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Nouakchott's property market shows significant growth potential with city center prices averaging $3,428 per square meter as of September 2025.
The Mauritanian capital has experienced a remarkable 143% price increase over five years, with premium neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar leading the charge while peripheral areas face stagnation or decline.
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.
Nouakchott's property market offers solid investment opportunities with 5-7% rental yields and steady price appreciation, particularly in central neighborhoods like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar.
Entry budgets range from $15,000 for peripheral apartments to $200,000+ for premium villas, with the best positioning found in coastal and infrastructure-rich areas.
| Property Aspect | City Center | Fast Growth Areas | Peripheral Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Price per m² | $3,428 | $3,600+ (Tevragh-Zeina) | $1,157 |
| Studio Apartment | $50,000 | $55,000 | $15,000-25,000 |
| Premium Villa | $200,000 | $210,000+ | $100,000 |
| Rental Yield | 6-7% | 5-7% | 3-5% |
| Time to Sell | 1-2 months | 1-3 months | 3+ months |
| 5-Year Growth Outlook | 15-25% | 20-30% | 5-10% |
| Investment Risk | Low-Medium | Medium | High |
What's the current average price per square meter in Nouakchott, and how has it changed over the past 3 to 5 years?
As of September 2025, Nouakchott's property prices show dramatic growth across different zones.
City center properties now average 135,647 MRU per square meter, equivalent to approximately $3,428 USD per square meter. This represents the premium end of the market where infrastructure, services, and amenities are most developed.
Peripheral areas command significantly lower prices at 45,807 MRU per square meter ($1,157 USD per square meter), reflecting the infrastructure gap and distance from central services. The citywide market has experienced extraordinary growth over the past five years, with a nominal increase of 143% since 2020.
The most recent annual growth rate for 2024-25 stands at approximately 5% across most property segments, indicating a moderating but still positive trend after the rapid appreciation of previous years.
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Which neighborhoods are seeing the fastest price growth, and which ones are stagnating or declining?
Tevragh-Zeina leads Nouakchott's price appreciation as the city's most prestigious district.
The fastest-growing neighborhoods include Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, Nouakchott Nord, and Teyarett, all benefiting from upscale development projects, infrastructure improvements, and strategic coastal proximity. These areas attract both local affluent buyers and international investors seeking premium properties.
Tevragh-Zeina specifically commands prices up to $3,600 per square meter for high-end apartments, while Ksar offers a balance of growth potential and relative affordability. Nouakchott Nord benefits from new development projects and improved connectivity to the city center.
Conversely, peripheral districts face challenges with oversupply and limited infrastructure development. These outlying areas, particularly newer developments without established services, experience price stagnation or slight declines as demand concentrates in more developed zones.
The disparity reflects Nouakchott's uneven development pattern, where investment flows toward established areas with proven infrastructure rather than speculative peripheral projects.
What's the difference in price and demand between apartments, villas, and land plots?
| Property Type | Price Range (USD) | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Villas (Tevragh-Zeina) | $200,000+ | High (expatriates & affluent locals) |
| High-end Apartments (City Center) | $3,600/m² | Strong (rental & owner-occupier) |
| Studio Apartments (Arafat) | $50,000 | Moderate (young professionals) |
| Land Plots (Premium Areas) | $95-100/m² | Slow (development-focused) |
| Peripheral Apartments | $15,000-25,000 | Limited (price-sensitive buyers) |
| Peripheral Land | $30-50/m² | Very Low (speculative only) |
| 1-Bedroom Apartments (Center) | $100,000 | Good (rental market) |
How do rental yields compare across different property types and areas?
Nouakchott's rental market generates yields between 5% and 7% annually in prime and regenerating districts.
City center apartments and villas achieve the upper end of this range at 6-7%, benefiting from strong demand from expatriate workers, government employees, and affluent locals. These properties maintain consistent occupancy rates due to their proximity to business districts, embassies, and quality amenities.
Prime and regenerating districts typically yield 5-7%, with newer developments in growth areas like Teyarett showing strong potential as infrastructure improvements attract more tenants. Mid-range apartments in established neighborhoods provide stable returns around 5-6%.
