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
This article breaks down everything you need to know about rental yields in Nouakchott, from gross and net returns to which neighborhoods deliver the best performance.
We update this blog post regularly so that you always have access to the freshest data on Nouakchott's rental market.
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
- The average gross rental yield in Nouakchott sits around 5.8% in early 2026, but yields swing dramatically from 4% in premium districts to 9% in affordable neighborhoods like Arafat and Riyadh.
- Landlords in Nouakchott typically lose about 30 to 35% of their gross rent to taxes, vacancy, maintenance, and management, which brings the average net yield down to roughly 3.9%.
- Water and electricity reliability can make or break a rental property in Nouakchott, as tenants often pay premium rents for units with consistent utility access.
- Tevragh Zeina commands the highest purchase prices in Nouakchott, but its gross yields are among the lowest at just 3.5 to 5.5% because rents do not keep pace with property values.
- Smaller units between 35 and 70 square meters consistently outperform larger properties on a yield-per-square-meter basis in Nouakchott's rental market.
- The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim gas field project is expected to fuel housing demand across Nouakchott, potentially lifting rents in working-class districts closest to economic activity.
- Vacancy rates in Nouakchott average around 8%, but affordable districts like Arafat and Dar Naim often see vacancy as low as 5% when units are priced correctly.
- Property taxes in Nouakchott are applied to rental value rather than property value, with landlords paying roughly 8% of their annual rental income to the tax authorities.
What are the rental yields in Nouakchott as of 2026?
What's the average gross rental yield in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield across all residential property types in Nouakchott is estimated at around 5.8%, which places the city in a moderate-return bracket for African real estate markets.
The realistic range of gross rental yields in Nouakchott spans from about 4% in the most expensive neighborhoods to around 8% in more affordable areas with steady local demand.
Compared to other West African capitals, Nouakchott's average gross yield of 5.8% sits in a competitive middle ground, neither exceptionally high nor low for the region.
The single most important factor shaping gross rental yields in Nouakchott right now is the gap between expat-driven premium pricing in districts like Tevragh Zeina and the more affordable entry prices in local-demand neighborhoods like Arafat and Riyadh.
What's the average net rental yield in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for residential properties in Nouakchott is estimated at around 3.9%, which reflects the significant operating costs landlords face in this market.
The typical difference between gross and net yields in Nouakchott is about 1.9 percentage points, meaning landlords lose roughly 30 to 35% of their gross rent to recurring expenses.
The expense category that most significantly reduces gross yield to net yield in Nouakchott is the combination of vacancy drag and property taxes applied to rental value, which together can consume 15 to 20% of annual rent.
The realistic range of net rental yields in Nouakchott runs from about 2.5% in premium areas with higher vacancy risk to around 5.8% in well-managed affordable properties with consistent occupancy.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Nouakchott.
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 Nouakchott in 2026?
A gross rental yield of around 7% or higher is generally considered "good" by local investors in Nouakchott, as this level meaningfully exceeds the citywide average and compensates for operational friction.
The threshold that typically separates average-performing properties from high-performing ones in Nouakchott is around 6.5% gross, with anything above 7% putting you in the top tier of the market.
How much do yields vary by neighborhood in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields in Nouakchott can vary by 3 to 5 percentage points across different neighborhoods, which is a substantial spread for a single city.
The neighborhoods that typically deliver the highest rental yields in Nouakchott are affordable districts with strong local demand, including Arafat, Riyadh, Dar Naim, and Teyarett, where gross yields often reach 6.5 to 9%.
The neighborhoods that typically deliver the lowest rental yields in Nouakchott are premium areas like Tevragh Zeina and the upscale pockets of Ksar, where high purchase prices compress gross yields to around 3.5 to 5.5%.
The main reason yields vary so dramatically across Nouakchott neighborhoods is that purchase prices in premium districts carry a status premium that rents simply do not match, while affordable areas offer lower entry costs relative to the rents they command.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Nouakchott.
How much do yields vary by property type in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields in Nouakchott range from about 3.5% for high-end villas to around 7.5% for well-located mid-market apartments and duplex-style units.
Mid-market apartments currently deliver the highest average gross rental yield in Nouakchott, typically falling between 5.5 and 7.5%, because their lower purchase prices translate well against achievable rents.
