Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ivory Coast Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Ivory Coast Property Pack
Yes, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in Ivory Coast, but understanding the rules around urban versus rural land is essential before you invest.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about rental yields, tenant demand, regulations, and practical costs for landlords in Ivory Coast in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and regulatory changes in the Ivory Coast rental market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Ivory Coast.
Insights
- Gross rental yields in Abidjan range from about 9% in central areas to 13% in outer neighborhoods, which is significantly higher than most Western markets in 2026.
- Rural land in Ivory Coast cannot be owned by foreigners under national law, so any "cheap land" investment pitch outside urban perimeters should raise immediate red flags.
- Backup power readiness is the single most valuable rental feature in Abidjan because tenants routinely factor electricity reliability into their willingness to pay.
- A well-managed long-term rental in Ivory Coast typically loses 25% to 40% of gross yield to operating costs, leaving net yields between 5.5% and 10% in 2026.
- Abidjan's intense housing pressure means correctly priced units in Cocody or Zone 4 often achieve vacancy rates below 8%, which translates to less than one month empty per year.
- Furnished apartments targeting expats in Ivory Coast can command rent premiums of 20% to 35%, but landlords should budget for higher turnover and maintenance costs.
- There is no strict annual night cap for Airbnb-style rentals in Ivory Coast, but short-term operators should expect to register and comply with tourism-related tax obligations.
- Short-term rental occupancy in Abidjan averages between 45% and 60% for well-positioned listings, making revenue projections heavily dependent on location and amenities.
Can I legally rent out a property in Ivory Coast as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in urban areas of Ivory Coast, and this is a common practice in cities like Abidjan.
The most straightforward ownership structure for foreigners is direct freehold ownership of urban land, secured through an Arrêté de Concession Définitive (ACD), which is the official document that confirms your ownership rights.
However, the main restriction foreigners face is that rural land ownership is explicitly reserved for the Ivorian State, public bodies, and Ivorian citizens under the national rural land law, so any property outside urban perimeters is off-limits for foreign buyers.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Ivory Coast.
Do I need residency to rent out in Ivory Coast right now?
You do not need to be a resident of Ivory Coast to rent out property, but you must operate as a compliant taxpayer with proper documentation.
In practice, you should obtain a local tax identification number because rental income is taxable and the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) is the authority you will need to deal with for declarations and payments.
While a local bank account is not strictly required by law, it is strongly practical because tenants typically pay in CFA francs via local transfer or mobile money, and agencies usually remit to a local account before international repatriation.
Managing a rental property in Ivory Coast remotely is entirely feasible if you work with a local property manager or agency who can handle tenant sourcing, rent collection, and maintenance on your behalf.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Ivory Coast in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the more profitable rental strategy in Ivory Coast depends heavily on your location and willingness to manage operations, but long-term renting generally wins on simplicity while short-term can generate higher gross revenue in prime expat areas.
A well-managed short-term rental in a prime Abidjan neighborhood like Cocody or Zone 4 might gross 8 to 12 million CFA per year (roughly $13,000 to $20,000 USD or 12,000 to 18,500 EUR), while a comparable long-term rental typically brings in 4 to 7 million CFA annually (roughly $6,500 to $11,500 USD or 6,000 to 10,500 EUR).
Short-term renting tends to outperform long-term financially in furnished apartments located near business hubs, international schools, or expat-friendly neighborhoods where visitors expect hotel-like amenities and reliable power.
What's the average gross rental yield in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Abidjan is approximately 9% in city-centre locations and around 13% in areas outside the centre.
The realistic gross rental yield range that covers most residential properties in Ivory Coast spans from about 8% on the low end to 14% on the high end, depending on neighborhood, property condition, and furnishing level.
Smaller units like studios and one-bedroom apartments typically achieve the highest gross rental yields in Ivory Coast because purchase prices are lower relative to the rent they can command from young professionals and expats.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Ivory Coast.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all operating costs for residential properties in Abidjan typically falls between 5.5% and 10%, with around 7% to 8% being a reasonable baseline for well-managed units.
