Zanzibar

Why Zanzibar Is Attracting International Property Buyers

Indian Ocean beaches. A culture unlike anywhere else. A tourism market that has grown rapidly. Zanzibar offers more than a beautiful place to spend a holiday. For buyers considering a villa, beachfront residence or property within a managed resort, it is a destination worth understanding on its own terms.

Located off Tanzania’s East African coast, Zanzibar combines tropical island living with Swahili heritage and a growing international visitor economy. The opportunity is compelling, but the right purchase depends on its location, ownership structure, quality of management and realistic rental assumptions.

Where is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean and part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Unguja, the main island commonly called Zanzibar, is home to Zanzibar City, the historic Stone Town and the main international airport. Pemba, to the north, has a quieter character. You can reach the islands by air, and ferries also connect Unguja with mainland Tanzania.

For a property buyer, “Zanzibar” is not a single market. The northern coast appeals to visitors seeking beaches and resort amenities; the east coast has a different rhythm shaped by the tides; areas close to Stone Town offer access to culture and urban services. Visit the precise setting of any property, ideally at different times of day and at both high and low tide, before judging its beach access or rental appeal.

The island’s appeal goes beyond the beach

Zanzibar is famous for pale sand and turquoise water, yet its lasting appeal lies in the mix of place and experience. Stone Town’s Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the historic centre, visitors come for the coast, watersports, diving, local food and a slower pace of life.

That combination matters to property owners. A holiday home can be a personal base for repeat visits; a well-positioned resort residence may also appeal to international guests. The balance between private enjoyment and rental use should be set by your own priorities and confirmed in the relevant contracts.

Tourism growth: what the figures actually show

Zanzibar’s Office of the Chief Government Statistician

736,755 international visitor arrivals in 2024 and 917,167 in 2025. That is an increase of approximately 24.5% in one year. The official June 2026 tourism release reported 69,605 visitors for that month, up 3.1% from June 2025.

What are the prospects for Zanzibar property?

The growth in international tourism creates a reason to examine high-quality accommodation on the island. It may support demand for well-run resorts and distinctive private villas, particularly where beach access, service standards and maintenance are strong.

A Destination Chosen by Anantara: One of the World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brands

The arrival of Anantara Hotels & Resorts on Zanzibar strongly endorses the island’s growing position in the international luxury travel market. Anantara, the flagship luxury brand of global hospitality group Minor Hotels, operates an exceptional portfolio of resorts and hotels in some of the world’s most prestigious destinations, including the Maldives, Seychelles, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amalfi, Amsterdam and the French Riviera.

The new Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences, scheduled to open in 2027, places Zanzibar firmly alongside these established luxury destinations. For property buyers, a hospitality group of this caliber investing in a major new resort and residences project provides significant international validation of Zanzibar’s evolution as a high-end destination.

What kind of property can you buy?

The market spans private villas, coastal homes and residences connected to hospitality projects. Some buyers prioritize a home for extended stays; others prefer a professionally managed suite or villa with a defined rental arrangement. Each model has a different balance of personal access, control, running costs and income potential.

Foreign purchasers should obtain independent advice on the specific legal right being sold and verify title, permissible use, taxes and exit arrangements. Marketing terms such as “ownership” or “beachfront” should be checked against the signed documents, site plan and local rules.

Explore a branded beachfront opportunity

For buyers drawn to a managed resort setting,  our Anantara Zanzibar Resort & Residences is one project to explore. Anantara describes a planned resort on the northern coast of Unguja, with an anticipated opening in 2027. The supplied project materials include suites, penthouses and villas. We can provide current unit availability, plans, prices and the developer’s financial assumptions on request.

Living on the Côte d’Azur helps international buyers explore property opportunities beyond Southern France. Tell us what you are looking for in Zanzibar: a private villa, a resort residence, a particular budget, or a balance between personal use and rental potential. We will help you compare available opportunities and request the documents you need to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar is an Indian Ocean archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Unguja is the principal island and contains Zanzibar City and Stone Town.

Is tourism in Zanzibar growing?

Official statistics recorded 917,167 international visitor arrivals in 2025, compared with 736,755 in 2024, an increase of about 24.5%. This is destination-level demand, not a projection of a property’s income.

Can foreigners buy property in Zanzibar?

Foreign buyers can encounter different legal and contractual structures. Whether you can buy a particular home or residence depends on its documents and applicable local rules. Engage qualified independent Zanzibar legal counsel before paying a deposit.

What should I check before buying a resort residence?

Check the legal interest, exact unit and floor area, payment schedule, completion terms, owner usage rights, rental management agreement, annual charges, taxes, maintenance arrangements, and any resale restrictions.