Côté Sud Immobilier is, as its name suggests, a real estate agency dedicated to the south of Mauritius.
The team led by Roxane Coulon accompanies international buyers and sellers from Tamarin to Mahébourg, in the search and sale of luxury properties through numerous IRS and PDS programs.
The agency also deals with properties and land reserved exclusively for the Mauritian population (houses, agricultural land, commercial premises, etc.).
Find out more about the expertise of Roxane and her team, and about investment opportunities in Mauritius for foreigners, in this interview.
Tell us about your 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 remains untouched by mass tourism and colossal property developments. The region has opted for an alternative and rational form of development, which is accelerating the search for property by buyers with a different profile from those in the north and west: a desire for calm, nature and authenticity.
What types of real estate do you offer in your region for foreign 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%.
To return to the south of the island where we operate, becoming a homeowner means accessing a formidable quality of life. The tropical vegetation is lush, and you can enjoy the turquoise lagoon and the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see. Water sports and other activities are close at hand, including kite surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking and the Heritage Golf Club. The south offers the assurance of perfect tranquility and a real 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 foreign 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 foreigners 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 1122. Roxane and her team will be delighted to help you with your real estate project in Mauritius!
*Source : Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) – 27/01/2023
