Frequently Asked Questions
Buying Property in Zanzibar
Can foreigners buy property in Zanzibar?
Yes – but not freehold. All land in Zanzibar technically belongs to the state. What foreigners get is a long-term renewable lease of up to 99 years (usually in 33-year blocks). In practice, that means you can live in the home, rent it out, resell it, or pass it on to your kids – just like an owner anywhere else. Think of it as “near-freehold with palm trees.”
What approvals are required?
Every foreign purchase must go through two steps:
ZIPA (Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority) – they issue a no-objection certificate.
Land Commission – they register your lease officially.
It may sound bureaucratic, but we’ve done it many times. To us it’s routine – to you it will feel like magic when you’re holding your stamped deed.
Do I need to be in Zanzibar to complete the purchase?
Not always. Many clients grant their lawyer a power of attorney so they don’t have to sit in offices all day. Some visit for closing, others finish through a Tanzanian consulate abroad. Either way, you don’t have to wrestle with the system – we do that for you.
What happens when the 99-year lease runs out?
It’s renewable. Standard practice is simply to apply, pay a modest admin fee, and extend in 33-year blocks. Think of it like renewing a passport – only with a sea breeze and fresh coconuts nearby.
Costs & Fees
What are the costs beyond the purchase price?
Here’s what to expect:
Stamp duty: 1%
Transfer/registration tax: 1–5% (most deals ~2–3%)
Registration fee: ~0.25%
Lawyer & notary fees: 1–2%
Our fee: 10% (with a $1,500 deposit, credited at closing)
Annual land rent: usually $2–4/m² for beachfront plots
Annual property tax: flat ~$22 per home
Rule of thumb: expect about 4–7% extra in closing costs (excluding commission). We’ll give you a clear budget breakdown before you commit – no surprises, no hidden extras.
Trust & Transparency
How do I know this isn’t a scam?
Because we hate scams as much as you do. Everything goes through licensed lawyers and notaries. Money sits safely in client accounts, not in anyone’s pocket. And honestly – we’ve been part of Zanzibar since 1998. If we weren’t playing fair, the village would have kicked us out long ago.
What guarantees do I have after purchase?
You’ll walk away with an official stamped deed in your name, recorded with the Land Commission. It’s legally binding and renewable. You can frame it, brag about it, or just smile knowing your little corner of paradise is legally yours.
Why choose you instead of a big agency?
Because with us you’re not one of a hundred leads in a CRM system. We work one-on-one. That means personal guidance, WhatsApp messages answered, and real relationships. We know this island, we know the people, and we know the pitfalls. With us, you’re safe.
What’s the worst-case scenario?
Mostly delays. A missing clearance here, a slow-moving office there. But that’s why we exist – we chase, push, and drink the strong coffee so you don’t have to.
The Villa & Location
How far is the villa from the beach and amenities?
Beach: ~750–850 m (a flip-flop walk)
Restaurants & cafés: 5–10 min stroll
Shops: small local shops nearby; bigger supermarkets in Paje (10 min by car)
Clinic: 10 min • Hospital: 1h • Police station: 10 min
Airport: ~1h15m from Zanzibar International (ZNZ)
Utilities?
Electricity is low-cost. Water supply from the grid can be unreliable at times – that’s just Zanzibar. The good news? A private well solves it. Most owners have one, or choose to dig one (it’s not expensive), and once you have it, water is stable and plentiful. Want solar or a well? We know the right people.
Rentals & Investment
How much can I earn if I rent short-term?
Airbnb and Booking.com are popular here. Depending on location, and amount of rooms etc, here are some typical numbers:
50% occupancy → ~$2,700/month
70% occupancy → ~$3,700/month
Peak → $4,000+/month
What about long-term rentals?
Many expats, NGOs, and digital nomads prefer long-term contracts. Rates are usually $800–1,200/month, with less admin and steady tenants.
Is demand seasonal?
Tourism is booming – growth has averaged 15–30% annually. Apart from two short rainy spells (March–April, November), demand is strong year-round. In other words: you’re rarely empty.
Are property values rising?
Yes. Hotspots like Jambiani, Paje, and Nungwi have seen 10–18% yearly growth. We see it with our own eyes – prices are climbing steadily. The earlier you buy, the better.
Practical Living
Is Zanzibar safe?
Yes. Especially in smaller villages like Jambiani. You’ll hear “Jambo!” and “Mambo!” more than anything else. Of course, use normal travel common sense.
Do I need a car?
Scooters and taxis work fine for daily life. A car is nice for road trips or hauling groceries – but not essential.
How is healthcare?
A good clinics in Paje, both main local hospital and Turkish private hospital in Stone Town (~1h away).
What about internet?
Yes, you can get good Internet in Zanzibar — but keep in mind, it’s an island in Africa, so speeds and reliability can vary depending on provider and location.
Fiber options (like ZanLink, TwigaNet, Liquid Home, Cre8Hub) offer 5–100 Mbps, with prices from $20–$300/month depending on the package. Installation is usually $100–$150 (sometimes free). These are best in town areas.
Starlink is expected soon, bringing 50–150 Mbps via satellite. Some people already use it through roaming packages purchased abroad.
Mobile data (Airtel, Zantel, Tigo) is widely available, affordable, and works well for most everyday needs, especially with a local SIM card.
Can you help with homestaging/furnishing?
Yes. Whether you want to Airbnb, rent out directly or just move in with style, we can help. Just let us know.
Skeptical Buyer Concerns
What if laws change in the future?
Leasehold law has been in place since 1992. The 2010 Condominium Act even expanded rights for foreigners. Renewals are standard practice.
Can locals or the government take the land back?
Not if your lease is registered and your rent paid. Our lawyers always secure a Land-Rent Clearance Certificate before you release payment.
Why are prices lower than in Europe – is there a catch?
No catch. Zanzibar is still “early stage.” Think Bali in the 90s. Tourism is surging, but prices are still far below other Indian Ocean islands. That’s the opportunity.
How do I know you won’t disappear with my money?
Simple: we never touch your money. Deposits go into a lawyer’s trust account until everything is signed, sealed, and registered.
Can I talk to past clients?
Yes. We’re still in touch with people we sold to years ago – and they’re happy to share their experiences.
Still curious?
Send us a message – no question is too big or too small.
📱 WhatsApp: +47 921 55 652