Secure Residences in Madagascar: Expat Trend

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Gated communities in Madagascar are generating growing interest, reflecting a new trend among expatriates seeking both security and comfort within an exotic and appealing setting.

In an environment where security considerations have become paramount, these protected enclaves offer a modern sanctuary for those settling on the Great Island, while allowing them to fully enjoy the country’s unique cultural charms.

While breathtaking landscapes and rich local traditions continue to attract foreigners, the choice to reside in a more secure setting has become a decisive factor in their relocation decision, revealing the changing dynamics of Madagascar’s real estate appeal.

The Rising Popularity of Guarded Residences in Madagascar

The rising popularity of guarded residences in Madagascar is explained by a combination of economic, social, and security factors. This phenomenon particularly affects expatriates and the emerging middle class, drawn to a more secure and comfortable lifestyle.

Main Reasons for Growing Popularity

• Security: Urban insecurity remains a major concern for both expatriates and wealthy Malagasy. Guarded residences offer a protected environment with access control, 24/7 security personnel, and technological devices (CCTV surveillance, alarms).
• Modern Comfort: These complexes often feature high-end amenities—swimming pools, private green spaces, gyms, children’s play areas—that meet the expectations of an international or affluent clientele.
• Community: Living in these gated spaces fosters a sense of belonging to a community sharing high standards of quality of life.

Economic and Social Changes Influencing This Trend

• Moderate but stable economic growth in recent years
• Gradual return of Malagasy diaspora investing in local real estate
• Increase in the number of expatriates coming to work in the extractive industry or tertiary sector
• Enhanced development of high-end tourism boosting residential real estate demand

Role of Real Estate Agencies and Developers

Agencies play a central role by facilitating the search, acquisition, or rental within secured residences. They assist both foreign and local investors at every stage: legal advice on land (particularly emphyteutic lease), professional rental management adapted to international expectations.

Developers create these turnkey projects according to international standards to attract a demanding clientele: integrated urban planning respectful of the natural setting while ensuring maximum security.

Actors	Main Role
Real Estate Agencies	Client search/support; rental management; legal advice
Developers	Design/construction; integration of modern infrastructures

Services Typically Offered in Residential Complexes

• 24/7 Security (armed guards/deterrence)
• Landscaped green spaces
• Communal/private swimming pool
• Multipurpose rooms (fitness/yoga)
• Dedicated children’s areas (play/sports)
• Private parking

“I finally feel at ease here with my family… It’s everything we were missing before our arrival in Antananarivo,” testifies Paul R., a French expatriate settled since 2023.

Future Outlook & Urban Policies

The rapid development of guarded residences is pushing local authorities to rethink their urban planning:

• Urban planners recommend better integration into the existing urban fabric to avoid creating “gated cities” cut off from the rest of the inhabitants.
• Policies are leaning towards stricter regulatory frameworks so that these new neighborhoods also contribute to local dynamism through local taxes or social obligations.
• The government continues its investments in improving general infrastructure – main roads serving these privileged residential areas – which increases their attractiveness while avoiding isolation.

“The current progression should continue as long as increased needs for private security combined with strong foreign demand persist. But beware of the social risk if spatial segregation becomes too strong…”

In summary:

Key Factor	Impact on the Market
Security	Attracts expatriates/investors
Modernization	Rise in comfort/service demands
Infrastructure	Increased value of peripheral zones
Urban Policy	Need for regulation & better integration

The current enthusiasm thus promises several more dynamic years for this specific Malagasy real estate segment.

Secure Neighborhoods: A New Attraction for Expatriates

Neighborhood security plays a decisive role in the choice of expatriates settling in Madagascar, strongly influencing their decision to establish themselves in certain areas over others. Neighborhoods like Ivandry, Ambatobe, and Ankorondrano in Antananarivo are particularly sought after for their secure environment and comfortable living conditions.

Security Measures Implemented

Residences in these secure neighborhoods incorporate several devices designed to ensure residents’ peace of mind:

• Video Surveillance Systems (CCTV cameras): Widely used to monitor access to residences and surrounding streets.
• Presence of Private Security Guards: Often stationed at the main entrances of residential complexes or patrolling regularly.
• Physical Barriers and Secure Gates: Controlled by badge or intercom, limiting access to residents and authorized visitors only.
• High Fences with Integrated Alarm Systems.

These measures help create an environment perceived as safe, which is essential for expatriates concerned about protecting their families and property.

