Maldives

East Africa & the Indian Ocean0 independent articles

The 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.

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

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

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.