South Africans living in Mauritius mostly reside in upmarket residential developments on the island’s beautiful coastline where all Mauritian reside, all designed to offer a quintessential island lifestyle, there is a new kid on the block that is going to elevate the experience to a new level.
Situated on the west coast in the sought-after Black River region Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate is being developed in partnership with renowned luxury resort group, Beachcomber, to create the ultimate tropical lifestyle experience for discerning investors.
Director of Sotheby’s International Realty – Mauritius Timo Geldenhuys points out, “Not only is it set in an idyllic location between mountain and sea with sweeping views of the region, it is offering generous plots sizes averaging 2000m² with a build area of 400m², it’s being developed in tandem with the neighbouring Harmonie Beachcomber Golf Resort, to become the ultimate summer village for the whole family.
“A veritable playground includes a beach bar, restaurants, sports centre, kids club, water sports spa and even a craft village, Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate residents along with their guests will enjoy preferential rates throughout the resort.” The Property Development Scheme (PDS) project, consists of 220 luxury villas that will be built on 73ha of land abutting an 18-hole golf course with sales for the first phase comprising 81villas and residential plots launched earlier this year.
“This truly is an exceptional development in all aspects,” says Geldenhuys.
With environmentally responsible building at the core of its overall design, developers, the Beachcomber and Semaris Groups, have embraced bioclimate architecture in order to have the least possible environmental footprint. “All three villa types will use a set of sustainable and innovative architectural concepts to make full use of the landscape of each plot as well as natural ventilation and lighting through a well-thought-out orientation and will include a landscaped patio to serve as a green lung for each villa.
“A smart layout of rooms and openings to promote natural air circulation and a well-considered choice of materials will minimise the carbon footprint during construction and reduce the use of mechanical equipment.
“The villas may also be equipped with photovoltaic solar panels to give future owners the option of having a 100% off-grid villa.”
“Investors will have two options: ready-built villas available off-plan to Mauritian and foreign buyers under a Vente en État Futur d’Achèvement (VEFA) contract with three interior design packages from which to choose and serviced plots available exclusively to Mauritian buyers with strict architectural guidelines for villa construction.” Geldenhuys adds that the Black River region offers a unique quality of life, especially for expats.
“This area is very popular with families from around the world as it houses excellent international schools and a host of world-class services ranging from a private clinic, supermarkets, a variety of retail offerings to restaurants and cafes and markets as well as an array of leisure activities.”
Grahame Diedericks, International Liaison for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, says: “Mauritius remains the top destination for SAs looking to invest offshore and establish their Plan B or move their families to a safer, more prosperous region that isn’t too far from family and friends back home.
“And, with the Mauritian real estate market having seen capital growth of over 300% in the past 10 years while our local market has stagnated, it’s no surprise that SA represents one of their main sources of foreign direct investment flows and, second only to France which accounts for 21.7% of the property investment market in Mauritius.
“Adding to that is the island’s long list of accolades and awards, with the most recent being named the Best Country to Work from in the Region by KAYAK and, with remote working so prevalent since Covid, Mauritius has become even more attractive to investors.” Diedericks says that the Mauritian government has also been very proactive in encouraging and securing foreign investment since the implementation of the VEFA programme with the most recent amendments making it easier than ever to relocate to the island.
“The minimum real estate investment required to obtain residency has been lowered from US$500,000 to US$375,000 with the permanent residence card now being valid for 20 instead of 10 years. “And the minimum investment amount for obtaining an Occupation Permit (OP) was reduced from US$100,000 to US$50,000, with the OP’s validity extended from three to 10 years while the minimum turnover and investment requirement for an Innovator Occupation Permit has been completely removed.”
He adds that Mauritian banks are also offering mortgage loans that are accessible to foreign investors at an interest rate of between 7% and 9% with a 40% deposit required. However, it’s not only families that are moving to Mauritius, but also many SA businesses who are taking advantage of a multitude of incentives.
“Over and above the favourable taxation benefits, the island has acquired a number of compelling awards in recent years in terms of business achievements which not only contributes to creating an appealing, functional and positive business environment, it also inspires investor confidence.
“These include: Economic Freedom of the World (2017, Fraser Institute), Forbes Survey of Best Countries for Business (2017) and the Global Competitiveness Index (2017-2018) as well as first place in Africa and 25th position overall out of 190 countries on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report.” Plot and plan prices at Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate range between EUR1,490,000 and EUR2,020,000.
