BRESI Overview: Maldives Luxury Real Estate Market & Branded Residences Sector. Key Fundamentals
Legislative Reforms Unlock Ownership — The Maldives introduced sectional ownership laws and a July 2025 residence-by-investment program offering renewable five-year permits from $250,000*. Foreign buyers have access to 50 to 99-year leaseholds with zero income, capital gains, or inheritance taxes.
UAE Capital Drives Market Growth — United Arab Emirates developers are investing over $3 billion through 2030, with major projects from Samana Developers and Atoll Estates. New Infrastructure investments include $80 million for airport expansion tripling passenger capacity to seven million annually.
Zamani Islands Sets Masterplan Standard — Spanning eight islands across 70 hectares, this development offers private mansions estates from $25million and investment properties with guaranteed returns from $1 Million. Each residence includes a Maldives’ first super yacht marina berth, strata title ownership, and access to three integrated resorts.
Branded Residences Command Premiums — Branded residences from $1 million to $50 million with hotel-grade services and professional management. Properties can generate 6% to 15% annual rental yields through managed programs when owners aren’t in residence.
Cover Image Zamani Islands
Come Home To The Maldives: How Paradise Became A Branded Residences, Real Estate Investment and Ultra Luxury Residential Lifestyle Destination
The Maldives is no longer just a honeymoon destination, this archipelago of 1,190 coral islands has emerged as one of the world’s most active luxury real estate and branded residences markets.
What was once exclusively resort territory is now attracting billions in capital from international developers and ultra high net worth individuals seeking ultra luxury tropical residences as a permanent home.
The numbers tell a very interesting story, more than two million visitors arrived in 2024, $3 billion in UAE investment is flowing into the market and property prices now climb past $50 million for private island estate mansions.
Wealthy real estate buyers want to own trophy homes in this stunning paradise location, not just rent them for a couple of weeks.
New Ownership Laws Supercharge the Maldives Luxury Real Estate Sector
For decades, foreign nationals couldn’t own property in the Maldives. The government leased entire islands to resort operators, but in general individual ownership was prohibited, this model worked for tourism but it left enormous value opportunities on the table.
However with recent changes introduced, developers can now sell individual villas and residences within larger integrated developments. Foreign buyers can purchase under long-term leasehold agreements, and in some projects through a strata title.
In July 2025, the government launched its first residence by investment program in partnership with Henley & Partners. The program offers renewable five-year residence permits to buyers of approved real estate projects. Entry thresholds begin around $250,000, though ultra-luxury developments require around $5 million* or more.
The program aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Vision 2040, which aims to build a resilient, diversified economy, by attracting responsible global investors. Through luxury real estate development investment and attracting wealthy global property investors ,the Maldives is reducing it’s reliance on tourism.
Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed said, “The Maldives has long been a world-class destination for travelers. With this program, we aim to extend that legacy to discerning global investors who see value in our people, our potential, and our future.”
UAE Developers Lead the Charge
The most significant capital influx is currently coming from UAE developers. Mohamed Ali Janah, Chairman of Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives, confirmed in early 2025 that the UAE will soon hold the largest property portfolio in the archipelago.
The connection makes sense, the UAE is already the largest export market to the Maldives by volume, the flight time is under four hours, and diplomatic and commercial relationships are strong. UAE developers see the Maldives as a natural extension for their ultra-luxury development expertise.
Masterplan Developments Helping Reshape the Maldives Ultra Luxury Market
Large scale integrated developments are changing how the Maldives approaches luxury real estate, these masterplan projects combine multiple resorts, residential components, and infrastructure to deliver world class hospitality, tourism and residential lifestyle destinations, for the ultra wealthy.
The Zamani Islands represents one of the most ambitious examples currently under development.
Developed by Atoll Estates, the project spans eight islands covering 70 hectares of private land across a pristine natural lagoon and located 21 nautical miles from Velana International Airport, the development includes a number of Maldivian firsts, including a Super Yacht Marina, one of the largest underwater restaurants and a full medical wellness center.
The development includes three distinct resorts, each designed with different characteristics and target audiences.
The residential component sets Zamani Islands apart from traditional Maldivian resorts. These world class Maldives private homes to purchase, range from four-bedroom mansions to six-bedroom private estates and an eight-bedroom estate grande.
Each residence comes with strata title ownership, a first for the Maldives luxury market.
The mansions feature contemporary architecture with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, up to three private swimming pools, private cinema, games lounge, and wellness facilities. The crown jewel an eight-bedroom estate, is fully customisable and designed entirely to the owner specifications and needs.
Every mansion and estate includes a dedicated 30-meter super yacht berth at the Maldives’ first superyacht marina.
Previously, super yacht owners visiting the Maldives anchored offshore and tendered to resorts, Zamani Islands eliminates that inconvenience entirely. The marina covers 60,000 square meters with 120 berths, full vessel services, an exclusive yacht club for owners, and a separate captain’s club.
In addition to the mansions, Zamani also offers hotel suite investments from just $999,000, providing owners with a vacation home / investment entry into the Maldives.
The Developer offers a 7% guarantee for 10 years and 30 days per year to enjoy the home for personal use. The Junior suites at the DVNES resort come with a Strata title, fully furnished and have access to the entire eco system of Zamani.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZAMANI ISLANDS
Branded Residences In The Maldives
Property developers alongside International hospitality and luxury brands are entering the Maldives ultra luxury residential market with branded residential developments. Branded residences combine hotel service standards with private property ownership and are one of the fastest growing and hottest sectors of luxury real estate.
