Mauritius Real Estate and Economic Outlook: A Thriving Market with Strong Growth

Mauritius, a vibrant island nation in the Indian Ocean, is gaining attention for its strong economic growth and attractive real estate market. This article explores the key indicators that make Mauritius a compelling destination for investors, homebuyers, and expats alike, comparing it with South Africa for context.
 

Price-to-Income and Mortgage Affordability
Mauritius's price-to-income ratio is 9.17, higher than South Africa's 3.36, indicating a more premium real estate market. However, this is a testament to the country's growing desirability and strong demand for properties. Mortgage affordability, with mortgage payments constituting 79.63% of income, shows that residents are willing to invest in homeownership, reflecting confidence in the country's economy.

Index	South Africa	Mauritius
Price to Income Ratio:	3.36	9.17
Mortgage as Percentage of Income:	42.48%	79.63%
Loan Affordability Index:	2.35	1.26
Price to Rent Ratio - City Centre:	9.89	12.98
Price to Rent Ratio - Outside of Centre:	10.13	13.29
Gross Rental Yield (City Centre):	10.11%	7.70%
Gross Rental Yield (Outside of Centre):	9.87%	7.52%

Rental Market Opportunities
Mauritius offers competitive rental rates, making it an appealing option for expats and long-term visitors. In the city center, a one-bedroom apartment rents for $422.77, slightly less than in South Africa ($431.93). This affordability extends to three-bedroom apartments in the city center, where the rent is $732.84, considerably lower than South Africa's $824.26.

Additionally, the price-to-rent ratios in Mauritius suggest that the rental market is thriving. The ratio in the city center is 12.98, and outside the city center, it's 13.29, both indicating robust demand for rental properties.

Property Prices and Investment Opportunities
Despite the relatively higher price-to-income ratio, Mauritius offers competitive property prices in the broader context of the Indian Ocean region. The cost per square meter for apartments in the city center is $1,177.59, and outside the city center, it's $948.15. These figures, while higher than South Africa, reflect the premium status of Mauritius as a tourist and business destination.

The real estate market's growth potential in Mauritius is underscored by its appealing mortgage interest rates. At just 6.12% for a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage, financing a property is more accessible, enabling investors and buyers to take advantage of the country's dynamic real estate market.
 

Rent Per Month	South Africa	Mauritius	Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	431.93 $	422.77 $	-2.1 %
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	330.13 $	303.70 $	-8.0 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	824.26 $	732.84 $	-11.1 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	633.50 $	639.33 $	+0.9 %
Buy Apartment Price	South Africa	Mauritius
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre	957.67 $	1,177.59 $	+23 %
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	751.37 $	948.15 $	+26 %
Salaries And Financing	South Africa	Mauritius
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	1,271.76 $	579.37 $	-54.4 %
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	11.31	6.12	-45.9 %

Economic Strength and Quality of Life
Mauritius's economic indicators are noteworthy. With a GDP per capita (PPP) of $22,800, the nation boasts a strong economy, and its GDP growth rate is an impressive 8.88%. These factors contribute to a high quality of life and a thriving business environment.

Moreover, Mauritius has achieved this growth with a relatively stable population growth rate of 0.09%, indicating that its economy is expanding without facing significant population pressures. This stability, combined with a favorable business climate, contributes to the country's status as a preferred destination for investment and tourism.

Country data (source The World Bank, 2024)	South Africa	Mauritius
GDP Per Capita (PPP) ($) :	13,500.00	22,800.00
GDP Growth Rate:	1.91	8.88
Population Growth Rate:	1.08	0.09

Mauritius stands out as a vibrant and attractive real estate market with strong economic growth and high quality of life. The combination of competitive rental rates, premium property values, low mortgage interest rates, and a thriving economy makes it a compelling destination for investors, homebuyers, and expats seeking a dynamic environment. As Mauritius continues to grow, it is poised to maintain its status as a leading destination in the Indian Ocean region.