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Yes, the analysis of Nouakchott's property market is included in our pack
Nouakchott's property market presents a complex investment landscape in September 2025.
Property prices are rising modestly with city center apartments averaging 135,647 MRU per square meter, while rental yields remain relatively low at 1.8-3.2% depending on location. The market offers opportunities in prime areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar, but faces liquidity challenges and high financing costs that favor cash buyers.
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Nouakchott's property market shows steady but modest growth with apartment prices averaging $3,428 per square meter in the city center and rental yields ranging from 1.8% to 3.2%.
Prime areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar offer the best investment potential, while peripheral areas face risks of stagnation due to oversupply and limited liquidity.
| Market Aspect | Current Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| City Center Apartments | 135,647 MRU/m² ($3,428 USD) | Good for personal use, low rental yields |
| Peripheral Apartments | 45,807 MRU/m² ($1,157 USD) | Higher rental yields but liquidity risks |
| Premium Villas | ~$200,000 USD | Best appreciation potential in Tevragh-Zeina |
| Land Plots | ~$100 USD/m² | Development opportunities with proper permits |
| Annual Growth | 5% in 2024, moderating | Expect 3-7% through 2028 |
| Rental Yields | 1.8% city center, 3.2% periphery | Focus on high-demand areas |
| Market Liquidity | 2-4 months prime areas, 6+ months elsewhere | Cash buyers preferred |
What are current property prices in Nouakchott for apartments, houses, and land?
As of September 2025, Nouakchott's property prices show clear distinctions between central and peripheral locations.
City center apartments command 135,647 MRU per square meter (approximately $3,428 USD), making them significantly more expensive than peripheral areas where prices drop to 45,807 MRU per square meter ($1,157 USD).
Premium villas, particularly in sought-after Tevragh-Zeina district, typically sell for around $200,000 USD, while development land plots are priced at approximately $100 USD per square meter. These prices reflect the growing demand for quality housing in established neighborhoods with better infrastructure.
Rental rates show similar patterns, with one-bedroom city center apartments renting for 8,981-9,023 MRU monthly ($230 USD), compared to 6,446-6,477 MRU ($164 USD) in peripheral areas.
Three-bedroom city center properties command around 24,995 MRU monthly ($635 USD), reflecting the premium placed on central locations.
How have property prices changed over the past 1-3 years, and what is the trend for the next 1-3 years?
Nouakchott's property market has experienced substantial growth over recent years, with prices increasing by 143% since 2020.
The annual growth rate reached 5% in 2024, though this pace is moderating slightly in 2025 as the market adjusts to higher price levels and economic conditions.
Market forecasts for 2026-2028 predict continued growth at a more sustainable pace of 3-7% annually, with prime areas like Tevragh-Zeina and coastal developments expected to outperform peripheral locations. Oversupplied districts may experience stagnation or even minor price drops during this period.
The moderation in growth reflects broader economic factors including inflation concerns and limited financing accessibility, which naturally caps demand at current elevated price levels.
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What is the rental yield right now across different neighborhoods and property types?
Rental yields in Nouakchott vary significantly by location, ranging from 1.8% in the city center to 3.2% in peripheral neighborhoods.
The city center's lower yield of 1.8% reflects high property purchase prices relative to rental income, making it more suitable for personal use rather than pure investment returns.
Peripheral areas in districts like Ksar, Dar Naim, and Arafat offer better yields up to 3.2%, though these come with higher vacancy risks and longer selling times. Luxury zones and Tevragh-Zeina command premium rents from expatriate and professional tenants, often achieving yields at the higher end of the range.
These yields are relatively modest compared to regional benchmarks, reflecting Nouakchott's limited rental market depth and high property acquisition costs.
Investors seeking higher returns should focus on areas with strong professional and expatriate demand rather than purely residential neighborhoods.
Which areas of Nouakchott are seeing the strongest demand for buyers and renters?
Tevragh-Zeina leads demand due to its concentration of business centers, superior infrastructure, and high rental returns potential.
| Area | Buyer Demand | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Tevragh-Zeina | Very High | Business centers, infrastructure, expatriate housing |
| Ksar | High | Fast appreciation, young families, investment potential |
| Coastal Developments | Growing | Tourism boom, luxury residential projects |
| Dar Naim | Moderate | Affordable land, urban expansion zone |
| Arafat | Moderate | Development opportunities, lower entry costs |
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What are the risks of price drops in the short term versus the long term?
Short-term risks focus primarily on peripheral and oversupplied districts where stagnation or minor price declines are possible.
These areas face challenges from high unemployment rates, inflation pressures, and limited buyer demand, making them vulnerable to market corrections over the next 1-2 years.
Long-term risks are more contained, with prime and coastal areas showing resilience due to sustained infrastructure development and population growth. However, broader market risks include potential commodity price shocks affecting Mauritania's economy and ongoing issues with opaque land title processes.
Prime locations like Tevragh-Zeina and well-established coastal developments face minimal long-term downside risk due to their fundamental demand drivers.
Investors should be particularly cautious about peripheral areas with significant new supply coming to market without corresponding demand growth.
How liquid is the market—how long does it typically take to sell a property in different areas?
Market liquidity in Nouakchott is generally low, with significant variations between prime and peripheral locations.
