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
Buying property in Ivory Coast as a foreigner comes with costs that can catch you off guard if you do not plan ahead.
Between government taxes, notary fees, and registration charges, the final bill can be significantly higher than just the purchase price you agreed on.
We constantly update this article to reflect the latest rates and rules so you can budget accurately.
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.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Ivory Coast in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, most buyers in Ivory Coast should expect to pay between 7% and 10% of the purchase price in total closing costs, which means a 100 million XOF property (around $165,000 USD or €150,000 EUR) would require an extra 7 to 10 million XOF set aside.
If you keep expenses to the bare legal minimum by avoiding agent fees and extra services, you might get away with around 6.5% to 7.5% in closing costs, or roughly 6.5 to 7.5 million XOF on that same 100 million XOF property ($10,700 to $12,400 USD or €9,900 to €11,450 EUR).
On the high end, if you need a buyer's agent, extensive legal checks, and translation services, plan for up to 12% to 15% of the purchase price, which translates to 12 to 15 million XOF ($19,800 to $24,750 USD or €18,300 to €22,900 EUR) on a 100 million XOF home.
Whether your closing costs land at the low or high end depends mainly on whether you pay an agent commission as the buyer, how complex your paperwork is, and whether you need professional translation and independent legal review.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Ivory Coast?
The usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Ivory Coast lands between 7% and 10% for a typical residential transaction.
Most standard property purchases fall within a range of 6.5% on the lean side to about 12% when additional services are involved, with extreme cases reaching up to 15% when buyers pay their own agent and need extra document work.
Out of this total, roughly 5.2% goes directly to government taxes (the 4% transfer duty plus 1.2% land registry tax), while the remaining 1.5% to 6% covers professional fees like notary costs, legal checks, and agent commissions.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ivory Coast.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Ivory Coast include the 4% transfer duty, the 1.2% land registry tax (called Taxe de Publicité Foncière), small fixed registry fees of around 15,000 to 18,000 XOF ($25 to $30 USD or €23 to €27 EUR), and notary costs since property transfers must go through a notarized process.
Optional but highly recommended costs include hiring an independent lawyer for title chain verification (around 0.3% to 1% of the price), professional translation services if you do not speak French fluently (150,000 to 600,000 XOF or $250 to $1,000 USD), and a property survey if boundaries are unclear.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Ivory Coast in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property transfer tax rate in Ivory Coast is 4% of the transaction value, officially called the "droit de mutation en matière immobilière."
There are no published extra transfer taxes specifically targeting foreigners in the DGI rate tables, so foreign buyers pay the same 4% transfer duty as Ivorian nationals.
VAT at 18% can apply to residential property purchases, but mainly when you buy from a developer or VAT-registered seller in a new-build situation, while resales typically fall under the transfer duty system instead.
Stamp duties exist in Ivory Coast's broader tax system, but for typical residential purchases your main costs are the 4% transfer duty and the 1.2% land registry tax rather than a separate stamp duty calculation.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Ivory Coast?
The official DGI tax tables do not show any first-time buyer exemptions or reduced rates for the 4% transfer duty or 1.2% land registry tax, so you should budget assuming you will pay the full rates.
If you buy property through a company instead of as an individual, the same 4% plus 1.2% registration taxes generally apply at purchase, but your rental income would then be taxed under corporate rules at around 25% instead of individual rates.
New-build purchases from a developer can shift your cost structure toward 18% VAT instead of the 4% transfer duty, depending on how the sale is structured and whether the seller charges VAT.
Since no first-time buyer program appears in the core DGI rate tables, there is no standard documentation or conditions to meet for such exemptions, though your notary should confirm if any specific local programs apply to your case.
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.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Ivory Coast in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary costs in Ivory Coast typically run between 0.8% and 2% of the property price, which on a 100 million XOF home means roughly 800,000 to 2 million XOF ($1,320 to $3,300 USD or €1,220 to €3,050 EUR), plus fixed items like the 50,000 XOF emolument and 20,000 XOF file fee.
Notary fees in Ivory Coast are charged as a percentage based on official government tariff tranches rather than a flat rate, with the percentage decreasing as the property value increases.
Translation or interpreter services for foreign buyers who do not work professionally in French typically cost between 150,000 and 600,000 XOF ($250 to $1,000 USD or €230 to €915 EUR), depending on whether you need live interpretation at signing or certified document translations.
A tax advisor is not mandatory but is highly recommended if you plan to rent out the property or buy through a company, with one-off setup packages typically costing 300,000 to 1.5 million XOF ($500 to $2,475 USD or €460 to €2,290 EUR).
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Ivory Coast.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, real estate agent fees in Ivory Coast typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price, which means 2 to 5 million XOF ($3,300 to $8,250 USD or €3,050 to €7,630 EUR) on a 100 million XOF property.
Whether the buyer or seller pays the agent fee depends entirely on the specific contract and mandate, with some deals putting it fully on the seller, others splitting it, and some placing it on the buyer who hired a buyer's agent.
