Unfurnished Flat in Mauritius: What to Know Before You Buy

What exactly does an unfurnished flat in Mauritius include?

An unfurnished flat in Mauritius is delivered with bare walls, tiled or concrete floors, and basic sanitary fittings — but no furniture, curtains, or kitchen appliances. In most cases you will receive a functional bathroom suite and sometimes a fitted kitchen shell without white goods. This arrangement gives you complete control over finishes and furnishings, and it typically means a lower purchase or rental price than an equivalent furnished unit.

Where are the best areas to find an unfurnished flat?

Location shapes both price and lifestyle dramatically on this small island. The most in-demand districts for unfurnished flats are:

• Grand Baie and Pereybere (North): Popular with expats and investors. Expect prices from around MUR 4.5 million for a one-bedroom and upward of MUR 9 million for a spacious two-bedroom in a secure residence.
• Flic en Flac (West): A relaxed beach town with strong rental demand. Unfurnished two-bedroom flats in mid-range residences typically start near MUR 5 million.
• Quatre Bornes and Rose Hill (Central Plateau): Preferred by local buyers and long-term residents for their amenities and transport links. Prices are more accessible, often MUR 2.5–5 million for a two-bedroom.
• Tamarin and Black River (West Coast): Increasingly popular with digital nomads and families. Newer residences command MUR 6–12 million for two- to three-bedroom unfurnished units.
• Ebène Cybercity surroundings: Ideal for professionals. Compact unfurnished flats are available from MUR 3 million, with strong long-term rental yields.

Can foreigners buy an unfurnished flat in Mauritius?

Yes — but with conditions. Non-citizens cannot purchase a standard apartment on the open market unless it falls under an approved government scheme. The main routes are:

• PDS (Property Development Scheme): Integrated resorts and residences approved under PDS allow foreigners to buy. A minimum purchase price of USD 375,000 qualifies the buyer and their immediate family for Mauritian residency.
• RES (Real Estate Scheme) legacy stock: Some older approved projects still trade on the secondary market and remain eligible for foreign ownership.
• Smart City Scheme: Developments within designated Smart Cities are open to foreign buyers with no minimum price threshold for residency, though individual project rules vary.

Crucially, buying outside these schemes — for example, a standard flat in a local residence — is generally restricted to Mauritian citizens and holders of a valid occupation or residence permit. Always verify eligibility with a licensed notary before proceeding.

What should you check before signing for an unfurnished flat?

Legal and administrative checks

• Confirm the morcellement permit or building permit is fully in order.
• Verify there are no outstanding charges on the title deed (hypothèque).
• Check the co-propriété (co-ownership) rules — monthly syndic fees can range from MUR 1,500 to MUR 8,000 depending on shared amenities like a pool or gym.

Structural and practical checks

• Inspect the quality of tiling, plastering, and electrical wiring — unfurnished units reveal more about build quality than furnished ones.
• Confirm water pressure and whether the residence has a dedicated water tank or relies solely on the CWA network.
• Assess natural light and ventilation, especially in ground-floor units where humidity can be an issue in coastal areas.

Rental potential

If you plan to rent out your unfurnished flat, bear in mind that the local long-term rental market strongly favours furnished or semi-furnished properties. An unfurnished flat is best suited to corporate tenants or local families on multi-year leases. Gross rental yields on unfurnished units in Grand Baie and Flic en Flac typically run between 4% and 6% annually.

Is buying unfurnished actually cheaper in the long run?

Not always. While the sticker price is lower, you will invest in furniture, appliances, and often additional finishing work. Budget an additional MUR 300,000–800,000 for a one-bedroom and MUR 600,000–1.5 million for a two-bedroom to reach a comfortable, lettable standard. The upside is that you choose quality, style, and durability — and you avoid paying a premium for someone else's ageing furniture.

Ready to find your unfurnished flat in Mauritius?

Contact the PropertyFinder Mauritius team via our contact page to arrange a viewing or get personalised advice on eligibility and financing. You can also browse our full selection of apartments for sale in Mauritius and filter by price, location, and furnishing status to find the right match today.