Buying real estate in Tanzania?

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How much do houses cost now in Tanzania? (2026)

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

buying property foreigner Tanzania

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Republic of the Congo Property Pack

Tanzania does not have a single official house price index, so we triangulated data from the Bank of Tanzania, mortgage market reports, and major broker listings to give you a clear picture of what houses actually cost in early 2026.

We constantly update this blog post so you always get the freshest numbers on the Tanzanian housing market.

All USD conversions use the Bank of Tanzania official rate of approximately TZS 2,518 per dollar, and EUR values are based on current exchange rates.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Tanzania.

How much do houses cost in Tanzania as of 2026?

What's the median and average house price in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the median house price in Tanzania sits around TZS 320 million (approximately $127,000 or €117,000), while the average house price is higher at TZS 520 million (about $206,000 or €190,000).

The typical price range covering roughly 80% of house sales in Tanzania runs from TZS 180 million to TZS 900 million, which translates to $71,000 to $357,000 (or €65,000 to €328,000).

The gap between median and average prices in Tanzania exists because the market is top-heavy, with expensive expat-oriented coastal properties in Dar es Salaam and tourism-driven villas in Zanzibar pulling the average upward.

At the median price of TZS 320 million in Tanzania, a buyer can typically expect a 3-bedroom standalone house in a mainstream Dar es Salaam suburb like Sinza, Kimara, or Mbezi, with basic amenities and road access.

Sources and methodology: we combined official exchange rates from the Bank of Tanzania with listing data from RE/MAX Tanzania and Properstar. We cross-checked these figures against mortgage market depth data from TMRC. Our own analyses helped us validate the typical clearing ranges you see in practice.

What's the cheapest livable house budget in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the minimum budget for a livable house in Tanzania starts at around TZS 120 million to TZS 150 million (approximately $48,000 to $60,000 or €44,000 to €55,000) in peri-urban areas outside major cities.

At this entry-level price point in Tanzania, "livable" typically means a modest house with access to an unpaved but passable road, basic electricity connection or feasibility, and a water source, though you may need to install tanks or a borehole.

These cheapest livable houses in Tanzania are usually found in outer Dar es Salaam neighborhoods like Mbagala, Temeke, Ukonga, Chanika, and Pugu, or in secondary cities such as Mwanza and Mbeya.

Wondering what you can get? We cover all the buying opportunities at different budget levels in Tanzania here.

Sources and methodology: we identified low-price clusters from RE/MAX Tanzania listings and filtered for basic livability criteria. We validated these findings against financing data from the Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company. Our proprietary data helped confirm which areas consistently offer entry-level pricing.

How much do 2 and 3-bedroom houses cost in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a 2-bedroom house in Tanzania typically costs between TZS 150 million and TZS 300 million ($60,000 to $120,000 or €55,000 to €110,000), while a 3-bedroom house ranges from TZS 220 million to TZS 450 million ($87,000 to $179,000 or €80,000 to €165,000) in mainstream areas.

For a 2-bedroom house in Tanzania, the realistic price range spans from TZS 150 million in city outskirts to TZS 450 million ($179,000 or €165,000) in better-served Dar es Salaam suburbs with reliable infrastructure.

For a 3-bedroom house in Tanzania, buyers should expect to pay between TZS 220 million in standard suburbs and up to TZS 800 million ($318,000 or €293,000) in higher-demand neighborhoods closer to the coast or central business district.

Moving from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom house in Tanzania typically adds a premium of 40% to 60%, reflecting the strong local demand for family-sized homes with an extra room for guests or household staff.

Sources and methodology: we mapped bedroom-based price bands using visible inventory from RE/MAX Tanzania and Properstar. We kept USD conversions anchored to Bank of Tanzania official rates. Our internal tracking confirmed these step-ups are consistent with actual market behavior.

How much do 4-bedroom houses cost in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a 4-bedroom house in Tanzania typically costs between TZS 450 million and TZS 1.2 billion, which translates to approximately $179,000 to $477,000 (or €165,000 to €439,000).

