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1

We get acquainted

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2

Free first call

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3

The adventure begins

If it clicks and you want to move forward, you receive a tailored quote. Once approved, the search begins!

4

Heading to your new home

Your home finder searches for you, shares their finds, stays with you through to signing the lease — all that’s left is packing your bags.

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Dakar
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a major West African hub attracting expatriates, diplomats, and international professionals. The long-term rental market is clearly segmented, with premium neighbourhoods such as Almadies, Ngor, and Point E commanding rents of 1,000,000 XOF/month or more for a two-bedroom apartment, while more affordable areas like Grand Dakar and Parcelles Assainies offer studios from 150,000 XOF/month (The Africanvestor, January 2026). Lease agreements in Senegal are governed by a pro-landlord framework, with rents revisable only every three years and a standard security deposit of one month's rent. The city's infrastructure has improved significantly with the launch of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in 2024 and the Train Express Régional (TER) connecting the city centre to Blaise Diagne International Airport. Key amenities for expat families include the International School of Dakar, Cours Sainte Marie de Hann, and Lycée Jean Mermoz.

Renting in Dakar in brief: Dakar's long-term rental market ranges from 150,000 XOF/month for a studio in outer districts to over 2,000,000 XOF/month for a premium villa in Almadies. The most popular expat neighbourhoods are Almadies, Ngor, Point E, and Fann Résidence. Expect to pay up to three months' rent upfront (first month + deposit + agency fees). Leases are written in French, rent can only be revised every three years, and a move-in inspection report is legally required. Start your search early, negotiate, and always insist on a written contract.

Dakar attracts expatriates for a combination of practical, cultural, and lifestyle reasons. As the westernmost capital city on the African continent, it serves as a regional hub for international organisations, NGOs, embassies, and multinational companies, making it a natural base for professionals working across West Africa.

  • Vibrant urban culture: Dakar is renowned for its music scene (including the globally influential mbalax genre), contemporary art (the Dak'Art Biennale is one of Africa's most prestigious art events), and a rich culinary tradition centred on dishes such as thiéboudienne and yassa poulet.
  • International infrastructure: The city is home to several international schools, including the International School of Dakar, Cours Sainte Marie de Hann, and Lycée Jean Mermoz, making it well-suited for families.
  • Coastal lifestyle: Dakar's Atlantic coastline offers beaches, surf spots (particularly around Ngor and Yoff), and a year-round warm climate, with a dry season running roughly from November to May.
  • Relative affordability: Compared to other African capitals with similar amenities, Dakar offers a comfortable lifestyle at a moderate cost, particularly for local food, domestic services, and transport.
  • Connectivity: Blaise Diagne International Airport provides direct connections to Europe, North America, and across Africa. The TER train links the airport to the city centre.
  • Community: Dakar has a well-established and welcoming expatriate community, with active social networks and a tradition of Senegalese hospitality known as teranga.

Day-to-day life in Dakar as a long-term tenant involves a number of practical considerations:

  • Transport: Dakar's traffic congestion is a well-known challenge. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, launched in 2024, operates 121 electric buses across 18.3 km connecting 23 stations and 14 districts, reducing journey times significantly. The Train Express Régional (TER), operational since 2023, links central Dakar to Blaise Diagne International Airport 36 km away. Traditional options include taxis, car rapides (minibuses), and ride-hailing apps (Expat.com, 2024).
  • Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet typically add 120,000 to 150,000 XOF/month (~USD 200–250/month) for a standard apartment. Power cuts occur, particularly in the hot season; many premium buildings include generator backup (Expat.com, 2024).
  • Groceries and dining: Local markets offer fresh produce at low cost. Supermarkets such as Auchan (with multiple Dakar locations) and Casino stock imported goods at higher prices. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant for two costs approximately USD 56 (Expat.com, 2024).
  • Healthcare: Dakar has the best medical infrastructure in Senegal, with both public hospitals and private clinics. Expatriates typically use private facilities; international health insurance is strongly recommended.
  • Language: The official language is French; Wolof is the most widely spoken local language. English is understood in expat-facing businesses and international schools, but French is essential for administrative tasks, lease agreements, and daily interactions.
  • Safety: Dakar is generally considered one of the safer capitals in West Africa. Premium neighbourhoods such as Almadies, Fann, and Mermoz are particularly well-regarded for security.

Dakar is the economic and political capital of Senegal, and its rental market reflects the city's status as West Africa's most dynamic hubs. Nearly half of Dakar households rent their accommodation, creating persistent demand and limiting the risk of significant price drops (The Africanvestor, January 2026).

The market is clearly segmented. The premium coastal tier — covering Almadies, Ngor, Point E, and Fann Résidence — is dominated by expatriates, diplomats, and senior executives, with rents for two-bedroom apartments exceeding 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 XOF/month as of early 2026. Mid-range neighbourhoods such as Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur, and Liberté attract upper-middle-class Senegalese families and mid-tier expats, with rents typically between 450,000 and 900,000 XOF/month for a two-bedroom unit. More affordable options are found in Grand Dakar, HLM, Parcelles Assainies, and Pikine, where studios and one-bedroom apartments start from 150,000 XOF/month.