The realistic net yield range that most landlords actually experience in Ivory Coast is roughly 60% to 75% of their gross yield, meaning a property grossing 10% might net between 6% and 7.5% after expenses.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield specifically in Ivory Coast are backup power infrastructure (generators, inverters, and fuel), property management fees for remote owners, and security-related expenses including guards and controlled access maintenance.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Ivory Coast.
What monthly rent can I get in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Abidjan are approximately 150,000 to 250,000 CFA ($245 to $410 USD or 225 to 380 EUR) for a studio, around 200,000 to 355,000 CFA ($330 to $580 USD or 300 to 535 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and between 400,000 to 950,000 CFA ($655 to $1,555 USD or 600 to 1,430 EUR) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Ivory Coast ranges from about 150,000 to 200,000 CFA ($245 to $330 USD or 225 to 300 EUR), typically in neighborhoods outside the prime central zones.
A typical mid-range one-bedroom apartment in Abidjan rents for approximately 200,000 to 355,000 CFA per month ($330 to $580 USD or 300 to 535 EUR), with the lower end representing outside-centre locations and the higher end reflecting city-centre properties.
A mid-to-high range two-bedroom apartment in Ivory Coast commands monthly rents between 400,000 and 700,000 CFA ($655 to $1,145 USD or 600 to 1,055 EUR) outside the centre, while prime locations like Cocody or Zone 4 can push past 950,000 CFA ($1,555 USD or 1,430 EUR).
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Ivory Coast.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ivory Coast 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 real numbers I should budget for renting out in Ivory Coast in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Abidjan ranges from about 60,000 to 280,000 CFA ($100 to $460 USD or 90 to 420 EUR), depending on the property type and location.
A realistic monthly holding cost range for most standard rental properties in Ivory Coast is 60,000 to 140,000 CFA ($100 to $230 USD or 90 to 210 EUR) for basic apartments outside prime areas, and 120,000 to 280,000 CFA ($195 to $460 USD or 180 to 420 EUR) for prime neighborhood units.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs specifically in Ivory Coast is backup power infrastructure, including generator fuel, inverter maintenance, and related equipment upkeep, which tenants expect as a baseline in most decent rental properties.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Ivory Coast.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for well-positioned rental properties in Abidjan ranges from about 5% to 12%, with prime, correctly priced units achieving the lower end of that range.
Landlords in Ivory Coast should realistically budget for 0.5 to 1.5 months of vacancy per year, with the variance depending heavily on whether the property is priced correctly for its neighborhood and condition.
The main factor causing vacancy rates to vary across Abidjan neighborhoods is the alignment between asking rent and tenant affordability, because even in high-demand areas, pricing errors get punished quickly when tenants have limited budgets.
Tenant turnover and vacancy in Ivory Coast tend to peak slightly around the end of the school year and during holiday periods, when families and professionals are more likely to relocate or renegotiate leases.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Ivory Coast.
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Where do rentals perform best in Ivory Coast in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Ivory Coast are Cocody (including Riviera, Angré, and Deux-Plateaux), Marcory (particularly Zone 4 and Biétry), and Plateau, which is the central business district.
Families in Ivory Coast tend to concentrate their rental demand in Cocody Riviera (including Riviera Golf and Riviera Palmeraie), Deux-Plateaux, and Angré, where access to international schools and a calmer residential feel are priorities.
Students in Ivory Coast drive rental demand near the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny axis in Cocody, as well as in more budget-friendly areas like Abobo where lower rents offset longer commutes.
Expats and international professionals in Ivory Coast gravitate toward Zone 4 in Marcory, Biétry, Riviera Golf, Deux-Plateaux, and select buildings in Plateau, where they find the security, amenities, and proximity to business centers they require.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Ivory Coast.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods offering the best rental yields in Ivory Coast are Yopougon, Koumassi, and parts of Abobo, where lower purchase prices combine with solid rental demand from working-class tenants.