The Maldives is not currently a branded residences hotspot in terms of numbers, but it is a hotspot when it comes to exclusivity, and the elite status of some of the brands entering the market.
Aman Residences Maldives will have 52 keys and 16 branded residences, designed by longtime Aman collaborator Kerry Hill Architects. Located within one of the most secluded and exclusive parts of the Maldives.
The 16 Aman Residences will range from five to 10 bedrooms in size, each located on its own islet, complete with a private beach, a 25-metre swimming pool, and personal landing jetty, all in close proximity to the main resort’s amenities. Architecture draws from the natural landscape while delivering luxury at the highest tier.
Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives spans five interconnected islands across more than 111 acres in the South Malé Atoll, this one of a kind resort will set a new standard of unprecedented luxury in one of the world’s most coveted travel destinations.
Located a short boat journey away (30 minutes) from Malé’s Velana International Airport, the resort will be partially wrapped around its own shallow-water lagoon and reef system and will offer more than 50 hotel villas and 53 private residences for sale.
Crafted by HKS (an award-winning global architecture firm) with interiors by 1508 London (renowned for its commitment to creating bespoke, luxurious, and innovative designs), Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives will seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with tropical sophistication.
The private branded residences and mansions for sale, promise unparalleled levels of luxury living and overlook lagoons or the pristine beachfront.
There are lavish six and seven bedroom mansions on a secluded peninsula to eight and nine bedroom private island residences, all offering the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity.
Samana Ocean Views by Elie Saab. This exclusive development by Samana Developers from Dubai will target ultra-wealthy clientele, offering pool apartments, overwater villas and beachfront branded villas , in partnership with fashion designer Elie Saab.
The interiors will showcase ELIE SAAB Maison furniture collection, crafted in Italy’s Brianza region, featuring warm earth tones that complement the Maldivian landscape with distinctive accent colors. Pool apartments will start at $2.3 million, while villa prices are expected to begin around $3 million according to Arabian Business
Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, provides two to nine-bedroom private residences. It was among the first to offer resdiential foreign ownership opportunities. Soneva has operated in the Maldives for over 25 years.
Branded residences for sale in the Maldives can range from $1 Million USD for a luxury apartment to a eye watering $50 Million USD, for a world class sprawling mansion or private estate.
Discover Branded Residences For Sale in The Maldives
Investment Properties in The Maldives
The Maldives is possibly one of the best places for investment rental pools, with it’s buoyant tourism sector owning a property like a branded residence or hotel room for investment purposes combined with a short term annual stay for yourself, could be the ultimate destination for you.
Hotel management structures provide turnkey solutions for owners who don’t want operational involvement or live in the home full time, properties generate income through rental programs when vacant, and in some projects owners can even specify how many weeks they’ll occupy.
Rental pools allow investors in branded residences and hotel room properties, to place their units into a centralised revenue-sharing program managed by the hotel operator. All participating units generate collective revenue that is distributed to owners based on factors like unit size, location, and type rather than individual occupancy.
This structure provides more predictable income by smoothing occupancy fluctuations, eliminates self-management burdens, and leverages the hotel’s brand and reservation systems.
Where to Invest: Key Atolls and Islands
Geography matters in the Maldives. Some atolls have established luxury infrastructure. Others represent emerging opportunities with higher risk and potentially higher returns.
Noonu Atoll in the northern archipelago hosts some of the most exclusive resorts and villas. Property prices range from $3 million to $9 million. The atoll has proven demand from ultra-high-net-worth buyers. Infrastructure is mature and services are reliable.
Malé, the capital, offers a different value proposition. It’s urban, dense, and commercial. Luxury apartments average $11,100 per square meter. Investors seeking diversification beyond tourism-dependent properties find opportunities here. The city functions as a real economic center, not just a tourist hub.
Emerging destinations present first-mover opportunities. Fuvahmulah Island is positioning as an eco-tourism destination with development opportunities. Dhigurah Island offers lower entry prices with growth potential due to proximity to established islands.
Maafushi Island caters to the guesthouse and vacation home market with properties generating rental income from budget-conscious travelers.
Baa Atoll’s UNESCO status makes it prime territory for luxury developments emphasizing environmental sensitivity. Pristine marine environments create competitive advantages for properties that respect the setting. Addu Atoll in the south benefits from Gan International Airport, providing enhanced accessibility without sacrificing island exclusivity.
Each location presents distinct risk-return profiles. Established atolls offer proven demand but potentially limited appreciation potential. Emerging areas could offer higher growth prospects but face infrastructure and market development challenges.
Who’s Buying Maldives Luxury Property
European buyers make up roughly 50% of purchasers: French, Swiss, British, and German nationals seeking tax-advantaged jurisdictions and lifestyle appeal. Asian buyers, particularly from India, China, and Singapore, represent 30%.
North American and Middle Eastern purchasers account for the remaining 20%. However with so much investment coming from UAE developers, we expect that this demo will change and increase towards more buyers from this region.
Maldivian Luxury Property Market Outlook
The Maldives luxury real estate market is closing 2025 with momentum. Legislative reforms have unlocked foreign ownership. Capital from UAE developers is providing the development funding for world class resorts and masterplan developments. Branded residences are raising awareness and standards and the residence-by-investment program is attracting global buyers.
The fundamentals appear sound for the medium term. Tourism remains strong and the wealthy continue seeking exclusive properties in remote locations.
The Maldives offers a true luxury residential experience with genuine scarcity in an incomparable setting.
