PROPERTY PURCHASE · CLOSING · MAURITIUS

The process for buying real estate in Mauritius: step by step

As a foreigner, you cannot buy any property in Mauritius. Therefore, before making a final purchase, it must be verified and approved whether you are actually allowed to purchase the desired property.

Only after the necessary approval can the actual purchase contract be concluded with the notary.

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Free of charge · without obligation · in person in Mauritius

THE MOST IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE

As a foreigner, you need the required permission before purchasing.

Real estate purchase in Mauritius differs for foreigners Buyers at a crucial point from a purchase in Germany, Austria or Switzerland:

You cannot buy any property in Mauritius that you like. Therefore, before the final purchase contract can be concluded, it is necessary to first determine whether the specific property is eligible for purchase by a foreign buyer.

Subsequently, the required approval is applied for with the Economic Development Board Mauritius (EDB). Only when this approval is received can the actual purchase contract be concluded with the notary.

IMPORTANT

A beautiful villa, a dreamlike apartment or penthouse, and an acceptable purchase price do not automatically mean that you can also purchase this property as a foreigner.

What matters is whether the property is approved for foreign buyers and whether the necessary permit is granted for your specific purchase.

STEP BY STEP

This is how the purchase works

Once you have decided on a property, the actual buying process begins. These four steps are for foreign buyers: Buyer is particularly important.

01

Check whether you are allowed to buy the property

First, it is checked whether the specific property can be purchased by a foreign buyer and under which approved purchasing model it is offered.

02

Reservation or preliminary contract with a notary

If the acquisition is generally possible, the purchase is prepared. Depending on the property, a reservation or preliminary agreement is first concluded and the buyer’s required documents are compiled.

03

Apply for approval with the EDB

Subsequently, the required approval is applied for with the Economic Development Board Mauritius. The EDB reviews the proposed acquisition and the submitted documents.

04

Finalize the purchase contract with the notary

Once the approval is received, the final notarial purchase contract can be concluded. From this point on, the further process will vary depending on whether you are buying a finished property or a new build or an off-plan property.

THE FIRST APPROPRIATE STEP

The reservation contract at the notary

As soon as it is established that you are generally allowed to acquire the property as a foreign buyer, the actual process begins. The purchase process with the reservation contract.

In the case of new construction and off-plan projects, this contract is referred to as Preliminary Reservation Contract (CRP) He reserves the specific property for you and sets essential conditions for the subsequent purchase.

With an off-plan purchase, the actual purchase often follows later as part of a VEFA – Sale in the Future State of Completion. This refers to the purchase of a property that is still under construction and will only be completed at a later date.

Even for existing properties, the purchase process begins with a corresponding reservation or preliminary agreement. The specific terms of the contract differ, but the basic principle remains the same.

The reservation agreement includes, among other things, the specific property, the agreed purchase price, and the terms for the subsequent transfer of ownership. Purchase retained.

Reservation contract and notarization of the real estate purchase in Mauritius.
RESERVATION FEE

5 to 10 percent to the notary account

The reservation contract usually includes a Reservation fee or deposit of approximately 5 to 10 percent of the purchase price is due.

This payment will be made to the Notary account – the so-called Escrow Account – of the notary who will process the purchase.

Not the real estate agent. Not the developer. The reservation fee goes to the notary's account held with the notary appointed to process the purchase.
EDB AUTHORIZATION

What happens if the EDB does not approve the purchase?

Before the final purchase contract can be concluded, the foreign buyer needs the necessary EDB Authorisation, Therefore, the approval for Acquisition of the specific property.

EDB stands for Economic Development Board Mauritius. There, the proposed real estate acquisition by the foreign buyer is examined.

If the EDB does not approve the purchase, the purchase cannot be completed. In this case, you will receive the reservation fee deposited in the notary account back.

KYC & PAYMENT METHODS

What does the notary need from you?

To prepare the purchase and apply to the EDB, the notary needs various personal and financial documents.

An important component is the KYC procedure – Know Your Customer. This ensures that the buyer's identity and the information required for The purchase process checks the necessary information.

These include, among other things, a passport, birth certificate, proof of address, bank documents and proof of the source of the purchase funds. You can find the full list here. in the section regarding the EDB approval.

With Source of Funds (SoF) The question refers to the proof of where the financial resources used for the purchase of the real estate come from.

If you are buying together with your partner or through a company or other structure, additional documents may be required.

BEFORE YOU SIGN

You should know exactly what you are agreeing to.

The reservation contract – for new-build and off-plan projects Preliminary Reservation Contract (CRP) – is already an important part of the real estate purchase process.

