Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Tanzania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Republic of the Congo Property Pack
Zanzibar has become one of the most talked-about property markets in East Africa, attracting foreign buyers with its beaches, tourism growth, and relatively accessible price points.
But figuring out what you can actually buy at different budgets in Zanzibar is tricky because there is no official residential price index and listings vary wildly in quality and legitimacy.
In this regularly updated guide, we break down what $100k, $200k, $300k, and $500k can realistically get you in Zanzibar as of early 2026, based on official sources, live market data, and our own research.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Zanzibar.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Grace Makoye 🇹🇿
Manager of Operations, Zinza Real Estate
What can I realistically buy with $100k in Zanzibar right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Zanzibar, or is it all scams?
Yes, you can find decent properties for around $100,000 (about 250 million Tanzanian shillings) in Zanzibar, but at this price point the quality of paperwork matters far more than the look of the property itself.
The best value for a $100k budget in Zanzibar tends to be in neighborhoods like Michenzani, Kilimani, and Kisauni on the outskirts of Stone Town, or in inland residential areas such as Mwera, Dunga, Tunguu, and Bububu where you get more space but less tourist appeal.
If you are hoping to buy in the popular beach zones like Nungwi, Kendwa, or prime Paje beachfront for $100k, you will likely only find very small units far from the water, partial interests, or properties with questionable documentation that should be avoided.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Zanzibar (studio, land, old house)?
For $100,000 (around 250 million TZS) in Zanzibar, you can realistically choose between a small studio or 1-bedroom apartment of about 30 to 55 square meters, an inland residential plot of 300 to 900 square meters, or an older small house that may need renovation work.
At this budget level in Zanzibar, buyers should expect properties that need at least cosmetic refreshing like new paint and basic kitchen or bathroom fixes, and older stock in humid coastal areas often requires electrical rewiring, plumbing updates, or damp control work.
For long-term value at the $100k level in Zanzibar, inland residential plots with clear documentation tend to offer the best upside because you control the build quality and the land itself holds value as the island develops outward from Stone Town.
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Zanzibar is around $150,000 (375 million TZS or approximately 140,000 euros), which gets you past the "compromise zone" where paperwork issues and renovation needs are most common.
Most buyers looking for a genuinely comfortable standard in Zanzibar should budget between $150,000 and $250,000 (375 to 620 million TZS, or 140,000 to 230,000 euros), which opens up well-maintained apartments and modest houses with reliable utilities.
In Zanzibar, "comfortable" typically means a property with clean legal documentation, working electricity and water, no urgent repairs needed, and enough space for daily living, usually at least 60 to 90 square meters for an apartment or small house.
The required budget can swing dramatically based on neighborhood in Zanzibar, with Stone Town and beach-adjacent areas commanding 30 to 50 percent premiums over inland residential zones like Bububu or Mwera for similar-sized properties.
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Zanzibar as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a $200,000 budget (about 500 million TZS) in Zanzibar moves you from entry-level compromises into genuinely normal, everyday-good housing like a solid 1 to 2 bedroom apartment in Stone Town or Ng'ambo, a simple 2 to 3 bedroom house inland, or a small villa in the east or south coast away from the immediate beachfront.
For $200k in Zanzibar, you can typically expect apartments ranging from 55 to 95 square meters, or houses with 90 to 160 square meters of built area, though plot sizes for houses vary widely depending on whether you are in urban or semi-rural locations.
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Zanzibar.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Zanzibar as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest neighborhoods for a $200k property purchase in Zanzibar include Michenzani and Kilimani near Stone Town for everyday convenience, the west coast commuter belt areas of Bububu, Mbweni, and Mtoni for more space, and the inland or second-line areas of Paje and Jambiani for lifestyle appeal without beachfront premiums.
These areas represent smarter $200k buys in Zanzibar because they have established patterns of repeat transactions, clearer unit definitions that make resale easier, and strong rental demand from both locals and tourists.
