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Buying in Mauritius: the key steps

The purchase of a property is an important step for many people, so it is important to know the steps to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here is a summary of the key steps for a smooth investment in Mauritius.

Find the perfect property!

The real estate agent is there to help you find a holiday rental in Mauritius, a villa rental, a villa for sale, etc… But that is not all! Indeed, you can count on your agent when buying a property because he/she knows the specifics of real estate in Mauritius, the market, the trends and the current prices. In addition, his/her expertise will allow you to notice certain things that can escape an inexperienced eye (malfunctions, repairs that need to be conducted, etc.). This also applies to foreign buyers, who can thus rely entirely on a professional.

Checking of documents regarding the real estate property

While real estate is generally well managed, playing it safe is still very important if you wish to invest in Mauritius. As a first step, the real estate agent will ask the seller to hand over any document regarding the property to the notary (title deed, tax receipts, utility bill, Civil Status, situation plan, etc.). If the property is subject to a mortgage, the bank will have a lien on the property until the debt is repaid.

The notary will check these documents. This means confirming the location, size, costs, co-ownership rules, etc. As for the location, you can also hire a land surveyor of your choice.

Contacting a notary in Mauritius

In Mauritius, the notary is responsible for preparing the title deed and verifying all documentation. For example, they will confirm the absence of privileges, charges, mortgages, outstanding tax bills on the property you wish to purchase.

How much does relying on a real estate agency in Mauritius cost?

Generally, real estate agencies take a commission of about 2% of the price of the property from both parties: the seller and the buyer.

A smooth investment

Formalisation of the purchase

As a first step, the notary will produce and deliver the deed of sale signed by both parties (seller and buyer) and a copy of the document to the Registrar General, who will make the transcription.

This is followed by the registration of the property, again by the same service, in order to formalize the sale of the property to its new owner. The notary will receive a Transcription number, which in turn formalizes the sale and prevents any opposition from a third party. They will then give an authentic copy of the title to the new owner.

Good to know

In addition to the 2% agency fee, the seller will also have to pay the 5% Land Transfer Tax when the property is transferred. The buyer will have to pay the notary fee as well as the 5% registration fee.