Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Seychelles: A Paradise in Real Estate Transformation
At the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles continue to attract with their natural beauty and paradisiacal setting. However, beyond the idyllic beaches and breathtaking landscapes, the archipelago is undergoing a residential transformation, with the emergence of new real estate trends such as “co-living spaces”.
Co-living: A Booming Trend
These shared spaces, which combine community living and profitability, are attracting more and more investors and residents seeking a modern and flexible community lifestyle.
Good to Know:
Co-living is particularly suited for young professionals and expatriates looking for a flexible and connected lifestyle.
A Response to Contemporary Challenges
In a context where economic and ecological challenges call for rethinking our way of living, the co-living phenomenon in the Seychelles is establishing itself as an innovative and sustainable response to the changing dynamics of the local real estate market.
Why “Co-living Spaces” Appeal to Young People in the Seychelles
Co-living spaces are increasingly appealing to young people in the Seychelles, and this phenomenon can be explained by the convergence of several economic, social, and practical factors.
Attractiveness Factors of Co-living Spaces for Young People
- High Cost of Living: Rents in urban areas of the Seychelles are particularly high. Co-living allows for sharing expenses (rent, utilities, internet), making access to modern and well-located housing much more affordable than a traditional individual apartment.
- Increased Flexibility: This accommodation model typically offers flexible leases with all-inclusive services (cleaning, high-speed internet), which perfectly suits students, young professionals, or digital nomads seeking adaptability.
- Desired Community Life: Shared spaces encourage interaction among residents from diverse backgrounds. This fosters the rapid creation of a local network, sharing of experiences, and personal development within a dynamic community.
- Access to Modern Housing: Residences often offer a design setting with premium amenities (high-end equipped kitchens, relaxation/coworking spaces) that are difficult to afford individually.
| Factor | Advantage for Young People |
|---|---|
| Shared Rent | Affordable Housing in City Centers |
| Flexible Leases | Easy Adaptation Based on Professional Projects |
| Equipped Common Areas | Modern Comfort Without Extra Cost |
| Community Events | Accelerated Social Integration |
Impact on Lifestyle and Career
- Stimulating Environment: Proximity to diverse profiles stimulates creativity and fosters both professional and personal support. Some testimonials mention a “family atmosphere” where everyone finds their place while maintaining privacy thanks to private bedrooms.
- Expanded Social Network: Co-living naturally facilitates networking; it’s common for professional collaborations or lasting friendships to emerge during events organized by the residence (professional workshops, themed evenings, etc.).
- Increased Professional Opportunities: For newcomers or expatriates without an established local network, these spaces often serve as a springboard to quickly discover the local job market or launch their independent ventures.
“I was able to quickly meet about ten people active in different sectors. We exchange daily about our projects over coffee – it’s motivating!” shares a young Seychellois resident.
According to a real estate expert interviewed, “this model especially attracts those seeking economic efficiency as well as friendliness; it perfectly suits the current urban lifestyle.”
- Digital Concierge
- Access to Fitness Room/Spa
- Integrated Coworking
- Collective TV/Streaming Subscriptions
The model is appealing because it offers much more than just a roof: it’s an open door to a flexible lifestyle combining substantial savings, modern comfort, and relational enrichment – all major assets for young Seychellois generations seeking to balance professional success and personal fulfillment.
Good to Know:
“Co-living spaces” in the Seychelles attract young people mainly due to the high cost of living; these shared spaces significantly reduce housing-related expenses while offering a modern and well-located living environment. Flexibility is a major advantage, as these spaces allow for short or long stays based on professional or personal needs. Young people also appreciate the sense of community they find there, fostering enriching social interactions and networking opportunities beneficial for their careers. Residents testify to the positive impact of these environments on their creativity and well-being, while real estate experts highlight their crucial role as a viable solution in the face of growing demand for affordable and accessible housing.
The Rise of Upscale Co-living in Seychelles Real Estate
Several factors contribute to the rise of upscale co-living in the Seychelles, particularly in strategic tourist and economic areas such as Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, or Eden Island.
Key Development Factors
- Growth in the residential and tourist real estate market.
- Government policies favorable to foreign investors.
- Enhanced attractiveness for a clientele of expatriates, affluent professionals, and international investors seeking an exclusive setting combining quality of life and economic opportunities.
- Increased environmental awareness: strong demand for housing incorporating green technologies (solar panels, sustainable materials).
Preferences of Expatriates and Affluent Professionals
The resident foreign population has increased by 15% over the past five years. This growth fuels sustained demand for upscale accommodations tailored to the expectations of a cosmopolitan clientele:
- Desire for social integration facilitated by co-living,
- Need for rental flexibility,
- Preference for sought-after neighborhoods like Beau Vallon or Eden Island.