Therefore, it is not only important to ensure that the name, purchase price, and property number are correct. It is also important to determine what conditions were agreed upon, what payments are due, and what happens if the purchase does not go through for any reason.

Before you sign and transfer money, you should know exactly what you are agreeing to.

It is here that we assist our customers. We go through the contract documents with you and discuss the points that are important for the further purchase process. Open legal questions can then be addressed specifically with the notary or an appropriate specialist advisor.

EDB LICENSE · LOA

After the reservation contract is concluded, the approval is applied for with the EDB.

After the reservation contract has been signed – in the case of new-build and off-plan projects Preliminary Reservation Contract (CRP) – if the application is signed and all required documents are available, the application will be submitted to Economic Development Board Mauritius (EDB) submitted.

The EDB examines the proposed real estate purchase, the buyer, and the submitted documents.

Only when the required EDB approval or the LOA – Letter of Approval – if it is available, the final purchase contract can be concluded with the notary.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD

What is the EDB?

The Economic Development Board Mauritius (EDB) is the competent state authority for numerous investment and real estate procedures for foreign buyers in Mauritius.

When buying real estate, among other things, it is checked whether the specific Verify that you meet the applicable requirements and that the necessary documents are in full possession.

KYC & EDB DOCUMENTS

What documents are submitted?

Which documents are required depends on the property and the country of origin. The purchasing model and the buyer structure have changed.

✓
Passport
✓
Birth certificate
✓
if applicable, marriage certificate
✓
Proof of address
✓
CRP / Reservation contract
✓
KYC documents Know Your Customer
✓
Bank documents
✓
Source of Funds (SoF) Proof of the source of the purchase funds

Depending on personal circumstances, financing, or the buyer structure, additional documents may be required.

FROM OUR PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
about 1 to 6 months

How long the procedure takes depends, among other things, on the Property, the acquisition model, the completeness of the documentation and any possible follow-up questions.

The more complete the application is submitted from the outset, the better the further purchase process can be planned.

LOA Letter of Approval and EDB documents when buying real estate in Mauritius.
NEXT DECISIVE STEP
LOA

Letter of Approval

The LOA or the corresponding EDB approval confirms that the planned real estate acquisition has been approved.

Only after that can the final notarial purchase contract be concluded.

REDUCED THROUGH REAL ESTATE PURCHASE

Will I receive a residence permit with the purchase?

Yes – for a purchase price of 375,000 USD in a PDS or Smart City project, you can apply for a residence permit for Mauritius. It applies as long as you hold the property and include your spouse or partner, children under 24 years of age and up to three financially dependent relatives.

A G+2 apartment by itself does not automatically lead to a residence permit. You can find the requirements for the other visas in our overview. Visa Mauritius 2026.

Are you 50 or older? Then you can also do without buying – with the Mauritius pensioner visa. This way you can arrive and decide in peace where you want to buy.

01
CRP Reservation agreement
→
02
EDB application Documents & KYC
→
03
LOA Letter of Approval
→
04
Purchase contract at the notary
THE FINAL PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Purchased at the notary after the LOA

As soon as the required EDB approval or the LOA – Letter of Approval If the necessary documents are available, the final purchase contract can be concluded with the Mauritanian notary.

The notarial purchase deed is issued as Act of Sale designated. From this point on The payment process differs primarily depending on whether you are purchasing a finished existing property or a new build property or an off-plan property.

Pre-owned property on Mauritius before the notary title deed is purchased.
STOCK MOBILITY

Purchase price before transfer of ownership

In the case of a finished real estate asset, the remaining open Purchase price before or in connection with the Act of Sale sent to the notary account.

After signing and registering the notarial purchase deed, the transfer of ownership is completed.

New construction project in Mauritius during construction progress in a VEFA and off-plan purchase.
NEW CONSTRUCTION & OFF-PLAN

VEFA and payments according to construction progress

In the case of a new build or an off-plan property, the purchase is often made through a VEFA – Sale in the Future State of Completion.

This refers to the purchase of a property that is still under construction or has only just been completed.

Similar to a new construction purchase in Germany, the purchase price is not paid in full at once. Instead, individual installments are paid. Purchase price installments are due according to the progress of construction.

These payment requests are reported as Appels de Fonds designated.

PAYMENT PROCESSING

Purchase price payments are made through the notary

Whether it is an existing property or a new build: The purchase price payments are made via the Notary account – Escrow account – handled.

In the case of a new construction, this also applies to the individual elements. Appels de Fonds, That is, the purchase price installments that are due according to the progress of construction.

