Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mauritania Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Nouakchott's property market is included in our pack
Thinking about renting out property in Nouakchott as a foreigner in 2026 can feel overwhelming, especially when reliable information is hard to find.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about rental yields, tenant demand, short-term versus long-term strategies, and the real costs of holding a rental property in Mauritania's capital.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions and regulations.
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 Nouakchott.
Insights
- Nouakchott's average short-term rental occupancy sits around 24%, meaning most Airbnb hosts see their properties empty three out of four nights on average.
- Gross rental yields in Nouakchott typically range from 3% to 5%, but after management fees and maintenance, net yields drop to 1.5% to 3.5% for foreign owners.
- Tevragh Zeina commands the highest rents in Nouakchott, but its purchase prices also compress yields compared to areas like Teyarett.
- The entire Nouakchott Airbnb market has only about 25 active listings, making it a demand-constrained market rather than an oversupplied one.
- Reliable air conditioning and backup power are the top rent-boosting features in Nouakchott because the city's electricity grid can be inconsistent.
- A 1-bedroom apartment in Nouakchott rents for roughly 6,000 to 10,000 MRU per month, which translates to about $150 to $250 USD.
- Property management in Nouakchott typically costs 8% to 12% of collected rent, higher than many markets because of the hands-on coordination required.
- Foreigners can legally own and rent out property in Nouakchott, but the real challenge is ensuring your title documentation is clean enough to hold up in disputes.
Can I legally rent out a property in Nouakchott as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners are generally permitted to purchase and rent out residential property in Nouakchott, with no outright legal prohibition against foreign ownership of rental units.
The most common ownership structure for foreigners in Nouakchott is direct freehold ownership, though some investors also use locally registered companies when dealing with larger portfolios or commercial-adjacent properties.
However, the single biggest hurdle foreigners face in Nouakchott is not a legal restriction but rather the quality of title documentation, because unclear land tenure can make it difficult to enforce your rights as a landlord or to sell the property later.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Nouakchott.
Do I need residency to rent out in Nouakchott right now?
Non-resident foreigners can legally own and rent out property in Nouakchott without holding Mauritanian residency, though you will need a local operating setup to manage the property effectively.
To collect rental income compliantly, you should expect to register with Mauritania's tax authority (Direction Générale des Impôts) and obtain a tax identification number for filing purposes.
While a local bank account is not strictly mandatory, it is strongly recommended in Nouakchott because it simplifies rent collection, creates a clear payment trail, and makes it easier to pay local expenses like repairs and utilities.
Managing a rental property in Nouakchott entirely remotely is possible, but practically speaking you will need a trusted local property manager or representative to handle showings, tenant issues, and maintenance.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Nouakchott in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting is generally the more reliable and often more profitable strategy for most foreign amateur landlords in Nouakchott because short-term rental demand is thin and inconsistent.
A well-managed long-term rental in Nouakchott might generate around 60,000 to 100,000 MRU per year ($1,500 to $2,500 USD or roughly €1,400 to €2,300 EUR) for a 1-bedroom, while a comparable short-term rental at 24% occupancy and $52 per night would struggle to match that after accounting for higher turnover costs.
Short-term renting in Nouakchott only makes financial sense for furnished properties in premium areas like Tevragh Zeina or near the coast, where expat travelers, NGO workers, and business visitors are willing to pay nightly rates.
What's the average gross rental yield in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Nouakchott is estimated at roughly 3% to 4% across the market.
The realistic range for gross yields in Nouakchott spans from about 2% in premium neighborhoods like Tevragh Zeina up to around 5% in more affordable areas like Teyarett or the outskirts.
Studios and smaller 1-bedroom apartments in Nouakchott typically achieve the highest gross rental yields because their lower purchase prices relative to rent create a better ratio than larger, pricier units.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Nouakchott.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all operating costs for residential properties in Nouakchott is estimated at roughly 1.5% to 3% for foreign owners with professional management.
The realistic net yield range for most landlords in Nouakchott falls between 1.5% on the low end (premium areas with higher vacancy) and about 3.5% on the high end (well-located properties with steady tenants).
The three main cost categories that eat into your gross yield in Nouakchott are property management fees (often 8% to 12% of rent due to hands-on coordination needs), maintenance and repairs (higher than average because utility reliability issues increase wear on equipment like AC units and water pumps), and vacancy reserves (plan for 1 to 2 months empty per year).
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Nouakchott.
What monthly rent can I get in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Nouakchott are roughly 4,500 to 8,000 MRU ($110 to $200 USD or €100 to €185 EUR) for a studio, 6,000 to 10,000 MRU ($150 to $250 USD or €140 to €230 EUR) for a 1-bedroom, and 9,000 to 16,000 MRU ($225 to $400 USD or €210 to €370 EUR) for a 2-bedroom apartment.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Nouakchott starts around 4,500 MRU ($110 USD or €100 EUR) in outer neighborhoods and can reach 8,000 MRU ($200 USD or €185 EUR) in central locations like Ksar.
