The question comes up often: is it better to rent or buy a home in West Africa? The answer depends on your situation, but here are the key elements to consider.

Why renting can be wise

If you work across multiple countries or your professional situation is likely to change, renting offers valuable flexibility. Acquisition costs (transfer taxes, notary fees) often represent 10–15% of the property price — a cost that needs to be recovered over time.

Why buying remains a solid goal

In most West African markets, property values have grown 6–12% per year on average over the last decade. Buying is therefore both shelter and investment. Mortgage rates vary between 7 and 12% depending on the country and bank, which requires serious simulation.

Our recommendation: use the Imonga simulator to calculate your rent-versus-buy break-even point based on your expected length of stay.