Vacancy rates in prime expat zones such as Almadies are low, at just 3% to 6%, while outer districts see higher vacancy of 10% to 18%. Rent growth across the city is projected at 4% to 7% in 2026, with the strongest increases in coastal expat-heavy zones (The Africanvestor, January 2026). The market has also been shaped by major infrastructure investments, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system launched in 2024 and the Train Express Régional (TER) connecting central Dakar to Blaise Diagne International Airport, which have improved accessibility to previously underserved areas.

Dakar's neighbourhoods offer very different living environments, rental price points, and lifestyles. Choosing the right area depends on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and proximity needs.

Almadies and Ngor form the most exclusive residential zone in Dakar, located on the Atlantic coast at the western tip of the Cap-Vert peninsula. Almadies is home to the US Embassy, the International School of Dakar, upscale restaurants, and beach clubs. Rents for two-bedroom apartments here exceed 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 XOF/month as of early 2026. Ngor offers a slightly more relaxed, village-like atmosphere popular with surfers, while remaining close to the airport.

Point E and Fann Résidence are highly sought-after by expat families and NGO workers. Both areas feature secure compounds, quieter streets, and easy access to embassies and international schools. Rents are in the premium range, typically 700,000 to 1,300,000 XOF/month for a two-bedroom unit.

Mermoz and Sacré-Cœur are popular with upper-middle-class Senegalese families and mid-tier expatriates. These neighbourhoods offer a good balance of security, amenities, and accessibility, with two-bedroom rents generally between 500,000 and 900,000 XOF/month.

Le Plateau is Dakar's historic commercial and administrative centre, well-connected and lively, with a mix of older apartment buildings and modern offices. It suits professionals who prioritise proximity to work and urban amenities.

Medina offers a more affordable and culturally immersive experience, with a dense urban fabric and strong local market life. It is a good option for those on a tighter budget who want to live close to the city centre.

Yoff, Ouakam, and Mamelles are coastal neighbourhoods further north, offering more affordable rents — studios from around 200,000 to 450,000 XOF/month — and a more local atmosphere, though they are further from the main expat amenities.

Grand Dakar, HLM, and Parcelles Assainies are the most affordable residential areas, primarily housing local Senegalese families. Entry-level studios and one-bedroom apartments start from 150,000 to 350,000 XOF/month.

Renting long-term in Dakar requires a clear understanding of the city's wide price range. The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), and rents are almost always quoted in XOF per month. As of early 2026, a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in a mid-range neighbourhood such as Mermoz or Fann costs between 450,000 and 700,000 XOF/month, while a similar unit in the upscale Almadies or Ngor area can reach 800,000 to 1,300,000 XOF/month (The Africanvestor, January 2026).

Beyond the monthly rent, tenants should budget for additional upfront costs: a security deposit equivalent to one month's rent is standard, and if the property is managed by an agency, agency fees of approximately one month's rent are typically charged at signing (Keur-Immo, 2024). Most landlords also require the first month's rent in advance before move-in.

Utility costs — electricity, water, and internet — typically add 120,000 to 150,000 XOF/month (~USD 200–250/month) for a standard apartment (Expat.com, 2024). Electricity reliability varies across the city, and many tenants in premium buildings pay a surcharge for generator backup.

Dakar's long-term rental market is clearly segmented by neighbourhood and property type. According to The Africanvestor (January 2026), the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment across the city is approximately 380,000 XOF/month, ranging from around 150,000 XOF/month in outer districts such as Grand Dakar, HLM, and Parcelles Assainies, up to 800,000 XOF/month in prime central areas like Almadies, Plateau, and Mermoz.

Two-bedroom apartments average around 700,000 XOF/month city-wide, with mid-market options starting at roughly 350,000 XOF/month and premium units in Almadies exceeding 1,300,000 XOF/month. Studios in the Almadies area are listed from around 500,000 XOF/month, while more affordable studios in suburban zones start near 250,000 XOF/month (sources: Keur-Immo, Expat-Dakar, The Africanvestor, 2025–2026).

Furnished apartments command a significant premium — typically 30% to 50% higher than unfurnished equivalents — driven by demand from expatriates and corporate tenants. Properties equipped with a generator and air conditioning also attract a 15% to 25% surcharge due to concerns about electricity reliability (The Africanvestor, January 2026).

