Foreign ownership data of Mauritius real estate

The real estate sector contributes approximately 6.6% to the total national output of Mauritius. Specifically, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into residential real estate activities, on average, amounts to MUR 7 billion annually - or 60% of total FDI. This amount peaked in 2019 to MUR 14 billion prior to COVID-19 and country restrictions being implemented.

During 2020 a total of 256 residences were sold. The EDB processed over 400 applications for the acquisition of residential property resulting in a gross value of more than MUR 10 billion. Moving into 2021, for the first 5 months of the year (Jan-May) the EDB has already processed applications to the value of MUR 4 billion - indicating the real estate market of Mauritius continues to be viewed as a secure and attractive long-term investment considering the current global climate.

In the last 15 years, a total of 3,654 residential units have been sold to foreigners at an average of 360 residences sold per year since 2012. This represents a total of USD 2.6 billion of sales for the purchase of eligible immovable property within these designated schemes. The bulk of sales come from the original and oldest IRS and RES schemes. Since the introduction of the more commonly known PDS scheme, G+2 Apartments and recent Smart Cities - these schemes have created more availability of choice to potential investors and contributed approximately USD 450 million in sales.

The core segment of buyers consists of France/South Africa/UK at 73% combined, followed by Mauritian buyers who represent 7.5% of purchases into foreigner schemes - with the remaining bulk of buyers being of Swiss/Belgian/Italian/Indian/German origin. There has also been increased interest from China registered during 2020.

In terms of property type; Villas comprise 48% of sales, being equal to Apartments also at 48%, followed by serviced land plots at 4%. The majority of buyers (73%) purchase units between MUR 10 million to MUR 50 million, 15% of buyers purchase units under MUR 10 million mainly comprising G+2 and land parcels, with only 3% of sales are at the highest end of the market with prices over MUR 90 million.

In terms of property type; Villas comprise 48% of sales, being equal to Apartments also at 48%, followed by serviced land plots at 4%. The majority of buyers (73%) purchase units between MUR 10 million to MUR 50 million, 15% of buyers purchase units under MUR 10 million mainly comprising G+2 and land parcels, with only 3% of sales are at the highest end of the market with prices over MUR 90 million.