Can a foreign national buy an apartment in Mauritius?

Yes, but only through government-approved schemes such as the PDS, Smart City Scheme, or Ground Floor Apartment Scheme. Purchases outside these frameworks require special authorisation and are rarely granted to non-citizens.

Do I get a residence permit when I buy an apartment in Mauritius?

If you purchase a qualifying residential unit through an approved scheme at a price of USD 375,000 or above, you and your dependants are eligible to apply for a Mauritius residence permit through the Economic Development Board.

What is the cheapest area to buy an apartment in Mauritius?

The central plateau towns such as Quatre Bornes, Rose Hill, and Curepipe generally offer the most affordable apartments. Coastal options in Pereybere or Flic en Flac are more affordable than Grand Baie while still offering a beachside lifestyle.

Are there additional taxes when buying an apartment in Mauritius?

Yes. Buyers typically pay 5 percent registration duty and notary fees of around 1 to 1.5 percent. The seller pays a 5 percent Land Transfer Tax. There is no capital gains tax in Mauritius, which is a significant advantage for investors.

How long does it take to complete a property purchase in Mauritius?

For a resale apartment, the process from signed preliminary agreement to final deed of sale typically takes two to four months. Off-plan purchases depend on the developer's construction timeline and can take one to three years.

Can I rent out my apartment in Mauritius after buying it?

Yes. Owners can rent their apartments on both short-term (holiday) and long-term bases. Short-term rentals through tourism platforms are popular in coastal areas and can generate strong yields, though some developments have their own rental management policies.

Apartment for Sale in Mauritius

Thinking of buying an apartment in Mauritius? Here is what you need to know first

Mauritius offers a genuine, legally accessible route for foreign nationals to own residential property, and apartments are the most popular entry point into the market. Whether you are relocating permanently, investing for rental yield, or securing a holiday base in the Indian Ocean, buying an apartment in Mauritius is straightforward once you understand the framework. Prices, locations, and ownership schemes vary widely, so this guide covers everything from legal eligibility to the best districts to consider.

Who can buy an apartment in Mauritius?

Can foreigners purchase property freely?

Foreign buyers cannot purchase just any property in Mauritius. The government channels non-citizen acquisitions through specific regulated schemes designed to attract investment while protecting the local market. The two main routes relevant to apartment buyers are:

PDS (Property Development Scheme): Integrated residential developments of at least six residential units on a plot of at least 0.4220 hectares. Foreign buyers are fully eligible and, when spending USD 375,000 or more, qualify for a Mauritius residence permit.
RES (Real Estate Scheme): An older framework still applicable to some existing developments. Similar principles apply.
Smart City Scheme: Mixed-use urban developments that include apartments, offices, and commercial spaces. Foreign buyers may purchase residential units within these zones.
Ground Floor Apartment Scheme (GFA): Allows foreigners to buy ground-floor apartments in buildings of at least two floors, subject to approval by the Economic Development Board (EDB).

Mauritian citizens and holders of a valid residence or occupation permit face fewer restrictions and can buy across a broader range of property types.

What is the minimum investment for a residence permit?

When a foreign national purchases a residential unit through an approved scheme at a price of USD 375,000 or above, they and their dependants become eligible to apply for a Mauritius residence permit. This makes apartment buying a dual-purpose decision: a home and a legal right to live on the island.

Where are the best locations to buy an apartment in Mauritius?

Which districts offer the most choice?

Mauritius is a small island, roughly 65 km long, but each district has a distinct character. Here is a brief overview of the most popular areas for apartment buyers:

Grand Baie (Riviere du Rempart district) The north coast hub. Grand Baie is the lifestyle capital of Mauritius, packed with restaurants, boutiques, watersports, and a lively marina. Apartments here range from compact studios to large penthouses. It is the most liquid market on the island, making it attractive for both living and rental investment.

