Buying real estate in Nouakchott?

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How much do houses cost now in Nouakchott? (2026)

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mauritania Property Pack

property investment Nouakchott

Yes, the analysis of Nouakchott's property market is included in our pack

Nouakchott does not have an official house price index, so getting reliable numbers requires piecing together live listings, central bank exchange rates, and official tax documents.

We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data we can verify from authoritative sources.

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.

How much do houses cost in Nouakchott as of 2026?

What's the median and average house price in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated median house price in Nouakchott is around 4.2 million MRU (approximately $105,000 or €89,000), while the average house price sits higher at roughly 5.8 million MRU (around $145,000 or €123,000).

The typical price range that covers most house sales in Nouakchott falls between 2.5 million and 9 million MRU, which translates to about $63,000 to $226,000 or €53,000 to €190,000.

The gap between median and average prices in Nouakchott reveals that a handful of high-end properties in premium neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and Ilot K pull the average upward, while most buyers find houses closer to the median level.

At the median price of 4.2 million MRU in Nouakchott, a buyer can typically expect a modest 2- to 3-bedroom house in a middle-tier neighborhood like Ksar or Teyarett, often with basic finishes and a small courtyard.

Sources and methodology: we anchored our estimates on live asking prices from L'Agence, a reputable Nouakchott real estate agency. We converted all prices using the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie exchange rate table (1 USD ≈ 39.89 MRU, 1 EUR ≈ 47.28 MRU). We also cross-referenced macroeconomic context from the IMF's Mauritania Country Report and supplemented with our own market analyses.

What's the cheapest livable house budget in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the minimum budget for a livable house in Nouakchott is around 1.6 to 2.2 million MRU, which works out to approximately $40,000 to $55,000 or €34,000 to €47,000.

At this entry-level price point in Nouakchott, "livable" typically means a simpler structure with basic amenities, and you should expect to manage your own water storage tanks, potentially invest in a generator for power backup, and accept less consistent road and drainage quality.

These cheapest livable houses in Nouakchott are usually found in neighborhoods like Dar Naim, Arafat, El Mina, parts of Riyad, and outer sections of Sebkha or Teyarett.

Wondering what you can get? We cover all the buying opportunities at different budget levels in Nouakchott here.

Sources and methodology: we derived these entry-level estimates by analyzing the lower end of listings on L'Agence and comparing with infrastructure context from the World Bank's Mauritania page. We used the BCM exchange rate table for currency conversions and incorporated insights from our proprietary market tracking.

How much do 2 and 3-bedroom houses cost in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, 2-bedroom houses in Nouakchott typically cost between 1.8 million and 3.5 million MRU ($45,000 to $88,000 or €38,000 to €74,000), while 3-bedroom houses generally range from 2.7 million to 6.5 million MRU ($68,000 to $163,000 or €57,000 to €137,000).

A realistic price range for a 2-bedroom house in Nouakchott spans from around 1.8 million MRU for a basic home in an outer neighborhood to about 3.5 million MRU for one in a better-connected area with decent finishes.

For a 3-bedroom house in Nouakchott, the realistic range starts at roughly 2.7 million MRU in neighborhoods like Socogim or Teyarett and can reach 6.5 million MRU in sought-after areas like Tevragh-Zeina, where a 320 m² house was recently listed at 6.4 million MRU.

The typical price premium when moving from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom house in Nouakchott is around 50% to 85%, reflecting the added space and the fact that 3-bedroom homes are more likely to be in established family-friendly neighborhoods.

Sources and methodology: we based these bedroom-specific ranges on actual listings from L'Agence, including a specific 3-bedroom anchor at 6.4 million MRU in Tevragh-Zeina. We converted prices using the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie rates and cross-checked against our internal Nouakchott market data.

How much do 4-bedroom houses cost in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a 4-bedroom house in Nouakchott typically costs between 4.5 million and 9.5 million MRU, which translates to approximately $113,000 to $238,000 or €95,000 to €201,000.

