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Mauritania's property market is experiencing steady growth, with Nouakchott leading the way in price appreciation and investment activity. Urban areas command significantly higher prices than rural zones, while financing remains challenging with mortgage rates hovering between 16-20%.
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Property prices in Mauritania are climbing steadily, with Nouakchott city center apartments averaging $3,427–$3,600 per square meter, while peripheral areas offer more accessible entry points at around $1,157 per square meter.
Urban zones dominate the market with strong appreciation potential, but high mortgage rates of 16-20% and modest rental yields of 0.8-3.5% require careful investment planning.
| Property Type | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| City Center Apartment | Nouakchott Center | $3,427–$3,600/m² |
| Suburban Apartment | Outside Center | $1,157–$1,200/m² |
| Premium Villa | Tevragh-Zeina | $190,000–$200,000 |
| Development Land | Urban Areas | $100/m² |
| Studio Apartment | Arafat | Around $50,000 |
What are the typical price ranges today for different property types in Mauritania?
Mauritanian real estate prices vary dramatically depending on property type and location, with apartments in Nouakchott's city center commanding the highest premiums.
City center apartments in Nouakchott average between $3,427 and $3,600 per square meter, making them the most expensive residential properties in the country. These units typically offer modern amenities and proximity to business districts, government offices, and commercial areas.
Outside Nouakchott's center, apartment prices drop significantly to around $1,157-$1,200 per square meter, offering more accessible entry points for both investors and owner-occupiers. Premium villas in sought-after districts like Tevragh-Zeina command total purchase prices between $190,000 and $200,000.
Development land in urban areas costs approximately $100 per square meter, while more affordable options exist in the form of studio apartments in areas like Arafat, priced around $50,000 total.
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How do prices differ between major cities and smaller towns?
Price disparities between Mauritania's major urban centers and smaller towns are substantial, reflecting the country's urbanization trends and economic concentration.
Nouakchott and Nouadhibou represent the country's premium real estate markets, with prices significantly exceeding those in smaller towns due to stronger demand, ongoing urbanization, and concentrated infrastructure investment. These cities benefit from government presence, port activities, and business concentration.
Mining towns like Zouerate, located near Nouadhibou, experience rising property values driven by job growth and resource extraction activities. However, these markets remain more volatile and dependent on commodity cycles compared to the capital.
Smaller interior towns maintain markedly more affordable property prices, often 60-70% below urban center levels. These areas offer entry-level investment opportunities but lack the infrastructure, amenities, and appreciation potential of major cities.
How much does price vary based on property size per square meter?
| Location | Price per m² (USD) | Price per sq ft (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott City Center | $3,427 | $318 |
| Outside City Center | $1,157 | $107 |
| National Average (New/Luxury) | $1,512 | $140 |
| Premium Districts (Tevragh-Zeina) | $3,600 | $334 |
| Suburban Areas | $1,200 | $111 |
What would be the all-in cost including fees, taxes, and closing charges?
Total acquisition costs in Mauritania extend beyond the purchase price, with additional expenses typically adding 5-8% to your initial investment.
Buyers should budget for notary fees, registration taxes, and real estate agent commissions, which collectively represent the bulk of additional costs. These fees are generally non-negotiable and applied uniformly across property transactions.
Closing charges include due diligence costs, transfer taxes, and legal representation fees. The regulatory environment sometimes creates prolonged proceedings, potentially increasing legal costs beyond initial estimates.
For a $200,000 villa purchase, expect additional costs between $10,000 and $16,000, bringing total investment to $210,000-$216,000. These expenses should be factored into financing calculations and investment return projections.
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How much might I pay monthly if I finance a purchase?
Mortgage financing in Mauritania presents significant challenges, with interest rates ranging from 16-20% on fixed-rate loans and typical terms around 20 years.
For a $100,000 apartment purchase, monthly payments could exceed $1,450, assuming current market rates and standard terms. These high payments reflect both elevated interest rates and the banking sector's risk assessment of real estate lending.
Mortgage accessibility remains limited due to strict qualification criteria and high rates. Banks typically require substantial down payments, often 30-40% of purchase price, and extensive income documentation.
Financing costs significantly impact investment returns and affordability, making cash purchases more common among both local and international buyers.
What kinds of options offer the best value for owner-occupiers?
Mid-range apartments in established districts like Tevragh-Zeina or coastal areas provide the optimal balance between quality, location, and growth potential for owner-occupiers.
These properties offer reasonable infrastructure, proximity to amenities, and appreciation potential while avoiding the premium pricing of city center locations. They typically feature modern construction standards and access to utilities.
