Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mauritania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mauritania Property Pack
If you're looking at rental property in Mauritania, understanding local yields is essential before committing capital.
This guide breaks down gross and net rental yields across Mauritania's key markets, with real numbers for Nouakchott neighborhoods and property types.
We update this blog post regularly to reflect the latest market conditions.
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 Mauritania.
Insights
- Mauritania's average gross rental yield sits around 5.5% in early 2026, but peripheral Nouakchott neighborhoods like Dar Naim and Arafat can reach 7% to 9%.
- Net yields drop to around 3.6% after the roughly 10% rental income tax, vacancy, and maintenance costs in coastal environments.
- Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar deliver the lowest yields (3% to 5%) because property prices run ahead of rents due to embassy demand.
- Small apartments and compact 1-bedrooms generate the highest rent-to-price ratios, often reaching 6% to 9% gross yield.
- Vacancy rates range from 6% in prime Nouakchott districts to 18% in peripheral areas with infrastructure gaps.
- The Nouakchott Mobility 2026 bus rapid transit project should boost rents along corridors connecting Riyad, Dar Naim, and Toujounine.
- Investors typically require gross yields of at least 7% to compensate for financing frictions and neighborhood climate risks.
- High-end furnished villas compress yields to 3% to 6% because purchase prices and furnishing costs are high.
What are the rental yields in Mauritania as of 2026?
What's the average gross rental yield in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average gross rental yield for residential property in Mauritania is around 5.5%, based on triangulated data concentrated in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
The realistic range covers most properties between 4% and 7.5%, depending on neighborhood, property condition, and location tier.
Compared to other frontier African markets, Mauritania's gross yields sit in a moderate band, neither as compressed as developed capitals nor as high as riskier emerging cities.
The most important factor influencing gross yields is construction cost inflation (tracked by the ANSADE Construction Cost Index), which pushes replacement costs up and compresses yields unless rents rise proportionally.
What's the average net rental yield in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average net rental yield in Mauritania is around 3.6%, reflecting what landlords keep after taxes, vacancy, and operating costs.
The typical difference between gross and net yields is roughly 1.5 to 2 percentage points, translating to a 30% to 40% haircut from gross income.
The expense category that most significantly reduces yields is rental income tax (around 10%) combined with maintenance costs, which run higher due to sandy coastal environments and generator reliance.
Net yields realistically range from 2.5% to 5.5%, with the lower end in high-priced prime areas and the upper end in well-managed mid-market properties.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mauritania 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 yield is considered "good" in Mauritania in 2026?
In Mauritania, a gross rental yield of 7% or higher is generally considered "good," reflecting higher return expectations in frontier markets with meaningful financing frictions.
The threshold separating average from high-performing properties is around 5% net yield, because achieving this after all deductions means genuinely solid cash flow.
How much do yields vary by neighborhood in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the spread in gross yields between highest and lowest-yield Nouakchott neighborhoods is roughly 4 to 6 percentage points, from around 3% in prime areas to 9% in peripheral districts.
Neighborhoods delivering the highest yields are mid-to-peripheral areas like Dar Naim, Arafat, El Mina, Sebkha, and Toujounine, where purchase prices remain low relative to rental demand.
The lowest yields are in prime districts Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar, where embassy presence and corporate demand push prices up faster than rents.
Yields vary because safety, services, and prestige command premium prices, compressing yields even when absolute rents are high.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Mauritania.
How much do yields vary by property type in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross yields across property types range from about 3% for high-end furnished villas up to 9% for small apartments in accessible locations.
The highest yields come from small apartments or compact 1-bedrooms, especially unfurnished and near jobs and transport, typically reaching 6% to 9%.
The lowest yields come from high-end villas or expat-furnished homes, where high purchase and maintenance costs push yields down to 3% to 6%.
Yields differ because smaller units maximize rent-to-price ratios by focusing on functionality, while larger luxury properties carry higher capital costs.
By the way, you might want to read the following:
What's the typical vacancy rate in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for urban rentals in Mauritania is around 10%, though this varies significantly across neighborhoods.
Vacancy ranges from about 6% in prime areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar up to 18% in peripheral or flood-prone districts.
The main factor driving vacancy rates is neighborhood infrastructure quality, including power reliability, access roads, and drainage.
Compared to other African frontier markets, Mauritania's vacancy rates are fairly typical, reflecting steady demand centrally but higher turnover risk in less developed areas.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.
What's the rent-to-price ratio in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual rent-to-price ratio in Mauritania is between 4% and 6%, translating to a monthly ratio of roughly 0.33% to 0.50%.
For buy-to-let investors, a monthly ratio above 0.4% is generally favorable, signaling the property generates enough rent relative to cost for a worthwhile gross yield.
