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Renting Property in Mozambique

Leases, residential areas, deposits, and what to know when looking for a home.

Updated: August 2026

Rental market

In Maputo, supply concentrates in Polana, Sommerschield, Matola, and Costa do Sol. Beira, Chimoio, Quelimane, and Lichinga have smaller markets and much lower rents; Tete is the exception, held up by the coal and energy projects.

Listings appear through agencies, Facebook/WhatsApp groups, word of mouth, and professional referrals. Verbal agreements exist, but a written lease is strongly recommended.

Maputo rents by neighbourhood (2026)

Monthly figures collected from local agents, for long-term leases. Maputo rents run from 18,000–300,000 MZN (≈USD 282–4,695 / EUR 246–4,097) a month depending on the neighbourhood, the size, and whether the flat comes furnished. Mozambican listings use T1, T2 and T3 for one, two and three bedrooms.

  • Malhangalene, T1 (one bedroom): furnished 20,000–25,000 MZN; unfurnished 18,000–20,000 MZN
  • Malhangalene, T2 (two bedrooms): furnished 40,000–45,000 MZN; unfurnished 30,000–35,000 MZN
  • Malhangalene, T3 (three bedrooms): furnished 60,000–75,000 MZN; unfurnished 50,000–60,000 MZN
  • Bairro Central, T1 (one bedroom): furnished 35,000–45,000 MZN; unfurnished 30,000–40,000 MZN
  • Bairro Central, T2 (two bedrooms): furnished 50,000–60,000 MZN; unfurnished 45,000–50,000 MZN
  • Bairro Central, T3 (three bedrooms): furnished 70,000–95,000 MZN; unfurnished 60,000–80,000 MZN
  • Polana Cimento, T1 (one bedroom): furnished 100,000–120,000 MZN; unfurnished 90,000–100,000 MZN
  • Polana Cimento, T2 (two bedrooms): furnished 150,000–180,000 MZN; unfurnished 120,000–150,000 MZN
  • Polana Cimento, T3 (three bedrooms): furnished 200,000–250,000 MZN; unfurnished 180,000–200,000 MZN
  • Sommerschield, T1 (one bedroom): furnished 200,000–250,000 MZN; unfurnished 180,000–200,000 MZN
  • Sommerschield, T2 (two bedrooms): furnished 250,000–280,000 MZN; unfurnished 230,000–240,000 MZN
  • Sommerschield, T3 (three bedrooms): furnished 275,000–300,000 MZN; unfurnished 250,000–270,000 MZN
Spence e Lemos building in Maputo

Urban apartments

Towers and condominiums in Maputo offer security, parking, and air conditioning. Confirm a written lease, deposit, and building fees.

Neighbourhood notes

Furniture adds roughly 10% to 25% to the rent. In the top neighbourhoods the price gap mostly buys security, parking, and a better maintained building.

  • Malhangalene: One-bedroom flats are hard to find in this neighbourhood; expect to wait or widen the search.
  • Polana Cimento: At the top of the furnished one-bedroom range, expect a sea view.
  • Sommerschield: The same level applies in Triunfo, Costa do Sol and Maphulene, in secure condominiums with parking and card access.

Pemba rents (2026)

Close to the beach, monthly rents sit between 60,000–150,000 MZN (≈USD 939–2,347 / EUR 819–2,048).

  • Pemba, T1 (one bedroom): furnished 60,000 MZN
  • Pemba, T2 (two bedrooms): furnished 80,000 MZN
  • Pemba, T3 (three bedrooms): furnished 100,000–150,000 MZN
  • Pemba: Figures are for furnished flats close to the beach; unfurnished units are rarely available in that strip.

Provincial rents (2026)

Outside Maputo the market is quoted by flat size rather than by neighbourhood. In these cities monthly rents run from 3,000–100,000 MZN (≈USD 47–1,565 / EUR 41–1,366), depending on the city and the size.

