The question of whether foreigners can buy land in Mauritius has long been a sensitive yet evolving topic. While the country has welcomed foreign property investment since 2005, land acquisition by non-citizens has historically been restricted to protect the local real estate market.
However, the landscape is changing. Now, foreigners can buy land in Mauritius, but only under specific conditions and within government-approved real estate schemes. This marks a turning point for international buyers who dream of building their own home in one of the most sought-after island destinations in the world.
Mauritius has developed a set of real estate schemes that regulate how and where foreigners can purchase property, including land. These are the main avenues available:
In recent years, Smart City projects have been at the forefront of change. These mixed-use developments now reserve a portion of their residential zones for foreigners wishing to buy land in Mauritius and build their own custom-designed homes.
Within these Smart Cities, buyers can purchase individual plots, engage their own architects and project managers, and design a home that fits both their lifestyle and the architectural guidelines of the community.
This means more freedom, greater personalisation, and the ability to own land in a well-planned, secure, and high-potential location.
In addition to Smart Cities, select IRS and PDS developments now offer a limited portion of plots for standalone land acquisition.
By law, only up to 25% of the total number of residential units in these projects can be sold as land-only options to foreigners. For example, in a development with 200 lots, only 50 may be offered as land plots, while the remainder must be sold as pre-designed villa packages.
Even when buying land in these developments, construction must adhere to strict architectural guidelines. The style, materials, and finishes must match the development’s identity to ensure harmony and value across the project.
It’s important to note that foreigners cannot buy land in Mauritius outside these approved schemes. Private, stand-alone land plots not part of a government-regulated program remain off-limits to non-citizens.
This regulation helps protect local access to land and prevents speculative acquisitions of prime areas by foreign capital. However, within the framework of PDS, IRS and Smart City schemes, the government has struck a balance, allowing foreigners to own land while maintaining control over development and design.
Navigating the process to buy land in Mauritius as a foreigner can be complex, but you’re not alone. At Mauritius Sotheby’s International Realty, we specialise in guiding international buyers through that land acquisition and property journey.
Contact us at info@sir.mu or visit www.sir.mu to begin your journey.
Published on May 2, 2025 by Laetitia Melidor
