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Mauritania's property market is experiencing steady growth driven by urbanization and mining sector development.
Property prices in Nouakchott have increased by 16.96% to 143.2% over the past five years, with urban residential values up 5% in 2024. The market shows modest but consistent growth prospects, with annual price increases of 2-4% forecasted for the next 3-5 years, though this lags behind faster-growing West African markets.
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Mauritania's property market shows robust urban demand with residential prices in Nouakchott averaging $3,427 per m² in city centers and $1,157 per m² in outlying areas.
The market faces challenges from high mortgage rates of 16-17% and supply shortages, but benefits from strong foreign investment and continued urbanization driving 3.84% annual urban population growth.
| Metric | Current Status | Forecast/Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price (Nouakchott center) | $3,427 per m² (135,647 MRU) | 2-4% annual growth 2025-2028 |
| Price Growth (5-year) | 16.96%-143.2% nominal increase | Moderate cooling expected |
| Rental Yield (Prime areas) | 6-7% annually | Stable with minor increases |
| Mortgage Interest Rates | 16-17% | Among highest in West Africa |
| Urban Population Growth | 3.84% annually | 54.6% to 68.8% by 2043 |
| Vacancy Rate | Low in city centers | Stable/declining in prime areas |
| Foreign Investment | Robust in 2024 | Focus on urban residential |
What's the current average price per square meter for residential and commercial properties in Mauritania?
Residential property prices in Mauritania vary significantly between urban centers and outlying areas.
In Nouakchott's city center, residential properties average 135,647 MRU per square meter, which equals approximately $3,427 USD as of September 2025. Properties located outside the city center are considerably more affordable, averaging 45,807 MRU per square meter or about $1,157 USD.
Commercial property rates are less frequently published in Mauritania, but available data indicates that office and retail construction typically exceeds residential costs. Commercial developments, including offices and retail spaces, often range from $1,700 to $2,500 per square meter, depending on specifications and location.
Luxury and newly built residential properties across the country average around $1,512 per square meter according to Global Property Guide data, representing the higher end of the residential market.
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How have property prices changed in the past 5 years, in percentage terms, and are there any quarterly trends for 2024?
Mauritanian property prices have shown substantial growth over the past five years, though with significant variation across different market segments.
Nominal property price increases over the five-year period range from 16.96% to 143.2%, depending on the specific segment and location within the country. This wide range reflects the diverse nature of Mauritania's property markets, with urban areas generally experiencing higher appreciation rates than rural locations.
During 2024, quarterly trends have been particularly positive for urban residential properties, which increased by 5% throughout the year. Resale property values performed even better, growing by 8% over the same period, indicating strong demand in the secondary market.
The 2025 forecast suggests continued but more moderate growth, with urban residential properties expected to appreciate by 2-4% annually. This represents a slight cooling from the rapid growth experienced in recent years, suggesting the market is stabilizing at higher price levels.
What's the forecasted annual growth rate in property values over the next 3 to 5 years, and how do these compare with other West African markets?
Mauritania's property market is expected to experience moderate but steady growth over the next 3 to 5 years.
Annual property price growth is forecasted at 2-4% for urban residential properties, with urban areas expected to outperform rural locations. This growth rate represents a more sustainable pace compared to the dramatic increases seen in previous years.
When compared to other West African markets, Mauritania's forecasted growth appears modest. Key regional competitors like Dakar in Senegal, Abidjan in Ivory Coast, and Accra in Ghana have experienced several consecutive years of capital appreciation above 5-8% in their prime urban districts.
This more conservative growth projection for Mauritania reflects several factors including higher financing costs, supply constraints, and macroeconomic challenges. However, it also suggests a more stable investment environment with less speculative volatility than some faster-growing regional markets.
The moderate growth forecast positions Mauritania as a potentially safer, though less aggressive, property investment destination within the West African region.
How many new housing units and commercial developments are planned or under construction in 2025, and what percentage of demand do they cover?
Specific data on the exact number of housing units and commercial developments planned for 2025 is not currently published in official government sources.
However, both government and private sector entities are actively expanding supply, primarily concentrated in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. These developments are largely responding to rapid urbanization and population growth driven by the expanding mining sector.