Not the real estate agent. Not the construction company directly. The purchase price is settled through the notary.
BUYER PROTECTION IN NEW CONSTRUCTION & OFF-PLAN

What is the GFA on Mauritius and how does it protect you when buying a new property?

The GFA (Guarantee Financière d'Achèvement) is a Bank guarantee of completion. It ensures that New construction projects in Mauritius that are sold under the Plan as VEFA cover the financing of completion, even if the developer defaults during the construction phase. For PDS projects, this VEFA framework is legally required.

Status: October 2026

Anyone who follows real estate projects in other countries knows these stories: The developer gets into financial difficulties in the middle of construction, the construction site stops working. The buyers who have paid remain stranded with a semi-finished villa. In the worst case, it’s a demolition site.

Mauritius has created a mechanism for regulated new construction projects that significantly reduces this risk.

Regulated new-build project in Mauritius during the construction phase as an example of a VEFA purchase with a completion guarantee.
GFA Financing guarantee for completion

What exactly does GFA mean?

GFA stands for Financing guarantee for completion, Thus, a financial completion guarantee. A bank or an approved financial institution guarantees that the money is available for the completion of the project.

The legal basis is the VEFA purchase (Sales in the State of Future Completion) after the Mauritian Civil Code. The PDS regulations The Economic Development Board (EDB) stipulates that sales from Must be planned or carried out during the construction phase in accordance with these VEFA regulations.

The developer cannot simply sell the plan and hope that the money will last until the end. The completion must be financially secured.

With a VEFA, you are buying something that does not yet exist. Your trust therefore extends not only to the construction company, but also to the system behind it.

What happens if the construction company fails during the construction phase?

If the developer is no longer able to complete the project on its own financially, the GFA intervenes. The bank ensures that the Funds for completion are still available.

Developer falls out of the picture The project cannot be financed further on its own.
→
GFA takes action The completion guarantee secures the further financing.
→
Completion The necessary funds for completion remain secured.
“

You should not one day stand in front of a construction site that has been there for Months of rest because the money has run out.

A bank guarantee does not prevent every delay. It does But buying the plan is your biggest risk.

What questions should you ask GFA before buying?

A bank assumes a significant risk itself with a GFA and examines the developer accordingly in detail. Therefore, what matters to you is not only, that a GFA exists, but also what lies behind it.

The GFA does not replace the selection of the right construction contractor. It adds an additional layer of security to them.

CHECK BEFORE BUYING
  • Which bank issues the GFA, and for which specific project does it apply?
  • How is the project funded?
  • How far has the construction already progressed?
  • Which projects has the developer already completed?
  • How is the payment plan structured?
  • Which construction sections trigger the individual Appels de Fonds out?

What levels of protection does a PDS development in Mauritius have?

I myself come from the construction business. I realized my first project in Germany in 1990. Therefore, when I look at a project, I’m not interested in renderings, pool sizes, or sea views first, but in a completely different question:

What happens if something goes wrong during construction?

This is exactly where the Mauritanian system convinces me. In a The PDS project integrates several levels:

EDB approval PDS certificate
The project is being reviewed by the EDB. The developer additionally deposits a bank guarantee with the EDB.
VEFA contract
The purchase of the plan follows the strict rules of the Mauritian Code Civil.
GFA
The financing for the completion is secured.
Appels de Fonds
You pay in installments according to the progress of the construction, not the entire amount. Purchase price in advance.
Independent quality controller
He reports monthly to the EDB and certifies the contractual compliance upon handover.
Notarial processing
The notary legally conducts the purchase and registers it.

You therefore do not transfer the entire purchase price to a developer and then hope that the property will eventually be completed.

What warranty applies to PDS new builds after handover?

With PDS projects, the protection does not end with the key handover. The EDB regulations stipulate three insurances against structural damage.

1 YEAR

Defects in workmanship on surfaces and construction.

2 YEARS

Deficiencies in non-load-bearing components and home technology that are the responsibility of the The purchase contract may deviate.

10 YEARS

Damage to supporting components such as foundations, supports and load-bearing structures Walls that endanger stability.

Many foreign buyers are completely unfamiliar with these structures when they first purchase on Mauritius.

A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE

Is a new construction with GFA on Mauritius risk-free?

No.

The GFA protects against a financial default of the construction company. However, it does not guarantee flawless construction quality.

A villa can be completely finished and still have defects, for example in sealing, home automation, workmanship quality, or Discrepancies from the plan and the agreed equipment.

01

Is the completion financially secured?

02

Will the property be built to the agreed quality?

Only when both answers are combined do we have a reliable purchase.

FINANCIAL SECURITY IS NOT EVERYTHING

Why does financial security not replace building control?

