradient from center to periphery reflects infrastructure quality, with central areas offering better utilities, road access, and proximity to employment centers.
What's the typical rent difference between small units, medium apartments, and large houses by surface area?
| Unit Type | Surface Area | Average Monthly Rent (MRU) | Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/Small Unit | Under 40 m² | 4,000-5,000 | $107-$134 |
| 1-Bedroom (Center) | 50-70 m² | 9,000 | $240 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 70-90 m² | 13,000-18,000 | $347-$480 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 100-140 m² | 24,000-25,100 | $640-$670 |
| Large Villa | 250-400 m² | 60,000+ | $1,600+ |
| Luxury Villa | 400+ m² | 90,000+ | $2,400+ |
What is the total cost to the tenant including agency fees, taxes, and utilities?
The total rental cost in Nouakchott extends beyond the base monthly rent to include several additional expenses.
Agency fees typically range from 2-5% of the annual rent, adding a significant upfront cost for tenants securing properties through real estate agents. For a 1-bedroom apartment renting at 9,000 MRU monthly, this translates to 2,160-5,400 MRU in agency fees.
Monthly utilities for a 60-85 m² apartment average $53-67 (1,600-2,030 MRU), covering electricity, water, and basic services. Internet connectivity adds approximately $6.62 monthly, while mobile phone service costs around $5.46 per month.
Property taxes for rental properties range from 0.5-2% of the property's assessed value annually, though this cost typically falls on property owners rather than tenants. However, some landlords may incorporate this into rental pricing.
When purchasing property, notary and legal fees add 2-6% of the property price, covering notarization, registration, legal services, and agent commissions.
What are the usual mortgage and financing costs compared to rental income for investors?
Nouakchott's property financing landscape presents significant challenges for investors seeking mortgage-based purchases.
Mortgage rates currently range between 16-20% in 2025, making financing extremely expensive for property buyers. Despite the Central Bank's recent reduction of its lending rate to 6%, consumer mortgage rates remain substantially higher due to banking sector risk assessments and limited competition.
These high financing costs severely impact investment returns, with gross rental yields averaging only 1.8% in the city center and reaching maximum 3.2% in peripheral areas. The significant gap between borrowing costs and rental yields makes leveraged property investment financially unviable for most investors.
Cash buyers enjoy a substantial advantage in this market, as they can capture the full rental yield without interest payments. For leveraged investors, the negative carry between mortgage costs and rental income can exceed 12-17% annually.
The financing environment positions Nouakchott as a cash-buyer market, where investment returns depend primarily on capital appreciation rather than rental income generation.
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What do short-term rental prices look like versus long-term rental prices, and which strategy is performing better today?
Nouakchott's short-term rental market operates at significantly higher nightly rates compared to long-term rental equivalents when calculated on a per-night basis.
Short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb generate average gross revenue of $1,319 monthly, with average daily rates of $46 and occupancy rates around 22%. Studios and 1-bedroom units command $28-53 nightly, while larger properties can reach $67-378 per night for luxury villas.
Long-term rental strategies offer greater stability but lower per-unit returns. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center renting for $240 monthly equals approximately $8 per night, substantially below short-term rates but with guaranteed occupancy and lower management costs.
Short-term rentals require active management, higher marketing costs, and face occupancy risk, but can generate 2-3 times higher revenue when occupancy rates exceed 30%. Long-term rentals provide predictable cash flow with minimal management overhead.
The optimal strategy depends on investor capabilities and risk tolerance, with short-term rentals favoring hands-on operators and long-term rentals suiting passive investors seeking stable returns.
Can you give examples of actual rental prices for different property types, like studios, apartments, and villas?
Current market listings provide specific examples of rental pricing across Nouakchott's property spectrum.
Studio apartments in peripheral areas like Arafat typically rent for $107-130 monthly, offering basic accommodations suitable for single occupants or students. These units often lack premium amenities but provide essential living space at affordable rates.
One-bedroom apartments in central districts command $240 monthly, featuring better infrastructure access and proximity to employment centers. Two-bedroom apartments in upscale Tevragh-Zeina range from $333-1,300 monthly depending on furnishing level and exact location within the district.
Villa rentals span a wide price range, with basic properties starting around $1,600 monthly and luxury accommodations reaching $3,000+ monthly. For short-term luxury villa rentals, nightly rates range from $67-378 depending on size, amenities, and seasonal demand.
Furnished long-term rentals command premium pricing, with downtown 1-bedroom units reaching 250,000 MRU monthly ($6,665) when including utilities and cleaning services. These properties target expatriate professionals and international organizations requiring immediate occupancy.
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Who are the main renter profiles in Nouakchott — locals, expats, students, professionals?
Nouakchott's rental market serves distinct demographic segments with varying preferences and budget capacities.
Local residents comprise the majority of tenants, particularly in peripheral districts and smaller unit types. This segment typically seeks affordable, unfurnished accommodations with basic amenities, gravitating toward studios and 1-2 bedroom apartments in areas like Sebkha and Arafat.
Expatriate professionals and international organization staff concentrate in premium neighborhoods including Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, and embassy zones. This demographic prefers furnished villas and apartments with superior infrastructure, security, and proximity to diplomatic and commercial centers.
Students represent a significant rental segment, typically sharing accommodations or renting studios in lower-cost neighborhoods. This group prioritizes affordability over amenities, creating demand for basic housing in peripheral areas with public transport access.
Business travelers and short-term visitors utilize furnished rentals and serviced apartments in central locations, driving demand for flexible lease terms and immediate-occupancy properties near government and commercial districts.
