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Nouakchott's real estate market has surged 143% over five years, with city center properties now averaging 135,647 MRU per square meter. The capital shows strong segmentation between premium areas like Tevragh-Zeina and budget-friendly peripheral zones, driven by mining sector growth and urban development projects.
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Property prices in Nouakchott range from 45,807 MRU/m² in peripheral areas to 135,647 MRU/m² in the city center, with luxury villas reaching up to 180,000 MRU/m² in prime locations.
The market offers strong appreciation potential but relatively low rental yields (0.8-3.5%), making it more suitable for capital gains than income generation.
| Property Type | City Center (MRU/m²) | Peripheral (MRU/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments | 130,000 - 142,000 | 45,000 - 50,000 |
| Villas/Houses | 140,000 - 165,000 | 55,000 - 70,000 |
| Land (buildable) | 80,000 - 110,000+ | 30,000 - 50,000 |
| Commercial | 160,000 - 210,000+ | 55,000 - 80,000 |
What are current property prices by type in Nouakchott?
As of September 2025, Nouakchott's property market shows clear price segmentation between city center and peripheral areas.
City center properties average 135,647 MRU per square meter (approximately $3,428 USD/m²), while peripheral areas average 45,807 MRU per square meter ($1,157 USD/m²). Apartments in the city center range from 130,000 to 142,000 MRU/m², while peripheral apartments cost 45,000 to 50,000 MRU/m².
Villas and houses command premium prices, with city center properties reaching 140,000 to 165,000 MRU/m² for standard units, and luxury villas in prime areas like Tevragh-Zeina exceeding 180,000 MRU/m². Peripheral houses are more affordable at 55,000 to 70,000 MRU/m².
Buildable land in the city center costs 80,000 to 110,000+ MRU/m², dropping to 30,000 to 50,000 MRU/m² in peripheral areas. Commercial properties show the highest premiums, with city center spaces priced at 160,000 to 210,000+ MRU/m² compared to 55,000 to 80,000 MRU/m² in peripheral locations.
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Which neighborhoods offer the best value and potential?
Nouakchott's most expensive neighborhoods include Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, and Nouakchott Nord, where proximity to embassies, business districts, and luxury amenities drives premium pricing.
Up-and-coming areas with strong growth potential include Nouakchott Nord (coastal developments), Teyarett, Sebkha, and El Mina. These neighborhoods benefit from new infrastructure projects, urban regeneration initiatives, improved transportation links, and emerging eco-friendly developments.
Budget-friendly options include Arafat, Riyadh, and peripheral sections of El Mina and Sebkha. These areas offer growing communities with developing amenities at more accessible price points.
The price differences stem from urbanization trends, new mining sector employment opportunities, government infrastructure investments, and demographic shifts toward young professionals and expatriates. Premium areas attract the most foreign and institutional capital, boosting both property values and market liquidity.
What are property prices by size and area?
| Property Type & Location | 50-70 m² | 100-150 m² | 250+ m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment City Center | 6.8-9.5M MRU | 13.5-21.2M MRU | 34-50M MRU |
| Apartment Peripheral | 2.3-3.5M MRU | 4.6-7.5M MRU | 11-15M MRU |
| Villa City Center | 7.0-11M MRU | 14-25M MRU | 38-60M MRU |
| Land City Center | 4-7.7M MRU | 8-16M MRU | 20M+ MRU |
| Commercial City Center | 8-15M MRU | 16-31M MRU | 40-55M+ MRU |
Can you share recent transaction examples?
Recent closed deals in summer 2025 provide concrete pricing examples across different property types and locations.
In July 2025, a 120 m² modern apartment in Tevragh-Zeina closed at 17.2 million MRU (approximately $435,000 USD), with total all-in costs including fees reaching 19 million MRU. A 210 m² two-story house in Ksar requiring renovation sold in June 2025 for 22 million MRU ($556,000).
A serviced 320 m² land plot in Nouakchott Nord closed in May 2025 at 27 million MRU ($683,000), reflecting the premium for developed infrastructure in emerging areas.
Most property transactions in Nouakchott are not publicly recorded, making these verified examples particularly valuable for understanding actual market conditions versus asking prices.
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What are the total costs to buy property?
The complete "all-in" cost to purchase property in Nouakchott extends well beyond the purchase price, with total acquisition costs typically ranging from 6% to 15% of the property value.
Notary and lawyer fees cost 1% to 2% of the property value, while registration and taxes range from 0.5% to 5% depending on location and transaction type. Stamp duty and additional legal fees add another 1% to 3%. Real estate agent fees typically cost 2% to 5% of the purchase price, though sellers usually pay these fees.
Utility connections to SONELEC (electricity) and SNDE (water) cost 2,000 to 10,000 MRU for hookups and connections. If the property requires renovation, budget 1.5 to 4 million MRU for apartments and 4 to 10 million MRU for villas and houses, depending on size and current condition.
Technical approvals and permits involve fixed nominal fees, while property insurance and survey costs add modest amounts to the total investment.
What mortgage options are available?
Mortgage financing in Nouakchott remains challenging and expensive compared to international standards, with limited options primarily available to locals and expatriates with Mauritanian residency.
Current mortgage rates range from 16% to 17% per annum on variable terms, with loan periods typically limited to 10 to 20 years maximum. Lenders require substantial down payments of 20% to 40% of the property value, with foreigners often needing higher deposits.