Villas and high-end standalone homes currently deliver the lowest average gross rental yield in Nouakchott, usually ranging from 3.5 to 5.5%, since their premium purchase prices outpace the rents they can command.
The key reason yields differ between property types in Nouakchott is that luxury finishes and larger footprints add more to purchase price than they do to monthly rent, making "clean, practical, well-located" properties the yield winners.
By the way, you might want to read the following:
What's the typical vacancy rate in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average residential vacancy rate in Nouakchott for stabilized long-term rentals is estimated at around 8%, which translates to roughly one month vacant per year.
Vacancy rates across Nouakchott neighborhoods range from about 5% in high-absorption affordable districts to around 12% or more in premium segments where tenant pools are thinner.
The main factor that currently drives vacancy rates in Nouakchott is whether a property offers reliable water and electricity access, as tenants strongly prefer units where basic services work consistently.
Compared to other emerging market capitals, Nouakchott's 8% average vacancy rate is fairly typical for cities with significant informal housing sectors and concentrated urban demand pressure.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Nouakchott.
What's the rent-to-price ratio in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent-to-price ratio in Nouakchott is estimated at around 0.48% per month, meaning monthly rent equals about half a percent of the property's purchase price.
A rent-to-price ratio of 0.50% or higher per month is generally considered favorable for buy-to-let investors in Nouakchott, as this translates directly to a gross annual yield of 6% or more.
Compared to other African capitals, Nouakchott's rent-to-price ratio of 0.48% per month sits in a moderate range, neither as compressed as major hub cities nor as high as some secondary markets.
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 Nouakchott give the best yields as of 2026?
Where are the highest-yield areas in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top highest-yield neighborhoods in Nouakchott are Arafat, Riyadh, and Dar Naim, all of which benefit from lower entry prices combined with steady local renter demand.
The estimated average gross rental yield range in these top-performing Nouakchott neighborhoods like Arafat, Riyadh, and Dar Naim runs from about 6.5% to 9%, depending on property condition and exact location.
The main characteristic these high-yield areas in Nouakchott share is that they serve working-class families and local professionals who need practical, affordable housing near job centers and markets.
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 Nouakchott.
Where are the lowest-yield areas in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the lowest-yield neighborhoods in Nouakchott are Tevragh Zeina and the premium pockets of Ksar, where high purchase prices significantly outpace rental income potential.
The estimated average gross rental yield range in these low-yield Nouakchott areas typically falls between 3.5% and 5.5%, which is well below the citywide average.
The main reason yields are compressed in Tevragh Zeina and premium Ksar is that these areas carry a status and expat-convenience premium in purchase prices that monthly rents simply cannot match.
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 Nouakchott.
Which areas have the lowest vacancy in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest residential vacancy rates in Nouakchott are Arafat, Riyadh, Dar Naim, and El Mina, where functional units priced correctly tend to fill quickly.
The estimated vacancy rate range in these low-vacancy Nouakchott neighborhoods runs from about 5% to 8%, which means properties typically sit empty for less than a month per year.
The main demand driver that keeps vacancy low in these Nouakchott areas is the large pool of local families and workers who need affordable housing near employment centers, markets, and public services.
The trade-off investors typically face when targeting these low-vacancy areas is that while occupancy stays high, individual rent levels are lower than in premium districts, so total rental income may be more modest.
Which areas have the most renter demand in Nouakchott right now?
The neighborhoods currently experiencing the strongest renter demand in Nouakchott are Riyadh, Arafat, and Dar Naim for local family housing, plus Tevragh Zeina and Ksar for institutional and expat renters.
The renter profile driving most of the demand in affordable Nouakchott districts like Riyadh and Arafat is local workforce families seeking practical, well-serviced housing at accessible price points.
In high-demand neighborhoods across Nouakchott, well-priced rental listings typically get filled within two to four weeks, especially when the unit has reliable water and electricity connections.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Nouakchott.
Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three development projects expected to boost rents in Nouakchott are the Nouakchott Coastline Development Project, World Bank urban resilience initiatives, and economic activity linked to the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim gas field.
The Nouakchott neighborhoods most likely to benefit from these projects include coastal-adjacent areas near the Coastline Development Project, plus working-class districts like Arafat and Dar Naim that house workers connected to gas-field economic activity.