Peripheral neighborhoods present lower purchase prices but often lack consistent amenities, reliable utilities, and transportation links. While affordable, these areas may require additional investment in infrastructure or convenience.
Owner-occupiers should prioritize locations with established infrastructure, reasonable commute times to employment centers, and access to schools, healthcare, and shopping facilities.
What types of properties perform best for short-term holiday rentals?
Short-term rental success in Mauritania concentrates in coastal zones, central Nouakchott, and mining towns that attract mobile professionals and limited tourism activity.
Coastal properties benefit from Mauritania's Atlantic shoreline, attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking beach access and scenic locations. These areas command higher nightly rates but may experience seasonal fluctuations.
Central Nouakchott properties serve business travelers, government visitors, and transit passengers, providing more consistent year-round occupancy. Properties near diplomatic areas and business districts perform particularly well.
Mining town accommodations cater to industry professionals and contractors, offering high occupancy rates during active project periods but remaining vulnerable to commodity cycle downturns.
Which property types are most stable for long-term rental income?
Apartments near universities, business hubs, and government districts in Nouakchott demonstrate the strongest stability for long-term rental income.
Rental demand concentrates heavily on 1-3 bedroom units in urban zones, serving government employees, business professionals, and university students. These properties maintain consistent occupancy and predictable rent collection.
Properties located within reasonable distance of major employers, educational institutions, and government offices command premium rents and experience lower vacancy rates.
Annual rental yields rarely exceed 3.2%, reflecting the relatively high purchase prices compared to rental income potential. However, urban properties maintain more stable tenant bases than peripheral locations.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
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.
Where are the most promising areas for buy-to-resell capital growth?
Capital appreciation potential is strongest in redeveloping coastal districts and high-infrastructure zones like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar neighborhoods.
These areas benefit from ongoing urban development projects, infrastructure improvements, and government investment in modernization. Properties in these zones have demonstrated consistent appreciation above national averages.
Coastal districts undergoing redevelopment offer significant upside potential as tourism infrastructure develops and urban planning initiatives take effect. Early investment in these areas may capture substantial appreciation as development progresses.
Mining towns present speculative opportunities with high upside potential during commodity boom periods, but they carry corresponding risks during market downturns. These investments require careful timing and market cycle awareness.
Can you give me recent examples of actual purchase prices?
| Property Type | Lowest Price | Typical Price | Top-end Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Center 1-bed Apartment | $47,500 | $182,000 | $260,000+ |
| Suburban Apartment | $7,341 | $45,807 | $120,000 |
| Villa (Tevragh-Zeina) | $190,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 |
| Development Land (per m²) | $95 | $100 | $160+ |
| Studio Apartment (Arafat) | $45,000 | $50,000 | $65,000 |
How have property prices changed compared to five years ago and one year ago?
Mauritanian property prices have experienced substantial growth over both short and medium-term periods, with urban areas leading appreciation trends.
Over the past five years, property prices have increased by nearly 40-41%, reflecting strong urbanization pressures, infrastructure development, and growing demand for quality housing. This appreciation significantly outpaced inflation and most other investment alternatives.
Year-over-year price changes from 2024 to 2025 show continued growth, with city-center properties rising approximately 5%. Outside city center locations experienced similar gains, while urban resale values increased by 8%.
This consistent appreciation pattern indicates sustained market fundamentals, though the pace of growth has moderated compared to the dramatic increases seen in earlier years of the current cycle.
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What's the forecast for property prices over the next 1, 5, and 10 years?
Short-term forecasts predict continued but moderated growth, with annual price increases of 2-4% expected over the next year, with urban zones likely outpacing rural areas.
The five-year outlook suggests sustained urbanization will continue driving demand in major cities, though economic headwinds could flatten prices in oversupplied areas. Government infrastructure projects and mining sector activity will likely support property values in key regions.
Ten-year projections indicate continued urban infrastructure development should boost property values nationally, though growth rates may normalize as the market matures and supply catches up with demand.
Compared to similar-size African capitals, Nouakchott commands higher purchase prices but generates lower rental yields and faces similar challenges with high mortgage costs and limited financing options. This positioning suggests potential for convergence with regional markets over time.
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 presents both opportunities and challenges for potential investors and residents.
Urban areas, particularly Nouakchott, offer the strongest growth potential but require significant capital investment and careful market timing to maximize returns.
Sources
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Real Estate Forecasts
- TheAfricanVestor - Mauritania Price Forecasts
- Sands of Wealth - Algiers Property
- Numbeo - Property Investment in Nouakchott
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania Square Meter Prices
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania 5-Year Price Changes
- Numbeo - Cost of Living in Mauritania
- Exiap - Cost of Living Guide for Mauritania