Prime areas like Tevragh-Zeina typically see properties sell within 2-4 months due to consistent demand from professionals and expatriates.
Peripheral areas face much longer selling times of 6 months or more, with some properties taking years to find buyers. Bureaucratic processes and title verification issues contribute to extended transaction timelines across all areas.
Cash buyers have significant advantages in this market, as they can move quickly through the purchasing process and often secure better pricing.
The limited liquidity makes Nouakchott property investment better suited for long-term holders rather than those seeking quick exits.
What budget ranges are most attractive for buyers and renters right now?
The most active buyer segment operates within the $50,000-$250,000 USD range, particularly targeting apartments and villas in Tevragh-Zeina, Ksar, and coastal zones.
This budget range provides access to quality properties in appreciating locations while remaining accessible to both local professionals and international buyers.
1. **Entry-level buyers ($50,000-$80,000)**: Focus on peripheral apartments with growth potential2. **Mid-market buyers ($80,000-$150,000)**: Access to city center apartments and emerging areas3. **Premium buyers ($150,000-$250,000)**: Prime villas and luxury coastal properties4. **Development buyers ($250,000+)**: Large land plots and commercial opportunities5. **Rental market**: Most demand at MRU 6,000-10,000/month for apartments, MRU 20,000+ for family homesIt's something we develop in our Mauritania property pack.
What types of properties are most in demand—apartments, villas, or land plots?
Demand varies significantly by buyer category and location within Nouakchott's market.
City center apartments attract professionals and expatriates seeking convenience and proximity to business districts, while premium coastal villas appeal to affluent buyers looking for lifestyle properties.
1. **High-demand property types:**2. **City center apartments**: Strong rental demand from professionals3. **Premium villas**: Coastal and Tevragh-Zeina locations for luxury buyers4. **Affordable studios**: Urban fringe areas for young professionals5. **Development land plots**: Growth corridors for construction projects6. **Family homes**: Established neighborhoods with good schools and infrastructureLand plots in growth corridors offer development opportunities, though buyers must navigate complex permitting processes and ensure clear title before purchase.
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 does infrastructure development and urban planning affect property values by area?
Infrastructure development serves as the primary driver of property value appreciation across Nouakchott's different districts.
Areas benefiting from waterfront renewal projects, new airport connectivity, and improved transportation corridors show consistent price appreciation above market averages.
The city's urban master plan emphasizes compact development and expansion of the Tevragh-Zeina business district, directly boosting property values in these targeted zones. Coastal improvement projects designed to attract tourism and luxury residential development create additional value uplift.
Properties located near planned infrastructure improvements often see anticipatory price increases even before project completion, making early positioning in these areas potentially profitable.
Areas lacking planned infrastructure improvements face the risk of relative value stagnation compared to beneficiary districts.
What are the financing options and interest rates available today for buyers?
Financing options in Nouakchott remain limited and expensive, with typical mortgage rates ranging from 16-17% in 2025.
High down payment requirements, often 30-50% of property value, make cash purchases more attractive and common in the market. Foreign buyers face additional documentation requirements and often find cash transactions simpler than navigating local financing systems.
The central bank benchmark rate sits around 6.75%, but mortgage products carry significant risk premiums due to limited banking sector development and property market liquidity concerns.
These financing constraints naturally limit buyer pools and favor investors with substantial cash resources, contributing to the market's overall liquidity challenges.
How does buying for personal use compare financially with renting in the short, medium, and long term?
The buy-versus-rent decision in Nouakchott heavily favors renting in the short term due to high transaction costs and limited market liquidity.
| Time Horizon | Buying Advantage | Renting Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Short Term (1-2 years) | None - high transaction costs | Flexibility, lower upfront costs, no maintenance |
| Medium Term (3-5 years) | Equity building in prime areas | Avoids market timing risks, mobility |
| Long Term (5+ years) | Appreciation potential, stable housing costs | No property management, capital flexibility |
| Cash Buyers | Strong advantage - avoid 16-17% mortgage rates | Limited advantage except flexibility |
| Financed Buyers | Minimal advantage - high interest costs | Strong advantage - avoid debt burden |
For newcomers to Nouakchott, renting provides essential flexibility while learning the market and navigating bureaucratic processes.
If you want to buy now, what's the smartest positioning—where, at what price point, and with which property type—to maximize living comfort, rental returns, or resale gains?
Smart positioning in September 2025 requires focusing on prime locations with clear title and strong demand fundamentals.
Target neighborhoods should be Tevragh-Zeina for business district proximity, Ksar for emerging growth potential, and select coastal developments for lifestyle and tourism appeal.
Optimal price points range from $80,000-$200,000 USD, providing access to quality properties while maximizing resale liquidity. Well-titled apartments in established areas offer the best combination of living comfort and exit strategy.
For rental returns, focus on properties near business centers and expatriate housing demand, particularly in Tevragh-Zeina. For resale gains, prioritize areas with confirmed infrastructure improvements and clear development plans.
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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.
Nouakchott's property market offers selective opportunities for informed buyers willing to focus on prime locations and hold for the long term.
While rental yields remain modest and financing costs are high, the right positioning in areas like Tevragh-Zeina and Ksar can provide both living comfort and capital appreciation potential.