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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Senegal Property Pack
Buying property in Senegal can be a smart investment decision in 2025, especially in Dakar and the Petite Côte region.
The Senegalese real estate market offers attractive rental yields of 6-10% in prime areas, with property prices in Dakar averaging 1.1 million CFA per square meter for apartments. Foreign buyers face transaction costs of 16-20% but benefit from a relatively stable political environment and growing tourism infrastructure that drives property appreciation.
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.
Property prices in Dakar average 1.1 million CFA/m² for apartments, while Saly offers beachfront villas around 937,000 CFA/m².
Rental yields reach 6-10% in Dakar's premium areas, making it one of West Africa's strongest markets for property investment.
| Location | Average Price/m² | Rental Yield | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakar (Standard) | 1.1M CFA | 6-10% | Urban investment |
| Dakar (Luxury) | 3.5-5.5M CFA | 6-9% | Premium rentals |
| Saly/Petite Côte | 902K CFA | 5-8% | Tourism rentals |
| Saint-Louis | 700K CFA | 5-7% | Budget investment |
| Casamance | 600-800K CFA | 4-6% | Long-term growth |
What's the current average price per square meter in Dakar, the Petite Côte, and Casamance?
Property prices in Senegal vary significantly between regions, with Dakar commanding the highest rates as of September 2025.
In Dakar, standard apartments average 1,108,000-1,110,000 CFA per square meter (approximately $1,800+), while houses range from 593,000 to 926,000 CFA per square meter. Luxury coastal areas like Almadies fetch premium prices between 3.5 and 5.5 million CFA per square meter.
The Petite Côte region, particularly around Saly, offers more moderate pricing with median apartment prices at 902,000 CFA per square meter and villas around 937,000 CFA per square meter. This represents good value for beachfront properties compared to Dakar's urban premium.
Casamance remains the most affordable region, with residential properties estimated between 600,000 and 800,000 CFA per square meter. While precise recent data is limited for this southern region, it consistently prices below both Dakar and the Petite Côte.
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How have property prices in these areas changed over the past 5 years, and what's the short-term forecast?
Senegal's property market has experienced steady growth across all major regions over the past five years.
Dakar leads with 23% total price appreciation over five years, averaging 3-7% annually. The luxury segment performed particularly well with 20% growth, while standard residential properties increased 15-18%. This consistent growth reflects Dakar's role as West Africa's economic hub and growing expat population.
The Petite Côte and Saly have seen significant appreciation driven by tourism development and foreign investment interest. Annual growth has tracked national averages of 3-7%, but prime beachfront properties exceeded this due to limited supply and strong vacation rental demand.
Casamance experienced slower growth than Dakar and the Petite Côte, primarily due to less developed infrastructure. However, the region shows improvement as new development projects arrive and government investment in southern Senegal increases.
Short-term forecasts for 2025-2027 predict moderate continued price gains across all three zones, with areas near new infrastructure projects and high rental demand expected to outperform. Economic stability and growing tourism support this positive outlook.
What types of properties are selling the fastest right now?
The Senegalese property market shows clear preferences for specific property types as of September 2025.
Apartments and medium-sized villas near the coast or new hotel developments are selling fastest, particularly in Saly and Dakar. Strong tourist demand and expat buyer interest drive quick sales in these segments, often within 3-8 months in prime locations.
Properties targeting the vacation rental market perform exceptionally well, especially 2-4 bedroom villas with modern amenities in Saly and beachfront apartments in Dakar's Almadies district. These properties appeal to both local investors and international buyers seeking rental income.
Land plots remain in demand in outer Dakar and tourist growth corridors but take longer to sell unless exceptionally well-located. Raw land requires more due diligence and development planning, making it less attractive to casual investors.
Urban apartments in Dakar's business districts also move quickly due to steady demand from professionals and expats working for international organizations based in the capital.