The figure shown is the asking rent, without separating furnished from bare; furnished stock is thin and negotiated case by case.

  • Beira, urban areas, T1 (one bedroom): 5,000–8,000 MZN
  • Beira, urban areas, T2 (two bedrooms): 10,000 MZN
  • Beira, urban areas, T3 (three bedrooms): 15,000–25,000 MZN
  • Beira, beachside condominiums, T1 (one bedroom): 15,000 MZN
  • Beira, beachside condominiums, T2 (two bedrooms): 30,000 MZN
  • Beira, beachside condominiums, T3 (three bedrooms): 40,000 MZN
  • Zambézia, urban areas, T1 (one bedroom): 10,000 MZN
  • Zambézia, urban areas, T2 (two bedrooms): 20,000 MZN
  • Zambézia, urban areas, T3 (three bedrooms): 25,000–45,000 MZN
  • Tete city, T1 (one bedroom): 30,000 MZN
  • Tete city, T2 (two bedrooms): 45,000 MZN
  • Tete city, T3 (three bedrooms): 60,000–100,000 MZN
  • Chimoio, T1 (one bedroom): 3,000 MZN
  • Chimoio, T2 (two bedrooms): 8,000 MZN
  • Chimoio, T3 (three bedrooms): 10,000 MZN
  • Niassa, urban areas, T1 (one bedroom): 5,000 MZN
  • Niassa, urban areas, T2 (two bedrooms): 8,000–10,000 MZN
  • Niassa, urban areas, T3 (three bedrooms): 15,000 MZN
Residential street in Sommerschield, Maputo

Sommerschield and Polana

Neighbourhoods sought by families and professionals; higher rents, nearby services and schools.

City notes

Nampula and other cities are being collected and will be added once confirmed.

  • Beira, beachside condominiums: The prime strip: condominiums near the beach, normally with security and parking.
  • Tete city: Rents sit well above other provincial cities, pushed up by the coal and energy projects in the valley.
  • Chimoio: The cheapest of the cities checked so far, and the usual base for work in Manica province.

Short stays

Roughly 35% of the population lives in urban areas; which explains why Maputo rents run higher than in most provincial towns. This list is refreshed periodically and more cities are being added. Reference figures only; always confirm with the current local market before signing a lease.

  • Guesthouse or tourist lodging: daily rate, varies by season and location
  • Corporate lodging in Tete and Moatize: arranged by the employer, usually above market rent
S. Jorge building in Maputo Baixa

Classic Baixa buildings

Flats in historic blocks mix character and a central location. Check condition, water, generator, and noise.

Lease and deposit

  • Typical term: 12 months, renewable by agreement
  • Deposit: 1–3 months' rent (negotiable)
  • Payment: monthly in MZN; some landlords accept USD
  • Lease should state rent, deposit, repair responsibilities, and termination terms
  • Contract registration with authorities may be required in certain cases

What to check before signing

Visit the property at different times to assess noise, traffic, and power outages.

  • Water supply (tank, pump, cut-off schedules)
  • Generator or inverter; common in Maputo
  • Security: gatekeeper, wall, window bars
  • Condition of roof, plumbing, and electrical wiring
  • Proximity to school, supermarket, and main road

Costs beyond rent

Condominium fees (if applicable), water, electricity (EDM), gas, internet, and private security are often paid separately. Furnished homes include appliances but rarely utility bills.

Agencies charge commission equal to one month's rent or an agreed percentage. Confirm who pays before viewings.

Residential street in Maputo

Renting downtown

Visit by day and night, get a written inventory, and confirm who pays building fees and water.

Practical tips

This guide is informational. Practices and prices vary by city. Confirm current conditions in the local market.

  • Have a lawyer review the lease if amounts are significant
  • Document property condition with photos at move-in
  • Confirm whether rent can increase and with how much notice
  • Keep payment receipts; required for visa or residence renewal

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