Peripheral areas and land plots yield considerably less, often below 5%, due to weaker rental demand and longer vacancy periods. Land plots specifically generate minimal rental income unless developed, making them unsuitable for yield-focused investors.
The strongest rental performance comes from furnished apartments in central locations, which can command premium rents from short-term corporate tenants and international workers.
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What are the short-term, medium-term, and long-term prospects for price appreciation?
Short-term prospects (1-2 years) indicate continued moderate growth at 3-7% annually.
The strongest appreciation will concentrate in city center and coastal areas, where infrastructure projects and limited supply support price growth. Peripheral areas may experience flat or minimal growth during this period as the market consolidates around quality locations.
Medium-term outlook (3-5 years) suggests steady appreciation totaling 15-25% as major infrastructure projects reach completion. The coastal development initiatives and improved connectivity will particularly benefit northern districts and waterfront areas, creating new premium zones.
Long-term projections (10+ years) favor central and coastal properties significantly outperforming the broader market. National urbanization trends continue supporting demand for quality housing in Nouakchott as the country's economic center, while climate considerations may enhance the value of well-planned coastal developments.
Economic diversification efforts and potential resource development could accelerate these trends, though political stability and infrastructure development remain key factors for sustained long-term growth.
How quickly do properties typically sell, and how does this impact resale liquidity?
Property liquidity varies dramatically by location and price point across Nouakchott.
City center properties and premium neighborhoods typically sell within 1-2 months due to concentrated demand from both local and international buyers. These areas benefit from established buyer networks and clear value propositions that attract serious purchasers quickly.
Fast-growing areas like Tevragh-Zeina and coastal developments see sales completed within 1-3 months, particularly for well-priced properties that align with market expectations. The presence of expatriate communities and business development creates consistent buyer interest.
Peripheral zones face significantly longer sales cycles, often exceeding 3 months due to weaker demand fundamentals. Limited infrastructure, financing challenges, and buyer preferences for central locations create liquidity constraints that can extend to 6+ months for overpriced properties.
This liquidity gap has important implications for investors prioritizing exit flexibility, as central properties offer significantly better resale options during market downturns or personal financial needs.
What's the average cost of ownership beyond the purchase price?
Property ownership costs in Nouakchott range from 6-15% of the property value in initial transaction costs.
1. **Transaction Costs (6-15% of property value)** - Legal fees and documentation - Registration and transfer taxes - Agent commissions where applicable - Due diligence and survey costs - Notary fees for property transfer2. **Ongoing Tax Obligations** - VAT at 10% on new properties - Annual local property taxes - Capital gains tax on resale - Rental income tax for investors3. **Maintenance and Utilities** - Regular property maintenance (moderate regional costs) - Utilities including electricity, water, internet - Security services in premium areas - Building management fees for apartments4. **Insurance and Services** - Property insurance coverage - Professional property management (if renting)It's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
How safe and stable are the main neighborhoods in terms of infrastructure, political environment, and future development?
Central areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar offer the highest stability and security levels in Nouakchott.
These established neighborhoods benefit from reliable infrastructure including consistent electricity supply, water systems, and paved roads. Government attention focuses on these areas for upgrades and maintenance, creating a positive feedback loop of continued improvement and investment attraction.
Security infrastructure is most developed in central districts, with better street lighting, police presence, and private security services. Access to amenities including healthcare, education, and commercial services reduces daily living risks and complications.
Peripheral neighborhoods face significant challenges with basic infrastructure gaps, irregular utility supply, and higher safety risks due to limited public services. Environmental hazards including flooding during rainy seasons pose additional risks in some outlying areas.
Major coastal and mobility investment projects currently underway will particularly benefit central and northern districts, supporting future appreciation and stability. Government development priorities clearly favor established areas over peripheral expansion, suggesting continued divergence in infrastructure quality and property values.
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.
How do central area properties compare with suburban ones for value retention and growth potential?
Central properties demonstrate superior value retention and growth prospects compared to suburban alternatives.
Infrastructure concentration in central areas creates sustainable competitive advantages through reliable utilities, transportation access, and proximity to employment centers. These factors maintain demand during economic downturns and support recovery during growth periods.
Service accessibility in central locations reduces living costs and complications for residents, making these properties attractive to a broader range of potential buyers and tenants. Educational facilities, healthcare, and commercial services concentrate in central districts, creating lasting demand drivers.
