The magnificence of its seashores and breath-taking landscape, the favourable living environment, and the attractive fiscal regime make Mauritius a hub for real estate investors around the world.
Real estate: a lively market despite the pandemic
In spite of the COVID pandemic, the real estate market in Mauritius has resisted well. According to a Bank of Mauritius report, the ‘Real estate activities’ sector was responsible for 65% of the total gross direct investment for the first three quarters of 2021. It is expected to continue its trend, with Mauritius being an investment hub for international investors.
Indeed, real estate investments continue to grow as real estate represent a profitable asset for the long term. Real estate properties are widely available throughout the island, and the most popular ones among investors and foreigners are those beachfront properties with a sea view. What better investment other than living in a beachfront property in Mauritius and renting your property in Mauritius while you are abroad.
Real estate investment in Mauritius
Real estate investors are also allowed buy, sell and rent their properties when they are not present on the island for instance. Indeed, Mauritius is a popular tourist destination that welcomes more than one million tourists every year. In this sense, real estate investment provides an opportunity to make your property available to tourists in order to generate substantial and short-term rental income.
Mauritius has a simple and interesting tax regime, unique for all residents (Mauritians and foreigners) where taxes income from the professional activity, income generated by renting a property, as well as Value Added Tax (VAT), stand at 15%. Investing in real estate is also a way of securing your assets and planning for your succession.
There is no capital gains tax (if the owner sells his/her property), no inheritance tax, no property tax, and no housing tax. In addition, the tax treaties that Mauritius has signed with many Asian, African and European countries, allow people from those countries to avoid being taxed twice (both in Mauritius and their country of origin).
Obtaining a permanent residence permit through real estate investment
Purchasing a prestigious property – whether it be a villa, penthouse or apartment – worth over USD 375,000 and built in a designated real estate development project, entitles the buyer to a permanent residence permit to live in Mauritius. The dependents – spouse, children, and parents (if retired) – of the buyer also get the right to a permanent residence permit.
This permit remains valid as long as the buyer remains the owner of the property. Another advantage of real estate investment in Mauritius is that the owner is allowed to sell his/her real estate property and can therefore make significant capital gains.
Outstanding quality of life
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is ideally situated and, each year attracts more and more investors and foreigners from around the world looking to do business and live on the island. There are many why foreigners and investors choose to invest in real estate and relocate to Mauritius.
The island is ideal for families as it boasts a safe and secure environment and a warm climate all year round. It also has international schools (French and English speaking) and a healthcare system inspired by the European model. English and French are widely spoken throughout the island and form part of the daily business world.
Its volcanic foundations shed light on the presence of an immense tidal pond, which makes the satisfaction of water sports enthusiasts. Hiking activities in the mountains with a dazzling view of the sea is a regular activity in Mauritius. Additionally, encompassed by the sea and tropical blossoms, the island is heaven for golf players who will be able to enjoy the beautiful golf courses of Mauritius.
A popular relocation destination among investors and foreigners, it is important to be accompanied by experienced professionals. In Mauritius, companies such as PLEION Private Services provide a comprehensive set of services, from real estate investment and advice to property management. This is ideal for investors and foreigners who want peace of mind when looking to acquire a new property and relocate with their families.
The ease of doing business
Mauritius is well known among international investors as a business hub. The island ranks first in the ease of doing business in Africa and constitutes, an ideal destination for your real estate business. With a dynamic business environment, about 20,000 offshore companies have set up their offices in Mauritius.
Businessperson planning to move to Mauritius can bring their business with them. Mauritius brings forward a number of advantages that will allow you to easily work and manage your business remotely, which include:
- Real Estate value tends to appreciate quickly over the past years
- Tax-free dividend
- 100% foreign ownership
- Free repatriation of profits, capital and dividends
- Bilingual (English and French) and qualified workforce
- A dynamic business environment
- Robust political and economic stability
- Availability of high-end office
- Reliable internet connectivity and IT outsourcing services companies
As the ideal platform, for both real estate investment and real estate business, Mauritius, therefore, represents an opportunity for international investors. Coupled with its living environment, the island is the ideal place to live, work and relocate to.
