Mauritius might be in lockdown for the time being but that doesn’t mean that we’re on holiday! Business continues as usual, albeit remotely, with WhatsApp and Zoom now an integral part of our daily lives.
“Some people have been talking about the impact of the pandemic on the property market,” says Rinie Boshoff, a real estate agent on the island. “We are still seeing demand for luxury homes, because people want the quality of life that Mauritius offers. That is in demand now, as is the safety and security that comes with living here. It’s one of the main reasons I moved here with my family.”
In June 2020, Mauritius was already home to around 4,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), according to a New World Wealth report. Residential property usually comprises 25-30% of the net assets of the average HNWIs living in Africa. In terms of average wealth per person, Mauritius is one of the wealthiest countries on the continent.
“Our clients want to buy a primary or second home in a space close to nature. Waterfront, forest and mountain locations are most popular, according to the Knight Frank The Wealth Report 2020, and we have all of those here in Mauritius,” says Rinie. “People want to live somewhere that has a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.”
The report notes the views of Charles Ma of MADE Group, which is currently reimagining the way we live by developing a small city – Auranga, south of Auckland – for 40,000 people. “Who we become as people is defined by where and how we live. The desire is to reimagine a new way of living, not just through technology and gadgets and fitness but by putting wellbeing at the core, and building around it.”
The point of the (urban) design is to get people to slow down and take the opportunity to connect with each other. “Our goal is to create places where humans find rest, not restlessness,” says Charles.
There is a lot of interest among people who want to live and work in Mauritius. What’s more, if they are over 50 years young, they come to refire not retire. After all, island life is rejuvenating.
“Where they buy depends on their needs and lifestyle. For example, Ki Resort in Pereybere is the only resort-style apartment development that qualifies buyers for the permanent residency permit. This is a major motivator for island property investment,” says Rinie.
Ki Resort
Those who enjoy living in a secure but boutique lifestyle estate will love Les Résidences de Mont Choisy, in the middle of the Mont Choisy Smart City. Residents have access to a myriad facilities such as an onsite spa and wellness centre with hammam and sauna, which is a first for Mauritius. These are some of the services shared with Le Domaine de Grand Baie residents, a senior services residence on the same land managed by Aegide-Domitys, European experts in this field.
Beachfront living
“Our clients also love the beachfront properties such as Ocean Grand Gaube in Grand Gaube and Manta Cove in Tamarin as well as the large plot sizes available at Serenity Villas. Many of our homeowners also qualify for exclusive membership at the 2Beach Club on Pereybere Beach,” says Rinie. “Our offering is consistently high end, no matter the property type. Our buyers are discerning and know how to get the best value from their luxury property investments.”
Ocean Grand Gaube
The property portfolio caters for a range of tastes, from lock-up and go apartments purchased purely for investment to a temporary home base that owners use when they visit the island for holiday or business as well as wonderful beachfront penthouses and villas. They all have one thing in common – classic, stylish, spacious interiors that never date.
“The pandemic will undoubtedly have a lasting effect on our way of life and the way we do business. Virtual reality is our new normal on both fronts. Meanwhile, people are reassessing their quality of life, and making choices to improve that. We look forward to helping homeowners find their ideal island home and look forward to hosting you on our paradise island soon. Until then, keep strong, stay safe and see you soon,” says Rinie.
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