Buying real estate in Mozambique?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

Should you buy property in Maputo now?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mozambique Property Pack

property investment Maputo

Yes, the analysis of Maputo's property market is included in our pack

Maputo's property market is experiencing moderate growth with prices rising 5-8% annually, driven by infrastructure development and foreign investment.

Central apartments average $3,240-$3,500 per square meter while suburban properties in areas like Matola and Costa do Sol offer better value with stronger growth potential. The market faces challenges from high mortgage rates of 22-24%, making it predominantly cash-driven, but long-term prospects remain positive due to urbanization and infrastructure projects.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Mozambique, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created πŸ”ŽπŸ“

At TheAfricanVestor, we explore the Mozambican real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distanceβ€”we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Maputo, Matola, and Beira. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

photo of expert alexia vieira

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

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Alexia Vieira

Founder and President of Fundacion Khanimambo and Humbi Farm

Thanks to her extensive work across Mozambique, Alexia Vieira has developed a solid understanding of the real estate dynamics specific to Maputo, where urban development and social impact often intersect. Through her leadership in projects that involve infrastructure, education, and sustainable initiatives, she brings valuable insight into how investment can align with the city's evolving community needs.

What's the current average price per square meter for apartments, houses, and land in Maputo?

Central Maputo apartments currently cost $3,240–$3,500 per square meter as of September 2025.

Suburban apartments are significantly cheaper at approximately $1,735 per square meter (110,500 MT), with areas like Matola and Costa do Sol showing the strongest price momentum. Luxury properties command premium prices of $4,715+ per square meter (300,000+ MT), particularly in upscale neighborhoods like Polana Cimento and Sommerschield.

Land prices in prime Maputo locations range from MZN 2.5–6 million per 500-square-meter plot, equivalent to approximately $40,000–$96,000 total. Secondary areas like Matola and other emerging districts offer substantially lower land prices, making them attractive for development projects.

The price differential between central and suburban areas reflects infrastructure quality, proximity to business districts, and access to international amenities that expatriate buyers prioritize.

It's something we develop in our Mozambique property pack.

How have property prices in Maputo changed over the past 12 months, and what's the forecast for 2026-2028?

Maputo property prices have increased 5–8% over the past 12 months, with suburban areas like Matola and Costa do Sol experiencing stronger growth of 7–10%.

Central districts showed more moderate appreciation of 5–7%, while luxury segments in established neighborhoods like Polana Cimento and Sommerschield maintained steady 6–8% growth rates. The growth has been driven primarily by infrastructure improvements, including new road connections and shopping centers in emerging areas.

The forecast for 2026–2028 indicates continued moderate growth of 3–7% annually, with location-specific variations expected. Infrastructure projects, including major bridge and road developments, are likely to create new growth corridors that could see higher appreciation rates.

Economic factors including currency stability and foreign investment levels will significantly influence these projections, with the young, urbanizing population providing underlying demand support for the next decade.

Which neighborhoods show the fastest price growth, and which ones are stagnating?

Neighborhood Growth Rate (2025) Market Characteristics
Polana Cimento 6–8% Heritage area with modern amenities, very high expatriate demand
Baixa (Downtown) 5–7% Rapid transformation with startup/tech sector influx
Matola 5–7% Infrastructure boom attracting family buyers and investors
Costa do Sol 4–6% Premium beachfront location popular with expatriates
Sommerschield 4–6% International schools and embassy zone commanding premium
Zimpeto/Marracuene 4–5% Emerging budget-friendly areas with new development projects
Inner-City Districts <3% or stagnant Poor connectivity, limited utilities, or oversupply issues

What are the rental yields for different property types in central versus suburban areas?

Rental yields in central Maputo range from 4.4% to 7.3% for apartments, with the higher end achieved by well-located properties near business districts and expatriate amenities.

Villas in upscale and beachfront areas typically generate yields of 4.6–6.5%, with premium zones like Costa do Sol and Sommerschield commanding the highest returns. Central commercial units offer comparable yields of approximately 4–6%, though retail and office spaces are tightly held by institutional investors.

Suburban and coastal properties generally produce slightly lower yields due to higher vacancy risks and potential price stagnation in some districts. Areas with poor infrastructure connectivity or oversupply issues may struggle to achieve even 4% yields.

The rental market is strongly influenced by expatriate demand, with properties meeting international standards consistently outperforming local-standard accommodations in terms of both occupancy rates and rental premiums.

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investing in real estate in  Maputo

How long does it take to resell a property in Maputo, and how has this changed recently?

Prime central apartments in Maputo currently sell within 2–6 months, while suburban and secondary locations may require 6–12+ months or longer, especially in areas with oversupply.

Market liquidity has improved significantly in growth areas with active infrastructure projects, including Matola, Costa do Sol, and Baixa, where properties often sell faster than the market average. Conversely, liquidity has worsened in stagnant districts with poor connectivity or oversupplied apartment complexes.

The cash-driven nature of the market, with only 15–20% of transactions using bank loans, means that properties priced appropriately for cash buyers tend to move more quickly than those requiring financing.

Properties in neighborhoods with fewer than 12 months of inventory typically resell within the shorter timeframe, while areas with longer inventory cycles face extended marketing periods and potentially lower final sale prices.

What short-term risks could push values down, and what long-term drivers could push them up?

High mortgage rates of 20–24% represent the primary short-term risk, as they limit the buyer pool to cash purchasers and reduce affordability for middle-class Mozambicans.

