Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Senegal Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Senegal Property Pack
Buying property in Senegal requires navigating a complex legal framework with specific requirements for foreigners and detailed documentation processes.
The purchase process involves multiple government authorities, mandatory notary involvement, and substantial fees that can reach up to 15% of the property value when including all taxes and registration costs.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Senegal, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Foreigners can legally purchase freehold and leasehold properties in Senegal, with registration fees of 10% and notary costs of 1-2% of the property value.
The process requires government approval for certain purchases, mandatory notary involvement, and registration with the land registry to ensure legal ownership.
| Purchase Stage | Required Authorities | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence | Lawyer, Notary, Land Registry | Legal fees: 1-2% of value |
| Promise of Sale | Notary | Deposit: 10-20% of price |
| Government Approval | Ministry of Economy/Finance | Processing fees vary |
| Property Registration | Land Registry, Tax Office | Registration: 10% of value |
| Notarization | Licensed Notary | Notary fees: 1-2% of value |
| Title Transfer | Land Registry | Stamp duty: 2-3% additional |
| Annual Obligations | Tax Authority | Property tax: 5% of rental value |
What types of properties can foreigners legally buy in Senegal?
Foreigners in Senegal can legally purchase three main types of properties: private titled freehold properties, leasehold land, and certain government concessions.
Freehold properties offer the strongest ownership rights and are most common in urban areas like Dakar, Thiès, and Saint-Louis. These properties come with full ownership rights that can be passed down to heirs or sold freely. Leasehold properties involve long-term rental agreements, typically 50 to 99 years, where you own the building but lease the land from the government or private owners.
Government concessions are special arrangements for specific development projects, often in designated economic zones or tourism areas. As of September 2025, foreigners may need approval from the Ministry of Interior for certain purchases, particularly for properties exceeding specific value thresholds or located in strategic zones.
Coastal properties and areas near military installations require special permits and may be restricted for foreign ownership. Agricultural land purchases by foreigners face additional scrutiny and may require local partnerships or specific permits from agricultural authorities.
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How do I check that the property has a clear land title or proper ownership documents?
Verifying clear title requires examining the original title deed, requesting a recent extract from the land registry, and conducting a comprehensive chain of ownership review.
Start by demanding to see the original title deed (titre foncier) and compare all details with the seller's identity documents. The names, property boundaries, and registration numbers must match exactly. Request a certified extract from the land registry (extrait du livre foncier) dated within the last 30 days to confirm current ownership status.
Check for any mortgages, liens, legal disputes, or encumbrances listed on the property. Review the complete ownership history to identify any gaps or suspicious transfers. Verify that all property taxes have been paid up to date by examining tax receipts from the past three years.
Hire a qualified Senegalese lawyer or licensed notary to conduct thorough due diligence. They should verify the authenticity of documents, check court records for ongoing disputes, and confirm the property's legal status with relevant authorities. This professional verification typically costs 1-2% of the property value but prevents costly legal problems later.
What government offices or authorities are involved in approving the sale?
Four main government authorities oversee property sales in Senegal: the Ministry of Urban Planning, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Land Registry, and APIX for special properties.
| Authority | Role in Sale Process | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Urban Planning | Development permits, zoning approvals | All urban property transactions |
| Ministry of Economy and Finance | Transfer approvals for high-value sales | Sales over 50 million CFA francs |
| Land Registry (Conservation des Hypothèques) | Ownership records, sale registration | All property transactions |
| APIX (Investment Promotion Agency) | Government property sales, concessions | Special economic zones, government land |
| Tax Office (Centre des Impôts) | Tax clearances, stamp duties | All transactions |
| Municipal Authorities | Local permits, urban planning compliance | City-specific requirements |
| Ministry of Interior | Foreign buyer approvals | Certain foreign purchases |
What are the exact steps from signing the promise of sale to registering the deed?
The property purchase process in Senegal follows eight mandatory steps that typically take 45 to 90 days to complete from promise of sale to final registration.
First, conduct thorough due diligence with your lawyer to verify all property documents and ownership status. Second, negotiate the final price and sign a promise of sale (compromis de vente) with a deposit of 10-20% of the purchase price held by the notary. Third, have the notary draft and review the formal sale contract with all legal requirements.