For a 5-bedroom house in Nouakchott, the realistic price range runs from about 6.5 million to 12.5 million MRU ($163,000 to $313,000 or €137,000 to €264,000), as these larger homes are often found in premium neighborhoods with compound-style layouts.

A 6-bedroom house in Nouakchott typically costs between 8.5 million and 18.5 million MRU or more ($213,000 to $464,000+ or €180,000 to €391,000+), and these properties frequently include staff quarters, larger land plots, and prestige locations in areas like Ilot K or Las Palmas.

Please note that we give much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Nouakchott.

Sources and methodology: we estimated these larger-home prices by analyzing listings from L'Agence and their new-build section. We applied currency conversions from the BCM and validated trends with our own Nouakchott property analyses.

How much do new-build houses cost in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, new-build houses in Nouakchott typically cost between 5 million and 11 million MRU, which is approximately $125,000 to $276,000 or €106,000 to €233,000, with a concrete example being a new duplex in Centre Émetteur listed at 5.5 million MRU.

New-build houses in Nouakchott carry a typical premium of 15% to 35% compared to older resale houses of similar size and location, because buyers pay extra for better water and electric setups, modern insulation and finishes, and lower immediate repair risk in Nouakchott's challenging climate.

Sources and methodology: we anchored the new-build estimate on a specific listing from L'Agence showing a new duplex at 5.5 million MRU in Centre Émetteur. We used the BCM exchange rates for conversions and supplemented with our proprietary tracking of Nouakchott's construction market.

How much do houses with land cost in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a house with meaningful land or compound space in Nouakchott typically costs between 4.5 million and 18.5 million MRU or more ($113,000 to $464,000+ or €95,000 to €391,000+), depending heavily on whether the property is in a mid-market or prime area.

In Nouakchott, a "house with land" typically means a property with enough yard or compound space for privacy, parking, and possibly staff quarters, which usually starts at around 300 m² of total plot size and goes up significantly in premium neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina or Ilot K.

We cover everything there is to know about land prices in Nouakchott here.

Sources and methodology: we derived these estimates from listings on L'Agence that specify plot sizes and compound features. We converted prices using the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie rates and cross-referenced with World Bank data on urban development patterns.

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Where are houses cheapest and most expensive in Nouakchott as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest house prices in Nouakchott include Dar Naim, Arafat, El Mina, parts of Riyad, and sections of Sebkha.

In these cheapest Nouakchott neighborhoods, house prices typically range from about 1.6 million to 3.5 million MRU ($40,000 to $88,000 or €34,000 to €74,000).

The main reason these Nouakchott neighborhoods have lower house prices is that road quality, drainage infrastructure, and utility service reliability vary considerably from street to street, and commute times to the embassy and international school clusters are longer.

Sources and methodology: we identified these neighborhoods by analyzing listing patterns on L'Agence and comparing with infrastructure assessments from the World Bank's Mauritania page. We also drew on our internal Nouakchott market tracking to confirm these patterns.

Which neighborhoods have the highest house prices in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest house prices in Nouakchott are Tevragh-Zeina, Ilot K, and Las Palmas, followed closely by ENord/FNord and select pockets of Ksar.

In these premium Nouakchott neighborhoods, house prices typically range from about 6 million to 18.5 million MRU or more ($150,000 to $464,000+ or €127,000 to €391,000+).

These Nouakchott neighborhoods command the highest prices because they offer reliable paved roads, consistent utility connections, proximity to embassies and international organizations, and easy access to top schools like the Lycée Français Théodore-Monod and the American International School of Nouakchott.

The typical buyer in these premium Nouakchott neighborhoods is either a senior expat professional working with international organizations or embassies, a successful local business owner seeking compound-style living, or a foreign investor looking for stable rental income from the diplomatic community.

Sources and methodology: we based these premium neighborhood prices on specific listings from L'Agence, including a 6.4 million MRU house in Tevragh-Zeina. We cross-referenced school proximity data from AEFE and the U.S. State Department.

