Apartments in Zanzibar start from around $100,000 for budget developments and rise to $500,000+ for luxury penthouses. In premium ZIPA-approved developments like The Hills Nungwi, one-bedroom apartments begin at $135,000 — competitive by international standards for a beachfront lifestyle destination with strong appreciation potential.
How much does an apartment in Zanzibar cost? It is one of the first questions international buyers ask — and the answer surprises most of them. Compared to equivalent beachfront destinations in the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, or the Caribbean, Zanzibar apartment prices remain genuinely competitive. Furthermore, the market is at an earlier stage of its growth curve, which means buyers who enter now are positioned ahead of the broader price appreciation that typically follows sustained tourism growth.
This guide breaks down current apartment prices in Zanzibar by type, location, and development standard — so you can make a properly informed comparison.
Zanzibar Apartment Price Ranges in 2026
Zanzibar’s property market divides broadly into three tiers. Each tier reflects a different combination of location, build quality, developer credentials, and legal structure.
| Tier | Type | Price Range | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Studio / 1-bed, basic finish | $80,000 – $120,000 | Inland or Stone Town locations |
| Mid-range | 1–2 bed, good finish, shared amenities | $120,000 – $200,000 | Near-beach, ZIPA-approved projects |
| Premium | 2–3 bed, luxury finish, sea views | $200,000 – $350,000 | Beachfront, Nungwi, Kendwa |
| Ultra-premium | Penthouse, private pool, full amenities | $350,000 – $600,000+ | Trophy units, North Coast |
How Zanzibar Apartment Prices Compare Internationally
Context matters when evaluating any property market. Therefore, it helps to place Zanzibar apartment prices alongside comparable beachfront destinations internationally.
According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Africa Real Estate Outlook, Zanzibar continues to offer some of the most attractive price-per-square-metre ratios among tropical island destinations globally. Comparable beachfront apartments in Bali start at $150,000–$200,000, in the Algarve from $250,000, and in Marbella from $350,000. Mauritius luxury apartments — often cited as the closest regional comparison — begin at $375,000 under the government’s Property Development Scheme.
Additionally, Tanzania Tourism Board data shows visitor numbers growing at 25% year-on-year, which directly drives short-term rental demand and, over time, capital appreciation. Buyers in Zanzibar therefore get more space, at a lower entry price, in a market with stronger growth dynamics than most equivalent destinations.
The Hills Nungwi: Current Pricing Breakdown
The Hills Nungwi by Majestic Zanzibar is one of the most clearly priced premium developments currently available. Here is exactly what the current pricing structure looks like:
- One Bedroom — 77m² from $135,000. Open-plan living, ocean views, shared amenities including pool and fitness centre.
- Two Bedroom — 88m² from $150,000. Master suite, dual terraces, shared amenities.
- 3-Bedroom Penthouse — 328m² from $499,000. Private pool, garden, premium finishes throughout.
Completion is scheduled for Q4 2027, and the current pricing reflects the off-plan stage — historically the most favourable entry point in any development. As construction progresses, prices typically rise. Consequently, buyers who secure units now lock in today’s pricing while benefiting from appreciation through to completion and beyond.
What Affects Apartment Prices in Zanzibar?
Several factors determine where a Zanzibar apartment sits within the price spectrum. Understanding these helps you assess value accurately.
Location on the island. Nungwi and Kendwa on the North Coast command the highest prices due to the best beaches, strongest hotel infrastructure, and highest tourist footfall. Paje and Jambiani on the East Coast are growing in popularity. Stone Town offers a different — more heritage and cultural — proposition at generally lower price points. For a full breakdown, read our guide on the best areas to buy property in Zanzibar.
ZIPA approval status. ZIPA-approved developments carry a legal premium — and rightly so. They offer title security, residency eligibility, and a government-backed ownership framework that unapproved projects cannot offer. This directly affects resale value. Read more about how foreign ownership works in Zanzibar.
Build stage. Off-plan pricing is consistently lower than completed unit pricing. However, it carries completion risk — which is why developer credibility matters.
Amenities and finishes. Shared pools, fitness centres, managed common areas, and retail add to the price but also directly affect rental yield potential and resale appeal.
View and floor position. Ocean-facing units and higher floors command meaningful premiums — typically 10–20% above equivalent units without views.
What Are the Additional Costs of Buying?
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget for the following transaction costs:
- Legal fees: Typically 1–2% of the purchase price. Independent legal representation is strongly advisable for all foreign buyers.
- Stamp duty / transfer tax: Currently around 1% in Zanzibar for foreign leasehold transactions, though buyers should confirm the current rate with their legal adviser.
- ZIPA registration: A nominal government registration fee applied to ZIPA-approved transactions.
- Service charges: Ongoing annual charges for shared amenity maintenance. At The Hills Nungwi, these are structured to cover pool, fitness centre, and common area upkeep.
In total, buyers should typically budget an additional 3–5% on top of the purchase price to cover transaction costs.
What Rental Income Can You Expect?
Rental yield is a key consideration for investment buyers. Zanzibar’s short-term rental market — driven by platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com — is one of the most active in East Africa. According to AirDNA’s East Africa market data, well-located Zanzibar apartments achieve average occupancy rates of 65–80% during peak season, with nightly rates for quality one-bedroom units ranging from $80–$180 depending on location and finish.
At conservative occupancy assumptions, a $135,000 one-bedroom apartment in a premium Nungwi development can generate gross rental yields of 7–10% annually — substantially above the yields available on comparable assets in European or North American markets.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy?
The combination of still-accessible entry prices, strong tourism growth, ZIPA-backed legal security, and an off-plan pricing window makes 2026 a compelling entry point for Zanzibar property. For a deeper look at the investment fundamentals, read our article on whether Zanzibar is a good place to invest in real estate.
The most important step is a direct conversation with a developer whose credentials you can verify. The Majestic Zanzibar investment team can walk you through current availability, payment structures, and projected returns at The Hills Nungwi.