Fourth, obtain government approval from the Ministry of Economy and Finance if your purchase exceeds the required threshold or involves restricted zones. Fifth, register the pending sale with the local tax office and pay applicable stamp duties. Sixth, pay all required taxes and fees, including the 10% registration fee.
Seventh, complete the final signing of the notarized deed with all parties present and funds transferred through the notary. Eighth, the notary submits all documents to the land registry for official registration and title transfer to your name. You receive the final notarized deed and updated land registry extract as proof of ownership.
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How do I verify that the seller is the rightful owner before paying anything?
Verify the seller's ownership by matching their identity documents exactly with the property title deed and confirming their legal capacity to sell the property.
Demand to see the seller's national identity card or passport and compare every detail with the names on the title deed. Any discrepancies in spelling, names, or identification numbers require legal clarification before proceeding. Check that the seller has legal capacity to sell—they must be of legal age, mentally competent, and not under any legal restrictions.
Request a fresh land registry extract showing the current owner and verify no other parties have claims on the property. Review recent property tax payments to confirm the seller has been maintaining financial obligations. Check if the property is part of a matrimonial regime that requires spousal consent for sale.
Have your lawyer conduct a comprehensive background check including court records for any pending legal cases involving the seller or property. Verify the seller's address and contact information independently. Never make any payments until your legal representative confirms the seller's rightful ownership and legal authority to complete the sale.
What fees, taxes, and notary costs should I expect to pay during the process?
Expect total transaction costs between 13-17% of the property value, including registration fees, notary costs, taxes, and professional services.
| Cost Category | Percentage of Property Value | Payment Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 10% of property value | Before deed registration |
| Notary Fees | 1-2% of sale price | At contract signing |
| Stamp Duty | 2-3% additional costs | Various stages |
| Legal/Due Diligence | 1-2% of value | During verification phase |
| Survey and Inspection | 0.5-1% of value | Before promise of sale |
| Translation Services | Fixed fees (200,000-500,000 CFA) | Document preparation |
| Annual Property Tax | 5% of estimated rental value | Ongoing yearly obligation |
How does the payment process work — do I pay through a notary, bank transfer, or directly to the seller?
All payments must be processed through a licensed notary who acts as an escrow agent, holding funds until the title transfer is completed and registered.
The notary opens a special client account (compte de tiers) where your purchase funds are securely held until all legal requirements are satisfied. You transfer the full purchase amount to this notary account via bank wire transfer, typically from an international bank account or local Senegalese bank account opened specifically for the transaction.
The notary releases funds to the seller only after confirming that: the title deed has been properly transferred, all government approvals are obtained, property registration is complete, and all taxes and fees have been paid. This process typically takes 15-30 days after signing the final contract.
Never pay sellers directly or use cash transactions, as these methods provide no legal protection and may violate Senegalese financial regulations. Bank transfers through the notary create an official paper trail and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering requirements. The notary provides detailed receipts for all transactions and maintains records required by law.
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What role does the notary play, and how do I choose a trustworthy one?
The notary serves as the central legal authority managing your property transaction, handling document verification, fund management, government liaison, and legal compliance throughout the purchase process.
Notaries in Senegal are government-appointed legal professionals with exclusive authority to authenticate property transactions, prepare official contracts, collect taxes and fees, register sales with government authorities, and maintain transaction records. They act as neutral parties protecting both buyer and seller interests while ensuring legal compliance.
Choose a notary licensed by the Senegalese Ministry of Justice and verify their credentials through the Chambre des Notaires du Sénégal. Research their reputation by requesting references from recent clients, checking online reviews, and consulting with local legal professionals or real estate agents. Experienced notaries specializing in international transactions are preferable for foreign buyers.
Interview potential notaries about their experience with foreign buyers, language capabilities (French and English), fee structures, and timeline estimates. Ensure they carry professional liability insurance and maintain proper client fund management systems. Avoid notaries who pressure you to rush decisions or seem reluctant to explain procedures clearly.
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How do I register the property with the land registry to make sure it's officially mine?
Property registration occurs through the Conservation des Hypothèques (Land Registry Office) where your notary submits all required documents for official ownership transfer and issues your certificate of ownership.
Your notary prepares the registration dossier including the signed and notarized deed of sale, proof of payment for all taxes and fees, updated land survey if required, seller's clearance certificates, and foreign buyer approval documents if applicable. The notary submits this complete package to the appropriate regional land registry office.