For a typical 1-bedroom apartment in Nouakchott, mid-range monthly rent falls between 6,000 and 10,000 MRU ($150 to $250 USD or €140 to €230 EUR), depending on whether it is inside or outside the city center.
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Nouakchott commands mid-to-high monthly rent of 9,000 to 16,000 MRU ($225 to $400 USD or €210 to €370 EUR), with the higher end found in premium neighborhoods like Tevragh Zeina.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Nouakchott.
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 real numbers I should budget for renting out in Nouakchott in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Nouakchott is roughly 1,500 to 4,000 MRU ($40 to $100 USD or €35 to €90 EUR) for a studio or 1-bedroom, and 2,500 to 6,000 MRU ($65 to $150 USD or €60 to €140 EUR) for a 2-bedroom.
A realistic monthly holding cost range for most standard rental properties in Nouakchott spans from about 1,500 MRU ($40 USD or €35 EUR) for a basic unit with minimal management to around 6,000 MRU ($150 USD or €140 EUR) for a larger, professionally managed property.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs in Nouakchott is typically property management fees, which can run 8% to 12% of rent collected because the market requires hands-on coordination for repairs, rent collection, and tenant communication.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Nouakchott.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for long-term rental properties in Nouakchott is estimated at 8% to 15%, meaning landlords should expect roughly 1 to 2 months of vacancy per year.
Budgeting for 1 to 2 months of vacancy annually in Nouakchott is prudent because tenant turnover can take time in a market where finding reliable renters often depends on word-of-mouth and personal connections.
The main factor that causes vacancy rates to vary across Nouakchott neighborhoods is proximity to employment centers and expat-heavy areas, with Tevragh Zeina and Ksar seeing faster tenant placement than outer districts like El Mina or Sebkha.
Tenant turnover in Nouakchott tends to be highest in the summer months when some expat contracts end and local families relocate before the school year begins.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Nouakchott.
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Where do rentals perform best in Nouakchott in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Nouakchott are Tevragh Zeina (premium and expat-heavy), Ksar (central and convenient), and Teyarett (good value with broad local appeal).
Families in Nouakchott tend to favor Teyarett and Ksar for long-term rentals because these areas offer more space, calmer streets, and reasonable proximity to schools and markets.
Students in Nouakchott cluster in areas like Ksar, Arafat, and parts of Tevragh Zeina because of access to universities, transport links, and affordable room options.
Expats and international professionals in Nouakchott strongly prefer Tevragh Zeina and Ksar, as well as coastal pockets near Plage and Cité Plage, where they find better security, reliable utilities, and plug-and-play furnished options.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Nouakchott.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the best rental yield in Nouakchott are Teyarett, Arafat, and parts of Ksar where purchase prices remain moderate relative to achievable rents.
Gross rental yields in these higher-yielding Nouakchott neighborhoods typically range from about 4% to 5%, compared to 2% to 3% in premium areas like Tevragh Zeina.
The main characteristic that allows these Nouakchott neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that property purchase prices have not inflated as much as rents, because they lack the prestige premium that compresses returns in the most sought-after addresses.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Nouakchott.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Nouakchott are Tevragh Zeina, Ksar, and the coastal Plage and Cité Plage areas.
A standard 1-bedroom apartment in these premium Nouakchott neighborhoods typically rents for 8,000 to 12,000 MRU per month ($200 to $300 USD or €185 to €275 EUR), while a 2-bedroom can reach 14,000 to 20,000 MRU ($350 to $500 USD or €325 to €460 EUR).
The main characteristic that makes these Nouakchott neighborhoods command the highest rents is reliable infrastructure, including consistent electricity, secure compounds, and proximity to embassies and international organizations that employ higher-income tenants.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Nouakchott neighborhoods includes expat professionals working for NGOs, diplomats, international contractors, and senior local executives who prioritize security and convenience over price.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Mauritania. 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 Nouakchott in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Nouakchott are reliable air conditioning with backup power, stable water supply with storage tanks, and secure parking within a gated compound.
Reliable air conditioning with backup power can add a rent premium of roughly 15% to 25% in Nouakchott because the city's electricity grid is inconsistent and tenants will pay significantly more to avoid sweltering during outages.
One commonly overrated feature that landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for in Nouakchott is high-end decorative finishes, because most renters prioritize functional reliability over aesthetic upgrades in a market where basics like utilities are the real differentiator.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for landlords in Nouakchott is installing quality Wi-Fi infrastructure, which attracts remote workers and expats who need dependable internet for their jobs.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Nouakchott typically rent about 2 to 4 weeks faster than unfurnished ones, especially in expat-heavy neighborhoods like Tevragh Zeina and Ksar where tenants want plug-and-play housing.
Furnished apartments in Nouakchott command a rent premium of roughly 20% to 35% over unfurnished units, though this premium only holds if the furnishings are durable, practical, and well-maintained.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Nouakchott right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Nouakchott right now?
Landlords in Nouakchott currently have significant freedom to set initial rent prices, as the market operates on a negotiated basis between landlord and tenant without a highly visible rent-cap regime.
Rent increases during a tenancy in Nouakchott are not subject to strict government caps, though the practical constraint is often what tenants will accept, and landlords typically renegotiate at lease renewal rather than mid-term.
