What property investment is like in Algiers, one of the world's least liveable cities

The city of Algiers, the capital of Algeria, is the fifth least liveable city in the world, according to The Economist.

It ranks 135th out of the magazine's list of the world's 140 most liveable cities (Melbourne is ranked first, with Sydney seventh). 

Property Observer has looked at the cities ranked six through 10, plus number one, Dhaka, Bangladesh, two, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, three, Lagos, Nigeria, and four, Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Survey assesses the locations around the world that provide the best or the worst living conditions.

The survey doesn’t include the absolute worst of the worst, just cities or business centres that people might feasibly want to live in or visit. So it does not include cities like Kabul in Afghanistan or Baghdad in Iraq, both in the grip of conflict.

Conflict is generally found to be the primary reason for the position of the bottom ranked cities.

“Threat of armed conflict will not just cause disruption in its own right, it will also damage infrastructure, overburden hospitals, and undermine the availability of goods, services and  recreational activities,” the report says.

The city of Algiers, the capital of Algeria, is number five. We have also looked at numbers six to 10. It rates somewhat OK in its education and healthcare levels, according to The Economist, but it's bought down by its stability and infrastructure.

You’ll have to brush up on your French if you want to buy property here. All the lisitings are in French on sites such as dzimmo.com and green-acres.com. 

The currency is the dinar – one Australian dollar is worth about 83 dinars.

The city was founded in 944 AD and has been occupied by various conquers ever since. Algeria achieved independence in 1962 but in the 1990s it descended into civil war. Since then the situation has been turbulent, with terrorist groups operating in the city.

That said, the city is home to some beautiful architecture dating back to 1097. In 2010 the population was 3.5 million.

Smart Traveller says it regularly receives information indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners, Western and Jewish interests, as well as premises and symbols associated with the Algerian government.

The investment website Global Property Guide says owning a rental property or one to be used as a hotel or resort can be beneficial but it would be wise to think carefully about purchasing real estate in Algeria because of the political strife.

A luxury 180-square-metre, six-bedroom villa with a view over the city and ocean (pictured below) is being sold for $530,460. It sits on 400 square metres of land. 

A somewhat dingy three-bedroom apartment (pictured below) with sea and city views is being sold for $82,576. It’s in the heart of Bou Ismail town centre, which is a “very secure, good neighbourhood,” according to the listing.

This Spartan property (pictured below) is listed as a luxury villa. It’s up for sale at $200,000. The 300-square-metre property comes with two bedrooms and view over the city.

Property Observer notes there may be an opening for any real estate photographers game to move to the city.