How much do houses cost near the city center in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, houses near the city center in Nouakchott, which primarily means the Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, and Centre Émetteur areas, typically cost between 4.5 million and 12 million MRU ($113,000 to $301,000 or €95,000 to €254,000).

Since Nouakchott does not have a metro system, the concept of "transit premium" relates more to proximity to main paved arteries, and houses along well-maintained roads with year-round commute reliability tend to command prices at the higher end of the city-center range.

Houses near the top-rated schools in Nouakchott, specifically the Lycée Français Théodore-Monod and the American International School of Nouakchott (AISN), typically cost 10% to 25% more than similar properties farther away, with prices commonly falling between 5.5 million and 12 million MRU ($138,000 to $301,000 or €116,000 to €254,000).

Houses in expat-popular areas of Nouakchott, namely Tevragh-Zeina, Ilot K, Las Palmas, and ENord/FNord, typically cost between 6 million and 15 million MRU ($150,000 to $376,000 or €127,000 to €317,000), as these neighborhoods offer the services and security that international families prioritize.

We actually have an updated expat guide for Nouakchott here.

Sources and methodology: we derived city-center and school-proximity prices from listings on L'Agence and verified school locations through AEFE and AISN's official site. We also incorporated our proprietary neighborhood-level pricing data for Nouakchott.

How much do houses cost in the suburbs in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, houses in the suburbs of Nouakchott typically cost between 1.6 million and 4 million MRU ($40,000 to $100,000 or €34,000 to €85,000), offering significantly more space for the money compared to central areas.

The typical price difference between suburban houses and city-center houses in Nouakchott is around 50% to 70% lower, though buyers should budget extra for backup power generators, water storage tanks, and faster wear-and-tear from dust and heat exposure.

The most popular suburbs for house buyers in Nouakchott include Riyad (for buyers seeking value with gradual infrastructure improvements), outer sections of Teyarett, and parts of Sebkha where newer developments are emerging.

Sources and methodology: we estimated suburban prices by analyzing the lower-priced listings on L'Agence and contextualizing with infrastructure data from the World Bank. We used BCM exchange rates for conversions and supplemented with our own market observations.

What areas in Nouakchott are improving and still affordable as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top areas in Nouakchott that are improving and still affordable for house buyers include Riyad, parts of Teyarett, some edges of Ksar, and sections of Socogim and Soukouk.

Current house prices in these improving yet affordable Nouakchott areas typically range from 2.5 million to 5 million MRU ($63,000 to $125,000 or €53,000 to €106,000), which is considerably less than the prime neighborhoods but with better infrastructure than the cheapest areas.

The main sign of improvement driving buyer interest in these Nouakchott areas is the gradual extension of paved access roads, more reliable utility connections, and an increase in new private construction, which signals growing confidence from local developers.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Nouakchott.

Sources and methodology: we identified these improving areas by tracking new listings and construction activity on L'Agence over time. We cross-referenced with urban development context from the World Bank and validated with our proprietary Nouakchott investment analysis.
infographics rental yields citiesNouakchott

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 extra costs should I budget for a house in Nouakchott right now?

What are typical buyer closing costs for houses in Nouakchott right now?

The estimated typical total closing cost for house buyers in Nouakchott ranges from about 3% to 7% of the purchase price, depending on the complexity of the transaction and how fees are negotiated.

The main closing cost categories in Nouakchott include registration and transfer taxes (1% to 2% of the purchase price), notary and legal drafting fees (roughly 1% to 3%), and agent fees (typically 1% to 3%, though sometimes paid by the seller).

The single largest closing cost category for house buyers in Nouakchott is usually the combined notary and legal fees, which cover document preparation, verification, and the administrative steps required to formalize the property transfer.

We cover all these costs and what are the strategies to minimize them in our property pack about Nouakchott.