The land registry reviews all documents, verifies legal compliance, updates ownership records, and issues a new certificate of ownership (certificat de propriété) in your name. This process typically takes 15-45 days depending on the complexity of the transaction and local office workload.
Once registration is complete, you receive the official title certificate, updated land registry extract showing your ownership, and certified copies of all transaction documents. Keep these documents in a secure location as they serve as your legal proof of ownership. The notary also provides you with copies of all registration receipts and confirmation of successful completion.
What common mistakes do buyers make when checking land titles in Senegal?
The most frequent buyer mistakes include failing to verify title authenticity, not checking property boundaries against official surveys, and overlooking debts or legal disputes attached to the property.
Many buyers accept photocopies of title deeds without seeing originals or requesting recent land registry extracts. This leads to purchasing properties with forged documents or outdated ownership information. Always demand original documents and verify them directly with the land registry office.
Buyers often ignore boundary disputes or assume property boundaries match what sellers show them. Survey discrepancies can result in losing portions of purchased land or facing neighbor disputes. Commission a professional land survey and compare it with official registry maps before signing any agreements.
Another critical mistake is not checking for existing mortgages, tax liens, or legal judgments against the property. These debts transfer to new owners if not cleared before sale. Review the complete legal history and ensure all obligations are satisfied as part of the purchase process.
Buyers frequently skip verification of planning permissions and building compliance, leading to demolition orders or renovation restrictions. Check that all structures comply with local building codes and have proper construction permits.
What are the most frequent scams or fraud risks in the purchase process?
Common property scams in Senegal include forged title documents, sellers without legal ownership, properties with unresolved disputes, and fake real estate agents pushing incomplete transactions.
- Forged title documents: Criminals create fake title deeds and land registry extracts to sell properties they don't own. Always verify documents directly with government offices.
- Multiple sales: Unscrupulous sellers sign agreements with several buyers for the same property, collecting multiple deposits. Only work with licensed notaries who verify exclusive selling rights.
- Properties in legal disputes: Sellers hide ongoing court cases or family inheritance disputes that could invalidate the sale. Conduct thorough legal background checks.
- Unlicensed agents: Fake real estate agents collect fees and deposits without legitimate property access. Verify agent licenses with local real estate associations.
- Overpriced rural land: Scammers target foreigners with rural plots at inflated urban prices. Research comparable property values in the specific area.
Protect yourself by never paying cash, avoiding deals that seem too good to be true, working only with licensed professionals, conducting independent property valuations, and maintaining detailed documentation of all interactions.
How do I protect myself legally if a dispute arises after buying the property?
Legal protection after purchase requires maintaining complete transaction documentation, ensuring proper property registration, and having access to qualified legal representation familiar with Senegalese property law.
Keep original copies of all transaction documents including the notarized deed, land registry certificates, payment receipts, tax clearances, and correspondence with all parties involved. Store these documents in multiple secure locations including digital copies in cloud storage accessible from anywhere.
Ensure your ownership is properly registered with the land registry and obtain title insurance if available through your notary or legal representative. This protects against future ownership challenges or administrative errors in the registration process.
If disputes arise, immediately contact your transaction notary and hire a qualified litigation lawyer experienced in Senegalese property disputes. File any necessary claims with local courts within the required time limits, typically 30 days for urgent matters. Properly registered ownership and notarized contracts provide strong legal protection against most challenges.
Consider mediation through local chambers of commerce or real estate associations before pursuing lengthy court proceedings. Many property disputes can be resolved more quickly and cost-effectively through professional mediation services.
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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.
Successfully purchasing property in Senegal requires careful attention to legal procedures, government approvals, and professional guidance throughout the transaction process.
The combination of high transaction costs, complex bureaucracy, and potential fraud risks makes professional legal and notary services essential for foreign buyers seeking secure property ownership in Senegal.
Sources
- TheAfricanVestor - Buy Land Senegal
- ExpatExchange - Foreign Property Ownership Senegal
- Generis Online - Land Acquisition Guide Senegal
- Loger Dakar - Buying Real Estate Senegal
- Lodha Group - Property Ownership Verification
- KPMG - Senegal Tax Guide
- ICTD - Property Tax Valuation Dakar
- Lloyds Bank Trade - Senegal Taxes