Unfurnished House in Mauritius: What You Need to Know

What Does Renting an Unfurnished House in Mauritius Actually Mean?

An unfurnished house in Mauritius is typically handed over with bare walls, tiled or wooden floors, fitted kitchen units and bathroom fixtures — but no furniture, curtains, appliances or white goods. This is the standard definition used by most local landlords and agencies. It gives tenants complete freedom to personalise the space, and it usually translates into a rental price 15–25 % lower than an equivalent furnished property in the same neighbourhood.

Who Typically Chooses an Unfurnished House?

Unfurnished rentals attract a specific type of tenant or buyer in Mauritius:

• Relocating families who are shipping their own furniture and want a blank canvas.
• Long-term expatriates on two-year-plus contracts who prefer to invest in their own décor.
• Local buyers and renters who already own furniture and see no reason to pay a premium for someone else's taste.
• Investors converting a property into a serviced rental — they furnish to their own specification and target market.

Where Are the Best Locations to Find Unfurnished Houses in Mauritius?

Grand Baie and the North Coast

The north remains the most popular corridor for expatriates and retirees. Unfurnished villas and detached houses in Grand Baie, Pereybere and Calodyne typically range from MUR 35,000 to MUR 90,000 per month depending on plot size, pool and proximity to the beach. Three- to four-bedroom houses with a garden are the most common format.

Tamarin and the West Coast

Tamarin, Rivière Noire and Flic en Flac offer a more relaxed lifestyle with strong surf culture. Unfurnished houses here can be found from MUR 28,000 per month for a modest three-bedroom, rising to MUR 120,000 or more for a luxury villa with ocean views. The west is increasingly popular with South African and French expatriate families.

Moka, Beau Bassin and the Central Plateau

For families prioritising international schools and a cooler climate, the Moka corridor — including Bagatelle, Cascavelle and Quatre Bornes — offers excellent value. Unfurnished houses here often start at MUR 22,000 per month, and the area has seen significant infrastructure investment over the past decade.

The South and East

Mahébourg, Blue Bay and Belle Mare are quieter and more affordable, appealing to buyers who work remotely or are semi-retired. Unfurnished houses in these areas can represent some of the best price-per-square-metre value on the island.

Can Foreigners Buy an Unfurnished House in Mauritius?

Yes — but within a defined legal framework. Non-citizens can purchase residential property in Mauritius through approved schemes such as the Property Development Scheme (PDS), the Ground + 2 (G+2) scheme, or the Smart City Scheme. A PDS purchase at a minimum price of USD 375,000 automatically qualifies the buyer and their dependants for a Mauritian residency permit, which is a significant draw for many international buyers.

Foreigners cannot freely purchase standalone villas or houses outside these schemes, so working with a licensed agency is essential to navigate the legal requirements correctly.

Key Lease Clauses to Check Before Signing

Whether you are renting or buying an unfurnished property, pay close attention to the following:

• Inventory and handover condition — even unfurnished properties should have a written inventory of fixtures, fittings and the condition of walls and floors.
• Maintenance responsibilities — in Mauritius, minor repairs are typically the tenant's responsibility; structural issues fall to the landlord.
• Lease duration and break clause — most landlords prefer a minimum 12-month lease; negotiate a 6-month break clause if possible.
• Utility connections — confirm whether the CEB (electricity) and CWA (water) accounts transfer to your name or remain with the landlord.
• Pet and renovation clauses — if you plan to paint walls or install shelving, get written permission upfront.

Is an Unfurnished House Better Value Than a Furnished One?

For stays longer than 12 months, the answer is almost always yes. The lower monthly rent compounds over a two-year lease into a meaningful saving — often enough to furnish the property comfortably from local retailers such as Meublatex or import pieces from South Africa or Europe. You also avoid paying a premium for furniture that may not suit your style or wear level.

Get in Touch With PropertyFinder Mauritius

Ready to find your ideal unfurnished house in Mauritius? Our team can arrange viewings, explain residency and ownership rules, and match you with properties that fit your budget and lifestyle. Contact PropertyFinder Mauritius today, or start browsing our full selection of houses for sale in Mauritius right now.