The quality assurance officer of a PDS project examines the project on behalf of the The builder is responsible for ensuring that the construction is carried out in accordance with the construction contract. This is an important Standard.

Building control in your capacity as an inspector raises another question: Do you get exactly what you pay for, down to the details of your unit?

After more than 35 years in construction and real estate, I know this: The earlier a defect is detected, the easier and cheaper it is to fix during the construction phase. After the handover, every mistake becomes a discussion.

Therefore, in the next step, I will show you why Construction progress control and construction completion inspection in Mauritius They are just as important as the legal and financial protection Of your purchase.

Building control of a new development property in Mauritius during the construction phase.
Trust from experience

What our customers say about working with us

Real estate purchases, moving abroad, and construction supervision are decisions of far-reaching consequence. This makes personal guidance that remains reliable even in demanding situations all the more important.

Customer experience: Buying real estate & living in Mauritius

Personal experience of our customers

Customer experience: Guidance & decision-making in Mauritius

Personal experience of our customers

★★★★★
Customer review

„We had already seen several properties in Mauritius, but were unsure which project was really right for us. Armin understood our wishes very quickly, critically evaluated several options, and ultimately led us to a property we likely wouldn't have found on our own. What was particularly valuable for us was that he not only assisted with the purchase, but also negotiated directly with the developer and clarified important details for us. Throughout the entire process, we felt we had an experienced contact by our side.“

Customer feedback from Anna M. on buying real estate in Mauritius
Anna M. Real Estate Purchase & Emigration
★★★★★
Customer review

„For us, it was important not to just buy any nice villa, but a high-end project with good construction quality and a reputable developer. This is precisely where Armin’s experience helped us enormously. He compared various projects, addressed technical details we wouldn't have noticed ourselves, and also accompanied us through the purchase process and discussions with the developer and notary. In the end, we bought a property that we truly feel secure about.“

Testimonial from Norbert L. on buying real estate in Mauritius
Norbert L. Residence Permit & Real Estate Purchase
★★★★★
Customer review

„The move to Mauritius raised many questions for us at first: the retirement permit, bank account, documents, and the right order for each step. Armin and his team guided us through the entire process in a very structured way and always clearly told us what needed to be done next. It was especially pleasant that we had a direct contact person on site and did not have to coordinate everything ourselves. As a result, the journey was much more relaxed than we had originally expected.“

Customer review from Markus and Lena K. about Mauritius
Markus & Lena K. Rent allowance visa and bank account
Read more customer reviews →
Real customer experiences – on Google and directly from our collaboration.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PURCHASE PROCESS

Do you want to properly prepare your real estate purchase in Mauritius?

Perhaps you have already found a property. Perhaps you are still facing the decision between an existing property and a new build. Or you want to know how CRP, EDB approval, LOA, VEFA and GFA fit together in your specific case.

We can discuss together where you are currently at, what steps are sensible next, and what you should pay attention to before signing.

Armin Schreiber, real estate curator in Mauritius

Armin SchreiberReal estate curator · Real estate developer experience since 1990

Free of charge · without obligation · in person in Mauritius

BUILDING QUALITY DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Why is construction progress control so important in Mauritius?

A construction progress check examines your property during the crucial construction phases before sealing, pipes and connections are hidden behind tiles and plaster. What is noticeable during construction can usually be corrected with little effort. After handover, this often becomes an expensive renovation project.

FINISHING ≠ CONSTRUCTION QUALITY

What safeguards the GFA – and what does not?

The GFA (Garantie Financière d'Achèvement) guarantees that your new building will be completed. It does not guarantee how well it will be built.

The GFA is a completion guarantee from a bank or insurance company. If the builder cannot complete the project, the guarantor finances the completion. Your money is therefore not lost.

The GFA says nothing about sealing, materials, and design. Many buyers only see their property during the construction phase through photos – and almost every construction site looks good in photos.

Armin Schreiber during the building inspection of a new development property in Mauritius during the ongoing construction phase.
THE CONTROL BEGINS BEFORE THE CONSTRUCTION SITE

Why does my control start with material selection?

Before I even enter the construction site, the promoter will give me a precise list of the products to be installed at the critical points.

In Mauritius, hardly anyone asks about this. Here, however, the decision is made whether a building will withstand 20 years of high humidity, tropical heavy rain, intense UV radiation and salty coastal air – or whether the first damage appears after two rainy seasons.

