Best real estate agencies in Dakar

Dakar's property market is dynamic but complex. Between soaring prices in Les Almadies, the new developments in Diamniadio and rental scams, going through a good agency can save you time and costly mistakes. But you still need to choose the right one.

What an agency really does

A serious agency does more than show you properties. It checks title deeds, drafts or reviews contracts, negotiates the price, and guides the transaction through to signing. For rentals, it screens applicants, handles the inventory check and sometimes rental management for owners. This added value is what justifies the commission.

Commissions in Dakar

Practices vary, but as a guide:

• Rental: the agency fee is often equal to one month's rent, sometimes split between tenant and owner.
• Sale: the commission is generally around 3 to 5% of the sale price, usually paid by the seller.
• Rental management: about 5 to 10% of the rent collected.

Always get these terms in writing before committing, and be wary of cash "viewing fees" charged without a receipt.

Check before you sign

In Senegal, land is a minefield. Before any purchase, confirm the exact right being sold: titre foncier (freehold title, the safest), bail (lease), délibération or simple customary right. Have the title verified with the land registry and cadastre, ideally through a notary. The same plot can unfortunately be sold several times: never hand over money without a notarized deed.

For a rental, insist on a written contract, a detailed inventory check and a receipt for every payment (deposit, advance, rent).

Red flags

• An agency with no verifiable physical address or clear legal existence.
• Requests for large deposits before any viewing or document.
• A price far below market: often a sign of a land dispute.
• Refusal to provide the original ownership documents.
• Pressure to sign quickly, "before another buyer takes it."

Prepare your search well

Define your real budget (purchase or rent + charges + commission), your target neighborhoods and your non-negotiable criteria. Compare several agencies rather than relying on just one. A good professional will be transparent about fees and will have no trouble proving the titles.

The notary's role

In Dakar, a good agency works hand in hand with a notary, especially for purchases. It's the notary who authenticates the sale deed, secures the funds and carries out the final checks with the land registry. Never treat a transaction as done until the deed is signed before a notary and registered. Plan for transfer costs (registration duties and fees), which represent a significant percentage of the price. An agency that downplays or bypasses this step should raise a flag: this is precisely where the legal security and peace of mind of your purchase are decided. Insist on it, always.

Find an agency

To find agencies and real estate professionals near you, with direct contact, browse the dedicated category on Senefinder: see real estate agencies. You can also focus your search on Dakar to stay in the area you care about.

In Dakar real estate, caution isn't distrust: it's the best way to secure one of the biggest investments of your life.