What is the minimum price for a foreigner to buy a house in Mauritius?

Foreign nationals purchasing through the Property Development Scheme (PDS) or the Ground +2 Apartment Scheme must pay a minimum of USD 375,000. There is no set minimum for Smart City residential properties, though prices tend to be comparable.

Do I get residency if I buy a house in Mauritius?

Yes. Purchasing a qualifying property through the PDS or Smart City scheme at or above USD 375,000 entitles the buyer and their dependants to a Mauritius residence permit, valid for the duration of ownership.

Are there property taxes on houses in Mauritius?

Mauritius levies a modest annual land tax and, in some cases, a National Residential Property Tax. Importantly, there is no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax, making it a tax-efficient jurisdiction for property ownership.

Can I rent out my house in Mauritius as a foreigner?

Yes. Foreign owners of PDS and Smart City properties are generally permitted to rent out their homes. Rental income earned in Mauritius is subject to local income tax, but rates are low — capped at 15% — and double taxation treaties exist with many countries.

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

A typical property transaction in Mauritius takes between 60 and 120 days from the signing of the preliminary agreement to the final deed of sale. EDB approval for foreign buyers can add several weeks to the timeline.

Where can I find verified houses for sale in Mauritius?

Property Finder Mauritius (propertyfinder.mu) offers a comprehensive, searchable database of houses and villas for sale across all regions and price ranges, including PDS and Smart City scheme properties.

Mauritius Housing & Houses for Sale | Comp…

Mauritius Housing & Houses for Sale: Everything You Need to Know

Mauritius offers one of the most attractive property markets in the Indian Ocean, combining tropical lifestyle with a stable economy, low taxes, and a welcoming legal framework for foreign buyers. Whether you are relocating permanently, seeking a holiday home, or making a long-term investment, understanding the Mauritius housing landscape is essential before you commit.

The short answer: Foreigners can legally buy houses for sale in Mauritius through specific government-approved schemes, with prices starting from USD 375,000 for qualifying properties. Mauritian citizens enjoy broader purchase rights across all property types and price ranges.

What Types of Houses Are Available for Sale in Mauritius?

The Mauritius housing market caters to a wide spectrum of buyers, from modest family homes to ultra-luxury beachfront villas.

Standalone Villas and Detached Houses

These are the most sought-after property type, particularly in the north and west of the island. Standalone villas typically feature private gardens, swimming pools, and ocean views. Prices range from MUR 8 million for a modest inland property to well over USD 5 million for a prestigious seafront villa.

Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) and Property Development Scheme (PDS) Properties

These government-approved developments allow non-citizens to purchase residential properties, including houses and villas, within secure, amenity-rich estates. PDS properties must be priced at a minimum of USD 375,000. Purchasing through a PDS scheme also grants the buyer and their dependants a Mauritius residence permit — a major draw for international buyers.

Smart City Properties

Smart Cities are large-scale, mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial, and leisure facilities. Houses within Smart Cities are open to foreign buyers and represent a growing segment of the market, particularly appealing to professionals relocating for work.

Traditional Creole Houses

Found across the island's interior and coastal villages, traditional Mauritian Creole houses offer unique architectural character — wooden lattice verandas, pitched roofs, and vibrant colours. These are generally available to Mauritian citizens and permanent residents, though exceptions exist through certain legal structures.

Can Foreigners Buy a House in Mauritius?

Yes — but with important conditions. Foreign nationals cannot freely purchase any residential property on the open market. However, the following routes are legally available:

Property Development Scheme (PDS): The primary route for foreigners. Minimum purchase price of USD 375,000. Comes with a residence permit.
Smart City Scheme: Residential units within approved Smart City projects are open to foreign buyers.
Invest Hotel Scheme (IHS): Allows purchase of hotel units that can be used as personal accommodation for a set number of days per year.
Ground +2 Apartment Scheme: Foreigners may purchase apartments in buildings of at least three storeys, with a minimum price of USD 375,000 per unit.

Mauritian citizens and members of the diaspora face no such restrictions and can purchase any type of residential property across the island.

For a current listing of available houses for sale across all schemes and locations, Property Finder Mauritius provides a comprehensive, up-to-date database of verified listings.

Where Are the Best Locations to Buy a House in Mauritius?

Grand Baie and the North

The north is the social and tourist hub of the island. Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux offer a lively lifestyle with restaurants, watersports, and easy beach access. Housing here commands premium prices, particularly for sea-view villas.

Tamarin and the West Coast

The west coast — including Tamarin, Black River, and Flic en Flac — is a favourite among expats and surfers. It enjoys the island's best weather, with dry conditions and spectacular sunsets. PDS estates in this region are particularly well-developed.

Beau Champ and the East

The east coast is quieter, greener, and home to some of Mauritius's most exclusive resort-style estates. Anahita and Heritage Villas Valriche are among the flagship PDS developments here.

Moka and the Central Plateau

For buyers prioritising proximity to international schools, hospitals, and the business district of Ebène, the central Moka region is increasingly popular. Housing here tends to be more affordable than coastal areas, with a cooler climate year-round.

Tamarin Bay and Rivière Noire

This southwestern corridor is popular with families and offers a blend of authentic Mauritian village life and modern amenities. It is also home to several Smart City developments.

What Are the Costs of Buying a House in Mauritius?

Understanding the full cost of purchase is essential for accurate budgeting:

Transfer duty: Generally 5% of the property value (exemptions apply for first-time Mauritian buyers and certain PDS transactions)
Notary fees: Approximately 1–2% of the transaction value
Land registration duty: Variable, typically 5% for non-PDS properties
Agency fees: Usually 2–3% of the sale price, paid by the seller in most cases
Annual land tax: Mauritius levies a modest land tax based on property value

For PDS and Smart City purchases, transfer duty is often waived or significantly reduced, making these schemes financially attractive beyond the lifestyle benefits.

What Is the Process for Buying a House in Mauritius?

Identify your property through a licensed estate agent or a platform such as Property Finder Mauritius
Engage a Mauritian notary — all property transactions must be handled by a registered notary
Sign a preliminary agreement (Contrat Préliminaire de Vente) and pay a deposit, typically 10%
Conduct due diligence — verify title, planning permissions, and any encumbrances
For foreign buyers: Submit your application to the Economic Development Board (EDB) if purchasing through a PDS or Smart City scheme
Sign the deed of sale (Acte de Vente) before the notary and pay the balance
Register the deed at the Registrar General's office

The entire process typically takes between 60 and 120 days from offer to completion.

Is Buying a House in Mauritius a Good Investment?

Mauritius consistently ranks among Africa's top investment destinations. The property market has shown steady appreciation, particularly in the luxury and PDS segments. Key investment drivers include:

Political stability and a robust legal system based on English and French law
No capital gains tax on property sales
No inheritance tax, making estate planning straightforward
Strong rental demand from expats, tourists, and business travellers
Residency by investment benefits attached to qualifying purchases

For long-term investors and lifestyle buyers alike, Mauritius housing represents a compelling combination of financial security and quality of life.

Mauritius Housing & Houses for Sale | Complete Guide