01 Plans & Material List Check products at critical points before they are installed
→
02 Construction site Controlling implementation in the crucial construction phases
→
03 Documentation Accurately document findings and clarify them with the promoter
MATERIALS & WINDOW JOINTS

Silicone is not the same as silicone

In the bathroom belongs Sanitary silicone with mold protection Yes. I recommend using a primer between the window frames and the plaster or concrete in a tropical climate. Hybrid sealant based on MS polymerUV-resistant, permanently elastic, adheres to aluminum as well as to masonry and can be painted over.

Pure PU sealant ages faster under the strong UV radiation. The wrong product looks the same on the first day as the right one.

Technical connection of an aluminum window to the masonry of a new building property in Mauritius during the construction phase.
ABANDONMENT

Bathroom, terrace and roof

Which sealing system is used – and how are corners, transitions, and penetrations executed? Nobody will ever see these areas again.

IMPORTANT

If sealing is done incorrectly, it often only becomes apparent months or years later – when finished tiles are installed.

HUMIDITY BELOW

Foundation, base plate and masonry

How are the foundation, the floor slab, and the masonry protected against ground moisture, and how is the water around the building drained away?

Tropical climate

Repairing moisture in the floor slab later requires a great deal of effort. Therefore, it should be included in the construction phase.

HOLZ

Cumaru, Balau and the right treatment

Cumaru or Balau In the outdoor environment, they are the right choice. Protection is crucial: designed for tropical hardwood, including the cutting surfaces.

In the interior, I pay attention to termite protection – termites don’t stand a chance at the front door.

Cumaru or Balau tropical wood during processing for outdoor use in a new development property in Mauritius.

During the construction phase, a better product can usually be easily agreed upon. After handover, the renovation begins.

When is inspection carried out at the construction site?

Always when something is hidden afterwards.

Pre-construction

Is the building being built according to plan? Is the building protected against moisture from below?

Before closing walls & floors

Are the wiring and seals installed properly?

Windows & Doors

Are the connections permanently sealed and fitted with the agreed-upon sealant?

Interior design

Do the materials and agreed equipment meet the requirements?

Anything I notice, I discuss early and objectively with the promoter – with a solution proposal immediately. Promoters appreciate that, because they don’t want any complaints after the handover either.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: SOUND PROTECTION

In Mauritius, apartments are built without floating screed, without impact sound insulation and without edge insulation. Anyone who values peace and quiet should be aware of this before buying.

Who actually controls things for you?

With PDS projects, there is quality assurance for the overall project. This is a valuable standard.

PROJECT-SPECIFIC QUALITY ASSURANCE

View of the overall project

She considers the quality and compliance with the contract of the entire project.

MY LOOK FOR YOU

Look at your specific unit

I focus on your villa or apartment and on the details that matter to you in the long term.

EXPERIENCE FROM PRACTICE

What 35 years of working on construction sites have taught me

The most expensive construction problems rarely arise from spectacular errors. They arise from small details that were not given any attention during planning, material selection, or construction.

A beautiful bathroom says nothing about the sealing under the tiles.

A modern terrace does not reveal whether the water flows away reliably.

A cleanly plastered window does not tell you whether the connection will still be tight in ten years.

A beautiful wooden terrace does not reveal whether the wood is suited to the tropical climate.

Armin Schreiber Real estate since 1987 · Developer since 1990

→ Construction phases, milestones and examples from my projects: Construction progress control & construction acceptance in Mauritius

RECEIPT & DELIVERY

What is a building permit in Mauritius and why is it so important?

During the building inspection, the property is systematically inspected for defects before the key is handed over. What you document during this process must still be rectified by the builder or seller. Anything that becomes apparent after the handover becomes a matter for negotiation. Therefore, the acceptance is the last moment when you have full negotiating leverage.

In Mauritius they speak of SnaggingDefects are recorded in a list (Snag List), processed, and subsequently checked for compliance.

SNAGGING & KEY DELIVERY

The finished property is not only viewed – it is also inspected.

I don't go through the rooms and look for scratches. I specifically check the areas where high subsequent costs may arise later.

Armin Schreiber during the construction inspection and snagging of a completed new building property in Mauritius.
TECHNICAL CONTROL

What do I check during the building inspection?

Especially what you cannot see with the naked eye. For this purpose, I use, among other things, laser and moisture measuring devices.

WATER MANAGEMENT

Is there a targeted drainage system in place?

Does rainwater actually flow to the drains and away from the building on roofs, roof terraces, balconies and window sills? In tropical heavy rain, it quickly becomes apparent whether the work has been carried out properly.

Slope control and targeted drainage on a roof terrace of a property in Mauritius using a laser measuring device.
HUMIDITY

What is hidden behind the wall and the floor?

I measure specifically in the lower wall area and in the floor. I take elevated values very seriously.