What's the standard lease length in Nouakchott right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Nouakchott is typically 12 months, often with an option to renew at the end of the term.
The maximum security deposit a landlord can require in Nouakchott is commonly 1 to 2 months' rent, which translates to roughly 6,000 to 20,000 MRU ($150 to $500 USD or €140 to €460 EUR) depending on unit size and location.
Security deposit return rules in Nouakchott are generally governed by the lease contract itself, with landlords expected to return the deposit minus any documented damages within a reasonable period after the tenancy ends, though enforcement depends heavily on the clarity of your original agreement.
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.
How does short-term renting really work in Nouakchott in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Nouakchott right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals exist and operate in Nouakchott, with the regulatory environment classified as "low" rather than heavily enforced, though this does not mean no rules apply.
Whether a specific license or permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Nouakchott is not clearly documented in publicly available English sources, so you should verify directly with the municipality or tourism authority before listing.
There are no widely publicized annual night limits or caps on how many days per year a property can be rented short-term in Nouakchott, but local rules can exist even when they are not well indexed online.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Nouakchott would likely be administrative fines or forced delisting, though enforcement appears inconsistent given the market's small scale.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Nouakchott.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Nouakchott is approximately 24%, meaning most properties sit empty about three-quarters of the time.
The realistic occupancy range for short-term rentals in Nouakchott spans from roughly 10% for poorly positioned listings to around 40% to 50% for well-located, highly-rated properties in Tevragh Zeina or near the coast.
The highest occupancy months for short-term rentals in Nouakchott tend to be during the cooler season from November to February, when business travel and NGO activity peak and the weather is more comfortable for visitors.
The lowest occupancy months in Nouakchott are typically during the hottest period from May to August, when travel slows and many potential guests avoid the extreme heat.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Nouakchott.
What's the average nightly rate in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Nouakchott is approximately $52 USD (around 2,100 MRU or €48 EUR).
The realistic nightly rate range for most short-term rental listings in Nouakchott spans from about $30 USD (1,200 MRU or €28 EUR) for basic listings to around $80 to $100 USD (3,200 to 4,000 MRU or €75 to €92 EUR) for well-furnished, premium properties.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season and off-season in Nouakchott is roughly $10 to $20 USD (400 to 800 MRU or €9 to €18 EUR), with cooler-season rates trending higher due to increased business and NGO travel.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Nouakchott in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Nouakchott is not saturated in the traditional sense of too many operators, but it is constrained by thin demand, with only about 25 active listings competing for a small pool of travelers.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Nouakchott appears relatively stable, without major growth or decline, reflecting the market's niche appeal rather than explosive investor interest.
The most "saturated" areas in Nouakchott for short-term rentals are Tevragh Zeina and central Ksar, where most existing listings cluster around expat-friendly locations.
Neighborhoods that may still have room for new short-term rental supply in Nouakchott include emerging areas like Nouvelle Ville and the coastal Plage zone, where new developments could attract visitors seeking beachside or modern accommodations.
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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 Nouakchott, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State ICS | Official government investment brief used by embassies and investors. | We grounded foreign ownership permissions and investor protections in this report. We used it to avoid hearsay when describing legal constraints. |
| Trade.gov Mauritania ICS | U.S. government investment analysis structured for business use. | We cross-checked the State Department material for consistency. We confirmed we were not misreading any single source. |
| Arab Land Initiative (GLTN) | UN-backed land governance initiative focused on tenure and institutions. | We anchored the emphasis on title quality and land tenure risks. We justified recommending thorough due diligence for foreign buyers. |
| Numbeo Nouakchott | Transparent crowdsourced cost-of-living data with sample sizes shown. | We used rent ranges for city-center versus outside-center comparisons. We treated it as directional and validated against other sources. |
| Numbeo Property Investment | Crowdsourced property price and rent data with methodology transparency. | We built gross yield estimates using price-per-square-meter data. We computed yield ranges and applied conservative haircuts. |
| AirROI Nouakchott STR Report | Specialized short-term rental analytics provider with stated coverage windows. | We sourced occupancy, ADR, and listing count data for STR analysis. We used it as the quantitative backbone for Airbnb feasibility. |
| Airbnb Live Listings | Primary market data showing what hosts actually charge. | We sense-checked nightly rates against aggregated STR datasets. We ensured our rate ranges were grounded in real listings. |
| Trading Economics MRU/USD | Widely used macro data aggregator with transparent update timestamps. | We pinned January 2026 exchange rates for all currency conversions. We avoided making up FX figures. |
| Wise MRU/USD History | Consumer FX provider publishing historical mid-market rates. | We triangulated exchange rates against Trading Economics and the central bank. We confirmed the January 2026 MRU/USD range. |
| Direction Générale des Impôts | Official Mauritanian tax authority website. | We grounded statements about tax registration and the declarative system. We used it as the official pointer for compliance guidance. |
| Kreston Tax Guide 2025 | Major global accounting network referencing the General Tax Code. | We structured the tax discussion using their summary of applicable taxes. We cross-checked against government portals. |
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.
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