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding neighborhoods in Ivory Coast falls between approximately 11% and 14%, compared to the 8% to 10% more typical of prime central locations.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that property prices have not caught up with rental demand, meaning landlords pay less upfront but can still charge rents that working-class tenants can afford.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Ivory Coast.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Ivory Coast are Cocody (especially Riviera and Deux-Plateaux), Zone 4 in Marcory, and select premium buildings in Plateau.
Typical monthly rents for a standard apartment in these premium Ivory Coast neighborhoods range from about 500,000 to 1,200,000 CFA ($820 to $1,965 USD or 750 to 1,810 EUR) for two-bedroom units, with luxury properties exceeding these figures.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command the highest rents in Ivory Coast is their combination of reliable infrastructure (including consistent power and water), proximity to international schools and embassies, and the perceived security that expats and high-income locals prioritize.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Ivory Coast neighborhoods includes expatriates on corporate housing packages, international organization employees, diplomats, and senior executives at multinational companies operating in Abidjan.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Ivory Coast. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Ivory Coast in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Ivory Coast are backup power readiness (generator or inverter systems), 24-hour security with controlled access, and reliable water supply infrastructure including storage tanks.
Backup power readiness is the single most valuable feature in Ivory Coast, and it can add a rent premium of approximately 15% to 25% because tenants factor electricity reliability directly into their budget decisions.
One commonly overrated feature that landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for in Ivory Coast is high-end kitchen finishes, since most tenants prioritize reliable utilities and security over luxury appliances they may not use frequently.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for landlords in Ivory Coast is installing quality window mosquito screens and ensuring good cross-ventilation, which improves daily comfort at minimal cost.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Ivory Coast typically rent 2 to 4 weeks faster than unfurnished equivalents in expat-targeted neighborhoods, though the difference narrows in areas where local families dominate the tenant pool.
Furnished apartments in Ivory Coast command a rent premium of approximately 20% to 35% over unfurnished units, but landlords should factor in higher wear-and-tear costs and furniture replacement cycles when calculating net returns.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Ivory Coast right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Ivory Coast right now?
Landlords in Ivory Coast have significant freedom to set initial rent prices by mutual agreement with tenants, and there is no government-mandated rent control for new leases in early 2026.
However, rent increases during an ongoing tenancy in Ivory Coast are subject to timing and notice requirements under the Code de la Construction et de l'Habitat, meaning landlords cannot raise rent arbitrarily or without proper procedure.
What's the standard lease length in Ivory Coast right now?
The most common lease length for residential rentals in Ivory Coast is one year with automatic renewal, though the law allows for both fixed-term and indefinite leases depending on what parties agree to.
The maximum security deposit a landlord can legally require in Ivory Coast is regulated under the housing code, with typical practice being two to three months of rent (approximately 400,000 to 1,000,000 CFA, $655 to $1,640 USD, or 600 to 1,510 EUR for a standard apartment).
At the end of a tenancy in Ivory Coast, landlords must return the security deposit within a reasonable period after accounting for any documented damages or unpaid rent, though specific timelines can depend on what the lease contract specifies.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ivory Coast compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Ivory Coast in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Ivory Coast right now?
Short-term rentals including Airbnb-style listings operate widely in Ivory Coast as of early 2026, and there is no outright ban, but operators should understand they may fall within the tourism accommodation regulatory framework.
While there is no single, clearly publicized license specifically for Airbnb hosts in Ivory Coast, operators renting frequently or at scale should assume they need to register with local authorities and comply with tourism-related declaration requirements under the Code du Tourisme.