Once these infrastructure and development projects are completed, investors might realistically expect rent increases of 5 to 15% in directly affected neighborhoods, though impacts will be uneven across the city.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Nouakchott here.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Nouakchott
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What property type should I buy for renting in Nouakchott as of 2026?
Between studios and larger units in Nouakchott, which performs best in 2026?
As of early 2026, smaller units like studios and one-bedroom apartments generally outperform larger units in Nouakchott in terms of rental yield, though larger family units often deliver more stable, longer-term tenancies.
The typical gross rental yield for studios in Nouakchott ranges from about 6 to 9% (roughly 2,400 to 3,600 MRU, or 60 to 90 USD, or 55 to 85 EUR per month per million MRU invested), while larger family units tend to yield 4.5 to 7%.
The main factor that explains why smaller units outperform in Nouakchott is that their lower purchase prices relative to achievable rents create a more favorable yield equation, plus they appeal to a larger pool of single workers and young professionals.
However, larger two- to three-room family units might be the better investment choice when targeting stable government employees or NGO workers in Nouakchott who prefer longer leases and are less price-sensitive.
What property types are in most demand in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most in-demand property type in Nouakchott is the simple, functional apartment that offers reliable water and electricity access at an accessible price point for local families.
The top three property types ranked by current tenant demand in Nouakchott are mid-market apartments, modest standalone houses suitable for families, and duplex-style homes when priced competitively.
The primary demographic trend driving this demand pattern in Nouakchott is the continued concentration of working families moving to the capital for employment, which creates steady absorption of practical housing stock.
High-end villas are currently underperforming in tenant demand and likely to remain so in Nouakchott, because the pool of renters who can afford premium properties is thin and expat turnover can create extended vacancies.
What unit size has the best yield per m² in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, units in the 35 to 70 square meter range tend to deliver the best gross rental yield per square meter in Nouakchott, as rent per square meter drops for larger properties.
The typical gross rental yield for this optimal unit size in Nouakchott works out to roughly 6 to 8% annually, which translates to about 250 to 400 MRU per square meter per month (6 to 10 USD, or 5.50 to 9.50 EUR) for well-located units.
The main reason larger units have lower yield per square meter in Nouakchott is that tenants are not willing to pay proportionally more rent for extra space, while smaller units are easier to keep occupied year-round.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable 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 costs cut my net yield in Nouakchott as of 2026?
What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated annual property tax for a typical rental apartment in Nouakchott is around 8% of annual rental value, which might work out to roughly 40,000 to 100,000 MRU (1,000 to 2,500 USD, or 920 to 2,300 EUR) depending on rent levels.
Other recurring local fees landlords must budget for in Nouakchott include property registration fees of about 2% of transaction value at purchase, plus any municipality-level charges that may apply.
These taxes and fees typically represent about 10 to 15% of gross rental income in Nouakchott, which is a meaningful bite out of yields that investors need to factor into their calculations.
By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in Nouakchott.
What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in Nouakchott right now?
The estimated annual landlord insurance cost for a typical rental property in Nouakchott is roughly 0.1 to 0.3% of property value, which might translate to about 15,000 to 50,000 MRU (375 to 1,250 USD, or 345 to 1,150 EUR) for a mid-range apartment.
The recommended annual maintenance and repair budget in Nouakchott is about 1.0 to 1.8% of property value, or roughly 8 to 12% of annual rental income, to cover routine upkeep and occasional larger repairs.
The type of repair expense that most commonly catches landlords off guard in Nouakchott is generator and air conditioning maintenance, plus water system issues when municipal supply is unreliable, which can add unexpected costs throughout the year.
The total combined annual cost landlords should realistically budget for insurance, maintenance, and repairs in Nouakchott is about 1.2 to 2.0% of property value, or roughly 50,000 to 150,000 MRU (1,250 to 3,750 USD, or 1,150 to 3,450 EUR) for a typical rental unit.
Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in Nouakchott right now?
In most long-term local rentals in Nouakchott, tenants pay electricity and water directly, but landlords often cover or bundle these costs in expat-style furnished rentals where reliability management is part of the service.
