Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles often evoke images of a preserved tropical paradise, but behind these postcard-perfect landscapes, some cities in the archipelago are undergoing significant economic transformation. As tourism and foreign investments continue to grow, real estate prices and the cost of living in key locations like Mahé and Praslin appear poised for a dramatic surge by 2030.
This transformation, far from trivial, could reshape the country’s economic and social contours, attracting a new wave of investors while presenting substantial challenges for local residents.
Promising Seychelles Cities for Real Estate
The Seychelles offers several cities and areas considered promising for real estate investment, due to a combination of economic, tourism, and institutional factors.
Key reasons driving this enthusiasm include:
- Sustained Economic Development: The Seychelles benefits from a dynamic and diversified tourism economy, fostering infrastructure growth and attractiveness for investors.
- Expanding Infrastructure: Major urbanization projects are being carried out with government support, strengthening road, port, and airport networks.
- International Tourist Attractions: Renowned beaches, preserved nature, and a stable environment attract a growing number of high-spending visitors each year.
- Government Commitment to Urban Development: The Seychellois government actively encourages foreign investment in high-end real estate while ensuring the protection of natural heritage.
The following cities or neighborhoods stand out particularly:
| City/Area | Main Assets | Recent Projects / Concrete Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mahé (main island) | Economic heart of the Seychelles; rich Creole cultural offerings; numerous sports and maritime activities. | Luxury villas in Bel Ombre (Providence), modern properties integrated with nature |
| Eden Island | Exclusive residential neighborhood built on an artificial island; security; private marina; immediate proximity to Victoria. | High-end residential developments reserved for international investors |
| Providence | Proximity to Cascade/Victoria; direct sea access; modern environmentally-friendly architecture. | Contemporary villas offering panoramic ocean views |
Other key points about these destinations:
- Population growth remains sustained around Mahé/Victoria thanks to continuous economic development. This anticipated increase in residents naturally boosts rental demand as well as the potential for attractive future resales.
- For example, on Eden Island or Providence, new real estate programs offer residences combining modern comfort with environmental integration (sea views, direct beach access), well illustrating the current trend toward exclusive real estate tailored to international expectations.
Key takeaway:
Real estate investments in these areas directly benefit from local tourism dynamism as well as proactive public policies aimed at creating a sustainably attractive high-end market for both local and foreign clientele.
Notable examples:
- Contemporary property in Providence – Bel Ombre: private villa with independent ocean-view suites, premium finishes, and modern amenities
- Premium residences on Eden Island accessible via private marina
These combined dynamics are expected to continue fueling a robust Seychellois real estate market in these strategic sectors in the coming years.
Good to know:
On Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles, Victoria stands out as a promising city for real estate thanks to its dynamic economic development and booming infrastructure, particularly with the expansion of the port and airport. Simultaneously, Beau Vallon benefits from its growing tourist appeal with its popular beaches, stimulating the rise of new hotel and real estate projects. The Seychellois government’s commitment to urbanization projects like road improvements and social housing creation also contributes to rising real estate prices. Furthermore, the island of Praslin is experiencing a notable population increase, pushing for real estate developments to meet growing demand. For example, the construction of the Côte d’Or residential complex is a recent project highlighting the growth potential in this region, illustrating the positive economic dynamics forecast for the coming years.
Long-Term Investment in the Seychelles: What Opportunities
The Seychelles displays significant economic potential marked by steady growth, driven by strategic sectors like luxury tourism, high-end residential real estate, and green infrastructure. The country benefits from a stable climate, advantageous taxation, and a secure legal framework that attract international investors.
Main Growth Sectors:
- Luxury Tourism: Exclusive hotel offerings, development of eco-resorts, and high-end experiences sought by an international clientele.
- Residential Real Estate: Prestigious second homes with attractive rental yields in approved projects, notably due to the partial lifting of the moratorium on purchases for non-residents.
- Green Infrastructure: Real estate projects adhering to strict ecological standards, benefiting from government subsidies and incorporating renewable energies.
| Sector | 2030 Potential | Recent Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Tourism | Growth in number of 5-star hotels; increase in international visitors | New openings on Mahé & Praslin |
| Residential Real Estate | Expected property value appreciation; high seasonal rents | Condominium villas on Eden Island |
| Green Infrastructure | Subsidies for sustainable construction; long-term valuation | Certified “green” residences |
Recommended Long-Term Investment Strategies:
- Diversification between classic real estate and green projects to benefit from both seasonal rental yields and sustainable appreciation.
- Targeting urban or coastal areas with high tourism potential (Mahé, Praslin) where demand remains strong until 2030.
- Utilizing optimized legal structures (local SCI) to access tax advantages while securing family assets.
