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Property prices in Nouakchott have risen by 5% in the past year and an impressive 143% over the last five years. As we reach mid-2025, the capital's real estate market continues its upward trajectory, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and increasing foreign investment interest.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Mauritania, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Property prices in Nouakchott are definitely going up, with a 5% increase in 2024 and strong momentum continuing into 2025.
The fastest-growing neighborhoods include Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar, while luxury properties and commercial spaces are seeing the highest price increases.
| Key Metric | Current Status (June 2025) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Price Growth | 5% (2024) | Steady increase expected |
| 5-Year Growth | 143% nominal increase | Strong long-term appreciation |
| City Center Price/m² | 135,647 MRU ($3,428 USD) | Rising faster than periphery |
| Hottest Neighborhoods | Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, Nouakchott Nord | Premium areas leading growth |
| Foreign Investment | Increasing significantly | Government reforms attracting capital |
| Construction Costs | 39% above pre-2020 levels | Stabilized but elevated |
| Market Outlook | 3-7% annual growth expected | Positive but moderating |
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.
What are the current average property prices per square meter in Nouakchott?
As of June 2025, property prices in Nouakchott's city center average 135,647 MRU per square meter, equivalent to approximately $3,428 USD.
This represents a significant premium over properties outside the city center, where prices average 45,807 MRU per square meter (about $1,157 USD). The nearly 3x price differential between central and peripheral areas highlights the strong demand for prime locations in Mauritania's capital.
For context, a typical 1-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for 8,981-9,023 MRU per month, while the same apartment outside the center costs 6,446-6,477 MRU monthly. Three-bedroom apartments command substantially higher rents, reaching 23,883-25,106 MRU in central areas.
These price levels reflect Nouakchott's position as the country's economic hub and the concentration of business activity, government offices, and international organizations in the city center.
Commercial properties in prime locations often exceed residential rates due to limited supply and high demand from businesses seeking prestigious addresses.
How much have property prices increased in Nouakchott over the past 12 months?
Property prices in Nouakchott increased by 5% during 2024, maintaining steady growth momentum as we enter mid-2025.
This annual increase builds upon a remarkable five-year trend that has seen residential property values surge by 143% in nominal terms since 2020. The consistent appreciation reflects sustained demand from both local buyers and international investors attracted by Mauritania's economic reforms.
The 5% annual growth rate, while more moderate than the double-digit increases seen in previous years, indicates a maturing market that continues to offer solid returns. Urban infrastructure improvements and ongoing development projects have supported these price gains throughout 2024.
Market analysts attribute the sustained growth to fundamental factors including rapid urbanization, limited housing supply in desirable areas, and increasing foreign investment facilitated by government policies.
As we progress through 2025, early indicators suggest this growth trajectory is continuing, with transaction volumes remaining robust in the first half of the year.
Which neighborhoods in Nouakchott are experiencing the fastest price growth?
Tevragh-Zeina leads Nouakchott's property price growth, driven by upscale development projects and strong international investor interest in this central district.
| Neighborhood | Growth Level | Key Growth Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Tevragh-Zeina | High | Upscale projects, international investor interest, prime central location, embassy district proximity |
| Ksar | High | Limited housing stock, major infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing initiatives attracting middle-class buyers |
| Nouakchott Nord | High | New luxury developments, coastal proximity, demand from wealthy buyers and expatriates |
| Teyarett | High | Urban regeneration projects, improved public transport connections, commercial development |
| Sebkha | Medium-High | Urban development initiatives, new transport links, major redevelopment projects |
| El Mina | Medium-High | Eco-friendly projects, new schools and parks, family-oriented developments |
| Arafat/Riyadh | Medium | Community developments, proximity to center, mixed office/residential projects |
It's something we analyze in detail in our Mauritania property pack.
What property types are seeing the biggest price increases in 2025?
Luxury villas and high-end apartments in Nouakchott's central and coastal neighborhoods are experiencing the most significant price appreciation in 2025.
These premium properties benefit from extremely limited supply coupled with strong demand from affluent local buyers and expatriates working in the mining, energy, and diplomatic sectors. Waterfront villas in particular have seen exceptional growth, with some properties appreciating by 10-15% annually.
Commercial spaces in the city center represent the second-fastest growing segment, reflecting Nouakchott's expanding business sector and the arrival of international companies. Prime office locations near government buildings and embassies command premium rates and continue to see strong investor interest.