The main growth driver in these smart-buy Zanzibar neighborhoods is the combination of tourism expansion documented by OCGS (which supports rental income potential) and infrastructure improvements that are gradually connecting inland and west coast areas more efficiently to Stone Town and the airport.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Tanzania. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What can I buy with $300k in Zanzibar in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, moving from $200k to $300k (about 745 million TZS) in Zanzibar typically unlocks one or two of these upgrades: a newer building with better finishing and fewer immediate repairs, a better location closer to beach strips or main roads, or an extra bedroom moving you into true 2-bedroom comfort.
Yes, $300k can definitely buy a property in a newer building in Zanzibar right now, especially in condo-style or managed developments where developers have built modern apartment blocks within the last five to ten years.
At this $300k budget in Zanzibar, you start seeing specific features like quality tiling and fixtures, proper air conditioning provisions, better kitchen layouts, secure parking, and in some cases shared amenities like pools in managed complexes.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Zanzibar in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, yes, $300,000 (about 745 million TZS) can definitely buy a 2-bedroom property in good areas of Zanzibar, with strong options available in urban corridors, lifestyle zones, and select northern locations.
Good areas in Zanzibar where $300k buys a 2-bedroom include the Stone Town and Ng'ambo urban corridor for access and services, Paje and Jambiani (second line from the beach) for kite-surfing lifestyle appeal, and parts of Kiwengwa where you can find well-finished units outside the immediate resort strip.
A $300k 2-bedroom in Zanzibar typically offers 70 to 110 square meters of living space, though this varies based on whether you choose an apartment in a managed building or a standalone cottage-style property.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Zanzibar as of 2026?
At the $300k price point in Zanzibar, buyers gain access to areas that were mostly out of reach at lower budgets, including the Fumba corridor on the west side where newer lifestyle developments are concentrated, non-beachfront options in Kiwengwa and Matemwe on the northeast coast, and well-finished properties in Paje, Bwejuu, and Jambiani that are a short walk rather than a long drive from the sand.
These newly accessible Zanzibar areas at $300k are more desirable because they offer proximity to established tourism infrastructure, better road access than remote inland locations, and a balance between beach lifestyle and everyday livability that lower-budget areas cannot match.
In these $300k-accessible Zanzibar neighborhoods, buyers can typically expect a well-maintained 2-bedroom apartment or a modest villa-style property with outdoor space, often in a small development with some shared amenities or security.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Zanzibar.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Zanzibar in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, a $500,000 budget (about 1.24 billion TZS) in Zanzibar typically buys a proper family villa of 180 to 350 square meters in strong lifestyle areas like Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Kiwengwa, Matemwe, or Michamvi, or a premium urban unit in or near Stone Town with high-end finishing.
Yes, $500k can definitely buy a family home with outdoor space in Zanzibar, and this is actually the budget level where garden plus pool combinations become realistic outside the most expensive beachfront strips.
At $500k in Zanzibar, the typical property offers 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 3 bathrooms, with enough room for a family to live comfortably or for the property to generate strong rental income from tourists seeking villa-style accommodation.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Zanzibar here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Zanzibar in 2026?
At the $500k price point in Zanzibar, buyers gain access to premium neighborhoods including Nungwi and Kendwa on the north coast with the strongest tourism pull, Matemwe and Kiwengwa on the east coast near established resorts, the Michamvi peninsula with its exclusive feel, and select high-end pockets within Stone Town for restored heritage properties.
These Zanzibar neighborhoods are considered premium because they combine direct or near-beach positioning, established tourism infrastructure with restaurants and activities, reliable utility access, and strong rental demand from international visitors willing to pay top rates.
For $500k in these premium Zanzibar neighborhoods, buyers can realistically expect a well-designed 2 to 3 bedroom villa with quality finishes, outdoor living space, and often a small pool, though true beachfront properties may still require higher budgets or compromises on size.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Tanzania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What counts as "luxury" in Zanzibar in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Zanzibar right now?
