Can foreigners buy property in Mauritius?

Yes. Foreign nationals can buy property through approved schemes: PDS, Smart City and G+2 apartments. A minimum purchase of USD 375,000 under PDS or Smart City entitles the buyer to a Permanent Residence Permit.

Is Mauritius property a good investment?

Yes. Mauritius offers no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and a flat 15% income tax. Prime coastal villas have seen 8–12% annual appreciation. Strong expat rental demand supports yields of 4–7% long-term and up to 14% for short-term holiday lets.

Which area of Mauritius is best to buy property?

The West (Tamarin, Black River) is the lifestyle leader. Grand Baie in the North has the best infrastructure and expat community. The East (Belle Mare) offers the finest beaches. The South is most affordable. Central Mauritius suits rental-yield investors.

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Apartment Hunting in Mauritius: Your Complete Guide

5 min read

·23 July 2026

Apartment hunting in Mauritius is exciting but requires local know-how. From Grand Baie to Tamarin, this guide covers locations, prices, residency rules, and how to search smart.

What You Need to Know Before You Start Apartment Hunting in Mauritius

Apartment hunting in Mauritius is genuinely rewarding — the island offers a rare mix of modern amenities, tropical lifestyle, and a stable property market. Whether you are relocating, retiring, or investing, the key is knowing where to look, what to budget, and which legal rules apply to you. Foreign buyers can purchase certain apartments freely, while others require residency qualification — getting that distinction right from day one saves weeks of wasted viewings.

Which Areas Should You Focus On?

Mauritius is compact — roughly 65 km north to south — but each coastal belt has a distinct character and price point. Choosing the right district before you browse listings is the single fastest way to narrow your search.

Grand Baie & the North Coast

Grand Baie is the island's social hub: restaurants, beach clubs, supermarkets, and the Caudan Waterfront ferry are all close. Apartments here range from EUR 180,000 for a compact one-bedroom to well over EUR 600,000 for a luxury penthouse with lagoon views. Ideal for buyers who want convenience and a lively expat community.

Tamarin & the West Coast

Tamarin and Black River attract surfers, young professionals, and families priced out of Grand Baie. Prices are 15–25 % lower on average, and the sunsets over the Rempart Mountain range are hard to beat. Expect EUR 150,000–EUR 400,000 for well-finished two- and three-bedroom units.

Pereybere, Mont Choisy & Cap Malheureux

These quieter northern villages appeal to buyers seeking a slower pace without sacrificing beach access. Mont Choisy in particular has seen strong new-build activity, with several IRS and PDS-compliant residences offering smart finishes and shared pools.

Ebène & Moka (Inland)

If you are relocating for work, the Ebène Cybercity corridor and the Moka Smart City offer modern apartment complexes with easy highway access to Port Louis. Prices start around EUR 120,000 and the rental yields — typically 5–7 % — attract investors.

Can Foreigners Buy Apartments in Mauritius?

Yes, but with important conditions. Non-citizens may purchase apartments freely on the open market only if the building is at least two storeys high and the unit is priced at a minimum of USD 375,000 (or the equivalent in another currency). Below that threshold, foreign buyers must acquire through a government-approved scheme such as a Property Development Scheme (PDS) or a Smart City Scheme residence.

The good news: buying a qualifying property at USD 375,000 or above automatically entitles you to apply for a Mauritius residence permit — a significant draw for retirees and remote workers. Your spouse and dependants under 24 are included in the same permit.

What Are the True Costs of Buying?

Budget beyond the listing price. Typical additional costs include:

Registration duty: 5 % of the purchase price (buyers pay this)
Notary fees: approximately 1–1.5 % of the purchase price
Land Transfer Tax: 5 % paid by the seller, but factor it into negotiations
Agency fees: usually 2 % + VAT, paid by the seller in most transactions
Annual Ground Rent (leasehold sites): modest but worth confirming

On a EUR 300,000 apartment, expect to set aside roughly EUR 18,000–22,000 in closing costs on top of your purchase price.

Practical Tips for a Smarter Apartment Search

Define your must-haves before you view

Sea view, parking, pet-friendly building, proximity to an international school — list your non-negotiables. Mauritius has a small but active market, and agents will match you faster if your brief is precise.

Visit during the week

Weekend traffic in Grand Baie and Tamarin can be misleading. A midweek visit gives you a more accurate feel for daily commute times and neighbourhood noise levels.

Check building management and sinking funds

Mauritius condominiums operate under the Morcellement Act or syndic management. Ask for the last two years of accounts and confirm whether a sinking fund exists for major repairs — it reveals a lot about how well a building is run.

Use a local notary early

Unlike many markets, Mauritian notaries act as neutral facilitators for both parties. Engaging one early to review the Promesse de Vente (preliminary contract) protects your deposit and clarifies title.

Ready to Find Your Apartment in Mauritius?

The PropertyFinder Mauritius team knows every micro-market on the island and can match your brief to verified listings quickly. Contact us via our contact page to arrange viewings or ask any question — and start exploring our full range of apartments for sale in Mauritius right now.

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