Economic and currency volatility, along with inflation pressures and political uncertainties, could dampen price growth in the near term. Oversupply risk exists in certain districts following recent construction booms, particularly in secondary suburban locations with multiple new apartment complexes.

Long-term drivers include major infrastructure projects such as new bridges and road connections that will open growth corridors and improve connectivity. The young, urbanizing population creates fundamental demand that should increase over the next decade.

Foreign investment expansion, including regional headquarters establishments, mining sector growth, and NGO/government presence, provides sustained demand for premium properties. These factors support long-term appreciation potential despite short-term market challenges.

How is buyer demand split between locals, expatriates, and investors?

Local buyers dominate the affordable segments but face significant constraints from high interest rates and income levels relative to property prices.

Expatriates and foreign investors drive demand in premium areas including Polana, Sommerschield, Costa do Sol, and Baixa, focusing primarily on high-quality apartments, villas, and commercial units that meet international standards. This segment represents a disproportionate share of transaction value despite lower transaction volume.

Regional and international investors target well-located apartments, mixed-use properties, and land for development projects. Cash buyers in this category have significant leverage in negotiations due to the financing constraints facing other market participants.

The investor segment is particularly active in emerging growth areas where infrastructure improvements are planned or underway, seeking properties with development or value-add potential.

It's something we develop in our Mozambique property pack.

What financing options exist, and how do interest rates affect affordability?

Mortgages are available in Maputo, but interest rates are extremely high at 22–24% for prime borrowers and above 24% for general applicants.

Only 15–20% of property transactions use bank financing, making the market predominantly cash-driven. This creates a significant advantage for cash buyers, including expatriates, foreign investors, and wealthy local buyers who can negotiate better prices and faster closings.

Affordability is severely challenged by the combination of high property prices relative to local incomes and prohibitive interest rates. Most Mozambican buyers are effectively priced out of the formal mortgage market, limiting demand to cash transactions or alternative financing arrangements.

The financing constraints create market segmentation where premium properties accessible to cash buyers appreciate more consistently than mid-market properties dependent on local financing. This dynamic is expected to continue until interest rates decline substantially.

infographics rental yields citiesMaputo

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mozambique 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 much new housing supply is coming to market in 2026-2027?

Substantial new housing supply is planned for Matola, Costa do Sol, Zimpeto, and Marracuene, with several thousand new units projected for completion by 2027.

The development pipeline includes both affordable housing projects targeting local buyers and premium developments aimed at expatriate and investor markets. Government-supported housing initiatives represent a significant portion of the planned supply in suburban areas.

Oversupply risk is emerging in certain locations, particularly new apartment complexes in secondary suburbs where multiple projects are scheduled for simultaneous completion. This could create downward pressure on prices and rental rates in affected areas.

Central Maputo faces more limited new supply due to land constraints and higher development costs, which should support continued price appreciation in prime locations despite broader market supply increases.

Which budget ranges show the strongest buyer activity?

The strongest buyer activity occurs in the $80,000–$250,000 range, particularly for apartments and houses in central and emerging suburban areas.

This price range attracts both expatriate buyers seeking quality housing and investors looking for rental properties with solid yield potential. Properties in established neighborhoods within this budget typically sell faster and maintain better liquidity than higher-priced alternatives.

Oversaturation exists in the high-end luxury segment above $300,000, especially in secondary locations where premium pricing isn't supported by location advantages or amenities. Unfinished properties and those with government restrictions also face limited buyer interest.

Budget-conscious segments below $80,000 show activity but are constrained by financing limitations and quality concerns, with cash buyers having significant advantages in negotiations.

Which property types are most attractive for living, renting, and reselling?

Investment Goal Optimal Property Type Preferred Locations
Living (Expatriate) Apartments & Villas Costa do Sol, Sommerschield, Polana Cimento
Living (Local/Budget) Townhouses & Apartments Matola, Zimpeto, emerging suburbs
Rental Income Premium Apartments Central districts, Matola, Sommerschield
Rental Volume Mid-range Apartments Matola, accessible suburban areas
Quick Resale Apartments & Townhouses Growth corridors, infrastructure zones
Long-term Appreciation Land & Development Sites Emerging areas with infrastructure plans
Commercial Investment Office & Retail Spaces Baixa CBD, prime commercial districts

Where should you focus your investment based on your goals?

For living purposes, focus on Costa do Sol, Sommerschield, or Polana Cimento with budgets of $120,000–$250,000 for secure apartments, townhouses, or villas that offer international-standard amenities and security.

For rental income generation, target premium central apartments yielding 5–7% or consider Matola properties for volume-based rental strategies with steady tenant demand from local professionals and expatriate workers.

For resale-focused investments, concentrate on up-and-coming zones with infrastructure development including Matola, Baixa, and Zimpeto, while avoiding oversupplied districts. Focus specifically on areas with fewer than 12 months of inventory turnover.

Cash buyers should leverage their advantage in negotiations, particularly in growth corridors where infrastructure improvements are creating value appreciation opportunities. Consider mixed-use properties or development sites in areas with confirmed infrastructure projects.

It's something we develop in our Mozambique 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.

Sources

  1. TheAfricanVestor - Maputo Property Market Analysis
  2. TheAfricanVestor - Maputo Price Forecasts
  3. EstimationQS - Building Costs in Mozambique
  4. Real Estate Market Cap - Maputo Analysis
  5. TheAfricanVestor - Mozambique Price Forecasts
  6. Numbeo - Property Investment in Maputo
  7. TheAfricanVestor - Mozambique Real Estate Trends
  8. Statista - Commercial Real Estate Mozambique