The current supply situation indicates that new construction is struggling to keep pace with growing urban demand. This supply-demand imbalance is particularly pronounced in prime locations, where scarcity continues to drive price appreciation.
Major government initiatives include the Moudoun Project and other infrastructure upgrades focusing on roads, utilities, and residential zones in both Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. These projects represent significant investments in urban development infrastructure.
The ongoing supply shortage suggests that current and planned developments likely cover less than full demand, which helps explain the continued price growth and low vacancy rates in desirable urban areas.
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What's the current rental yield for apartments, houses, and offices in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, and how has this changed in the last 3 years?
Rental yields in Mauritania's major cities provide attractive returns for property investors, particularly in prime urban locations.
In Nouakchott's city center, one-bedroom apartments average 7,200 MRU per month in rent, equivalent to approximately $182 USD. Three-bedroom properties command significantly higher rents at around $603 per month. Outside the city center, rental rates are more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments averaging 5,500 MRU monthly or about $139 USD.
Annual rental yields for apartments in prime areas of Nouakchott typically range from 6-7%, which is considered attractive compared to many international markets. These yields have remained relatively stable over the past three years, with minor increases reflecting the overall strength of the rental market.
Commercial and office rental yields are not consistently published for Mauritania, making it difficult to provide specific data for these property types. However, the strong demand for commercial space in urban centers suggests yields may be competitive with residential properties.
The stability of rental yields over the past three years indicates a mature rental market with consistent demand from both local residents and international workers in the mining and business sectors.
How high is the property vacancy rate right now, and what's the forecast for the next 12 months?
Mauritania's property vacancy rates are currently low in city centers, reflecting strong demand that continues to outpace available supply.
While specific vacancy rate percentages are not published in the latest public data, market conditions strongly suggest tight supply in prime urban areas. The low vacancy rates are particularly evident in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, where demand from urban migration and mining sector employment continues to grow.
The 12-month forecast indicates that vacancy rates will likely remain stable or decline further in prime areas. This projection is based on continued urbanization, ongoing population growth, and limited new supply coming to market in the near term.
The tight vacancy situation in desirable locations continues to support rental rate growth and property value appreciation. Landlords in prime areas benefit from strong tenant demand and limited competition from available units.
Outside of prime city center locations, vacancy rates may be higher, but comprehensive data for these areas is not readily available in current market reports.
What are the current interest rates for mortgages in Mauritania, and how do financing terms compare to neighboring countries?
Mauritania's mortgage market presents significant challenges for property buyers due to high interest rates and restrictive financing terms.
Current mortgage interest rates in Mauritania range from 16-17% as of September 2025, placing them among the highest in West Africa. These elevated rates significantly impact affordability for both local and international property buyers.
When compared to neighboring countries, Mauritania's financing terms are considerably less favorable. Senegal offers mortgage rates of approximately 10-12%, while Ghana and Ivory Coast typically provide rates between 11-14%. This puts Mauritanian buyers at a substantial disadvantage.
In addition to high interest rates, Mauritanian mortgages typically require large down payments and offer shorter repayment tenures compared to regional competitors. These restrictive terms limit access to financing for many potential property buyers.
The challenging financing environment helps explain why cash purchases are more common in Mauritania's property market and why foreign investment often focuses on investors with substantial liquid capital rather than those requiring mortgage financing.
How much foreign investment went into Mauritanian real estate in 2024, and which sectors (residential, industrial, commercial) are attracting the most capital?
Foreign investment in Mauritanian real estate was robust throughout 2024, driven by the country's economic growth and urbanization trends.
While specific dollar amounts of foreign real estate investment are not published in available sources, capital inflows have been particularly strong in urban residential projects and developments related to the mining sector. Foreign investors are showing significant interest in properties that serve the expanding workforce in Mauritania's mineral extraction industries.
The residential sector is attracting the most foreign capital, with particular focus on apartments and urban land development. Mining-adjacent commercial projects are also drawing substantial investment, as international companies seek to establish operations to support the growing extractive industries.
Foreign investment patterns show a clear preference for projects in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, where infrastructure development and economic activity are most concentrated. These urban centers offer the best combination of rental demand, capital appreciation potential, and market liquidity for international investors.