Economic Benefits of Upscale Co-living
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost Reduction | Shared rent (€800 to €1,500 monthly depending on services) and savings on shared utilities |
| High Yield | Annual profitability between 6% and 8% on well-located properties |
| Easy Management | Included hotel services (concierge, cleaning), increased attractiveness |
Recent Statistics on Demand
- Strong increase in the number of expatriates (+15% in five years).
- Upscale villas rent for between €5,000 and over €20,000 per night during high season in the ultra-luxury segment.
Recent Examples Demonstrating the Trend
International hotel groups such as Four Seasons, Six Senses, or Banyan Tree are heavily investing in development:
| Project / Complex | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Four Seasons Private Residences Seychelles | Private villas with personalized hotel services |
| Six Senses Zil Pasyon | Eco-friendly residences integrated into the natural landscape |
| Banyan Tree Seychelles | Spacious accommodations combining modern comfort & local authenticity |
Typical Characteristics of Upscale Co-living Spaces
Non-exhaustive list:
- Luxurious common areas (design lounges, private pools)
- State-of-the-art facilities: equipped fitness rooms, private spas
- Advanced home automation
- 24/7 multilingual concierge
- Customizable services: private chef, excursion organization
Response to Modern Needs
The offerings perfectly meet current requirements:
- Rental flexibility adapted to the digital/international nomadic lifestyle;
- Community experience while preserving privacy;
- High standards in ecological & technological matters;
- Direct access to a local/global professional network.
Future Perspectives
The positive evolution of international tourism towards a premium clientele and economic diversification favor the continued expansion of the market. The strengthening of tourist infrastructure combined with maintaining an attractive fiscal policy suggests a dynamic future for this type of accommodation. The ongoing rise in environmental requirements also directs new projects towards greater sustainability.
Premium co-living is thus set to play a central role in the Seychelles residential offerings for demanding expatriates as well as investors seeking secure profitability without compromising on comfort or the environment.
Good to Know:
The rise of upscale co-living in the Seychelles is driven by the rapid growth of the real estate market attracting expatriates and affluent professionals, drawn to a luxurious lifestyle in a paradisiacal setting. Recent complexes like Eden Island and Pangia Beach illustrate this phenomenon by offering housing equipped with amenities such as private pools, spas, concierge services, and coworking spaces. In 2022, demand for co-living spaces increased by 15%, meeting the needs of a modern, cosmopolitan clientele in search of comfort and professional networking. These spaces combine economic advantages, such as cost-sharing and flexibility, with an upscale lifestyle. In the future, this trend is expected to strengthen due to the increase in upscale tourism and the growing economic attractiveness of the Seychelles, encouraging innovation in residential infrastructure.
Co-living spaces in the Seychelles embody a profound shift in contemporary lifestyles, offering an innovative alternative to traditional housing while addressing the scarcity of affordable real estate solutions in the archipelago. These collective habitats bring together local residents and expatriates around a community lifestyle, where housing flexibility is accompanied by an enriching social dynamic.
“Co-living is not just an economic solution, it’s a true social revolution that allows for building lasting bonds between people from different backgrounds.”
In a context where the real estate market is restricted and prices are high, co-living offers furnished rooms with access to shared spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, or coworking areas. This model combines individual comfort and collective conviviality, making possible the creation of a close-knit community.
Main Advantages of Co-living in the Seychelles
- Flexibility: Short or medium-term rentals adapted to the changing needs of nomadic workers and expatriates.
- Community: Regular organization of social events (workshops, parties), promoting rapid integration.
- Savings: Fixed fees covering high-speed internet, electricity, and common services.
- Productivity: Dedicated spaces for remote work equipped to maximize professional efficiency.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Short/medium-term contracts adapted to nomadic profiles |
| Community | Frequent social events to create connections |
| Savings | All-inclusive pricing (housing + services) |
| Productivity | Coworking space with high-speed internet |
The digital dimension plays a central role in this transformation. Digital platforms facilitate daily management (room reservations, payments), as well as communication among residents via internal forums or WhatsApp groups. These tools enable the spontaneous organization of common activities (beach outings, sports sessions) and promote the sharing of useful information about local life.
Concrete examples illustrate this trend:
- Mapmelon Coliving Spaces not only offers affordable accommodations but also a rich calendar of collaborative events (creative workshops, yoga sessions).
- Coliving.com Seychelles connects young professionals around shared apartments equipped for remote work.
“As an expatriate arriving alone on Mahé, thanks to co-living I quickly found my bearings through the meetings made during parties organized by our community.”