How do rental yields compare across Dakar, Saly, and Saint-Louis for different property types?
| Location | Apartments (%) | Villas (%) | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakar | 6-10% | 6-9% | Highest yields in premium areas |
| Saly | 5-8% | 7-10% | Strong vacation rental market |
| Saint-Louis | 5-7% | 6-8% | Steady but modest demand |
| Almadies (Dakar) | 8-10% | 7-9% | Premium expat market |
| Ngor (Dakar) | 7-9% | 6-8% | Embassy and NGO clients |
| Casamance | 4-6% | 5-7% | Emerging market potential |
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What are the typical purchase costs beyond the property price, including taxes, fees, and legal charges?
Property acquisition costs in Senegal are substantial and buyers should budget accordingly.
Total transaction costs for buyers range from 16.75% to 20.5% of the property purchase price. This includes notary fees on a sliding scale from 0.75% to 4.5% depending on property value, land registry fees at 6%, and stamp duty at 10%.
Legal representation typically costs 1% to 3% of the purchase price, and buyers should never skip this expense given the complexity of Senegalese property law. Professional legal guidance helps avoid title disputes and ensures proper registration.
Sellers face their own costs of 5% to 8% for real estate agent commissions plus their own legal expenses. These costs are separate from buyer expenses and cannot be negotiated as part of the purchase price.
Additional costs may include property surveys, translation services for documents, and bank fees if using mortgage financing. Cash buyers can avoid some financing-related expenses but still face the full range of legal and administrative costs.
How liquid is the resale market, and what is the average time to resell a property by area and type?
Property liquidity in Senegal varies dramatically by location and property type as of September 2025.
Dakar offers the best liquidity, with apartments in desirable areas like Almadies and Plateau typically reselling within 3-8 months. Properties in less prime Dakar neighborhoods may take 9-14 months to find buyers, but the capital city maintains the most active resale market.
Saly and the Petite Côte show strong liquidity for tourism-focused properties, with well-located villas and apartments reselling within 6-12 months. Properties positioned for vacation rentals or expat buyers move faster than purely residential assets.
Saint-Louis and Casamance require more patience, with resale timelines often extending 12-24 months for non-prime assets. These markets have fewer active buyers and more limited financing options, making cash buyers essential for reasonable sale speeds.
Property condition, pricing strategy, and local market knowledge significantly impact resale times across all regions. Well-maintained properties priced appropriately for their market consistently outperform neglected or overpriced assets.
What financing options are available for foreigners and locals, and what are the average interest rates?
Financing options in Senegal remain limited but accessible for qualified buyers in 2025.
Senegalese banks offer mortgage financing to both local citizens and select foreign buyers, with interest rates averaging 8% to 10% annually. Foreign buyers face higher scrutiny, lower loan-to-value ratios, and must typically demonstrate local income sources or substantial assets.
Local buyers generally qualify for higher leverage, sometimes up to 80% loan-to-value ratios, while foreign buyers typically access maximum 60-70% financing. Banks require extensive documentation including proof of income, tax returns, and detailed property appraisals.
Cash purchases remain common due to documentation requirements and eligibility challenges for international buyers. Many investors prefer cash transactions to avoid complex approval processes and ensure faster closing timelines.
Alternative financing through developer payment plans exists for new construction projects, allowing buyers to spread payments over 12-24 months during construction phases. These arrangements often carry lower interest rates than traditional mortgages.
How does infrastructure development impact property values in each region?
Infrastructure improvements drive property value appreciation across all major Senegalese regions.
New road construction, airport expansions, and utility improvements in Dakar, Saly, and routes toward Casamance directly boost adjacent land and residential property prices. Properties near newly serviced beaches or major boulevards command premium pricing and rental rates.
Dakar's emerging commuter rail system and highway improvements create value appreciation in previously less accessible neighborhoods. Districts near major transport hubs experience faster price growth and stronger rental demand from professionals working in the city center.
The Petite Côte benefits from tourism infrastructure investments including beach access improvements and hotel development projects. These developments increase both short-term rental potential and long-term property appreciation for nearby residential properties.
Casamance infrastructure remains less developed but government investment in southern Senegal creates opportunities for early investors. New roads and utility connections transform previously isolated areas into viable investment locations.
