Maldives
East Africa & the Indian Ocean0 independent articlesThe ultimate resort-island market — leasehold only, but branded-residence returns.
The Maldives is the apex of barefoot-luxury tourism, and a 2025 residence-by-investment programme (from $250k) plus new sectoral ownership rules are opening it to private buyers. Ownership is leasehold-only (the state owns the land/islands, leased 50–99 years); the play is branded resort residences with rental programmes and zero income/ CGT tax.
Can foreigners buy?
Leasehold only: no foreign freehold; islands/land leased (typically 50 years, extendable). July 2025 residence-by-investment from $250k; branded residences the main private route.
Taxes & buying costs
No annual property tax, income tax or CGT; tourism goods & services tax applies to resort revenue; lease premiums and rents structured per project.
What makes it unique
Overwater-villa tourism at its global peak; leasehold branded residences with strong projected returns.
1
Most prestigious places to own
Private branded-residence islands (North/South Malé Atolls)
Overwater and beach residences at ultra-luxury resorts.
$1.5m–$15m+
Branded overwater / beach villa
Emboodhoo / CROSSROADS lagoon
Integrated resort-and-marina residences near Malé.
$1m–$6m
Lagoon residence
2
Best income potential from vacation renting
Branded resort residences
Managed rental pools; premium nightly rates.
$800k–$4m
8–10% projected
Managed resort villa
Hulhumalé / greater Malé apartments
Domestic + guesthouse-tourism rental units.
$200k–$700k
6–9% gross
City apartment
3
Picturesque farms & rural tourism properties
Local-island guesthouse plots (leased)
Guesthouse-tourism on inhabited islands (mid-market boom).
$200k–$900k
Guesthouse tourism
Guesthouse (leasehold)
Everything on Maldives
No articles for this destination yet — coverage is on the way. The factbook above is complete regardless.
Indicative 2025–26 planning bands for screening only, not quotes and not advice. Holiday-let licensing, tax and foreign-buyer rules change frequently — confirm locally with a lawyer and tax adviser before buying.