Real Estate in Tunisia: A Cultural and Economic Phenomenon
In Tunisia, real estate is more than just an economic sector - it's a cultural question. Owning one's own home is considered a life goal, deeply rooted in the country's mentality.
Key Statistics
According to the latest population census, Tunisia has 4,265,636 housing units, with 80.7% of them occupied. The distribution by type of housing highlights a strong dominance of semi-detached or multi-story homes (2,093,500 units), followed by 1,111,200 villas and 360,100 apartments. In terms of surface area, three-bedroom houses represent 46.6% of the housing stock, compared to 25% for four-bedroom homes.
Growth and Development
Between 2014 and 2024, the total number of housing units increased by 975,700, representing a significant average annual growth. The Nabeul governorate tops the list with an increase of 85,100 homes, followed by Sfax (80,900 units). In contrast, the smallest increases were recorded in the governorates of Tozeur (7,500), Kef (11,900), and Siliana (13,300).
Geographic Distribution
The census also highlights the geographic distribution of housing: 3,095,900 units are located in urban areas (72.6%), compared to 1,169,800 in rural areas (27.4%). The four governorates of Greater Tunis alone account for 23.8% of the national housing stock, while Tozeur represents only 0.9%.
Key Findings
These figures lead to three major observations:
- Vacant Housing: Nearly 19.3% of homes are empty, often purchased as investments. This situation contributes to upward pressure on property prices. One possible solution could be to introduce a surtax on vacant homes to encourage their release onto the market and curb speculation.
- Affordability: Many households build semi-detached homes as extensions of their parents' homes, making ownership more affordable. In contrast, individuals from collective housing, such as apartments, often have to work harder to acquire their own homes.
- Regional Disparities: Real estate development remains highly concentrated around Tunis and in coastal areas like Nabeul, which benefits from tourism demand. In contrast, the interior of the country suffers from chronic delays in construction, exacerbating territorial inequalities. The exodus to large cities accentuates these disparities.