Origination and processing fees add 1% to 3% to the loan amount, while mandatory property and life insurance further increase costs. For example, a 20 million MRU loan over 15 years at 16.5% interest would require approximately 277,000 MRU per month for principal and interest payments.
Qualifying for mortgages requires extensive documentation and can be particularly challenging for non-residents due to strict banking regulations and high interest rate environment.
Which areas offer the best quality of life for residents?
For owner-occupiers prioritizing quality of life, Tevragh-Zeina stands out as the premier choice due to its security, walkability, international schools, diplomatic quarter location, and premium amenities.
Nouakchott Nord, particularly coastal areas with new construction, offers excellent air quality, waterfront leisure opportunities, and modern design standards. This area is rapidly rising in status among professionals and expatriate families.
Ksar provides urban convenience with upgraded infrastructure and ongoing regeneration initiatives, making it attractive for those wanting city center access with improving amenities. For budget-conscious buyers, Arafat, Riyadh, and El Mina offer affordable quality housing with improving community services and reasonable access to the city center.
The premium for quality-of-life locations stems from centrality, new construction standards, and proximity to employment centers, schools, and recreational facilities, which also support long-term property values.
What are long-term rental yields and costs?
Nouakchott's long-term rental market offers modest yields due to high property purchase prices relative to achievable rents.
One-bedroom apartments in the city center rent for 7,200 to 9,000 MRU per month ($182-230), while peripheral one-bedroom units rent for 5,500 to 6,500 MRU monthly ($139-165). Three-bedroom apartments in prime locations command 23,880 to 25,200 MRU per month ($600-640), with villas and houses renting for 30,000 to 60,000 MRU monthly depending on location and size.
Vacancy rates vary significantly by location, with prime city center properties experiencing 2% to 5% vacancy while peripheral areas see 8% to 15% vacancy rates. Ongoing costs include 0.5% to 2% property tax annually, minor repairs, and local management fees if desired.
Net rental yields typically range from 0.8% to 3.5% across the city, which is below yields available in Dakar and Abidjan due to Nouakchott's high purchase prices relative to rental income.
How profitable is short-term rental?
Short-term rental operations in Nouakchott show higher potential returns than long-term rentals but require active management and face seasonal demand variations.
City center properties achieve 50% to 75% occupancy rates, with tourism peaking from November to March. Typical nightly rates range from 600 to 1,800 MRU for budget to premium apartments ($15-45), while luxury villas command 3,000 to 7,500 MRU per night during high season.
Operating costs significantly impact profitability, with cleaning and management fees consuming 20% to 40% of gross income when fully outsourced. Local regulations require registration with police and municipal authorities for short-term rental operations in some areas.
Net yields for well-managed short-term rentals range from 2% to 5% annually, with premium properties and those in tourist-friendly locations typically outperforming the average. Success depends heavily on professional management and marketing to maintain consistent occupancy.
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 best renovation and resale opportunities?
Buy-to-renovate strategies work best in transitional neighborhoods undergoing urban improvement, with Ksar, Teyarett, early-stage Nouakchott Nord, and selected El Mina areas offering the strongest value-add potential.
Typical renovation projects require 2 to 6 months and cost 20% to 40% of the purchase price for comprehensive overhauls and modernization. Recent exit comparisons show quality renovated apartments in central Ksar selling for 15 to 18 million MRU (80-110 m²) in 2025, with houses in Teyarett reaching 18 to 26 million MRU.
Successful flips realize value within 12 months due to strong demand for upgraded housing stock in improving neighborhoods. The key to success lies in targeting properties near commercial nodes and improved transportation links.
Market risks include potential illiquidity for non-prime or overpriced assets, making careful attention to title documentation and realistic pricing essential for profitable exits.
How have prices and rents changed over time?
Nouakchott's property market has experienced remarkable appreciation over both recent and medium-term periods, significantly outpacing rental growth.
Property prices increased 5% from 2024 to 2025 and surged an impressive 143% from 2020 to 2025, representing sustained strong growth over five years. Rental rates have grown more modestly, increasing 3% to 5% in city center areas over the past year, creating a widening gap between purchase prices and rental yields.
The primary drivers of this price surge include the mining and energy sector boom, major infrastructure upgrade projects, accelerated urban migration, and increased international investment interest in Mauritanian real estate.
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What is the market outlook for the next decade?
Nouakchott's property market outlook shows strong potential for continued appreciation, though with varying scenarios based on economic and policy developments.
The base case for 2025-2026 projects 2% to 4% annual property price growth with steady demand and persistently low rental yields. Over the next five years, strong appreciation exceeding 20% total growth appears likely if current economic trajectory, urban development projects, and political stability continue.
The 10-year outlook presents high upside potential if resource sector reforms and service sector development are successfully delivered, though downside risks include commodity price shocks, overbuilding in certain sectors, and potential policy shifts affecting foreign investment.
Compared to regional capitals, Nouakchott now exceeds Dakar in price per square meter but offers higher appreciation potential alongside lower rental yields. Market liquidity continues improving but remains below more established West African property markets. The best investment opportunities focus on city center apartments, luxury villas, and commercial properties near the port and mining hubs for capital gains, plus select renovation projects for value-add strategies.
It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
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 presents a compelling but complex investment opportunity with high appreciation potential balanced against modest rental yields and unique market challenges.
Success in this market requires careful neighborhood selection, thorough due diligence on documentation, realistic cost budgeting including high transaction fees, and a long-term perspective to capture the benefits of ongoing economic and urban development.