Each segment creates distinct demand patterns, with locals driving volume in affordable categories while expatriates and professionals support premium pricing in central and coastal areas.
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What are the current vacancy rates by property type and by neighborhood?
Vacancy rates in Nouakchott vary significantly by location and property type, though comprehensive city-wide data remains limited.
Central neighborhoods including Ksar and Tevragh-Zeina maintain low vacancy rates due to consistent demand from expatriate professionals, government workers, and international organizations. Premium properties in these areas typically experience minimal vacancy periods between tenants.
Peripheral districts show higher vacancy rates, particularly in areas with oversupply of basic housing units. Districts like Sebkha and Arafat may experience extended vacancy periods for properties lacking modern amenities or convenient transport access.
Luxury villa segments maintain relatively low vacancy rates despite higher rental prices, as the limited supply of quality properties supports consistent occupancy among affluent tenants. However, properties priced above market rates may experience extended marketing periods.
Short-term rental properties face seasonal vacancy fluctuations, with business travel patterns and tourist seasons affecting occupancy rates throughout the year. Average occupancy rates around 22% for Airbnb properties indicate significant vacancy periods between bookings.
The overall rental market benefits from Nouakchott's role as Mauritania's political and economic center, maintaining steady demand despite periodic supply increases in certain segments.
What are the average rental yields right now, and which segments offer the smartest choices for investors?
Nouakchott's rental yields rank among the lowest in Africa, presenting limited opportunities for income-focused investors.
City center properties generate gross rental yields averaging 1.8%, while peripheral areas can achieve up to 3.2% gross returns. These yields pale in comparison to regional markets like Tunis, which averages 5-7% gross rental yields for similar property types.
The smartest investment approach focuses on capital appreciation rather than rental income generation. Premium locations in Tevragh-Zeina and coastal zones offer the strongest prospects for property value growth, despite lower immediate yields.
Short-term rental strategies may enhance returns for hands-on investors, with potential yields reaching 4-6% gross when achieving occupancy rates above 40%. However, this requires active management and market knowledge to optimize pricing and occupancy.
Cash investors enjoy advantages over leveraged buyers, as mortgage costs far exceed rental yields. The investment thesis centers on long-term capital appreciation in prime locations rather than immediate income generation.
Peripheral areas offering 3.2% yields may attract value investors seeking higher current returns, though capital appreciation prospects remain limited compared to central locations.
How have rents and yields changed compared with five years ago and compared with last year?
Nouakchott's rental market has experienced significant growth over the past five years, though yields have not kept pace with property value appreciation.
Between 2020-2025, property values surged 143% nominally, while rents increased by approximately 50-60% city-wide. This disparity resulted in declining rental yields as property prices outpaced rental income growth.
In the most recent year (2024-2025), both rents and property prices increased by approximately 5% for apartments and villas. This moderate growth reflects market maturation and economic stability following previous rapid appreciation periods.
The rental yield compression over five years indicates a market shift toward capital appreciation as the primary investment driver. Properties that generated 3-4% yields in 2020 now provide 1.8-3.2% returns due to faster price appreciation than rental growth.
Recent trends suggest rental growth is stabilizing around 3-7% annually, more closely aligned with general economic growth rates. However, prime central locations continue experiencing stronger rental demand than peripheral areas.
The historical trend favors property owners who purchased before 2022, as they benefit from both significant capital appreciation and current rental rates that, while yielding less percentage-wise, provide higher absolute income than historical levels.
What's the forecast for rents and yields over the next one year, five years, and ten years, and how does Nouakchott compare with other big similar cities?
Nouakchott's rental market outlook suggests moderate growth with continued yield compression over the forecast period.
Short-term projections for 2025-2026 anticipate rent and price growth of 3-7%, with potential stagnation in oversupplied peripheral areas. Central districts are expected to maintain stronger performance due to sustained government and commercial activity.
Medium-term forecasts over five years suggest moderate capital appreciation as economic fundamentals remain solid. However, rental yields are unlikely to improve significantly, with the market continuing to favor capital appreciation over income generation.
Ten-year projections indicate Nouakchott will likely lag regional peers in rental yield performance. Cities like Tunis, Casablanca, and Dakar offer superior rental returns and attract more short-term investor capital. Growth will concentrate in prime central areas and coastal developments.
Comparative analysis shows Nouakchott significantly underperforming regional markets. Tunis averages 5-8% rental yields, while Casablanca and Dakar provide 4-6% returns. This yield gap reflects Nouakchott's emerging market status and limited investment infrastructure.
The long-term investment case depends primarily on capital appreciation in select prime locations rather than rental income generation, positioning Nouakchott as a secondary consideration for yield-focused African real estate investors.
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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 rental market offers affordable housing options relative to regional standards but provides limited yields for investors seeking income generation.
The market's primary attraction lies in capital appreciation potential in prime central and coastal locations, making it suitable for long-term investors rather than those seeking immediate rental returns.
Sources
- Sands of Wealth - Algiers Property Analysis
- The African Investor - Nouakchott Price Forecasts
- The African Investor - Mauritania Price Forecasts
- CozyCozy - Nouakchott Apartments
- CozyCozy - Nouakchott Villa Rentals
- Airbnb - Nouakchott Stays
- AirROI - Nouakchott Market Report
- The African Investor - Moving to Mauritania Property Guide
- Financial Afrik - Mauritania Central Bank Rate
- Global Property Guide - Tunisia Rental Yields