Perceived Advantages by Expatriates

Expatriates derive several direct benefits from choosing a secure neighborhood:

• Increased comfort, with a significant reduction in stress related to potential urban crime risks.
• Peace of mind, especially due to the feeling of being protected 24/7, facilitating a better quality of life.
• The possibility of a more serene family life thanks to proximity to international schools also located in these safe zones (example: Ivandry).

This also promotes better personal organization, allowing expatriates to focus on their professional or personal activities without constant worry about their safety.

Evolution of Real Estate Demands

In response to this growing demand for secure housing:

• The Malagasy real estate market has seen an increased number of gated residential projects offering these modern devices.
• Developers adapt their offerings by integrating more of these security standards while providing comfort and modernity (villas with fenced gardens, apartments in monitored condominiums).

This trend reflects a clear evolution towards housing that specifically meets the expectations of expatriates desiring a safe environment while maintaining certain architectural and functional quality.

Security Aspects	Common Devices	Expatriate Advantages
Surveillance	CCTV Cameras	Constant feeling of protection
Access Control	Automatic Gates + Badges	Strict limitation of visitors
Human Security	24/7 Private Guards	Responsiveness to incidents
Physical Barriers	High Fences + Alarms	Intrusion prevention

Testimonials and Community Impact

Several expatriates who have chosen these secure neighborhoods testify:

“Living in Ivandry has brought me not only the necessary security but also a genuine sense of belonging. The community is united around mutual respect reinforced by this protective environment.”

“The continuous presence of guards has allowed me to let go of my worries about theft. This greatly facilitates my integration because I can focus on my family and local interactions without stress.”

Thus, choosing a secure neighborhood is not limited solely to physical protection; it also promotes social integration by creating a framework where intercultural exchanges develop more easily thanks to the psychological comfort provided.

Premium Residential Services: An Expanding Offer in Gated Complexes

Premium residential services in gated complexes in Madagascar refer to the set of high-end amenities offered within secured residences or neighborhoods, primarily intended for an affluent and international clientele. These services aim to guarantee security, comfort, and exclusivity for residents.

Definition of Premium Residential Services Associated with Gated Complexes:

• Restricted access reserved exclusively for inhabitants and guests.
• Enhanced security thanks to the presence of guards 24/7, video surveillance, physical barriers (fences, walls), and access control by badge or intercom.
• Internal community organization for the management of common spaces and access criteria.

Evolution of Demand for These Services in Madagascar:

• Recent but rapid development over the past ten years in major cities like Antananarivo.
• Marked growth among expatriates seeking a secure environment in an urban context perceived as uncertain.
• Models inspired by international standards imported by local or foreign developers.

Types of Premium Services Generally Offered:

Category	Description
Security	Armed/unarmed guards, CCTV cameras, electric fences
Recreation	Private/communal pools, multi-sport courts (tennis, basketball), fitness rooms
Concierge	Administrative/logistical assistance (taxi/restaurant reservations), maintenance
Green Spaces	Landscaped gardens regularly maintained
Domestic Services	Regular home cleaning, laundry
Infrastructure	Children’s play areas, secure parking

Specific Examples of Complexes Offering These Services & Testimonials:

Tana Waterfront:

• First mixed secured space including high-end villas with local/international businesses as well as a modern shopping center. The complex clearly targets an expatriate clientele seeking the international model.

Testimonial from an expatriate residing at Tana Waterfront:

“The tranquility offered here is incomparable. Between the strict control at the entrances and easy access to on-site recreation without leaving the complex—it’s reassuring for my family.”

Impact on Perception & Attractiveness:

• Strong real estate valuation linked to the integrated premium offer.
• Gated complexes are now considered synonymous with high social status and a guarantee of a peaceful life away from classic urban constraints.
• For expatriates, especially Europeans or Asians working in local NGOs/multinationals: living in a secured residence often becomes a non-negotiable criterion when choosing housing.

Future Prospects for Expansion on the Island:

• Growing expectation linked to the gradual return of foreign investors after each stable political phase
• Anticipated multiplication of real estate projects modeled on the international standard
• Progressive diversification towards more customizable offers (“à la carte” services, connected smart homes)
• Probable strengthening of technological devices integrating advanced home automation

Gated residential complexes are therefore gradually establishing themselves as the new Malagasy high-end standard for both local elites and expatriate communities settled permanently or temporarily on the island.