Sources and methodology: we derived these closing cost percentages from the Livret Fiscal Mauritanie 2025 published by GHA/EXCO, which references Mauritania's Code général des impôts. We validated these ranges against our proprietary transaction data and converted using BCM rates.

How much are property taxes on houses in Nouakchott right now?

The estimated typical annual property tax for a house in Nouakchott falls in the range of 0.3% to 1% of the property's value, which for a median-priced house around 4.2 million MRU means roughly 12,600 to 42,000 MRU per year ($316 to $1,053 or €267 to €888).

Property tax in Nouakchott is calculated based on the "contribution foncière sur propriétés bâties," with an official rate of 8% applied to the taxable base, but what you actually pay depends heavily on how the local authorities assess your specific property's taxable value, which often differs significantly from the market price.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a page with all the property taxes and fees in Nouakchott.

Sources and methodology: we referenced the official property tax rate from the Livret Fiscal Mauritanie 2025 by GHA/EXCO. We converted to practical budget ranges using BCM exchange rates and calibrated with our own Nouakchott property owner data.

How much is home insurance for a house in Nouakchott right now?

The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for a house in Nouakchott ranges from about 0.15% to 0.4% of the rebuild value, which for a mid-market house translates to roughly 10,000 to 60,000 MRU per year ($251 to $1,504 or €212 to €1,269).

The main factors that affect home insurance premiums for houses in Nouakchott include the level of coverage (fire, theft, water damage, contents), whether the property has security systems and backup power, and the specific insurer, as pricing can vary significantly between providers in the local market.

Sources and methodology: we estimated these insurance ranges based on local market research and feedback from property owners in Nouakchott. We converted figures using the BCM exchange rate table and supplemented with our proprietary cost-of-ownership analyses.

What are typical utility costs for a house in Nouakchott right now?

The estimated typical total monthly utility cost for a house in Nouakchott ranges from about 2,000 to 14,000 MRU ($50 to $351 or €42 to €296), with the wide range reflecting differences in house size, air conditioning usage, and water service reliability.

The breakdown of main utility costs for houses in Nouakchott includes electricity from SOMELEC at around 1,500 to 12,000 MRU per month depending on A/C usage, and water from SNDE at approximately 500 to 2,500 MRU per month for piped service, plus potential additional costs for tanker top-ups in areas with service interruptions.

Sources and methodology: we based electricity estimates on the official tariff schedules from SOMELEC's documentation hub and their low-voltage tariff file. We referenced water service information from SNDE's official site and the government procedures portal.

What are common hidden costs when buying a house in Nouakchott right now?

The estimated total of common hidden costs that house buyers in Nouakchott often overlook can add 100,000 to 500,000 MRU or more ($2,507 to $12,535 or €2,115 to €10,576) on top of the purchase price and closing costs, depending on the property's condition and location.

Typical inspection fees buyers should expect when purchasing a house in Nouakchott include around 10,000 to 40,000 MRU ($251 to $1,003 or €212 to €846) for a builder or engineer to check structure, moisture, and roof, plus 5,000 to 20,000 MRU ($125 to $502 or €106 to €423) for an electrician and plumber assessment.

Other common hidden costs beyond inspections when buying a house in Nouakchott include backup power equipment (generator or solar with batteries), water storage and pumping systems, boundary and plot verification if land clarity is uncertain, and security upgrades like gates, cameras, and a guard's room.

The hidden cost that tends to surprise first-time house buyers the most in Nouakchott is the expense of ensuring reliable utilities, as investing in generators, water tanks, and related infrastructure can easily cost as much as or more than the inspection and paperwork fees combined.

You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Nouakchott.

Sources and methodology: we compiled these hidden cost estimates from buyer feedback and transaction records in our proprietary Nouakchott database. We cross-referenced utility setup requirements with SOMELEC and government service procedures, and converted using BCM rates.

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What do locals and expats say about the market in Nouakchott as of 2026?

Do people think houses are overpriced in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, local and expat sentiment on Nouakchott house prices is split: buyers looking in premium areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ilot K often feel prices are high for what they get, while those shopping in non-prime neighborhoods find more room to negotiate.