In Zanzibar, luxury real estate generally starts at around $700,000 (1.74 billion TZS or about 650,000 euros) for a turnkey, high-design villa in a genuinely premium location, while "no compromises" beachfront luxury typically requires $1 million or more.
Entry-level luxury in Zanzibar is defined by the combination of clean legal documentation, prime or near-prime location, contemporary architectural design, high-quality fixtures and finishes, private outdoor space with pool, and often dedicated staff quarters or management services.
Compared to other island or beach markets, Zanzibar's luxury threshold is lower than places like the Maldives or Mauritius but similar to emerging luxury markets in places like Bali or parts of the Caribbean where infrastructure is still developing.
Mid-tier luxury properties in Zanzibar typically range from $1 million to $2 million (2.5 to 5 billion TZS, or 930,000 to 1.85 million euros), while top-tier luxury estates and beachfront compounds can exceed $3 million to $5 million for the most exclusive offerings.
Which areas are truly high-end in Zanzibar right now?
The truly high-end areas in Zanzibar right now include Nungwi and Kendwa on the northern tip with the best sunset beaches and nightlife, prime beachfront pockets of Paje and Jambiani in the southeast where kite-surfing culture attracts wealthy visitors, select restored properties within Stone Town's UNESCO heritage zone, and the resort-adjacent strips of Kiwengwa and Matemwe on the northeast coast.
These Zanzibar areas are considered truly high-end because they combine direct beach access or exceptional heritage character, established luxury hospitality infrastructure nearby, reliable utilities and security, and a concentration of international restaurants, boutique hotels, and upscale services that create a complete lifestyle environment.
The typical buyer profile for these high-end Zanzibar areas includes European and Middle Eastern investors seeking vacation homes with rental income potential, successful entrepreneurs from East Africa diversifying their portfolios, and occasionally international hotel groups or boutique hospitality operators building branded residences.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Zanzibar
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Zanzibar in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Zanzibar in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, total closing costs for buying property in Zanzibar typically run between 6 and 10 percent of the purchase price, which is a realistic planning range that accounts for the various fees and taxes involved in completing a legitimate transaction.
Most standard property transactions in Zanzibar fall within this 6 to 10 percent range, with simpler deals (like buying a clearly-documented apartment) at the lower end and more complex transactions (involving land, multiple approvals, or messy title histories) pushing toward the higher end.
The main fee categories making up this total percentage in Zanzibar include legal and due diligence costs, survey and valuation fees, government searches and registration charges, stamp duty, and any investment approval processing fees required under Zanzibar's land transfer framework.
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Zanzibar.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary, registration, and legal fees in Zanzibar typically total between $3,000 and $15,000 (7.5 to 37 million TZS, or 2,800 to 14,000 euros) depending on property value and transaction complexity, though most standard purchases fall in the $5,000 to $10,000 range.
These fees in Zanzibar typically represent about 2 to 4 percent of the property price, with legal and due diligence work accounting for roughly 1.5 to 3 percent and survey, valuation, searches, and registration administration adding another $1,000 to $4,000 equivalent.
Of these three fee types in Zanzibar, legal fees are usually the most expensive because thorough due diligence on land rights, title history, and boundary verification is essential in a market where documentation quality varies widely and proper legal review can prevent costly mistakes.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax in Zanzibar for a typical residential property runs at 0.1 percent of the assessed value, so a $200,000 property would owe about $200 per year (500,000 TZS or roughly 185 euros), which is quite low by international standards.
Zanzibar's Property Tax Act sets this 0.1 percent rate for residential properties, meaning property taxes represent a very small ongoing cost compared to the purchase price itself.
Property taxes in Zanzibar can vary based on property type, with business or commercial properties taxed at 0.2 percent (double the residential rate), and assessed values may differ from market prices depending on the most recent official valuation.