Compared to other West African markets, Mauritania's ratio sits in a moderate range, not as tight as developed capitals but not as high as riskier emerging cities.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Mauritania. 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 neighborhoods and micro-areas in Mauritania give the best yields as of 2026?
Where are the highest-yield areas in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the highest-yield neighborhoods are Dar Naim, Arafat, and El Mina in Nouakchott, where purchase prices remain affordable relative to rental demand.
These areas typically yield 7% to 9% gross when you buy at the right price and keep units simple and durable.
What these neighborhoods share is relatively low property prices combined with solid demand from local workers, though investors must budget for higher vacancy and maintenance.
You'll find a much more detailed analysis of the areas with high profitability potential in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.
Where are the lowest-yield areas in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the lowest-yield neighborhoods are Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar, plus select premium pockets of Teyarett, where prices command premiums due to embassy and corporate presence.
These areas typically yield just 3% to 5% gross, even though absolute rents look high.
Yields are compressed because property prices have run ahead of rents, driven by the prestige and security that high-income tenants demand.
Buying a property in a low-yield area is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Mauritania.
Which areas have the lowest vacancy in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the lowest vacancy areas are Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, and parts of Teyarett, where steady demand from expats and professionals keeps units filled.
Vacancy in these areas typically runs between 5% and 10%, meaning relatively stable occupancy year-round.
The main demand driver is the concentration of embassies, international organizations, and corporate tenants who prioritize security over price.
The trade-off is that purchase prices are significantly higher, compressing gross yields even though rental income is predictable.
Which areas have the most renter demand in Mauritania right now?
The strongest renter demand is in Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar for premium tenants, Teyarett and Riyad for professionals, and corridors connecting Riyad to Dar Naim and Toujounine for budget-conscious workers.
Demand is driven by embassy and NGO staff in premium districts, local professionals in mid-market areas, and younger workers seeking affordable access to jobs in peripheral zones.
In high-demand neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and Teyarett, well-priced listings typically fill within a few weeks.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Mauritania.
Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, top projects expected to boost rents are the Nouakchott Mobility 2026 bus rapid transit system, World Bank urban resilience improvements, and road upgrades connecting peripheral neighborhoods to employment zones.
Neighborhoods likely to benefit include Riyad, Dar Naim, and Toujounine along transit corridors, plus flood-prone pockets of El Mina and Sebkha where drainage improvements will increase livability.
Investors might realistically expect rent increases of 5% to 15% in directly affected areas once projects complete.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Mauritania here.
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What property type should I buy for renting in Mauritania as of 2026?
Between studios and larger units in Mauritania, which performs best in 2026?
As of early 2026, the better-performing unit type is the small apartment or compact 1-bedroom, which consistently delivers higher rent-to-price ratios than larger units.
Small units typically yield 6% to 9% gross (60,000 to 90,000 MRU annually per million invested, about 1,500 to 2,300 USD / 1,400 to 2,100 EUR), while larger units yield 5% to 7%.
Smaller units outperform because they maximize functionality per square meter, attracting young workers and professionals without large maintenance burdens.
Larger units might be better when targeting stable family tenants in mid-market neighborhoods like Teyarett, where longer leases offset lower yields.
What property types are in most demand in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most in-demand property type is the durable, simple 1 to 2 bedroom apartment in accessible mid-market neighborhoods.
Top three by demand: compact apartments in accessible locations, modest 2 to 3 bedroom family homes near schools and transport, and furnished higher-end homes in Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar for expats.
Urban concentration in Nouakchott drives this pattern, where job growth creates steady need for affordable, functional housing near employment centers.
Oversized unfurnished villas in peripheral areas are underperforming, with high maintenance, limited tenant pools, and longer vacancies.
What unit size has the best yield per m² in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the optimal unit size is the compact 30 to 60 square meter apartment, which maximizes rent relative to purchase price.
Typical gross yield per m² for this size is roughly 1,500 to 2,500 MRU annually (about 38 to 63 USD / 35 to 58 EUR per m²), depending on neighborhood.
Smaller or larger units have lower yield per m² because kitchens and bathrooms don't scale linearly, while larger homes carry higher maintenance and longer vacancies.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Mauritania.
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 costs cut my net yield in Mauritania as of 2026?
What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the main tax burden is rental income tax around 10%, so a property generating 600,000 MRU annually owes about 60,000 MRU (roughly 1,500 USD / 1,400 EUR).
Other recurring fees add another 1% to 2% of rental income, bringing total annual charges to perhaps 70,000 to 80,000 MRU (about 1,750 to 2,000 USD / 1,600 to 1,850 EUR).
Combined, taxes and fees typically represent 10% to 15% of gross rental income, meaningful but not unusually high for frontier markets.
By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mauritania.
What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in Mauritania right now?