For a 5-bedroom house in Tanzania, buyers should budget between TZS 700 million and TZS 2 billion ($278,000 to $794,000 or €256,000 to €731,000), with prices clustering higher in prime Dar es Salaam neighborhoods like Masaki and Oysterbay.

A 6-bedroom house in Tanzania, often built in villa or compound style, ranges from TZS 1 billion to TZS 3.5 billion ($397,000 to $1.39 million or €365,000 to €1.28 million), particularly in premium coastal areas.

Please note that we give much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Tanzania.

Sources and methodology: we used prime-market inventory from RE/MAX Tanzania where larger homes are consistently marketed with transparent pricing. We cross-referenced with qualitative insights from Knight Frank Tanzania. Our analyses helped cap the ranges to reflect realistic clearing prices rather than outlier trophy listings.

How much do new-build houses cost in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a new-build house in Tanzania typically costs between TZS 350 million and TZS 900 million ($139,000 to $357,000 or €128,000 to €328,000) for mid-market properties, and TZS 900 million to TZS 3 billion ($357,000 to $1.19 million or €328,000 to €1.1 million) in prime Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar tourism areas.

New-build houses in Tanzania carry a premium of 15% to 35% over comparable older resale houses because buyers pay extra for reliable utility setups, modern layouts, secure parking, and fewer surprises with title or permits.

Sources and methodology: we compared like-for-like listing cohorts from RE/MAX Tanzania where new versus older status is stated in marketing. We checked these premiums against financing conditions reported by the Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company. Our data confirmed that premiums reflect quality differences rather than speculation.

How much do houses with land cost in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a house with a meaningfully larger plot in Tanzania typically costs 20% to 60% more than a similar house on a standard small plot, with prices in prime coastal areas like Masaki or Msasani often exceeding TZS 1.5 billion ($596,000 or €549,000).

In Tanzania, a "house with land" usually means a plot of 800 square meters or more, compared to the typical 400 to 600 square meter plots common in mainstream suburban developments.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed the land premium by comparing standard plots versus larger compound-style listings on RE/MAX Tanzania. We factored in ongoing land obligations using data from the Ministry of Lands. Our internal estimates helped validate the typical premium ranges buyers encounter.

Where are houses cheapest and most expensive in Tanzania as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest house prices in Tanzania include Mbagala, Temeke, Ukonga, Chanika, and Pugu in Dar es Salaam, as well as residential areas in secondary cities like Mwanza and Mbeya.

In these cheapest Tanzania neighborhoods, house prices typically range from TZS 120 million to TZS 250 million ($48,000 to $99,000 or €44,000 to €91,000) for a basic 2 to 3-bedroom home.

These neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Tanzania primarily because of longer commute times to the central business district, uneven road drainage during rainy seasons, and higher diligence requirements on plot titles and boundaries.

Sources and methodology: we identified low-price clusters from RE/MAX Tanzania and Properstar listing distributions. We validated the reasons for price differences using local infrastructure insights and TMRC financing data. Our analyses confirmed that limited mortgage access keeps these areas highly price-sensitive.

Which neighborhoods have the highest house prices in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest house prices in Tanzania are Masaki, Oysterbay, and Msasani in Dar es Salaam, followed by premium beachfront areas in Zanzibar like Nungwi and Kendwa.

In these most expensive Tanzania neighborhoods, house prices typically range from TZS 1 billion to TZS 3.5 billion ($397,000 to $1.39 million or €365,000 to €1.28 million) for standalone homes and villas.

These neighborhoods command the highest house prices in Tanzania because they offer ocean proximity, established security infrastructure, reliable utilities, and easy access to international schools and diplomatic compounds.

The typical buyer in these premium Tanzania neighborhoods is either an expatriate on a corporate housing allowance, a successful local business owner, or an international investor seeking rental income from the diplomatic and NGO community.