Standard apartments in desirable areas like Tevragh-Zeina are also appreciating faster than those in peripheral districts, with 2-3 bedroom units being particularly sought after by middle-class families and young professionals.
Interestingly, mixed-use developments combining residential and commercial spaces are emerging as a new high-growth category, appealing to investors seeking diversified income streams.
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How have land prices in central Nouakchott changed since 2020?
Land prices in central Nouakchott have experienced dramatic appreciation since 2020, closely tracking the 143% increase seen in overall residential property values.
The scarcity of available land in prime central locations has been a key driver of this surge. Complicated land title processes and unclear ownership records have further constrained supply, creating intense competition for clear-titled parcels suitable for development.
Coastal zones have seen particularly sharp increases, with some beachfront plots more than tripling in value over the five-year period. This reflects growing interest in tourism development and luxury residential projects targeting high-net-worth individuals.
Government efforts to clarify land ownership and streamline registration processes are gradually improving market transparency, though these reforms have also contributed to price increases by making previously uncertain titles more valuable.
As of mid-2025, prime commercial land in the city center remains extremely scarce, with most transactions occurring through private negotiations rather than public listings.
What are the property price forecasts for Nouakchott over the next 5-10 years?
Property prices in Nouakchott are projected to continue rising at a more moderate pace of 3-7% annually over the next five years, according to market analysts.
This forecast assumes continued political stability and steady economic growth driven by the extractive industries and infrastructure development. The moderation from recent double-digit growth reflects a maturing market and a gradually improving supply-demand balance.
Looking ahead to the 10-year horizon, Nouakchott's urban population is projected to reach 2.2 million by 2040, up from approximately 1.3 million today. This demographic pressure, combined with ongoing infrastructure upgrades including the new airport and waterfront redevelopment, supports a positive long-term outlook.
However, potential economic headwinds including commodity price volatility and climate-related challenges may create periods of slower growth. Central and coastal neighborhoods are expected to outperform peripheral areas, maintaining their premium status.
The development of new satellite cities and improved transportation links could moderate price growth in the latter part of the decade by increasing overall housing supply.
How is government policy affecting foreign investment in Nouakchott real estate?
The Mauritanian government's welcoming approach to foreign investment is significantly boosting demand for Nouakchott properties, particularly in the high-end and commercial segments.
Recent reforms have removed most restrictions on foreign property ownership, allowing international investors to purchase real estate with minimal bureaucratic hurdles. This policy shift has attracted capital from Gulf states, Europe, and increasingly from Asian investors interested in Africa's growth potential.
Tax incentives for large-scale development projects and simplified business registration procedures have encouraged international developers to enter the market. Several major hotel chains and commercial developers have announced projects in Nouakchott since these reforms took effect.
The government's commitment to improving infrastructure and urban planning has further enhanced investor confidence. New regulations promoting transparency in property transactions and clearer land titles are making the market more attractive to institutional investors.
It's worth noting that this information is thoroughly covered in our Mauritania property pack.
What impact is infrastructure modernization having on property values?
Major infrastructure projects across Nouakchott are creating significant uplift in property values, with areas near new developments seeing price increases of 10-20% above the city average.
The flagship "Sea Boulevard" waterfront redevelopment project has transformed formerly peripheral coastal areas into prime real estate, with property values in adjacent neighborhoods more than doubling since the project began. This urban renewal initiative includes parks, commercial zones, and improved flood defenses.
New road networks connecting the city center to outlying districts have made previously inaccessible areas attractive for residential development. Properties along these new transport corridors have seen consistent appreciation as commute times improve.
The ongoing airport modernization project is expected to boost values in nearby areas once completed, with investors already positioning themselves in anticipation. Improved utilities including reliable electricity and water supply in upgraded neighborhoods have also contributed to price premiums.
Business districts benefiting from fiber optic internet installation and modern office infrastructure are commanding significantly higher commercial rents than areas with outdated facilities.
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 are rising construction material costs affecting new property prices?
Construction material costs remain 39% higher than pre-2020 levels as of June 2025, directly impacting new property prices across Nouakchott.
While material prices stabilized during 2024 after several years of sharp increases, they remain significantly elevated. This has added approximately 20-25% to the total cost of new residential developments, with developers passing these increases on to buyers.
The higher construction costs have particularly affected the affordable housing segment, where profit margins are thinner. Several planned middle-income projects have been redesigned with smaller units or fewer amenities to maintain target price points.
