Essence Zanzibar, coastal villa
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OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

Villas for Sale in Zanzibar

An island of opportunity.

Explore Zanzibar real estate with Essence Zanzibar, with a strong focus on land for sale, development plots, beachfront land, villas, investment property and hospitality opportunities. We support international buyers and investors searching across Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Makunduchi, other areas of Zanzibar and Pemba Island.

917K+INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
IN 2025
7.0%ECONOMIC GROWTH
IN 2025
~80%OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE
FROM TOURISM

Sources: Zanzibar Chief Government Statistician (2025 arrivals) · Zanzibar Government (2025 growth) · World Bank (foreign exchange).

REAL ESTATE · VILLAS

Buying a villa in Zanzibar

We select modern villas for sale across Zanzibar, both finished and off-plan, for buyers who want a home on the island, an investment that earns, or both. We live here and we personally show you every villa and every building site.

Indicative prices

  • Modern villas: from around USD 200,000
  • Beachfront villas: from around USD 600,000

Prices depend on location, distance from the sea, size, finishings and construction stage. Every villa is quoted individually.

Finished or off-plan

You can buy a villa that is ready to use, or buy off-plan while it is being built, with payments that follow the construction progress, from reservation to handover. Off-plan usually means a lower entry price; we show you the site and keep you updated as the work moves forward.

A simple purchase

Most villas are sold within a condominium. In practice this means the purchase is completed with a sale and purchase agreement, without the longer steps needed when you buy land on its own. We follow every step with you and check the documents before you pay.

A villa that earns while you are away

Most of our villa buyers buy as an investment. The developer usually offers a rental management service: the villa is rented to holiday guests, the manager keeps an agreed percentage and pays the rest to you, the owner. You can enjoy the villa for your own holidays and earn from it the rest of the year.

As an example, the developer of Elegant Villas Jambiani estimates a net return of 6 to 8% a year after management costs and local taxes. These are the developer's estimates, not guaranteed returns: we always go through the numbers with you before you decide.

Villas available now

Looking for something smaller? See also Minazi Residence and Samawa Beach Resort (apartments) and all our apartments for sale.

INVESTING WITHIN AN INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

ZIPA is the government authority responsible for the promotion, facilitation and protection of investments in Zanzibar.

Depending on the type and scale of the project, the Ministry of Tourism may also be involved in the approval and licensing process for tourism and hospitality developments.

Zanzibar also has Special Economic Zones dedicated to strategic business and investment development.

Why Zanzibar?

TOURISM · REAL ESTATE · HOSPITALITY · BLUE ECONOMY

Zanzibar combines a globally recognised tourism destination with an investment environment that continues to evolve.

ESSENCE ZANZIBAR

Who we are & what we do

Essence Zanzibar is focused primarily on real estate and property investment. We help international clients discover land for sale, beachfront and development plots, villas, apartments, commercial property, hotels for sale and entire hotel or resort businesses available for lease across Zanzibar and Pemba. We also arrange long-term rentals, private tours, safaris and vehicle rentals.

REAL ESTATE · LAND

Land for Sale in Zanzibar

Discover land and plots for sale across Zanzibar and Pemba, including beachfront land, development land and investment plots in areas such as Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Makunduchi. Each listing can include location, plot size, price, access, development potential and other relevant property details.

HOSPITALITY · BUSINESS

Hotel & Resort Businesses for Lease in Zanzibar

Explore opportunities to lease an entire hotel, boutique hotel or resort business in Zanzibar for commercial operation. These are business and hospitality lease opportunities for operators and investors, not short-stay hotel rooms. Listings may include property size, room count, facilities, lease terms, location and asking conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Zanzibar?

Foreign investors can acquire property rights in Zanzibar through legally recognised investment structures. The appropriate structure depends on the property and intended use, so independent legal checks are essential before proceeding.

What types of properties does Essence offer?

Our portfolio can include villas, beachfront homes, apartments, hotels, commercial properties, development projects and land for sale in Zanzibar and Pemba.

Which areas of Zanzibar do you cover?

We work across Zanzibar and Pemba, including key real estate areas such as Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Makunduchi, depending on the property or service you are looking for.

Do you arrange long-term rentals?

Yes. We can help clients find houses, villas and apartments for long-term stays in different parts of Zanzibar.

Can you organise tours in different languages?

Yes. We organise private tours, island experiences and safaris with guides in multiple languages, depending on availability.

Do you rent cars and quads?

Yes. Essence can arrange car, scooter and quad rentals for exploring Zanzibar.

Can you help with property viewings and the buying process?

Yes. We can organise private viewings and support the search and coordination process, while legal and technical due diligence should be handled by qualified local professionals.

Where can I find land for sale in Zanzibar?

Essence Zanzibar can feature land and development plots across Zanzibar and Pemba, including Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu and Makunduchi. Availability, plot size, price and property details vary by listing.

Do you offer entire hotels or resorts for lease as a business?

Yes. Essence Zanzibar can feature hospitality business opportunities where an entire hotel, boutique hotel or resort is offered for lease to an operator or investor. These listings are separate from tourist room bookings and long-term residential rentals.

+255 67 285 5781 info@essencezanzibar.com

ESSENCE REAL ESTATE

Selected investment opportunities across Zanzibar.

Buying as a foreigner? Read our 2026 guide: rules, costs, red flagsOwn a hotel, villa or land? List it with Essence
See all 7 listings

Villas and apartments for sale in Zanzibar

Holiday homes ready to live in, villas with private pools and new residential projects across all of Zanzibar and Pemba. Each listing shows bedrooms, plot size, distance from the beach and price. We accompany you to every viewing and show all documents before any deposit.

ESSENCE TRAVEL DISCOVER ZANZIBAR
& TANZANIA

Private experiences, ocean adventures and unforgettable safaris.

ESSENCE LIVING LONG-TERM HOMES

Selected villas and homes for long-term living in Zanzibar.

ESSENCE EXPERIENCES COUPLES

Two romantic experiences designed for the two of you.

Romantic dinner experience

Romantic Dinner on the Beach

We arrange a beautiful romantic dinner setup directly on the beach, creating a private and special atmosphere for an unforgettable evening together.

Quad picnic experience

Picnic Quad

We give you the quad and a route map to a beautiful beach spot. Your picnic is ready with fruit, candles, a speaker, napkins and everything you need for a romantic moment by the sea.

ESSENCE RENTAL DRIVE ZANZIBAR

Cars, scooters and ATVs selected for exploring the island.

Toyota RAV4 3 Doors

Toyota RAV4

3 Doors
$35 PER DAY
Daily$35
Monthly$500
Toyota RAV4 5 Doors

Toyota RAV4

5 Doors
$40 PER DAY
Daily$40
Monthly$500
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

5 Doors
$40 PER DAY
Daily$40
Monthly$500
Toyota Prado

Toyota Prado

Land Cruiser · 3 Doors
$80 PER DAY
Daily$80
Monthly$1,000
Honda Click 125

Honda Click

125cc Scooter
$20 PER DAY
Daily$20
Monthly$250
Kymco KXR 250

Kymco KXR

250cc Quad
$80 PER DAY
Daily$80
Monthly$750
Polaris Sportsman 850

Polaris Sportsman

850cc ATV
$130 PER DAY
Daily$130
Monthly$1,200