  • Budget tier (outer districts): studios and 1-bedroom units from 150,000 to 450,000 XOF/month in Pikine, Yoff, Parcelles Assainies
  • Mid-range: 1–2 bedroom apartments from 450,000 to 900,000 XOF/month in Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur, Fann
  • Premium tier: 2–3 bedroom apartments and villas from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000+ XOF/month in Almadies, Ngor, Point E

When searching for a long-term rental in Dakar, several common mistakes can be costly or time-consuming:

  • Signing without a written lease: Verbal agreements offer no legal protection. Always insist on a written rental contract that specifies the rent amount, duration, notice period, and deposit conditions.
  • Not verifying the landlord's identity: Rental scams exist, particularly on social media. Always verify that the person signing the lease is the legitimate owner or an authorised agent.
  • Ignoring the move-in inspection report: The inventory (property condition report) is a legal requirement in Senegal. Skipping it can result in unjustified deductions from your security deposit at the end of the tenancy.
  • Underestimating upfront costs: Beyond the first month's rent, expect to pay a security deposit (typically one month's rent) and, if using an agency, agency fees of roughly one month's rent — meaning you may need three months' rent available before moving in.
  • Searching only online: Many quality rentals in Dakar are found through local networks, word of mouth, or agencies. Relying solely on online platforms can mean missing the best options.
  • Not negotiating: Rent negotiation is standard practice in Dakar, especially for long-term contracts. Failing to negotiate may mean paying above-market rates.
  • Overlooking utility reliability: Check whether the building has a generator and stable water supply before signing, as power cuts can significantly affect daily comfort.
  • Start your search early: The rental market in premium Dakar neighbourhoods (Almadies, Fann, Point E) is competitive, with vacancy rates as low as 3–6%. Begin your search at least 4–6 weeks before your planned move-in date.
  • Use multiple channels: Combine online platforms (Keur-Immo, Expat-Dakar, Loger-Dakar) with local real estate agencies and personal networks. Many of the best rentals are never publicly listed.
  • Always negotiate: Rent negotiation is standard practice in Dakar. For long-term contracts, a reduction of 5–15% from the asking price is often achievable, particularly for unfurnished units.
  • Insist on a written lease: A written contrat de bail is legally required and protects your rights as a tenant. Never agree to a verbal arrangement only.
  • Complete the move-in inspection: The move-in inventory is your legal protection against unjustified deposit deductions. Ensure it is thorough and signed by both parties.
  • Check utilities and infrastructure: Before signing, verify whether the building has a generator, stable water supply, and reliable internet connectivity. These factors significantly affect daily comfort and can justify a rent premium.
  • Budget for upfront costs: Plan for up to three months' rent upfront: first month's rent + security deposit (one month) + agency fees (one month, if applicable).
  • Learn basic French: Lease agreements and most landlord communications in Dakar are in French. Having a trusted French-speaking contact or a local specialist review your contract before signing is strongly advisable.

Finding the right long-term rental in Dakar can be challenging, especially from abroad. The market moves quickly in premium neighbourhoods, and lease agreements are written in French — which can be difficult to navigate without local knowledge.

Remoters connects you with a dedicated local property search specialist in Dakar who handles the entire search process on your behalf: identifying suitable listings, conducting in-person or video visits, negotiating the rent, and reviewing the lease before you sign. This service is designed for expatriates and anyone relocating to Dakar who wants to avoid the most common pitfalls of the local rental market.

What our clients say

4.8/5 on Google (1,100 reviews as of September 3, 2026) · 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (117 reviews as of November 3, 2026)

No review published on Google or Trustpilot mentions this city yet. These ratings cover all Remoters searches.

Read all our client reviews

On a moderate budget, look at Ouakam (FCFA 150,000 to 400,000 a month) or Liberté 6 and Grand Yoff (FCFA 150,000 to 350,000). Families favour Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur and Point E, which are quiet, at FCFA 250,000 to 600,000. Fann Résidence, close to UCAD, lets for FCFA 200,000 to 500,000.

In Almadies and Ngor, by the sea, allow FCFA 350,000 to 1,000,000. The TER train also makes commuting from the suburbs easier.

Plan for the first month's rent, a deposit of one month at most, the cap set by law no. 88-04 of 16 June 1988, and agency charges of half a month to one month's rent if you go through a letting agent. The lease must also be registered, with duties of 2% of the annual rent: ask who pays them.

Pay no advance or deposit before viewing the property, and clarify what the rent covers: water, electricity, security, internet.

Insist on a written lease, registered with the Centre des Services Fiscaux within a month of signing: a verbal agreement does not protect you. The contract falls under law no. 88-04 of 16 June 1988, and a lease signed for less than three years is treated as open-ended.

Carry out a detailed move-in inventory, signed by both parties, before taking the keys. Also check whether the building has a generator: power cuts are still frequent.

Never pay an advance before the property has been viewed in person and the landlord or agency met. Be wary of unusually low rents, vague descriptions and landlords you cannot meet. Stick to Expat-Dakar, Keur-Immo or Jumia House.

From abroad, your home finder, based in Dakar, views for you and sends photos, video and a detailed report. You never pay them directly: payment goes through the Remoters platform.