Import dependencies for key materials like steel and cement make Nouakchott's construction sector vulnerable to global price fluctuations and currency movements. Local production capacity remains limited, though government initiatives to develop domestic building material industries may provide some relief in coming years.
These elevated costs have also slowed new supply coming to market, inadvertently supporting prices for existing properties by maintaining the supply-demand imbalance.
What role is urban migration playing in Nouakchott's property demand?
Nouakchott continues to experience rapid urbanization at 3.8-4.3% annually, with internal migration being the primary driver of housing demand and price increases.
- Over 56% of Mauritania's population now lives in urban areas, with approximately one-quarter residing in Nouakchott alone
- Environmental factors including desertification and changing rainfall patterns are pushing rural populations toward the capital
- Economic opportunities in Nouakchott's service and industrial sectors attract young workers from across the country
- The city receives an estimated 40,000-50,000 new residents annually, creating constant pressure on housing stock
- Informal settlements continue to expand on the city's periphery as formal housing remains unaffordable for many migrants
- Government efforts to develop satellite towns and improve rural infrastructure have had limited impact on migration flows
- Second-generation urban residents are now entering the property market, adding to demand for formal housing
This sustained migration ensures continued upward pressure on property prices, particularly for affordable and middle-income housing segments.
How do Nouakchott property prices compare to five years ago?
Property prices in Nouakchott have increased by an remarkable 143% over the past five years, representing one of the strongest appreciation rates in West Africa.
This dramatic increase means that a property purchased for 10 million MRU in 2020 would now be worth approximately 24.3 million MRU. The compound annual growth rate of nearly 20% has significantly outpaced inflation and wage growth, creating affordability challenges for local buyers.
The surge reflects multiple factors converging simultaneously: rapid urbanization, limited housing supply, infrastructure improvements, increased foreign investment, and expansionary monetary policies during the global pandemic period. Central neighborhoods have seen even higher appreciation, with some prime properties tripling in value.
This performance has transformed Nouakchott real estate from a largely local market to one attracting regional and international investor attention. Properties purchased five years ago have delivered returns exceeding most other investment classes available in Mauritania.
Looking forward, while such dramatic appreciation is unlikely to repeat, the strong fundamentals suggest continued positive returns for property investors.
How do property prices in Nouakchott compare to other major West African cities?
Nouakchott offers a unique value proposition compared to other West African capitals, with lower rental costs but surprisingly high purchase prices per square meter in prime areas.
| City | 1-Bed Apt City Center (USD/month) | 1-Bed Apt Outside Center (USD/month) | Price per m² City Center (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott | $224 | $161 | $3,428 |
| Dakar | $933 | $327 | $2,092 |
| Bamako | $266 | $168 | $1,772 |
| Abidjan | $469 | $247 | $2,092 |
The data reveals that Nouakchott's rental market remains highly affordable compared to major cities like Dakar and Abidjan, making it attractive for expatriates and businesses managing operational costs. Monthly rents in Nouakchott are roughly 75% lower than in Dakar.
However, purchase prices tell a different story. At $3,428 per square meter in the city center, Nouakchott is actually more expensive to buy in than Dakar ($2,092) or Abidjan ($2,092). This unusual dynamic reflects the limited supply of quality properties for sale and strong investment demand.
Compared to Bamako, Nouakchott is moderately more expensive for both renting and buying, but offers superior infrastructure and amenities. The high purchase prices relative to rents suggest potential overvaluation or excellent rental yields, depending on perspective.
This pricing structure makes Nouakchott particularly interesting for buy-to-let investors who can achieve strong rental yields given the low rents relative to capital values.
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.
Yes, property prices in Nouakchott are definitely going up. With a 5% increase in 2024 and 143% growth over five years, the capital's real estate market shows strong momentum heading into the second half of 2025.
For investors and potential buyers, Nouakchott presents a dynamic market with solid fundamentals. While the days of 20%+ annual returns may be behind us, the combination of rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and supportive government policies suggests continued appreciation ahead. Focus on prime neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar for the best growth potential, but be prepared for high entry prices in these sought-after areas.
Sources
- Numbeo - Nouakchott Property Investment Data
- Global Property Guide - Mauritania Price Changes
- The Africanvestor - Mauritania Real Estate Market Analysis
- US State Department - Mauritania Investment Climate 2024
- Vatican Migration Report - Mauritania Urbanization
- Living Cost - Nouakchott vs Regional Cities Comparison
- Housing Finance Africa - Mauritania Country Profile
- JICA - Nouakchott Urban Development Report