Sources and methodology: we relied on prime-market broker inventory from RE/MAX Tanzania for transparent high-end pricing. We used Knight Frank Tanzania for qualitative market positioning. Our data helped confirm which buyer profiles dominate these segments.

How much do houses cost near the city center in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a house near the city center of Dar es Salaam, specifically in areas like Upanga and around the central business district, typically costs between TZS 600 million and TZS 2.5 billion ($238,000 to $993,000 or €219,000 to €914,000).

Houses near major transit hubs in Tanzania, particularly along arterial roads in Dar es Salaam, carry a premium of about 5% to 15% over similar properties deeper in the neighborhood because of reduced daily commute times.

Houses near top-rated international schools in Tanzania, such as the International School of Tanganyika (IST) and Braeburn Dar es Salaam, typically fall within the TZS 800 million to TZS 2 billion range ($318,000 to $794,000 or €293,000 to €731,000) since these schools are located in already-desirable areas.

In expat-popular areas of Tanzania like Masaki, Oysterbay, Msasani, and Upanga, houses typically start at TZS 1 billion ($397,000 or €365,000) and can exceed TZS 3 billion ($1.19 million or €1.1 million) for larger properties.

We actually have an updated expat guide for Tanzania here.

Sources and methodology: we used neighborhood-level pricing from RE/MAX Tanzania listings and cross-referenced with Knight Frank Tanzania market insights. We verified school locations and their impact on surrounding property values. Our analyses helped quantify the transit and school premiums specific to Dar es Salaam.

How much do houses cost in the suburbs in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a house in the suburbs of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania typically costs between TZS 220 million and TZS 650 million ($87,000 to $258,000 or €80,000 to €237,000) for a standard 3 to 4-bedroom family home.

Suburban houses in Tanzania are generally 40% to 60% cheaper than comparable city-center or prime coastal properties, meaning a buyer can save TZS 300 million to TZS 500 million ($119,000 to $199,000 or €110,000 to €183,000) by choosing a suburban location.

The most popular suburbs for house buyers in Tanzania include Mbezi, Tegeta, Kimara, Sinza, Kigamboni, and Kawe, which offer a balance of affordability, growing infrastructure, and reasonable access to the city center.

Sources and methodology: we derived suburban price bands from the densest part of RE/MAX Tanzania listing inventory. We converted prices using Bank of Tanzania official exchange rates. Our data confirmed these suburbs represent the core middle-market segment in Dar es Salaam.

What areas in Tanzania are improving and still affordable as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top improving yet still affordable areas for house buyers in Tanzania include Kigamboni, the Tegeta-Bunju corridor, and select pockets of Mbezi and Kimara in Dar es Salaam.

In these improving Tanzania areas, house prices currently range from TZS 200 million to TZS 450 million ($79,000 to $179,000 or €73,000 to €165,000), offering significant value compared to established prime neighborhoods.

The main sign of improvement driving buyer interest in these Tanzania areas is the ongoing road and drainage upgrades, new gated residential developments, and improved electricity reliability that make daily life noticeably easier.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Tanzania.

Sources and methodology: we combined local broker feedback with infrastructure trend data and listing price movements on RE/MAX Tanzania. We verified improvement signals using government announcements and TANESCO service expansion data. Our analyses helped identify where value growth potential is strongest.

What extra costs should I budget for a house in Tanzania right now?

What are typical buyer closing costs for houses in Tanzania right now?

Buyer closing costs for houses in Tanzania typically total 3% to 8% of the purchase price, depending on deal complexity and whether financing is involved.

The main closing cost categories in Tanzania include legal and conveyancing fees (1% to 2% of purchase price), stamp duty and document duties, property searches and valuation fees, and clearance of any land rent or property rate arrears.

The single largest closing cost for house buyers in Tanzania is usually the legal and conveyancing fees, which cover title verification, contract drafting, and transfer registration with the relevant authorities.