Humidity measurement in the lower wall and floor area of a property in Mauritius before handover.
FILMS & CONNECTIONS

Was what was agreed upon implemented?

I check the windows, bathrooms and terraces to see if the agreed-upon sealants were used and installed properly.

WOOD, CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT

Does the property correspond to the agreement?

Is the wood properly protected for the tropical climate? Do the plans and agreed equipment match the results?

PDS-IMMO PROPERTIES

What security do I have after the handover?

In the case of PDS properties, the law requires insurance against construction defects. This also applies if the construction company no longer exists or is insolvent.

1 year

Defects that were noted during the inspection or occurred during the first year (Guarantee of perfect completion)

2 years

Non-load-bearing components and home technology, e.g. windows, doors, sanitary equipment, electrical equipment (Two-year warranty)

10 years

Supporting components and defects that endanger stability or usability (Ten-year warranty)

The terms of payment begin with the transfer to the first buyer and apply to later buyers as well. However, they do not replace a thorough acceptance: Only if it is documented properly can it be enforced later on.

ALSO FOR EXISTING PROPERTIES

What do I check for in a property that is already occupied?

With a property that is already occupied, I check the condition before signing the contract, not just at the handover. Then it is still possible to negotiate who will eliminate the defects or whether the price will be adjusted.

The location, equipment and price are quickly judged. What’s behind the fresh paint isn’t.

Technical inspection of a property in Mauritius before purchase using measuring equipment and condition control.
HUMIDITY MEASUREMENT

A freshly painted wall can look flawless and still be damp. In most cases, repairing moisture in the soil area or in the base plate is very time-consuming.

I will clarify where it comes from: from the ground, from an unsealed pipe, due to poor sealing or lack of drainage. I prefer to clarify this question before buying it than after.

Dach inspection by drone

If the roof is inaccessible, I will set up a Professional drone with video recording One. This is how we see cracks, damage and clogged processes that remain hidden from the ground.

For older PDS properties, we also check whether any claims from the building damage insurance still exist.

01Identify a deficiency
→
02Clarify responsibilities
→
03Agree on repair
→
04Control the execution
→
05Take over property
IF YOU BUY FROM US

Our assistance does not end with the notary

For me, that is exactly what true real estate accompaniment entails: not only finding the right property, but also knowing exactly what my client will be responsible for in the end.

→ Process, measurement technology and acceptance protocol in detail: Certificate of Completion in Mauritius

AFTER THE KEY DELIVERY

What happens after you hand over your property in Mauritius?

With the key handover, the purchase is largely legally complete. Practically, the takeover now begins: Open defects are checked again, documents are taken over, Electricity, water and internet have been registered, and the property is being prepared for Self-use or rental prepared.

Anyone who does not live permanently in Mauritius underestimates these final steps slightly. Therefore, my accompaniment does not end in the The moment someone hands you a key chain.

What happens to open points from Snagging?

Open defects from the snagging list remain on our agenda after delivery until they are proven to have been rectified.

The promoter or the craftsmen work out the agreed upon Points deducted. Then I go through the list again, point by point:

Done partially completed still open

A follow-up repair that was carried out but does not solve the actual problem does not count as completed for me. That sounds obvious. In practice, it is precisely this follow-up inspection that decides the matter.

High-quality property ready to move into on Mauritius after key handover and completion of construction.
REFERENCES & REFERENCES

What documents should you receive upon delivery?

In addition to the keys, all access codes, operating instructions, Guarantees and technical contact person for delivery.

  • Keys, replacement keys, access cards and remote controls
  • Codes for doors and security systems
  • User manuals and device warranties
  • Documents regarding air conditioning systems, pool technology and pumps
  • Insurance and warranty documents
  • Contact person for maintenance and technical questions

Keep these documents organized from the beginning. In two or three In years, no one wants to have to first find out which pool pump is installed or who supplied the air conditioning.

SUPPLY

How do you sign up for electricity, water and internet in Mauritius?

Electricity is supplied by the Central Electricity Board (CEB), water by the Central Water Authority (CWA). Several private providers offer internet services. Providers to come.

CEB

Central Electricity Board · Strom

CWA

Central Water Authority · Water

Internet

Several private providers

Safety

Depending on the property, alarm and security services

The meter readings are documented during the handover, so that Consumption and costs will be assigned to you clearly starting from that day.

If you buy from us, we support you in doing so. Registrations.

APARTMENT

What is important in an apartment in addition?

With an apartment, you become part of a homeowners’ association that is managed by a syndic.

Before the takeover, it should be determined who the syndic is and what the amount of the What are community costs and what rules apply to renting and Modifications are permitted.