The realistic range for agent fees in Ivory Coast runs from 2% at the low end when there is room to negotiate to 5% at the high end for full-service representation, making it one of the most negotiable closing costs.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Ivory Coast?
Independent legal checks including title search, liens verification, and permits review in Ivory Coast typically cost between 0.3% and 1% of the purchase price, or roughly 300,000 to 1 million XOF ($500 to $1,650 USD or €460 to €1,525 EUR) on a 100 million XOF property.
If you need an official property valuation from the DGI, there is a published "redevance d'évaluation immobilière" of 1% of the evaluated amount with a minimum of 50,000 XOF ($85 USD or €75 EUR), though private bank valuations may charge differently.
The most critical legal check you should never skip in Ivory Coast is the title chain verification to confirm the seller actually owns what they are selling and that there are no hidden liens or competing claims on the property.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Ivory Coast.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Ivory Coast right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Ivory Coast?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Ivory Coast include document clean-up costs for missing or inconsistent paperwork, extra notary disbursements for copies and travel, and utility connection or transfer fees when the seller has not kept electricity and water accounts in order.
Yes, you could inherit unpaid property taxes or debts if you do not verify that the seller has cleared all dues before the transfer, which is why contractual clauses requiring the seller to settle arrears before closing are essential.
Scams with fake listings and fake reservation fees do happen in Ivory Coast, and your best protection is to only pay deposits into an escrow-like notary framework and to demand documentary proof of ownership before any money changes hands.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront include buyer-paid agency commissions (when you assumed the seller would pay), translation and certification costs, survey fees for boundary clarification, and any repairs required by building rules before transfer.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Ivory Coast, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Ivory Coast?
If the property has a tenant in Ivory Coast, expect extra fees for handover and inventory processes, legal notice costs if you need to address the tenancy, and potential security deposit disputes, which combined can add 100,000 to 500,000 XOF ($165 to $825 USD or €150 to €760 EUR) to your costs.
When you purchase a tenanted property in Ivory Coast, you typically inherit the existing lease agreement and must honor its terms, including the rent amount and duration, until the lease legally ends.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase is generally not possible unless the lease contains specific clauses allowing it or you negotiate a departure agreement directly with the tenant, which may involve compensation.
A sitting tenant typically affects the property's market value in Ivory Coast by making it less attractive to buyers who want immediate occupation, which can give you negotiating leverage to push for a 5% to 10% discount on the asking price.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Ivory Coast.
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.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Ivory Coast?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Ivory Coast right now?
The negotiable closing costs in Ivory Coast include the agent commission (who pays and what percentage), translation costs, who pays for document regularization, and in rare cases whether the seller contributes to notary disbursements.
The closing costs fixed by law that you cannot negotiate are the 4% transfer duty, the 1.2% land registry tax, and the related fixed registry fees, all of which are set by the DGI and must be paid as stated.
On negotiable fees like agent commission, buyers can realistically achieve discounts of 0.5% to 1.5% off the initial asking rate, or negotiate for the seller to cover part or all of the agent fee as part of the overall deal.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Ivory Coast?
The likelihood that a seller will agree to cover some closing costs in Ivory Coast is moderate, as this is common practice in negotiations especially when the seller is motivated to close quickly or the property has been on the market for a while.
The closing costs sellers are most commonly willing to cover in Ivory Coast include the agent commission (if it was initially expected to be split), translation fees, and certain document regularization costs that arise from the seller's own paperwork gaps.
Sellers are more likely to accept covering closing costs in Ivory Coast during a buyer's market when inventory is high, when their property has lingered unsold for several months, or when they urgently need the sale proceeds for another purchase.
Is price bargaining common in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is very common in Ivory Coast's real estate market, especially in Abidjan's mid-to-upper market segments where asking prices typically include negotiation room built in by sellers.
Buyers in Ivory Coast typically negotiate between 5% and 10% below the asking price, which on a 100 million XOF property means potential savings of 5 to 10 million XOF ($8,250 to $16,500 USD or €7,630 to €15,260 EUR), with deeper discounts possible when paperwork is messy or the seller needs a quick sale.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Ivory Coast?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Ivory Coast right now?
A realistic monthly owner budget in Ivory Coast for a standard Abidjan apartment is between 150,000 and 600,000 XOF ($250 to $1,000 USD or €230 to €915 EUR), while a villa with security and garden runs higher at 300,000 to 1.2 million XOF ($500 to $2,000 USD or €460 to €1,830 EUR).
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget include building or HOA charges, security contributions, basic maintenance reserves, utilities like electricity and water, internet service, and property insurance.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs depends heavily on property type, with a modest apartment in a simple building at the low end around 150,000 XOF and a large villa with full-time security and extensive grounds at the high end around 1.2 million XOF.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most in Ivory Coast is electricity, because air conditioning usage in Abidjan's tropical climate can dramatically increase your bill depending on the season and how much you cool your home.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Ivory Coast here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax (impôt foncier) in Ivory Coast is typically 0.5% of the property's market value for built properties not producing income, so a 100 million XOF home would owe around 500,000 XOF ($825 USD or €760 EUR) per year.