Suburban properties in peripheral zones face higher risk of slow appreciation and potential value stagnation due to oversupply conditions and infrastructure lag. Limited public transport and service access restricts their appeal to price-sensitive buyers only, creating narrow demand bases.
The development pattern in Nouakchott favors density and central improvement over suburban expansion, suggesting continued divergence between central and peripheral property performance over time. Government investment priorities reinforce this trend through infrastructure spending focused on established areas rather than suburban development.
What's the minimum realistic budget needed to enter each market segment?
Entry budgets vary significantly across Nouakchott's property segments and locations.
The most affordable entry point requires $15,000-25,000 for studio or small apartments in peripheral areas, suitable for first-time buyers or those seeking basic accommodation. These properties offer limited appreciation potential but provide homeownership access at minimal cost.
Mid-range entry budgets of $40,000-50,000 enable purchase of studio apartments in central areas or larger apartments in peripheral locations. City center studios around $50,000 offer better long-term prospects despite higher initial costs.
Quality apartment purchases require $100,000+ for 1-bedroom units in desirable central locations, providing good rental potential and appreciation prospects. This segment offers the best balance of affordability and investment quality for most buyers.
Premium segments begin around $200,000 for luxury villas in areas like Tevragh-Zeina, targeting affluent buyers seeking top-tier properties with maximum appreciation potential. Land plots require $95-100 per square meter in prime areas, though development costs add significantly to total investment.
Financing availability and terms significantly impact effective entry budgets, as cash purchases often receive better pricing and faster transaction completion in the local market.
If your goal is to live there, what areas offer the best balance of affordability, safety, and amenities?
Ksar and Teyarett emerge as the optimal balanced districts for residential living in Nouakchott.
Ksar provides established infrastructure and improving amenities without the ultra-premium pricing of city center hotspots like Tevragh-Zeina. The neighborhood offers moderate safety levels, reasonable property prices, and access to essential services including schools, healthcare, and shopping.
Teyarett represents an emerging opportunity with ongoing development projects improving infrastructure and services. Property prices remain affordable relative to established premium areas, while safety conditions improve as development progresses and more families move to the area.
Both districts benefit from government attention to infrastructure improvements and have established communities providing social support networks for new residents. Transportation links to central employment areas remain reasonable, while local commercial development provides daily necessities.
These neighborhoods suit families and professionals seeking stability and convenience without paying premium prices, offering good prospects for both lifestyle quality and property value appreciation over time.
If your goal is investment return, which areas and property types offer the best positioning for future profitability?
Central apartments and villas in Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, and coastal development areas offer the strongest investment positioning.
1. **Premium Apartments in Tevragh-Zeina** - Highest rental yields (6-7%) - Strong expatriate demand - Excellent resale liquidity - Infrastructure advantages - Limited new supply2. **Coastal Development Properties** - Benefiting from major infrastructure investments - Growing international interest - Tourism potential adding value - Environmental advantages - Government development priority3. **Mixed-use Properties in Core Areas** - Multiple income streams potential - Both local and foreign demand - Commercial rent premiums - Development flexibility - Long-term urban densification trends4. **Quality Villas in Growth Corridors** - High-income tenant target - Appreciation potential from infrastructure - Limited quality supply - Expatriate community demand5. **Avoid Speculative Land Holdings** - Slow appreciation outside growth areas - Liquidity challenges - Carrying costs without income - Regulatory uncertaintiesIt's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
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.
Nouakchott's property market offers compelling opportunities for both residents and investors, with central areas demonstrating strong fundamentals and growth potential.
Success requires focusing on established neighborhoods with proven infrastructure, avoiding speculative peripheral developments, and matching property choices to specific goals whether for living or investment returns.
Sources
- The African Vestor - Nouakchott Price Forecasts
- Sands of Wealth - Algiers Property Analysis
- The African Vestor - Mauritania Price Forecasts
- CRN Mauritania - Mobility and Transport Project Summary
- The African Vestor - Moving to Mauritania Property Guide
- GHA Mauritania - Fiscal Guide 2025
- Exiap - Cost of Living in Mauritania
- Arab Urban Development Institute - Nouakchott Projects