  • Syndic and contact person
  • Shared costs
  • Rules for renting and renovations
  • Pool and garden
  • Elevators
  • Security service

In high-quality properties, communal areas account for a significant proportion of the property value. Therefore, I am interested not only in the apartment, but also in the how the entire facility is maintained.

VILLA

What needs to be organized for a villa?

In a villa you are more independent, but you also have to do more of the work yourself.

  • Pool and garden service
  • Cleaning
  • Maintenance of air conditioning systems
  • Pest and termite control
  • Security service or alarm system
  • Contact person for minor repairs

A villa that has been unoccupied for months needs another one. Caregiving is like a home where someone lives every day.

LONGER EMPTY TIME

What is important if your property is left empty for a long time?

In a tropical climate, a property should not simply be left locked up and unattended. High humidity allows small problems to grow unnoticed until they become expensive.

For longer periods of vacancy, I recommend regular inspections on-site.

Ventilation Check the humidity Controlling leaks Testing technology Let the water run Rinse toilets

All water points should be used regularly so that the siphons do not dry out.

Regular inspection and supervision of a temporarily vacant property in Mauritius.
INSURANCE

Which insurance policies should you review after the takeover?

Building insurance should be in place at least by the time of handover Household insurance and liability insurance should be taken care of.

The insurance should be tailored to whether you are using or renting the property yourself.

With apartments, it is also important to check what is already covered by the syndic and what you need to cover yourself with.

READY FOR USE

Is a new-build property ready for occupancy upon handover?

In the German sense, technically completed does not automatically mean ready for occupancy on Mauritius.

Often there is still a lack of furniture, lighting, curtains, household appliances or Garden furniture.

Decide early whether you want to arrange everything yourself or if you need help on-site. Then the property will be ready when you arrive.

RENTAL

Who takes care of renting out your property?

We take on the long-term rental of apartments and villas for our clients ourselves. At PDS-Immobilien, we agree on the rental in advance with the syndic or the promoter. For holiday rental, we recommend specialized partners and remain your point of contact on-site if desired.

LONG-TERM RENTAL

Personalized care

When renting long-term, we don't just find the right one Tenants.

We remain available even if the air conditioning breaks down or a repair is needed during the rental period.

HOLIDAY RENTALS

With specialized partners

Vacation rental works differently: Reservations, check-in, Guest communication, cleaning and control between the Staying.

For that, we work with companies that do exactly that on a daily basis.

Well-maintained high-quality villa or apartment complex on Mauritius as an example of rental and property management.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Do I need property management in Mauritius?

If you live permanently in Mauritius, you organize many things yourself. If you only use your property a few months a year or manage it from Europe, reliable property management makes a lot of sense.

This is not just about cleaning or gardening, but about having someone regularly check the property and report any problems. Reacts immediately to problems.

An estate is not managed by having someone visit it once a month. The bill is paid. Someone really needs to be there on site.
EVEN AFTER THE DELIVERY FOR YOU AS WELL

If you purchase from us, we will remain your contact person in Mauritius even after that.

REAL ESTATE ASSURANCE
  • Post-check of open snagging points
  • Promoters and craftsmen
  • Support for vacant properties
  • Pool and garden service
  • Technical service providers
  • Insurance companies
USE OF REAL ESTATE
  • Electricity, water and internet
  • Equipment and facilities
  • Long-term rental
  • Partner for holiday rental
  • Property Management
  • Local contact person

You don't have to arrange every service through us. Our goal is that after the handover you know who is taking care of what, and that you have someone on Mauritius if something goes wrong. You can find out what services we provide here. Consulting & Services in Mauritius.

When is the real estate purchase in Mauritius actually completed?

Not with the signature for me. And not with the Key handover.

The purchase is then complete when you can use your property, all outstanding issues have been resolved and the ongoing operations are organized – even if you are not currently in Mauritius yourself.

Only then will a purchase contract become your home, your second residence, or your investment in Mauritius.

REAL ESTATE PURCHASE IN MAURITIUS

Would you like to discuss your real estate purchase in Mauritius in person?

Whether you have already found a specific property or are just starting out: together we can determine which purchase route suits you best, what you should pay attention to before booking, and what next steps are sensible.

If you purchase from us, we will assist you, upon request, from the initial property inspection through EDB, notary, and construction phase to the handover and management of your property in Mauritius.

Armin Schreiber, real estate curator in Mauritius

Armin SchreiberReal estate curator · Real estate developer experience since 1990

Free of charge · without obligation · in person in Mauritius

FAQ · REAL ESTATE PURCHASE IN MAURITIUS

Frequently asked questions about buying real estate in Mauritius

01

Purchase, approval and residence

Can foreigners buy real estate in Mauritius?