Tamarin and Black River (Riviere Noire district) The west coast draws surfers, expatriates, and families who prefer a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. Tamarin in particular has seen significant development over the past decade, with several PDS and Smart City projects offering modern apartments close to the lagoon and the Black River Gorges National Park.

Pereybere and Cap Malheureux Quieter alternatives to Grand Baie, these northern villages attract buyers seeking a more residential feel. Apartment prices are generally more accessible here than in the main Grand Baie strip.

Beau Plan and Riche Terre (Smart City zones) For buyers who want urban convenience, the Smart City developments in the north and north-west offer contemporary apartments within walkable, mixed-use environments. These are particularly popular with professionals relocating for work.

Flic en Flac (Riviere Noire district) A long beach village on the west coast with a strong expat community. Apartments with sea views are available at a range of price points, and the area offers good access to Ebene, Mauritius's main business district.

Ebene and Quatre Bornes (central highlands) For buyers prioritising proximity to business, schools, and healthcare over beachfront living, the central plateau offers more affordable apartments and excellent infrastructure.

How much does an apartment cost in Mauritius?

What price ranges should buyers expect?

Prices vary enormously depending on location, scheme type, finishes, and sea views. As a broad guide for 2025:

Entry-level apartments in non-beachfront areas of the central plateau or quieter coastal villages: from around MUR 3 million to MUR 6 million (approximately USD 65,000 to USD 130,000). Note that many of these are only accessible to Mauritian citizens or permit holders.
Mid-range apartments in popular coastal areas such as Flic en Flac or Pereybere: MUR 6 million to MUR 15 million (approximately USD 130,000 to USD 330,000).
PDS and Smart City apartments eligible for foreign purchase: typically from USD 200,000 upwards, with luxury units and penthouses in Grand Baie or Tamarin reaching USD 1 million or more.

All prices are subject to negotiation and market conditions. Always verify current listings through a reputable portal such as PropertyFinder.mu to get an accurate picture of what is available at any given moment.

What is the buying process for an apartment in Mauritius?

What steps does a purchase involve?

Identify your eligibility: Confirm whether you are purchasing as a citizen, permit holder, or foreign national, as this determines which properties you can legally acquire.
Engage a notary: All property transactions in Mauritius are handled by a notary (notaire). The notary drafts the sale agreement and registers the title deed.
Sign a preliminary sale agreement (Contrat Preliminaire de Vente): This is a binding contract that locks in the price and terms. A deposit, typically 10 percent, is paid at this stage.
Due diligence and EDB approval: For foreign buyers purchasing under an approved scheme, the Economic Development Board must validate the transaction.
Sign the deed of sale (Acte de Vente): The final transfer of ownership, registered with the Registrar General.
Apply for residence permit (if applicable): If your purchase meets the USD 375,000 threshold, submit your permit application to the EDB.

The entire process typically takes two to four months from offer to completion, though off-plan purchases may have longer timelines.

What are the transaction costs?

Registration duty: 5 percent of the purchase price (some exemptions apply for first-time buyers who are Mauritian citizens).
Notary fees: approximately 1 to 1.5 percent.
Agent commission: typically 2 to 3 percent, usually paid by the seller.
Land Transfer Tax: 5 percent, payable by the seller but worth factoring into negotiations.

Is buying an apartment in Mauritius a good investment?

What rental yields and capital growth can buyers expect?

Mauritius has a stable economy, a strong tourism sector, and a growing expatriate population, all of which support property demand. Beachfront and coastal apartments in areas like Grand Baie and Tamarin can generate gross rental yields of 4 to 7 percent annually when managed well, particularly through short-term holiday rentals. Long-term rentals to expatriate professionals are also a reliable income source.

Capital appreciation has been steady in approved scheme properties, driven partly by the residence permit incentive attracting international buyers. However, as with any property market, returns are not guaranteed and depend heavily on location, quality, and management.

For the latest listings, price comparisons, and off-plan opportunities, browse PropertyFinder.mu, which aggregates apartments for sale across all major Mauritius districts.