Every year, from July to October, the rainy season in Dakar transforms the city. The rains intensify, some neighborhoods end up underwater, and prospective homeowners have second thoughts before signing a contract. Are you looking for a place to live in the capital and want to avoid unpleasant surprises during your first rainy season? Check out our article and 5 practical criteria to help you make the right choice before investing.
1 – Windows and doors designed to withstand wind and rain
During the rainy season, windows and doors are your home’s first line of defense. Poorly designed windows and doors let in water, humid air, and wind. Our first piece of advice is to check the seals for leaks, the quality of the aluminum, and the glazing’s resistance to strong gusts.
At REALITES, Schüco aluminum windows and doors meet this requirement exactly. They let in light without letting in heat, and protect against wind and rain. These features also enhance the security of your property—a real plus during storms.
2 – Surfaces designed to withstand Dakar’s climate
Another point where we recommend you be vigilant: the floors and walls. The walls are constantly exposed to the heat,humidity, and salt spray typical of Dakar. Low-quality materials will fade, crack, or develop mold within just a few rainy seasons. This is a factor that’s often overlooked when buying off-plan or during property tours, even though it determines the property’s actual durability.
For the flooring in our residences, our team selects Casalgrande Padana porcelain tile. Its surfaces retain their luster in the sun and are easy to maintain, even after several rainy seasons. This choice protects your investment over the long term.
3 – A reliable electrical system, even during thunderstorms
In Senegal, heavy rains are often accompanied by power outages or power surges. A high-quality electrical system minimizes the risk of short circuits and protects your appliances. Always ask which brands are used for the electrical panel and outlets in the apartment you’re viewing.
The electrical systems in our developments rely on world-class brands such as Legrand and Schneider Electric, which guarantee safety and reliability. Elevators from international brands such as Thyssenkrupp, Schindler, and Otis round out this system, ensuring safe travel even in inclement weather. All of our residences are also equipped with backup generators to handle any power outages.
4 – Thermal comfort even on hot nights
Between rainstorms,the Dakar rainy season remains hot and humid. A noisy or inefficient air conditioner quickly becomes a daily problem, especially at night. We suggest you find out about the brand of the units and their energy consumption.
REALITES installs air conditioning units from Daikin, Toshiba, or equivalent brands, known for their cooling performance and low noise levels. In addition, we pay attention to the details that matter in everyday life: we rely on Blum hardware for quiet operation and Hansgrohe faucets, designed for ease of use and environmentally friendly water consumption.
5 – Choosing the right location: the key to a stress-free apartment during the rainy season
Finally, no material—even high-end materials—can make up for a poor location. Since 2012, the Government of Senegal has been implementing, with financial support from the World Bank, the PROGEP (Stormwater Management and Climate Change Adaptation Project)—a drainage program designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the peri-urban areas of Dakar. Before purchasing an apartment, check the neighborhood’s topography and make sure there is a functional drainage system in place.
Every rainy season,ANACIM (National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency) issues alerts advising the public to avoid traveling in flood-prone areas and to ensure that gutters are kept clear. An apartment in a good location during the rainy season—on elevated ground and accessible by passable roads—will spare you these problems year after year.
What to Keep in Mind About Wintering in Dakar to Invest Confidently in an Apartment
Choosing a place to stay during the rainy season in Dakar therefore requires looking beyond first impressions and checking the following:
- Weatherproof windows and doors,
- Durable coatings,
- The electrical system,
- Thermal comfort,
- And the location.
Together, they form an inseparable whole. It is these details—invisible at first glance—that make the difference between a flimsy apartment and one built to last through the rainy season.
REALITES SENEGAL designs its residential properties in Dakar with this standard in mind, selecting recognized brands and supporting each buyer from reservation through delivery. For us, selecting the best brands isn’t an expense—it’s an investment made for you, ensuring a home that’s more sustainable, more comfortable, and more peaceful.
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