Real estate in Zanzibar

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Zanzibar, but usually through a long-term leasehold structure rather than freehold land ownership. In most cases, foreign buyers purchase apartments, villas or resort residences within approved developments and receive long-term rights to use, sell, rent out or transfer the property according to the contract terms.

Leasehold means that the buyer receives long-term rights to the property for a fixed period, often up to 99 years depending on the project and legal structure. This is different from freehold ownership, where the land itself is owned outright. Before buying, it is important to check the exact lease term, renewal conditions and what rights are included in the agreement.

Additional costs may include stamp duty, registration-related fees, legal fees, administrative costs and, in some cases, service charges or furniture packages. The final amount depends on the project, property type and transaction structure. Before reservation, we help calculate the full purchase budget, not just the property price.

Before buying, it is important to check the developer, land status, project approvals, title or lease documents, building permits, payment schedule and the terms of the sale agreement. We help review the key documents and recommend involving a qualified lawyer before signing the final contract.

Buying off-plan can be attractive because prices are often lower at the early stage and payment plans may be more flexible. However, there are also risks such as construction delays, changes in project terms or developer-related issues. To reduce these risks, buyers should choose reliable developers, check project documentation and clearly understand the payment schedule before making a reservation.