Ivory Coast does not have a strict annual night limit or cap on short-term rental days like some European cities, but this does not mean the activity is entirely unregulated or exempt from tax obligations.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Ivory Coast would be tax penalties and back-payments to the DGI, plus potential issues if local enforcement of tourism accommodation rules tightens.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Ivory Coast.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Abidjan is approximately 45% to 60% for well-run, correctly located listings.
The realistic occupancy range most short-term rentals experience in Ivory Coast spans from about 35% for poorly positioned listings to 65% or higher for premium properties in expat-friendly zones with strong amenities.
Short-term rental occupancy in Ivory Coast peaks during the dry season from November through March, when business travel and tourism activity are highest and weather conditions are most comfortable.
Occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Ivory Coast typically dip during the rainy season from May through September, when fewer tourists visit and some business travel slows.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Ivory Coast.
What's the average nightly rate in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Abidjan is approximately 35,000 to 55,000 CFA ($57 to $90 USD or 53 to 83 EUR) for standard listings.
A realistic nightly rate range covering most short-term rental listings in Ivory Coast spans from about 25,000 CFA ($41 USD or 38 EUR) for basic units to 70,000 CFA ($115 USD or 105 EUR) or more for premium furnished apartments with reliable power and security.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season and off-season in Ivory Coast is approximately 10,000 to 20,000 CFA ($16 to $33 USD or 15 to 30 EUR), with hosts able to charge premium rates during the dry season and major events.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Ivory Coast is not fully saturated overall, but specific micro-areas within expat clusters show signs of significant competition.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Abidjan has been growing steadily as more landlords recognize the income potential, though demand has generally kept pace in well-located areas.
The neighborhoods in Ivory Coast most oversaturated with short-term rentals are parts of Cocody Riviera and Zone 4 in Marcory, where many furnished apartments target the same expat and business traveler demographic.
Neighborhoods in Ivory Coast that still have room for new short-term rental supply include emerging areas of Deux-Plateaux, Angré, and locations near major hospitals or universities where demand exists but listing density remains lower.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Ivory Coast, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Service Public de Côte d'Ivoire | It's the government's official portal for administrative procedures. | We used it to confirm what counts as secure urban land ownership. We referenced it to explain the ACD documentation foreigners should demand. |
| Loi n°98-750 (Rural Land Law) | It's the actual national law text on rural land ownership. | We used it to state the key restriction that foreigners cannot own rural land. We used it to draw the urban versus rural line for investors. |
| Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) | It's the official tax authority for Ivory Coast. | We used it to anchor that rental income is taxable. We used it to keep advice aligned with official tax requirements. |
| Numbeo (Abidjan Property Investment) | It's a transparent dataset with visible update dates and sample sizes. | We used it to produce baseline rent and yield figures for Abidjan. We used it as a triangulation point against listing portals. |
| AirDNA (Abidjan) | It's the most widely used dataset for short-term rental performance. | We used it to estimate occupancy and nightly rates for Abidjan. We used it to assess whether short-term supply is saturated. |
| Keur-Immo | It's an established property portal showing real-time asking rents. | We used it as a live market check on what landlords are asking. We used it to keep neighborhood examples tied to actual listings. |
| Jiji Côte d'Ivoire | It's a major classifieds marketplace revealing asking rent surfaces. | We used it to sanity-check high-end asking rents in Cocody. We used it as a triangulation point for premium neighborhoods. |
| Le Monde (Abidjan Housing) | It's a major international newspaper with on-the-ground reporting. | We used it to support the macro reality of Abidjan's housing pressure. We used it to explain why vacancy can be low in correctly priced segments. |
| Code de la Construction et de l'Habitat | It's the official legal code for construction and housing in Ivory Coast. | We used it to explain tenant-landlord rules around rent revision and deposits. We used it to model cashflow implications for landlords. |
| Code du Tourisme (Loi n°2014-139) | It's the official legal code governing tourism activities. | We used it to frame how short-term letting relates to tourism regulations. We used it to justify why declaration rules may apply to Airbnb hosts. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Ivory Coast. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.