Yes, but only within government-approved programs. These include the Property Development Scheme (PDS), Smart City, IRS and RES, as well as apartments in buildings with at least one ground floor plus two floors (G+2) from a purchase price of 6 million MUR. Any purchase by a foreigner must be approved by the Economic Development Board (EDB).

Will I receive a residence permit in Mauritius with the purchase of real estate?

Yes, for a purchase price of USD 375,000 in a PDS, Smart City, IRS or RES project. The residence permit also applies to spouses or life partners, children under 24 years of age and up to three dependent family members. A G+2 apartment alone does not automatically lead to a residence permit. You can find all the ways to obtain a residence permit in Mauritius on our page. Visa and residence permit Mauritius.

What is the LOA when buying real estate in Mauritius?

LOA stands for Letter of Approval. It is the EDB’s approval for your specific purchase. The application process for PDS projects is handled by the project company. Only with the LOA can the notarial purchase agreement be signed.

What is a CRP in Mauritius?

CRP stands for Contrat de Réservation Préliminaire, the reservation agreement for new construction and off-plan properties. It sets out the property, purchase price, reservation payment, and the essential terms until the notary deed of purchase is signed.

Where will the booking payment be transferred to?

In the notary's escrow account (Escrow Account), not directly with the real estate agent or developer. This way, your money remains protected until the agreed-upon time.

Can I finance a property in Mauritius?

In PDS projects, the purchase price is generally paid with funds from abroad, transferred through a recognized bank. If the purchase price exceeds 500,000 USD, a loan with a Mauritian bank is possible for the remaining portion, provided that the first 500,000 USD are paid from own funds and the repayment is made in foreign currency.

What additional costs are associated with buying real estate in Mauritius?

The registration fee is 5 % of the purchase price. In addition, there are the staggered notary fees plus 15 % VAT and the processing fee of the EDB.

How long does it take to buy a property in Mauritius?

Our experience shows that EDB approval takes about 1 to 6 months, depending on the property, the acquisition model, and the completeness of the documents. In the case of an existing property, the purchase can then be quickly registered. In the case of an off-plan purchase, the construction phase is added, depending on the project, from one to three years.

02

New construction, buyer protection and building quality

What is the role of VEFA in real estate purchases in Mauritius?

VEFA stands for Vente en l'État Futur d'Achèvement, the purchase of a property that is still under construction. The purchase price is collected in installments according to the progress of construction, the so-called Appels de Fonds. In PDS projects, this framework for sales is prescribed by the plan.

What does GFA mean for a new development in Mauritius?

GFA stands for Garantie Financière d'Achèvement, a completion guarantee from a bank. It secures the financing of the completion, even if the construction contractor defaults during the construction phase.

What warranty applies for a PDS new build?

The EDB regulations stipulate three building damage insurance policies: 1 year for construction defects during construction, 2 years for non-load-bearing components and home technology, and 10 years for load-bearing components. The 2- and 10-year policies explicitly apply to later purchasers as well.

Should new construction be monitored during the construction phase?

Yes. A progress control inspection identifies defects before they disappear behind plaster, tiles, or sealants. During the construction phase, they are usually easily remedied. After handover, this often becomes a renovation case.

What does Snagging mean when handing over the keys?

Snagging is the systematic inspection of defects before handover. It also checks what is not visible to the naked eye, such as moisture or unevenness. All issues are recorded on a list of defects that the promoter processes and subsequently checks again.

Should one have an inspection carried out on an existing property before purchase?

Yes, absolutely before signing. Moisture, the roof, targeted drainage, window connections and home automation can then still be checked, and any identified defects can be factored into the price and the contract.

03

After the purchase

What happens after the key handover?

Open snagging points are checked again, electricity (CEB), water (CWA) and internet are registered and the documentation is taken over. Depending on the usage, property management, rental or the supervision during your absence follows.

What is a syndic?

The syndic manages the condominium of an apartment complex in Mauritius. He is responsible for common areas such as the pool, garden, and security service, as well as for the community fees and their maintenance.

May I rent out my property in Mauritius?

Yes. With PDS properties, the rental is agreed upon in advance with the syndic or the promoter. If the project company has not appointed a rental company, you as the owner can freely rent the property yourself. In the case of vacation rentals, the requirements of the tourism authority also apply in addition.

Can I sell my property in Mauritius later?

Yes. With PDS properties, you must notify the EDB at least 30 days in advance of the sale. The buyer must meet the program's requirements and pay the EDB's processing fee.

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