Côté Sud Immobilier is a real estate agency operating throughout Mauritius.
Its agents assist international buyers and sellers in the search and sale of luxury properties through various IRS and PDS programs.
The agency also manages properties and land reserved exclusively for Mauritians (houses, agricultural land, commercial premises, etc.).
Discover the expertise of one of our agents, as well as the investment opportunities in Mauritius for foreign investors, in this interview.
Tell us about real estate agency Côté Sud Immobilier and what sets it apart in international real estate?
Mauritius is a great place to live. Its climate, safety, exceptional environment and quality of life make it an exceptional destination. This enchanting living environment, combined with low taxes and ease of acquisition for foreigners, attracts thousands of investors every year.
The south of Mauritius, where the agency was founded and where we hold the majority of our properties, remains protected from mass tourism and large-scale real estate developments. The region has chosen an alternative and thoughtful approach to development, which attracts buyers with profiles different from those in the north and west: seeking peace, nature, and authenticity.
What types of real estate do you offer in your region for international investors?
Côté Sud sales villas, apartments and building plots as part of international luxury programs. These turnkey investments are known as IRS, RES or PDS.
For example, our customers include Le Domaine d’Anbalaba, the only IRS development in Mauritius, set in a typical fishing village. If you’re looking for calm, nature and authenticity, as I said earlier, this is the place to be!
What makes your region attractive to investors in terms of growth and yield?
Mauritius is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. In 2022, it welcomed over 1 million tourists and is aiming for 1,400,000 by 2023*. Investing in rental property in a country so popular with travelers is a wise investment, encouraged by an attractive tax system. For example, to quote the Domaine d’Anbalaba again, the rental profitability of a property there is estimated at 5.5% for an occupancy rate of 50%.
Returning to the south of the island, where we primarily operate, becoming a property owner here means gaining access to an exceptional quality of life. The tropical vegetation is lush, and one can enjoy the turquoise lagoon and the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see. Water and outdoor activities are plentiful and nearby: kitesurfing, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, Heritage Golf Club, and more. The south guarantees complete tranquility and a true sense of escape.
The Mauritian government is encouraging the development of the south and is implementing infrastructure projects such as road improvements, alternative tourist facilities and services to stimulate the region’s economic growth. In the medium term, this will lead to an increase in property values.
How does taxation work for foreign investors in Mauritius? Are there any specific tax advantages for foreign investors?
Mauritius does, of course, offer advantageous tax regimes for international investors. The IRS, or Integrated Resort Scheme, is a freehold property investment open to non-citizens.
Owning a property in Mauritius means benefiting from a double tax treaty with 43 other countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Monaco, and a low tax rate: no tax on dividends or capital gains.
Home ownership under the IRS regime also means that only 15% of income is taxed. It’s also worth noting that many taxes in Mauritius are non-existent: council tax, property tax or inheritance tax.
These tax incentives make Mauritius a very attractive destination for foreign investors.
What additional services does Côté Sud Immobilier offer?
This varies from project to project, but we support our customers from A to Z, from advice to administrative support and follow-up. Our agency is made up of Mauritians and expatriates, so we are fully aware of the difficulties that certain administrative procedures can represent for foreigners.
We also offer a rental management service to help owners make the most of their primary or secondary residence. As a result, they no longer have to deal with the administrative, accounting, maintenance and sometimes marketing aspects of renting out their property.
Many property owners in Mauritius are international living in their home countries. They rarely have the time to ensure the proper management of their property. That’s why they turn to a professional property manager.
What are the main challenges facing foreign investors in real estate transactions?
Mauritius has retained a strong link with France. Its culture is still very much alive, and it is resolutely international in outlook. As a result, it’s easy to become a homeowner. And while some procedures can take a long time, we’re there to make sure they’re carried out properly.
Are there any visa or golden visa programs for foreign investors?
A permanent resident visa is granted to any purchaser with a minimum investment of $375,000. Resident status is also granted to spouses and dependent children up to the age of 24.
Retired people can obtain a resident’s visa on the sole condition that they can show proof of €1,500 in incoming monthly income into a bank account.
Would you like to find out more about property investment in Mauritius? Are you looking for a building plot, a villa or to sell your property?
Contact Côté Sud Immobilier at contact@cote-sud.mu or by phone on +230 5 423 1123. The team will be delighted to help you with your real estate project in Mauritius!
*Source : Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) – 27/01/2023