We cover all these costs and what are the strategies to minimize them in our property pack about Tanzania.

Sources and methodology: we structured the closing cost checklist using official requirements from the Tanzania Revenue Authority and Ministry of Lands. We cross-checked with professional tax summaries from PwC Tanzania. Our data helped validate the typical percentage ranges buyers actually encounter.

How much are property taxes on houses in Tanzania right now?

Annual property taxes on houses in Tanzania, known as local government property rates, typically range from TZS 50,000 to TZS 400,000 per year ($20 to $159 or €18 to €146) for ordinary owner-occupied homes, with higher amounts for prime locations or formally valued properties.

Property tax in Tanzania is calculated by local councils based on whether the property has been formally valued, with unvalued properties often paying a flat rate and valued properties paying a percentage of assessed value that varies by municipality.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a page with all the property taxes and fees in Tanzania.

Sources and methodology: we anchored the legal basis for property rates in the Local Government Authorities (Rating) Act. We used professional tax guides from RSM Tanzania to verify practical application. Our analyses confirmed the typical ranges across different council areas.

How much is home insurance for a house in Tanzania right now?

Annual home insurance for a house in Tanzania typically costs between 0.15% and 0.40% of the insured rebuild value, which works out to roughly TZS 600,000 to TZS 1.6 million ($238 to $635 or €219 to €585) per year for a house with a TZS 400 million rebuild value.

The main factors affecting home insurance premiums for houses in Tanzania include the rebuild cost (materials and labor), the property's location and security features, the level of coverage selected (basic fire and perils versus comprehensive), and whether the property includes high-risk features like swimming pools.

Sources and methodology: we used the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) as the authoritative anchor for insurance market standards. We applied typical emerging-market pricing behavior for property cover. Our internal data helped validate the premium ranges that local insurers commonly quote.

What are typical utility costs for a house in Tanzania right now?

Total monthly utility costs for a house in Tanzania typically range from TZS 100,000 to TZS 470,000 ($40 to $187 or €37 to €172), depending on consumption levels and whether you rely on mains services or backup systems like generators.

The breakdown of main utility costs for houses in Tanzania includes electricity at TZS 80,000 to TZS 350,000 per month ($32 to $139 or €29 to €128) depending on air conditioning use, water at TZS 20,000 to TZS 120,000 per month ($8 to $48 or €7 to €44), plus potential generator fuel costs if you experience frequent outages.

Sources and methodology: we used official tariff structures from TANESCO for electricity and DAWASA for water in Dar es Salaam. We referenced EWURA fuel cap prices for generator cost estimates. Our analyses helped create realistic consumption-based ranges.

What are common hidden costs when buying a house in Tanzania right now?

Common hidden costs when buying a house in Tanzania can add TZS 2 million to TZS 10 million ($795 to $3,970 or €732 to €3,653) beyond the purchase price, including title verification issues, arrears clearance, infrastructure upgrades, and security installations.

Inspection fees for houses in Tanzania typically run from TZS 300,000 to TZS 1.5 million ($119 to $596 or €110 to €549) for a basic property check, with additional specialist inspections for roofing, electrical, damp, or septic systems adding TZS 200,000 to TZS 1 million ($79 to $397 or €73 to €365) each.

Other common hidden costs beyond inspections when buying a house in Tanzania include installing water storage tanks and pumps, upgrading electrical wiring and adding inverters or batteries, building or improving perimeter walls, and hiring security guards or installing CCTV systems.

The hidden cost that tends to surprise first-time house buyers in Tanzania the most is discovering unpaid land rent or local property rate arrears that must be cleared before the title can transfer, sometimes dating back several years.

You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Tanzania.

Sources and methodology: we compiled hidden cost categories from legal requirements shown on Tanzania Investment Centre and Ministry of Lands portals. We validated inspection fee ranges with local service providers. Our data helped identify which surprises most commonly affect foreign buyers.

