Guide for foreigners looking to buy property in Mauritius

# Guide for Foreigners Looking to Buy Property in Mauritius

With its turquoise lagoons, year-round sunshine, and increasingly sophisticated financial infrastructure, Mauritius has become one of the Indian Ocean's most compelling destinations for foreign property buyers. Whether you're drawn by the lifestyle, the tax advantages, or the long-term investment potential, buying property here as a non-citizen is entirely achievable — provided you understand the legal framework and follow the right steps.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mauritius?

The short answer is yes, but with important caveats. Mauritius law does not permit foreigners to purchase **freehold land** outside of specific government-approved schemes. However, several well-established acquisition routes exist that give foreign buyers full ownership rights and, in many cases, the added benefit of a **Mauritian residence permit**.

Understanding which scheme suits your goals is the essential first step.

The Main Property Acquisition Schemes

### Property Development Scheme (PDS)

The **Property Development Scheme (PDS)** is the primary route for most foreign buyers today. Introduced to replace the older IRS and RES frameworks, PDS developments are integrated residential communities that blend luxury villas, apartments, and communal facilities such as golf courses, beach clubs, and spas. Foreign buyers can purchase units within these schemes with no minimum spend requirement — though properties typically start from around USD 200,000.

Crucially, purchasing a PDS property valued at **USD 375,000 or more** automatically qualifies the buyer and their dependants for a Mauritian residence permit, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate or retire here.

### Smart City Scheme (SCS)

The **Smart City Scheme** focuses on mixed-use urban developments combining residential, commercial, and leisure spaces. Designed to foster innovation and modern living, smart cities such as Moka and Tamarin are increasingly popular with professionals and entrepreneurs. Foreign buyers can purchase residential units within these zones, and the same residence permit threshold of USD 375,000 applies.

### Invest Hotel Scheme (IHS)

For those seeking a more hands-off investment, the **Invest Hotel Scheme** allows foreigners to purchase hotel units or suites within approved five-star properties. Owners can use their unit for a set number of days per year while the hotel manages the property and generates rental income on their behalf — an ideal structure for international investors who want lifestyle benefits without management headaches.

### Ground+2 Apartments

A lesser-known but increasingly relevant option is the purchase of apartments in buildings of **ground floor plus at least two storeys**. Non-citizens may buy such apartments freely, without the need to go through an approved scheme, as long as the purchase price meets the minimum threshold set by the Economic Development Board (EDB). This has opened up more accessible entry points into the Mauritius property market.

The Buying Process: What to Expect

The property purchase process in Mauritius follows a structured legal path. Once you've identified a property, both parties sign a **Preliminary Sale Agreement (Contrat Préliminaire de Vente)**, typically accompanied by a 10% deposit. This agreement sets out the terms and timelines for completion.

All property transactions must be handled through a **notary (notaire)**, who is responsible for verifying title, conducting due diligence, and registering the transfer with the relevant authorities. Foreign buyers are also required to obtain **authorisation from the Economic Development Board** for certain acquisitions — your notary will guide you through this step.

The entire process, from offer to completion, generally takes between **three and six months**, depending on the complexity of the transaction and financing arrangements.

Taxes and Costs to Factor In

Mauritius is rightly celebrated for its **favourable tax environment**. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax — significant advantages compared to many European jurisdictions. Rental income is subject to income tax, but rates are competitive.

Buyers should budget for **registration duty** (currently 5% for non-citizens purchasing through approved schemes), notary fees (approximately 1–2% of the purchase price), and EDB application fees where applicable. Always seek independent legal and financial advice to ensure full compliance.

Lifestyle and Long-Term Value

Beyond the legal mechanics, it's worth remembering what makes Mauritius so exceptional. The island offers **world-class healthcare**, international schools, direct flights to major European cities, and one of the lowest crime rates in Africa. Its multicultural society, English-speaking professional community, and genuine warmth towards expatriates make the transition remarkably smooth for British and European buyers.

Property values in premium areas such as **Grand Baie, Tamarin, Beau Champ, and Anahita** have shown consistent long-term appreciation, underpinned by limited land supply and growing international demand.

Start Your Mauritius Property Journey

Navigating the Mauritius property market as a foreign buyer requires the right information and the right partners. At **PropertyFinder Mauritius**, we connect you with an exclusive portfolio of PDS villas, smart city apartments, and investment-grade properties across the island's most sought-after locations. Browse our listings today or speak with our team for tailored advice on finding your perfect piece of paradise.