Favorable Government Policies:
- Tax incentives on certain green real estate investments (partial or temporary exemptions).
- Direct subsidies to developers committed to sustainable development or ecotourism.
- Strengthened regulatory framework to guarantee legal stability and security of land transactions.
Potential Risks & Management:
List of risks:
- Global economic fluctuations influencing tourism
- Occasional moratoriums potentially temporarily limiting land access
- Local dependency on the tourism sector
Preventive measures:
- Select only projects validated by local authorities
- Anticipate regulatory changes through specialized legal support
- Diversify assets across several promising segments
Recent example: The successful marketing of eco-villas on Mahé demonstrated strong foreign demand for this type of asset combining high rental yields and environmental commitment; these operations perfectly illustrate the positive dynamics anticipated until 2030.
The Seychelles thus remains a strategic destination for combining secure patrimonial investment, attractive profitability, and sustainable impact.
Good to know:
Long-term investment in the Seychelles offers excellent opportunities, particularly in luxury tourism, residential real estate, and green infrastructure, supported by attractive government policies such as tax incentives and sustainable development projects. Cities like Victoria show potential for price growth by 2030, making them strategic targets for real estate investments or high-end hospitality. Investors benefit from the country’s political stability and the rise of luxury tourism, although risks such as dependency on the tourism sector or regulatory changes must be considered. Recent success examples include environmentally-friendly hotel projects, demonstrating how approaches integrating sustainability can maximize returns. Prudent investors might consider strategic diversification and monitor the evolution of local policies to mitigate risks and capitalize on the region’s growing economic vitality.
Growth Area Forecasts for the 2030 Horizon
The Seychelles is experiencing moderate urban growth, driven by specific economic and demographic factors. In 2023, the annual urban population growth was 0.64%, with an urban population estimated at about 70,450 people out of a national total nearing 132,800 inhabitants in 2025. Density exceeds 220 inhabitants/km², concentrating most development in the main urban areas.
Economic and Demographic Factors
- Low but continuous population growth (+0.71% in 2024), with a positive natural balance (more births than deaths) despite a negative migration balance.
- Progressive urbanization supported by political stability and economic development centered on high-end tourism.
- Real estate demand is primarily directed towards Mahé (Victoria and its periphery), Praslin, and La Digue.
Areas with High Real Estate Potential
| City/Area | Current Dynamics | Outlook by 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria (Mahé) | Administrative & economic center | Major urban extension planned |
| Beau Vallon | Northern tourism hub | Strong price increase expected |
| Eden Island | Residences & foreign investments | Rapid growth in the luxury sector |
| Praslin (Baie Ste Anne) | Hotel development | Infrastructure expansion |
Impacts of Infrastructure and International Investments
- Major projects: modernization of the commercial port in Victoria, expansion of the international airport, widened coastal roads.
- Foreign direct investments directed towards high-end hospitality, private residential complexes (e.g., Eden Island), modern marinas.
- National plans favoring public-private partnerships to accelerate real estate deliveries.
Tourism Trends Influencing Real Estate
Continuous increase in international arrivals post-pandemic rebound; sustainable tourism prioritized.
Growing demand for second homes and short-term rentals in sought-after coastal areas.
Numerical Forecasts (Local/International Organizations)
- Estimated total population mid-2025: ~132,800
- Projected urban population end-2026: >71,000
- Annual residential real estate price growth: between +4% and +8% depending on the area
- Urbanization rate expected to rise slowly to ~55% by 2030
Environmental and Social Challenges by 2030
List of main issues:
- Increased pressure on limited land resources worsening the risk of coastal artificialization
- Vulnerability to climate hazards: sea level rise threatening some low-lying neighborhoods
- Increased risks of social inequalities through land speculation or exclusion of modest households in highly sought-after areas
- Need to integrate more sustainable management into each new urban project
Future success will largely depend on the ability to reconcile dynamic real estate growth with strict environmental preservation and equitable access to housing for all social categories.
Good to know:
Forecasts for the Seychelles by 2030 indicate that cities like Victoria and Anse Royale will see a surge in real estate prices, supported by stable economic growth and demographic increase. Massive investments in infrastructure, including road and port expansions, coupled with international funding, are driving this rise, enhancing the appeal for foreign investors. Tourism, still booming, also plays a crucial role, with numerous hotel complexes increasing the demand for housing and commercial spaces. According to reports from the Central Bank of Seychelles and the International Monetary Fund, these areas also benefit from national development plans, foreseeing the modernization of public services. However, the influx of population can exacerbate environmental challenges, particularly water and waste management, as well as social tensions related to economic inequality. To seize the best opportunities and mitigate risks, investors should closely monitor the evolution of development projects and local urban planning regulations.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