“The workshops offered allowed me not only to progress professionally but also to discover the local culture differently than as a simple tourist.”
This new lifestyle thus effectively addresses economic challenges through its financial accessibility and inclusive formulas while providing a strong social response to potential isolation in an island environment like that of the Seychelles. The interconnection enabled by digital tools creates a natural synergy among members, resulting in a supportive network ready to support each person in their personal or professional projects.
Finally, this model directly contributes to overall well-being:
- Reduction of stress related to housing access
- Strengthening of the sense of belonging
- Facilitated access to a diverse international community
The growing success of co-living therefore testifies not only to a pragmatic adaptation to the local context but also to a real collective will towards more solidarity and better living together despite the specific territorial constraints encountered in islands like these.
Good to Know:
Co-living spaces in the Seychelles offer an innovative solution to the country’s real estate challenges, allowing residents and expatriates to live in dynamic community environments. The focus is on flexibility, with shared housing that does not require long-term commitments, while optimizing limited space. These spaces foster a sense of belonging and collaboration facilitated by connected digital platforms, which strengthen social interaction and encourage professional synergies. For example, “Nomad Lodge” on Mahé integrates shared workspaces and regular events, thereby supporting residents’ well-being through harmonious collective living. Testimonials from those living there report notable improvements in their quality of life, particularly thanks to opportunities for enriching social interaction, an essential factor for personal and professional balance in the archipelago.
The Impact of “Co-living Spaces” on the Seychelles Real Estate Market
The emergence of “co-living spaces” is gradually transforming the real estate market in the Seychelles, bringing an unprecedented diversification of accommodation offerings. This model particularly appeals to young professionals, expatriates, and digital nomads seeking an affordable and friendly housing solution in the archipelago.
Main Contributions of Co-living Spaces to the Seychelles Market:
- Diversification of housing options with a more flexible alternative to traditional offerings (long-term rentals, hotels).
- Response to growing demand for all-inclusive formulas integrating private housing, shared spaces (equipped kitchens, lounges, coworking), and services adapted to connected lifestyles.
- Increased accessibility for those struggling to find affordable accommodation in a context where housing costs remain high.
Key Sought-After Characteristics:
- Private bedrooms with bathroom
- Modern common areas (shared kitchen, lounges)
- Dedicated areas for teleworking or coworking
- Shared services (cleaning, high-speed Wi-Fi)
| Advantages of Co-living | Potential Limitations |
|---|---|
| Reduction of individual cost through sharing | Less privacy than in a classic apartment |
| Creation of an international social network | Necessary cultural adaptation |
| Contractual flexibility | Offer still limited on some islands |
The growing popularity among young professionals and expatriates is explained by the need for rental flexibility and the unique opportunity to live in a dynamic community without bearing the financial burden of a traditional lease alone. This also helps alleviate pressure on traditional rental demand.
Economic Impacts & Opportunities:
- New perspectives for real estate investors eager to capture a growing and promising segment.
- Increased opportunities for local or foreign property owners wishing to renovate or convert their properties into shared residences.
However, this evolution also calls for:
- Regulatory adaptation to frame these new models to ensure legal security and quality for all;
- Reflection on the potential impact on traditional rents, which could increase if too many apartments are converted into co-living.
Concrete Examples in the Seychelles:
Platforms like Mapmelon already list several authentic spaces dedicated to co-living specifically designed for digital nomads and mobile workers. These places prioritize:
- Balance between private life (individual bedrooms) and sociability (animated common areas).
- Strategic locations near beaches or dynamic urban centers.
- Facilitated networking through regular community activities.
These established co-livings not only allow for an immersive experience but also locally boost the tourism sector outside the classic season while meeting new post-pandemic expectations around hybrid work.
In summary: The rapid development of co-living is gradually redefining the Seychelles real estate ecosystem through its financial accessibility, modern conviviality, and varied economic opportunities – although it requires regulatory vigilance to preserve social balance and lasting attractiveness.
Good to Know:
“Co-living spaces” are modifying the Seychelles real estate market by increasing the supply of accommodation options, particularly favored by young professionals and expatriates seeking flexibility. This phenomenon could exert pressure on traditional real estate prices, encouraging diversification of investments with attractive yield opportunities for real estate developers. Concrete examples such as “Seychelles Co-Living Hub” and “Eden Island Co-Living” illustrate this trend with offerings including modern shared spaces and services such as fitness rooms and coworking areas. The emergence of these spaces also draws attention to the need for adaptive regulation to balance sustainable development and meet growing demand, encouraging a more dynamic and varied local economy.
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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.