The realistic low-to-high range for annual property taxes depends on your property's classification and value, running from minimal amounts for modest properties to several million XOF for high-value villas, with income-producing properties taxed differently based on rental value concepts.
Property tax in Ivory Coast is calculated based on either market value (for non-income properties) or locative/rental value (for income-producing properties), with the exact method depending on how your specific property is classified by the tax authorities.
Exemptions and reductions may exist for certain categories of property owners including some residential uses, but you should not count on these unless your notary or tax advisor confirms in writing that they apply to your specific situation.
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.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Ivory Coast in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the tax rate on rental income in Ivory Coast is 3% under the Impôt sur le Revenu Foncier (IRF), calculated on the locative or rental value of the property.
Landlords in Ivory Coast can generally deduct certain expenses from rental income, including repairs and management costs, though the exact deductions allowed depend on how your rental is categorized and whether the tax authority uses standardized bases in some cases.
The realistic effective tax rate after deductions for typical landlords in Ivory Coast remains close to the 3% headline rate since deduction rules can be limited, so plan on roughly 3% of your gross annual rent equivalent going to this tax.
Foreign property owners in Ivory Coast are not published as paying a different rental income tax rate than residents under the DGI tables, though foreigners may face higher compliance and representation costs to properly file and document their rental activity.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Ivory Coast face tax obligations that can include both income taxes and potentially VAT at 18% if your activity is structured as a commercial or service business rather than a simple passive rental.
Short-term rental income may be taxed differently than long-term rental income in Ivory Coast because frequent short-term rentals can be classified as a commercial activity, pulling in business registration requirements and VAT exposure that long-term rentals avoid.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Ivory Coast.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Ivory Coast in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Ivory Coast typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the sale price, depending mainly on whether you use an agent and how much legal and administrative work your sale requires.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for total selling costs runs from about 5% if you sell directly without an agent to around 10% when you use a brokered mandate with full agent services and need extra document preparation.
The specific cost categories that make up your total selling expenses include agent commission (typically 2% to 5% if seller-paid), notary and legal fees for the sale documentation, any required document regularization, and the capital gains tax if you made a profit.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses in Ivory Coast is usually the agent commission when the seller agrees to pay it, followed by capital gains tax if you have significant appreciation on the property.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Ivory Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, the capital gains tax rate on real estate sales in Ivory Coast is 17%, after being raised from 15% effective January 1, 2025 under the Annexe Fiscale.
Exemptions to capital gains tax may exist for specific cases such as holding period relief or property type, but you should not budget on receiving an exemption unless your notary or tax advisor confirms in writing that it applies to your exact situation.
Foreigners selling property in Ivory Coast do not pay a published extra tax rate beyond the standard 17% capital gains tax, though you may face additional compliance costs for foreign seller documentation and representation.
Capital gains in Ivory Coast are generally calculated as the difference between the sale price and the original purchase price, potentially adjusted for documented improvements, so keep all receipts for renovation work you do on the property.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) Tax Tables | It's the Ivorian tax authority's own consolidated table of taxes and rates. | We used it as the source of truth for statutory tax rates affecting property buyers and owners. We pulled the VAT rate, transfer duty rate, annual property tax rules, and valuation fees from its tables. |
| DGI TPF Barème | It's an official DGI schedule specifically for land registry fees. | We used it to quantify the 1.2% land registry tax and related fixed fees. We then added these amounts to our buyer closing cost calculations. |
| Ministère du Budget Annexe Fiscale 2025 | It's the annual legal text that updates tax measures and rates. | We used it to confirm the capital gains tax rate change from 15% to 17% effective January 2025. We reflected that updated rate in the selling costs section. |
| SGG Decree 2013-279 on Notary Tariffs | It's a government decree that sets regulated tariffs for notaries. | We used it to confirm notary remuneration is tariff-based and to extract the percentage structure. We converted that structure into practical budget ranges for residential purchases. |
| Ministry of Justice Decree Reference | It's the Justice Ministry's own portal referencing the notary tariff decree. | We used it to corroborate that the decree is the active reference for tariffs. We treated the SGG PDF as the detailed text and this page as a cross-check. |
| World Bank Doing Business Archive (Ivory Coast) | It's a standardized, internationally comparable dataset on business procedures. | We used it to sanity-check whether our closing cost ranges are in the right order of magnitude. We did not use it as the legal basis for tax rates since DGI sources serve that purpose. |
| World Bank Registering Property Methodology | It explains exactly what registration costs include and exclude. | We used it to avoid double-counting taxes versus professional fees. We also used it as a methodology cross-check when building our buyer budget ranges. |
| World Bank Doing Business Country PDF | It's the World Bank's country-specific compiled output for business indicators. | We used it as a triangulation reference for the procedural footprint of registration. We used DGI and SGG sources to quantify the actual Ivorian tax rates and regulated fees. |
| World Bank Curated Note on Property Registration | It's a World Bank publication summarizing registration steps and costs. | We used it to validate that registration involves meaningful costs in Ivory Coast. We then made sure our buyer budget includes realistic buffers for administrative steps. |
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