There are no widely-publicized exemptions or reductions specifically for foreign buyers in Zanzibar, though the low baseline rate means property tax is rarely a significant budget concern compared to maintenance, management, or other holding costs.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Zanzibar here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Zanzibar right now?
Getting a mortgage as a foreigner in Zanzibar is possible but not the default path, and most foreign buyers end up using cash because local financing conditions make mortgages expensive and administratively heavy.
Typical mortgage interest rates in Tanzania run between 15 and 19 percent according to TMRC data, and foreign buyers often face lower loan-to-value ratios (meaning bigger down payments required) than local borrowers would.
Foreign buyers seeking a mortgage in Zanzibar typically need to provide extensive documentation including proof of income, banking history, residency or visa status, and the bank must be comfortable that the property itself has proper registrable status under Zanzibar's land laws.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Zanzibar here.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Tanzania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What should I predict for resale and growth in Zanzibar in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Zanzibar are well-documented condo or apartment units in Stone Town and Ng'ambo, 2-bedroom properties in Paje, Jambiani, and Kiwengwa with good finishing, and north-coast villas in Nungwi and Kendwa that have proven rental track records.
The typical time to sell a correctly priced, paperwork-clean property in Zanzibar ranges from 3 to 9 months in high-demand areas, while higher-end properties, unusual assets, or anything with documentation issues can take 9 to 18 months or longer.
Properties sell faster in Zanzibar when they have clear unit definitions that make legal transfer straightforward, established rental income history that appeals to investors, and pricing within the broad buyer pool range rather than ultra-luxury niches where fewer buyers exist.
The slowest properties to resell in Zanzibar tend to be large luxury estates priced above $1 million (thin buyer pool), properties with unclear boundaries or title disputes, and assets in less-established areas where transaction patterns are not yet predictable.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Zanzibar.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Zanzibar, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| OCGS Zanzibar Statistical Abstract 2024 | Official government statistics agency publication. | We used tourism arrival data and economic indicators to validate demand trends. We cross-checked price movement narratives against official macro data. |
| Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) | Government one-stop investment authority for Zanzibar. | We referenced ZIPA for how foreigners legally hold property rights. We used their guidelines to explain legitimate investment structures. |
| Zanzibar Investment Act 2023 | Enacted law establishing Zanzibar's investment framework. | We used this to explain what investment certificates mean for foreign buyers. We referenced it to distinguish legal processes from informal workarounds. |
| Land Tenure Act (Zanzibar) | Core land law from Zanzibar's land justice institution. | We used this to explain rights of occupancy and lease structures. We clarified why freehold is not the right mental model for most buyers. |
| Land Transfer Act 1994 | Enacted law governing land transfer approvals. | We used this to explain why legitimate deals include formal review steps. We referenced it to flag scam patterns that skip approvals. |
| Property Tax Act 2008 | Official statute for property tax in Zanzibar. | We used this to provide accurate annual property tax rates. We explained how property tax is calculated based on assessed value. |
| Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) | Official tax authority's publication page. | We confirmed that our property tax summary reflects current consolidated law. We used ZRA to triangulate tax rate information. |
| Bank of Tanzania | Central bank's official exchange rate source. | We used the mean USD/TZS rate (2,485 in January 2026) for all currency conversions. We ensured consistent USD budget translations throughout. |
| Tanzania Mortgage Refinance Company (TMRC) | National mortgage refinance institution with market data. | We used their Q2 2025 report for mortgage interest rate ranges. We answered whether mortgages are viable for foreigners with real data. |
| Jiji Tanzania | Large classifieds marketplace with many live listings. | We used Jiji as one asking-price snapshot to estimate budget-to-property outcomes. We applied typical negotiation discounts to arrive at realistic prices. |
| Zanzibar eRegulations | Official government process portal for investor procedures. | We used this to verify official buying process steps. We cross-checked who the formal entry points are for foreign investors. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Tanzania. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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