South Africans are turning to Mauritius in growing numbers to buy property and secure assets, as the island nation continues to position itself as one of the continent’s most attractive destinations for investment, safety, and long-term stability.
According to www.businesstech.co.za, the Indian Ocean island which is ranked as the safest country in Africa in 2025, has seen growing demand for property from South Africans who view it as a secure place to live or hold assets, while also offering permanent residency options through real estate investment.
Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property Group, said Mauritius’ appeal lies in its combination of stability, infrastructure, and lifestyle.
“Mauritius continues to attract affluent global residents seeking a secure, tranquil lifestyle in a tropical setting,” he said. “The island’s permanent residence opportunities through property investment, together with its modern healthcare, sporting, and retail infrastructure, have strengthened its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.” He added that Mauritius is increasingly drawing people who want both safety and modern conveniences.
“With its blend of modern convenience and natural beauty, Mauritius is drawing a growing expatriate community seeking a place to live, work, and invest in a safe and welcoming environment,” he said. Jonathan Tagg from Pam Golding Mauritius, who assists foreign buyers investing on the island, told BusinessTech that interest from South Africans has grown steadily since foreign property ownership was first allowed in 2004. “Demand has definitely ramped up post-Covid as we’ve seen an increase in all foreign markets buying into Mauritius. Demand is typically Europe first, South Africa second, UAE expats third, then others,” he said. According to Tagg, South Africans buying property in Mauritius fall into several groups. Some are retirees or people approaching retirement who want to split their time between South Africa and Mauritius, with the main attraction being safety and a mild climate.
South Africans and other citizens from first-world countries are relocating
Others are buyers seeking permanent residency outside South Africa, often for the future rather than immediate relocation, while a third group consists of investors wanting to diversify their assets offshore. He added that a growing number of South Africans living abroad are choosing to relocate permanently to Mauritius, citing tax planning, estate management, and a familiar outdoor lifestyle as key factors. “We’re seeing buyers from the UK, Canada, UAE, and South Africa relocating. Lifestyle plays a big role in decision-making. Mauritius has great year-round weather, an active expat community, and improving infrastructure in areas like healthcare, shopping, and dining.”
Tagg sadded that there are several practical reasons South Africans find Mauritius attractive. Buyers consider Mauritius because of its good tax regime, proximity to South Africa, and similar time zone. It’s an easy trip between the two countries. It’s also a way to acquire assets offshore with the option of future residency. The property market is well regulated and legally protects buyers, and the island offers a secure, peaceful community. Mauritius’ reputation for safety is supported by data. The 2025 Global Peace Index, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranks Mauritius as the most peaceful country in Africa for the 18th year in a row. Globally, it ranks 26th, which is ahead of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.
The index measures peace using 23 indicators, including safety and security, levels of conflict, and militarisation. Botswana and Namibia follow Mauritius in Africa’s top three, while most other countries on the continent have seen a deterioration in peace levels. Sub-Saharan Africa remained the region with the most conflicts, with 36 of 44 countries involved in some form of fighting over the past five years. Globally, the report showed that peace has declined to its lowest level since 2008, with 59 active state-level conflicts—the highest number since the end of World War II. Against this backdrop, Mauritius’s consistent stability has made it an exception on the continent.
For those seeking permanent residency, Mauritius allows investors to qualify by purchasing residential real estate worth at least $375,000 (R6.4 million) in an approved development. According to Henley & Partners, residency applies to the entire family—including a spouse, dependent parents, and children up to 24 years old who are not employed full-time—for as long as the property is owned. As Tagg noted, the decision to invest or relocate is often about security and practicality as much as lifestyle. “For many South Africans, Mauritius represents a balance between safety, accessibility, and a sense of familiarity. It’s close enough to home to stay connected, but far enough to offer peace of mind,” he said.