Houses in Nouakchott typically stay on the market for about 1 to 3 months if they are well-priced and in prime locations, 3 to 6 months for average listings, and 6 months or longer if they are overpriced or have complicated paperwork.

The main reason locals and expats give for feeling house prices are high in Nouakchott's premium areas is that prices factor in scarcity, service reliability, and proximity to embassies and international schools, even though the actual construction quality and finishes may not match what buyers expect at those price levels.

Compared to one or two years ago, sentiment on Nouakchott house prices has shifted slightly toward acceptance, as buyers have adjusted to the post-pandemic price levels and recognized that prime-area supply remains limited while demand from the international community stays steady.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Nouakchott here.

Sources and methodology: we gathered sentiment data from buyer interviews, local agent feedback, and our proprietary Nouakchott market surveys. We contextualized market conditions using the IMF's Mauritania Country Report and listing turnover data from L'Agence.

Are prices still rising or cooling in Nouakchott as of 2026?

As of early 2026, house prices in Nouakchott are mildly rising in prime neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and Ilot K, while prices in other areas remain relatively flat with more room for negotiation.

The estimated year-over-year house price change in Nouakchott is around 3% to 6% in premium areas, while non-prime neighborhoods have seen closer to 0% to 2% change, as the thin market with fewer buyers means prices adjust slowly through negotiation rather than dramatic public shifts.

Experts and locals expect Nouakchott house prices to remain stable or continue rising modestly over the next 6 to 12 months, supported by continued economic growth, contained inflation, and steady demand from the international community, though the limited liquidity in the market will keep price movements gradual.

Finally, please note that we have covered property price trends and forecasts for Nouakchott here.

Sources and methodology: we derived price trend estimates from listing price tracking on L'Agence over the past year. We contextualized with macroeconomic data from the IMF's Mauritania report and incorporated our proprietary Nouakchott market forecasts.
infographics map property prices Nouakchott

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 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
Banque Centrale de Mauritanie (BCM) It's Mauritania's central bank, making its FX rates the official reference. We used it to convert all MRU prices into USD and EUR consistently. We relied on it to keep currency comparisons accurate throughout the article.
IMF Mauritania Country Report The IMF provides standardized, review-based economic reporting. We used it to describe the macroeconomic backdrop influencing housing demand. We relied on it to support our price trend assessments.
GHA/EXCO Livret Fiscal 2025 It's a tax-law reference citing Mauritania's Code général des impôts. We used it to quantify buyer transaction taxes and property tax rates. We built our closing cost estimates directly from its rate tables.
L'Agence (Nouakchott real estate) It's a local brokerage with live listings showing actual asking prices. We used it as ground-truth anchors for 2026 asking prices in various neighborhoods. We calibrated all our price ranges against their specific listings.
SOMELEC (electricity utility) SOMELEC is Mauritania's state electricity utility with official tariffs. We used its tariff documents to estimate monthly electricity costs. We explained why A/C-heavy homes cost more to run in Nouakchott.
SNDE (water utility) SNDE is the national water distributor and most reliable source on service. We used it to frame water access as a buyer consideration in Nouakchott. We referenced it to avoid relying on anecdotal utility information.
AEFE (Lycée Français Théodore-Monod) AEFE is a French government agency with reliable school data. We used it to identify top expat-relevant schools affecting house prices. We explained why nearby housing commands a premium.
U.S. State Department (AISN) It's an official U.S. government source on international schools. We used it to name AISN as another premium amenity driver. We justified why certain neighborhoods command higher prices for families.
World Bank Mauritania page The World Bank provides top-tier data on infrastructure and development. We used it to explain urban development constraints affecting housing. We grounded our neighborhood price differences in infrastructure realities.
Government procedures portal (SNDE) It's an official platform documenting public service requirements. We used it to describe what buyers need for a water connection. We informed hidden cost planning around administrative friction.

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