What do locals and expats say about the market in Tanzania as of 2026?

Do people think houses are overpriced in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, sentiment in Tanzania is split: many locals and expats feel that houses in prime Dar es Salaam coastal neighborhoods and Zanzibar tourism zones are priced at international levels that seem disconnected from local incomes, while mainstream suburban properties feel more negotiable and fairly valued.

Houses in Tanzania typically stay on the market for 1 to 4 months in prime, correctly-priced locations, 3 to 9 months in typical suburban areas, and 9 to 18 months when overpriced or complicated by title issues.

The main reason locals and expats give for feeling house prices are high in Tanzania's prime areas is that sellers often price in US dollars and benchmark against international markets, while the shallow mortgage market means most local buyers cannot compete at those levels.

Compared to one or two years ago, sentiment on house prices in Tanzania has shifted slightly more cautious in mainstream suburbs due to higher interest rates, but prime coastal areas remain firm because internationally-linked demand continues to absorb available inventory.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Tanzania here.

Sources and methodology: we assessed market sentiment using time-on-market patterns from RE/MAX Tanzania and financing depth from the Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company. We incorporated qualitative insights from Knight Frank Tanzania. Our analyses helped distinguish prime versus mainstream market dynamics.

Are prices still rising or cooling in Tanzania as of 2026?

As of early 2026, house prices in Tanzania are rising in prime pockets like Masaki, Oysterbay, and parts of Zanzibar, while remaining relatively flat in mainstream suburban areas where affordability constraints limit buyer activity.

The estimated year-over-year house price change in Tanzania is around 5% to 10% nominal growth in prime segments, though when adjusted for inflation reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, real growth is more modest at 2% to 5%.

Experts and locals expect house prices in Tanzania over the next 6 to 12 months to continue this two-speed pattern, with prime coastal properties holding firm or rising slightly due to continued expatriate and investor demand, while suburban prices stay negotiable as mortgage rates remain elevated.

Finally, please note that we have covered property price trends and forecasts for Tanzania here.

Sources and methodology: we triangulated price trends using inflation data from the National Bureau of Statistics, mortgage growth from TMRC, and prime market behavior from Knight Frank Tanzania. We avoided claiming a single national trend since Tanzania's price discovery is genuinely segmented. Our analyses helped project the likely trajectory for different market segments.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Tanzania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source Why It's Authoritative How We Used It
Bank of Tanzania Tanzania's central bank providing official exchange rates. We used it to convert all TZS prices into USD and EUR consistently. We anchored all conversions to the early 2026 reference point.
Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company The industry body publishing standardized mortgage market data. We used it to understand mortgage depth and buyer financing patterns. We interpreted time-on-market expectations based on thin mortgage availability.
RE/MAX Tanzania A global brokerage network with transparent listing prices. We used it to establish price bands by bedroom count and neighborhood. We cross-checked these against other sources to validate our ranges.
Properstar An independent listing aggregator with stated methodology. We used it as a second lens to reduce single-platform bias. We validated order-of-magnitude pricing and regional variation.
Tanzania Revenue Authority The official tax authority with published duty guidelines. We used it to list mandatory closing cost categories. We structured our cost checklist around official requirements.
Tanzania Investment Centre The government body managing foreign land access rules. We used it to explain what foreign buyers can legally acquire. We highlighted the diligence needs before paying deposits.
TANESCO The state electricity utility with official tariff schedules. We used it to estimate monthly electricity costs. We provided realistic ranges based on typical household consumption.
DAWASA Dar es Salaam's water authority with published rates. We used it to estimate monthly water bills. We showed how costs vary by connection type and usage.
National Bureau of Statistics Tanzania's official statistics office for inflation data. We used it to interpret nominal versus real price movements. We ensured our early 2026 statements align with latest inflation prints.
Knight Frank Tanzania A global real estate consultancy with local market presence. We used it for qualitative triangulation on prime neighborhoods. We relied on their market color rather than sole numeric input.