When landlords do cover utilities in Nouakchott, the estimated monthly cost runs from about 1,500 to 4,000 MRU for electricity (35 to 100 USD, or 32 to 92 EUR) and 200 to 600 MRU for water (5 to 15 USD, or 4.50 to 14 EUR), though water costs can spike during shortages.
What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated monthly property management fee for full-service management in Nouakchott runs from about 8 to 12% of monthly rent, which might translate to roughly 4,000 to 12,000 MRU (100 to 300 USD, or 92 to 275 EUR) for a typical mid-range rental.
The typical leasing or tenant-placement fee charged on top of ongoing management in Nouakchott is about 50 to 100% of one month's rent, depending on whether furnishing, screening, and contract handling are included in the service.
What's a realistic vacancy buffer in Nouakchott as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Nouakchott should set aside about 8% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, which translates to roughly one month of lost rent per year for a typical property.
The typical number of vacant weeks per year landlords experience in Nouakchott ranges from about 3 weeks in high-absorption affordable districts to 6 weeks or more in premium segments with thinner tenant pools.
Buying real estate in Nouakchott 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF) | It's a respected, long-running, Africa-wide housing finance reference used by practitioners and institutions. | We used it for ground-truth rent examples in Nouakchott and for property-market context on formal versus informal markets. We also relied on it for transaction fee references like registration costs. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries | PwC's country tax summaries are maintained by professional tax teams and are widely cited by investors and advisors. | We used it to estimate recurring property-related taxes landlords face, like the built property tax applied to rental value. We translated the tax language into what it means for net yield calculations. |
| Mauritania General Tax Code (CABRI) | It points to an official legal text via a recognized public finance platform used across Africa. | We used it as a legal backstop for what taxes actually exist in Mauritania. We relied on it to avoid depending on hearsay for the existence of relevant fees. |
| IMF Mauritania Country Page | The IMF is a primary international source for macroeconomic conditions and official program documents. | We used it to set the early-2026 macro backdrop, including inflation and growth environment that affects rents. We relied on it to justify small rent indexation from older observations to 2026. |
| World Bank/GFDRR Urban Resilience Project | World Bank group materials are institutionally vetted and publicly archived for transparency. | We used it to identify place-specific infrastructure drivers that can shift neighborhood desirability and rents. We referenced it for the upcoming projects section. |
| Arab Urban Development Institute | It's a regional urban-development institute documenting real, named urban projects across Arab countries. | We used it to ground upcoming projects in actual programs with location relevance. We tied this to micro-area rent uplift potential near coastal improvements. |
| UNHCR Urban Cases Factsheet | UN agencies' operational factsheets are among the most reliable sources for urban pressure and demand drivers. | We used it to support renter-demand pressure analysis and urban concentration patterns. We connected this to vacancy and absorption estimates in lower- to mid-market districts. |
| MIT Urban Upgrading Case Study | MIT's urban upgrading repository is academically maintained and widely referenced by development professionals. | We used it for long-run context on urban form and upgrading that affects where rental stock concentrates. We relied on it to explain why yields can diverge sharply by micro-area. |
| SOMELEC (National Electricity Utility) | It's the official utility website for electricity in Mauritania, publishing current tariff information. | We used it to source official tariff files landlords and tenants ultimately pay. We translated tariffs into typical monthly utilities ranges for budgeting net yield. |
| SNDE (National Water Utility) | It's the official entity responsible for potable water distribution in Mauritania. | We used it to anchor who sets water service and to avoid unverified third-party claims. We referenced it when discussing water constraints and billing responsibility. |
| Mauritania Data Portal (ANSADE) | It is attributed to the national statistics authority via a structured data portal used for policy analysis. | We used it as a sanity check for piped-water pricing in Nouakchott. We also used it to explain why water scarcity can raise effective costs beyond the nominal tariff. |
| Wise Currency Converter | Wise publishes live mid-market rate references and historical ranges clearly for currency conversion. | We used it to convert rent and price figures into USD equivalents for consistency. We relied on it to keep the yield math coherent when sources use different currency notations. |
| Numbeo Nouakchott Property Data | It's transparent about sample size and update dates, and widely used for directional triangulation. | We used it as a secondary triangulation dataset, especially where official market statistics are thin. We treated it as range guidance and reconciled it with CAHF rent levels before producing final estimates. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Nouakchott
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
Related blog posts