Everything you need to know before investing in real estate in the Seychelles.
Updated: 3 days ago
Updated: September 2026
Welcome to my blog dedicated to buying property in Seychelles. If you are considering buying a house, villa or apartment in Seychelles, it is important to understand the rules that apply, particularly when the buyer is not Seychellois.
Seychelles is renowned for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and exceptional natural environment. But when it comes to real estate, not every property can be purchased under the same conditions.
In this guide, I explain the main points international buyers should understand before purchasing real estate in Seychelles, including the acquisition process, costs and the types of properties available to non-Seychellois buyers.
Can foreigners buy property in Seychelles?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Seychelles, but the rules depend on the property and its legal status.
A non-Seychellois buyer can acquire certain apartments, houses and villas, although the purchase will generally require government approval, known as Sanction.
The conditions can vary according to the nature of the property, its legal status and the regime under which it is sold. This is why it is important not to assume that every property advertised for sale in Seychelles is automatically available to an international buyer.
Some residential developments have been specifically structured to allow international ownership.
The properties I currently select for my international clients are mainly located within developments such as Eden Island, Meliá Seychelles and Desroches Island, where properties are available to non-Seychellois buyers under the applicable conditions.
Before making an offer, the legal status of the property and the conditions applying to an international purchaser should always be verified.
Where can international buyers purchase real estate in Seychelles?
Eden Island Melia Seychelles Desroches
If you are buying property in Seychelles as a foreigner, the first question should not simply be which island or property type you prefer.
You first need to establish whether the property can legally be acquired by a non-Seychellois buyer and under what conditions.
Among the options I currently work with:
Eden Island offers an established resale market with apartments, houses and villas within a private marina development.
It is one of the best-known residential developments in Seychelles and offers international buyers access to a range of existing properties.
Meliá Seychelles offers newly developed residences with different ownership and usage possibilities depending on the part of the development.
It provides an alternative for buyers looking for a new property within a professionally managed environment.
For buyers looking at the ultra-luxury segment, Desroches Island offers a very different type of property ownership and island lifestyle.
My Seychelles portfolio is deliberately focused on properties that can be considered by international buyers rather than presenting properties that they may ultimately not be eligible to purchase.
Looking for a house, villa or property for sale in Seychelles?
If you are searching for a house for sale in Seychelles, a villa or an apartment, there are several points I recommend considering before making a decision.
Work with someone who understands the international buyer process
Buying real estate in another country involves more than finding the right property.
The transaction can involve government approval, legal verification, a notary, banking arrangements and several administrative steps.
Having someone who understands both the property market and the process applicable to non-Seychellois buyers can make a significant difference.
Consider the location and type of property
A marina apartment, a family house, a resort-managed residence and an ultra-luxury island villa are very different investments.
Your choice should reflect how you intend to use the property: as a primary or secondary residence, a holiday home or, where permitted, a rental investment.
Verify the legal status of the property
Before purchasing, establish whether the property is held under freehold or leasehold and have the title and transaction documentation checked by the appropriate legal professionals.
Where the property forms part of a tourism or managed development, you should also understand any restrictions relating to personal use, rental management or owner occupancy.
Understand the local market
Price alone should not determine whether a property represents the right purchase.
Consider its condition, location, time on the market, potential works and how it compares with similar apartments, houses or villas for sale in Seychelles.
What are the costs of buying property in Seychelles?
The acquisition costs depend on the property and the applicable ownership regime.
For the properties I currently commercialise at Eden Island, Meliá Seychelles and Desroches Island, the main acquisition costs are approximately:
Stamp Duty: 5%
Sanction: 1.5%
Notary fees: approximately 1.15%
This represents approximately 7.65% of the purchase price, which I generally advise clients to round to approximately 8% when preparing their acquisition budget.
There is also a SCR 3,000 Sanction application fee.
Notary fees are not a fixed statutory percentage and can vary according to the notary and transaction. These figures should therefore be treated as an indication and confirmed for each purchase.
What is Sanction when buying property in Seychelles?
Sanction is the government authorisation required for certain property acquisitions by non-Seychellois buyers.
The application generally requires information and supporting documents relating to the buyer, the property and the financing of the acquisition.
This can include identification documents, proof of address and documentation relating to the source and availability of funds.
The conditions and fees are not necessarily identical for every type of property, which is another reason why the exact regime should be checked before committing to a purchase.
Can foreigners finance a property purchase in Seychelles?
Financing may be available, but I recommend establishing your financing capacity before committing to a property.
Lending conditions can vary significantly according to the bank, the buyer's profile, the property and the guarantees available.
Rather than assuming that a fixed percentage of the purchase price can be financed, buyers should obtain an individual assessment from the relevant financial institution.
Is there an annual property tax in Seychelles?
An Immovable Property Tax may apply to certain residential properties owned by non-Seychellois.
Where applicable, the current tax is calculated at 0.5% of the property's market value per year, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
This is separate from the acquisition costs payable when purchasing the property.
Buying property in Seychelles: what should you check before proceeding?
Before buying real estate in Seychelles, an international buyer should establish:
whether the property is accessible to non-Seychellois buyers;
its legal and ownership status;
whether Sanction is required;
the total acquisition costs;
any restrictions concerning personal use or rental;
and, where relevant, the financing options available.
After 10 years working in real estate in Seychelles, including at Eden Island, I now focus on a selection of properties and developments that I know and that can be considered by international buyers.
You can explore my properties for sale in Seychelles below.
For information about a particular property, or if you are looking for a house, villa or apartment for sale in Seychelles, please contact me.
WhatsApp: +230 5474 0302Email: scolas@sandracolas.com
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