Experts Warn Against Rogue Contractors ss Turnkey Home Costs Hit Rs 3.5 Million

Prospective homeowners in Mauritius are facing a sharp rise in construction costs, with industry experts warning of a doubling in material prices and a surge in “pseudo-companies” targeting unsuspecting builders.

Current market data reveals that building a standard 1,000-square-foot home now requires an investment of between Rs 1.4 million and Rs 2 million, with rates ranging from Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,000 per square foot.

For those seeking “turnkey” properties, costs are significantly higher, reaching up to Rs 3,500 per square foot, or even Rs 4,200 when including boundary walls and gates.

Rising Costs and Labour Shortages

The construction sector is grappling with a dramatic shift in economics compared to pre-pandemic levels. Nitish Nalam Nastili, President of the Association of Contractors, highlighted the severity of the inflation:

• Materials: A 25kg bag of cement has risen from Rs 110 in 2020 to Rs 186 in 2026.
• Labour: Daily wages for masons have doubled, climbing from a maximum of Rs 1,500 in 2020 to as much as Rs 2,500 today.

Arshad Soobrattee, Operations Manager at Abdoolah Soobrattee & Brothers Co Ltd, warned that this upward trend is set to continue as suppliers announce further price hikes and skilled labour becomes increasingly scarce.

Fraud Warnings and Professional Standards

Beyond financial pressures, experts are raising the alarm over a lack of professional oversight.

Mr Soobrattee noted a worrying trend of individuals hiring contractors based on “beautiful internet videos” without verifying their credentials.

“Several cases have already been reported where these pseudo-companies have collected money to build houses but have never started or finished them,” Mr Soobrattee cautioned.

He urged citizens to verify if firms are registered with the Construction Industry Authority and to check their history of qualified personnel before committing funds.

The Long-Term Investment

Despite the rising barriers to entry, industry leaders maintain that homeownership remains a superior financial strategy to renting.

K M Ramanah, Director of Roolph Associates Ltd, argues that while a rental will never become an asset, a 20-year mortgage results in a permanent property holding.

Typical Mauritian homes currently range between 1,000 and 2,500 square feet, reflecting the ongoing demand for personal property despite the challenging economic landscape.

Source: Defi Media