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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's the projected population growth rate until 2030, and how many urban households will that add to housing demand each year?
Mauritania is experiencing rapid urbanization that will significantly impact housing demand over the next decade.
The country's urbanization rate is approximately 3.84% annually, representing one of the highest urban growth rates in West Africa. This rapid urban population growth is driven primarily by rural-to-urban migration and natural population increase in cities.
Current projections indicate that Mauritania's urban population will grow from 54.6% of the total population in 2024 to 68.8% by 2043. This represents a substantial shift toward urban living that will create enormous pressure on housing markets in cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
While the exact number of urban households added annually is not precisely specified in available data, the 3.84% urbanization rate suggests thousands of new households will require urban housing each year through 2030. This demographic trend represents one of the strongest drivers of housing demand in the country.
The rapid urbanization creates opportunities for property investors and developers, but also highlights the urgent need for increased housing supply to meet growing demand and prevent further price escalation.
How much of Mauritania's GDP is currently tied to construction and real estate, and what growth contribution is expected by 2027?
The construction and real estate sector plays an important role in Mauritania's economy, though specific GDP contribution percentages are not broken out in current official sources.
Available economic data indicates that the real estate and construction sector is flagged as a key economic driver alongside the dominant mining industry. The sector's importance has grown significantly as urbanization has accelerated and infrastructure development has expanded.
Growth expectations through 2027 suggest continued moderate expansion for the construction and real estate sectors. This growth is expected to align with broader infrastructure investments and urban development initiatives planned by both government and private sector entities.
The sector's contribution to GDP is likely to increase as major projects like the Moudoun Project and other urban infrastructure developments progress. These investments represent substantial economic activity that will support job creation and economic growth.
The real estate sector's economic importance extends beyond direct construction activity to include related industries such as building materials, financial services, and property management services that support the growing urban property market.
What are the government's current housing and infrastructure programs, and how many units or projects are budgeted for completion within the next 2 to 3 years?
The Mauritanian government has launched several major initiatives to address housing and infrastructure needs, particularly in urban areas experiencing rapid growth.
The flagship Moudoun Project represents the government's most significant urban development initiative, focusing on comprehensive infrastructure upgrades including roads, utilities, and residential zones in both Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. This project aims to support the growing urban population and improve living standards.
Additional government programs focus on infrastructure development that supports residential development, including improvements to water supply systems, electrical grids, and transportation networks in major cities. These infrastructure investments create the foundation for private sector housing development.
However, specific data on the exact number of housing units or projects budgeted for completion between 2025 and 2027 is not published in summary sources available from government entities. This lack of detailed public information makes it difficult to quantify the precise scale of government housing initiatives.
The government's approach appears to focus more on enabling infrastructure rather than direct housing construction, creating conditions for private sector developers to meet housing demand through market mechanisms.
What risks—such as political instability, inflation, or currency fluctuations—are most likely to affect property values in the short and medium term?
| Risk Factor | Current Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Political Instability | Major risk with upcoming elections | Short to medium term |
| Building Material Inflation | 7% price increase in 2024 | Ongoing pressure |
| Currency Volatility (MRU/USD) | Exchange rate sensitivity | Continuous risk |
| High Interest Rates | 16-17% mortgage rates | Medium term challenge |
| Supply Chain Disruptions | Construction delays possible | Short term risk |
| Economic Dependency | Over-reliance on mining sector | Long term structural risk |
| Infrastructure Limitations | Utilities and transport constraints | Medium term development |
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 a compelling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to one of Africa's fastest-urbanizing countries.
While challenges exist including high financing costs and political risks, the fundamental drivers of urbanization, foreign investment, and supply constraints support continued moderate price appreciation and attractive rental yields in prime urban locations.
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Sources
- TheAfricanvestor - Mauritania Price Forecasts
- Sands of Wealth - Algiers Property
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania 5-Year Price Change
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania Square Meter Prices
- AECOM Africa Cost Guide 2024-25
- Numbeo - Nouakchott Property Investment
- World Bank - Mauritania Country Economic Memorandum
- TheAfricanvestor - Mauritania Real Estate Trends