Annual landlord insurance typically costs 50,000 to 150,000 MRU (about 1,250 to 3,750 USD / 1,150 to 3,450 EUR), though coverage varies.
Maintenance and repairs should be budgeted at 1% to 2% of property value, so for a 20 million MRU property, set aside 200,000 to 400,000 MRU (roughly 5,000 to 10,000 USD / 4,600 to 9,200 EUR) annually.
Generator and water system maintenance most commonly catches landlords off guard, requiring sudden significant outlays in areas with unreliable utilities.
Total combined annual budget for insurance, maintenance, and repairs should be roughly 300,000 to 550,000 MRU (about 7,500 to 13,750 USD / 6,900 to 12,650 EUR).
Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in Mauritania right now?
For unfurnished local-market rentals, tenants typically pay utilities; for furnished or expat-targeted properties, landlords often include some utilities or keep accounts in their name.
When landlords cover utilities, monthly costs run roughly 2,000 to 5,000 MRU (about 50 to 125 USD / 46 to 115 EUR), depending on usage and generator needs.
What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, full-service management fees run 8% to 12% of collected rent, so on 50,000 MRU monthly rent, expect 4,000 to 6,000 MRU (about 100 to 150 USD / 92 to 138 EUR) monthly.
Leasing or tenant-placement fees are commonly one month's rent as a one-time charge, sometimes discounted for renewals.
What's a realistic vacancy buffer in Mauritania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords should set aside 8% to 15% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, with the lower end for prime areas and higher for riskier neighborhoods.
In practical terms, most landlords experience 4 to 8 vacant weeks per year, though well-maintained properties in high-demand areas stay occupied nearly year-round.
Buying real estate in Mauritania can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
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 Mauritania, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| ANSADE | Government body producing official Mauritania statistics. | We used ANSADE to anchor housing context and verify rent/price plausibility. We cross-checked market data against official economic indicators. |
| ANSADE Construction Cost Index | Official index tracking construction cost movements. | We used ICC trends as a proxy for replacement-cost pressure on prices. We ensured price assumptions aligned with construction inflation. |
| Mauritania Data Portal | Republishes official ANSADE series in structured format. | We corroborated construction cost series continuity. We cross-referenced when describing cost flows into pricing. |
| ANSADE RGPH5 Census | National population and housing census, highest-grade demographic data. | We justified why Nouakchott dominates rental demand. We supported neighborhood-level demand concentration analysis. |
| RGPH 2013 Catalog | Government-hosted census documentation portal. | We confirmed Mauritania's formal housing census framework. We provided context for vacancy variation by area. |
| Banque Centrale de Mauritanie | Central bank, primary authority on monetary conditions. | We framed borrowing costs affecting investor returns. We explained why yield thresholds are higher than low-rate economies. |
| BCM Annual Report 2023 | Official central bank report under statutory obligations. | We anchored inflation and credit context. We supported financing constraint assumptions. |
| World Bank Mauritania Data | Top-tier international institution with standardized indicators. | We triangulated macro conditions affecting affordability. We grounded market direction without relying on anecdotes. |
| World Bank Inflation Indicator | Uses IMF/World Bank pipelines, easy to verify. | We contextualized real rent growth expectations. We justified landlord focus on inflation-linked resets. |
| IMF DataMapper | Primary source for macro projections used by governments. | We triangulated growth expectations into 2026. We checked rental demand narrative against macro cycle. |
| DGI Tax Doctrine | Official tax administration, most direct legal source. | We described rental income taxation. We built defensible net-yield deductions. |
| EXCO/GHA Fiscal Booklet 2025 | Recognized tax advisory practice with practical clarity. | We referenced commonly applied rates. We cross-checked DGI doctrine implications. |
| World Bank/GFDRR Resilience Project | World Bank-hosted facility documenting public investment programs. | We supported micro-area rent outlook regarding drainage and flood risk. We explained why some areas show higher yields but higher risk. |
| AMI | State news agency, primary channel for official announcements. | We identified Nouakchott Mobility 2026 project. We connected projects to specific neighborhoods. |
| Cridem | Long-running national outlet reporting on transport changes. | We confirmed bus rapid transit execution. We strengthened demand uplift case near transit corridors. |
| UNHCR Urban Factsheet | UN agency publishing structured urban pressure snapshots. | We justified why Nouakchott and Nouadhibou matter most. We supported neighborhood-specific demand analysis. |
| Numbeo Rents/Utilities | Transparent crowdsourced data with visible sample sizes. | We built baseline rent and utility levels. We used it only after cross-checking with official sources. |
| Numbeo Property Prices | Transparent secondary data with visible ranges and recency. | We approximated price-per-m² bands. We computed rent-to-price ratios with conservative haircuts. |
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