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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Mauritius Houses for Sale – Buyer's Guide 2026

5 min read

·23 July 2026

From beachside villas in Grand Baie to hillside retreats in Tamarin, Mauritius offers houses for every budget and lifestyle. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.

What does the Mauritius housing market look like in 2026?

Mauritius remains one of the Indian Ocean's most sought-after destinations for residential property. Houses for sale range from compact local-style bungalows priced from around MUR 4 million to luxury beachfront villas exceeding USD 3 million. Demand from both Mauritian buyers and international investors continues to push quality stock off the market quickly, making it essential to understand the landscape before you start viewing.

Which areas offer the best houses for sale in Mauritius?

Location shapes lifestyle, price and rental yield. Here are the island's most active residential zones:

Grand Baie & Pereybere (North): The social hub of the island. Expect lively streets, proximity to beaches and strong short-term rental demand. Villas here typically start at MUR 12 million.
Tamarin & Black River (West): Popular with surfers, families and expats seeking a relaxed pace. Tamarin has seen significant new development, with houses ranging from MUR 8 million upward.
Beau Vallon & Moka (Central Highlands): Cooler temperatures, top international schools and easy motorway access to Port Louis make this belt ideal for families. Prices are generally more accessible, from MUR 5 million.
Blue Bay & Mahébourg (South-East): A quieter, more authentic Mauritian experience with a lagoon on the doorstep. Growing infrastructure is attracting buyers priced out of the north.
Rivière Noire to Chamarel (South-West): Dramatic landscapes and boutique living. Ideal for buyers who prioritise privacy and nature over nightlife.

Can foreigners buy a house in Mauritius?

Yes — with clear rules. Non-citizens must purchase property through one of the government-approved foreign investment schemes. The most relevant for standalone houses are:

Property Development Scheme (PDS): Integrated residential estates with a minimum purchase price of USD 375,000. Buying at this threshold or above automatically qualifies the purchaser (and dependants) for a Mauritian residence permit — one of the island's most attractive incentives.
Smart City Scheme (SCS): Mixed-use developments blending residential, commercial and leisure spaces. Houses within approved Smart Cities follow similar foreign-ownership rules.
Ground +1 Scheme: Allows foreigners to purchase certain apartments and small residential units, though this applies more to apartments than detached houses.

Outside these schemes, foreigners generally cannot purchase freestanding houses on open market land. Always instruct a local notary to verify scheme eligibility before signing any agreement.

What costs should buyers budget for beyond the purchase price?

Budgeting accurately prevents nasty surprises at the notary's office. Typical additional costs include:

Registration duty: 5% of the purchase price (first-time Mauritian buyers purchasing below MUR 7 million may qualify for a reduced rate).
Notary fees: Approximately 1–2% of the transaction value.
Land Transfer Tax: 5% payable by the seller, but worth factoring into negotiation dynamics.
Agency commission: Typically 2–3% plus VAT, usually paid by the seller in Mauritius.
Annual council tax (taxe foncière): Modest annual charge based on property value.

What should you check before making an offer?

A house in Mauritius can look perfect on a sunny viewing day and hide structural or legal issues. Prioritise these checks:

Confirm the title deed (titre de propriété) is clean and free of encumbrances at the Registrar-General's office.
Verify planning permissions for any extensions or pools — unpermitted works can delay or block a sale.
Commission an independent structural survey, particularly for older properties that may have cyclone damage or moisture issues.
Check water and CEB electricity connection status, especially in rural or newly developed areas.
For PDS properties, review the management company's maintenance fees and house rules before committing.

Is now a good time to buy a house in Mauritius?

With the Mauritian rupee offering competitive entry points for USD and EUR buyers, and residency-by-investment remaining one of Africa's most accessible pathways, 2025 presents a compelling window. Inventory in premium locations is tightening, and the government's continued investment in road infrastructure and healthcare is underpinning long-term value across the island.

Ready to find your house in Mauritius?

The PropertyFinder Mauritius team works with buyers at every stage — from first enquiry to keys in hand. Get in touch via our contact page to arrange a viewing or ask a specific question, and browse our full range of houses for sale in Mauritius to find your perfect match today.

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