It's something we develop in our Senegal property pack.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Senegal 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 are the main risks when buying property in Senegal today?
Property investment in Senegal carries several specific risks that buyers must understand and mitigate.
1. **Legal title disputes** represent the highest risk, especially for rural or undeveloped land plots. Complex inheritance laws and informal property transfers can create ownership conflicts years after purchase.2. **Bureaucratic delays** in property registration can extend transaction timelines and create uncertainty. Government offices may require multiple visits and extensive documentation to complete transfers.3. **Environmental flooding risks** affect low-lying neighborhoods in Dakar's outskirts and parts of Casamance during rainy seasons. These areas may face insurance challenges and resale difficulties.4. **Currency fluctuation** impacts foreign buyers using non-CFA currencies, potentially affecting both purchase costs and rental income when converted to home currencies.5. **Infrastructure dependency** means property values can decline if promised development projects face delays or cancellation, particularly in emerging areas banking on future improvements.Thorough due diligence including professional legal representation, title searches, and environmental assessments helps mitigate these risks significantly.
For someone buying to live, what areas offer the best balance of amenities, safety, and price?
Several Senegalese locations provide excellent living conditions for residents seeking comfort and value.
In Dakar, Sacré-Cœur, Point E, and Mermoz offer the best combination of amenities, international schools, safety, and reasonable pricing. These established neighborhoods provide modern infrastructure, shopping centers, restaurants, and reliable utilities while remaining more affordable than premium coastal areas.
Saly provides resort-style living with beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and a significant expat community. Central Saly offers the most amenities including international-standard healthcare and schools, while Somone provides quieter residential living with easy access to Saly's facilities.
Saint-Louis appeals to buyers seeking French colonial charm and essential services at lower cost than Dakar. The historic city offers cultural attractions, adequate healthcare, and educational facilities, though modern amenities remain more limited than in Dakar.
Each location serves different lifestyle preferences, from urban professionals (Dakar) to retirees and remote workers (Saly) to culture enthusiasts (Saint-Louis).
For someone buying to rent out, where are short-term rentals most profitable?
Short-term rental profitability in Senegal concentrates in specific high-demand areas as of September 2025.
Saly and the Petite Côte lead for vacation rental profits, with beachfront villas and well-appointed apartments achieving high occupancy rates during peak tourist seasons. Top properties earn up to $2,787 per month during peak periods, though median earnings are lower.
Dakar's Almadies, Ngor, and Plateau districts excel for expat and business traveler rentals, serving embassy staff, NGO workers, and corporate visitors on short-to-medium-term assignments. These areas command high rental rates with minimal vacancy periods due to consistent demand.
Properties near Dakar's international airport and business districts perform well for business travelers, while beachfront locations in Saly attract leisure tourists from Europe and neighboring African countries.
Success requires proper property management, reliable internet, modern amenities, and strategic pricing based on seasonal demand patterns. Professional rental management services help maximize occupancy and handle guest services.
If your goal is long-term appreciation, which regions and property types show the strongest growth potential?
Long-term property appreciation in Senegal will likely concentrate in infrastructure-driven and emerging tourism areas.
Dakar's emerging suburbs including Diamniadio and Rufisque offer the strongest long-term growth potential due to planned infrastructure development and urban expansion. Government investments in these areas will drive property appreciation over the next 5-10 years.
Saly and Somone continue benefiting from ongoing tourism projects and improving transport connections to Dakar. New hotel developments and beach improvements support sustained property value growth in these coastal areas.
Select Casamance coastal zones remain undervalued with significant upside potential for early investors. As infrastructure and tourism gradually develop, these areas could provide exceptional long-term returns, though timeline uncertainty requires patient capital.
Property types with strongest growth potential include well-located land suitable for development, modern apartments in emerging Dakar suburbs, and beachfront properties in established tourism zones with development restrictions that limit supply.
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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.
Buying property in Senegal can be rewarding for both investors and residents, but success requires thorough market understanding and proper professional guidance.
The combination of attractive rental yields, growing tourism infrastructure, and relative political stability makes Senegal one of West Africa's most promising property markets in 2025.