Frequently asked questions
What are the steps involved in buying a new property?
1. Registering Interest
Share your contact details with us, and a dedicated sales consultant will get in touch.
2. Property Consultation
Our consultant will guide you through various property types to help you choose your ideal home.
3. Reservation
Once you’ve selected a property, you’ll sign a reservation form and pay a reservation deposit to secure your unit.
4. Purchase Agreement & Initial Deposit
With the signing of the Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) the first installment of your property is due. The rate of the 1st instalment depends on the property type and payment plan.
5. Payment Plan
Depending on the property type, we offer flexible payment plans which go along with the construction progress. Future payments align with construction milestones, allowing you to pay as the project progresses.
6. Construction Updates
Our Client Care team will provide regular updates on milestones, timelines, and project developments.
7. Handover
The construction timeline depends on the chosen property. Once your property is completed you will be invited for the handover, where you will also receive your final lease title deed.
8. Property Management & Letting Services
After the handover, optional property management and letting services are available to help you make the most of your investment
What is a title deed and what does it represent?
A title deed is a legal document confirming your ownership of a property, detailing rights and any conditions associated with it.
Fumba Town is a project in the Free Economic Zone Fumba and is governed and legally protected by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), ensuring that once the property is fully paid for and handed over, you receive your title deed—giving you complete and recognized ownership of your new home in Fumba Town. The title issued by ZIPA for Fumba Town is a Lease Title with a duration of 99 years.
Other projects outside of Free Economic Zones, like the soul Paje, are governed under the Condominium Act. The title issued by the Condominium Board is a Lease Title with a duration of 33 years which is extendable twice up to 99 years.
What are Incentives for Property Buyers in Zanzibar?
The government of Zanzibar through its body Zanzibar Investment Property Authority (ZIPA) has released incentives and benefits that are bound to make the climate more friendly for investments in property on the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
These new incentives have been brought with the hopes of boosting Zanzibar - and Tanzania as a whole’s economy. Buyers with a purchased property within an approved project of over USD100,000 will now enjoy the following benefits:
- Resident permit for real estate buyer and his husband/wife/spouse and four children who are under twenty years
- Fifty percent exemption on stamp duty
- Hundred percent foreign ownership is allowed
- Hundred percent allowance for repatriation of sales proceeds after tax
How can I obtain Residency?
Foreigners buying property in Zanzibar now qualify for residence permits under certain conditions.
The new residence permit – a so-called Class C visa - is valid for two years and costs 500 dollars, 250 dollars for East Africans and the diaspora.
It is valid for all home purchases above $100,000 endorsed by ZIPA. It includes the investor, his or her spouse and up to four children under the age of 20. Family members pay 50 dollars each. The visa has to be renewed every two years and can be granted as long as the investor owns the property. It does not replace a work visa. When the property is sold, the stay permit is revoked.
5 steps to your residence
Documents to be submitted are:
- Proof that the value of your purchased property is not less than $100,000 via sales contract and proof payment
- Certificate of occupancy/title deed
- Police clearance from country of origin/residence
- Your Passport copy and photo
- All documents to be handed to Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (Mahurubi complex, Bububu area) in the case of Zanzibar and to Tanzania Investment Centre in the case of mainland, in person or online via immigration portal. Information: zipa.go.tz, eservices.immigration.go.tz
The checklist of documents required can be obtained through our offices.
How are the common facilities and each property managed?
Management Company
Town and property management is handled by the Town Operations Company (TOC) which is managed by Valor Hospitality, a global leader in hospitality management. With a diverse portfolio across the USA, Africa, UK, and the Middle East, Valor manages high-profile hotels properties under top brands like Hilton, IHG, and Marriott.
Management of common areas, infrastructure and facilities
Each property owner is paying an annual town operations fee which is based on the size of the owners property. This fee is collected annually in advance by TOC and used to maintain all common facilities. Included in this is: 24/7 security, land lease, waste collection & management, provision for water, electricity, sewer & internet (consumption billed separately), common areas and street cleaning, park and landscape management and maintenance, CAPEX, town and community management.
How can I rent out my property?
TOC also offers rental schemes for your property. Based on the property type and furnishing of your unit you can choose to rent out your property on short-term or long-term basis. TOC will take care of your property, your tenant, and all related costs. The net profits together with rental reports will then be shared with you regularly. Typically no base fee is charged, the management fee is based on the revenue of your property.
What fees can I expect when purchasing a property?
Facilitation Fee:
This is a one-time fee paid when purchasing a property and is due with the first instalment of your payment plan. It covers administrative services, legal support, government taxes and transaction processing, helping streamline the buying process and ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Annual Town Fees:
As a property owner, you contribute to the maintenance & upkeep of all common areas, infrastructure, security and waste management of the project by paying an annual town operations fee. This covers community-wide services and amenities, such as landscaping, infrastructure maintenance, public area management, and shared facilities, ensuring a clean, safe, and well-managed community environment.
The annual town operations fee is based on the size of your property and billed annually in advance. In Fumba Town this is 1.1 USD per square meter living area per month. In Soul Paje the fee is 2 USD per square meter living area per month.
Annual Property Service Fees:
For special properties, such as the Burj Zanzibar or the soul an annual property service fee is charged. This includes services such as
- Concierge Service
- Dedicated building management
- 24/7 building security service
- Pool cleaning and servicing
- Full power backup provision
- Gym facilities
The annual town property service fee is based on the size of your property.
This fee only applies for Burj and Soul properties: 2 USD per square meter living area per month billed annually.
Power Backup
Fumba Town has a central power backup for all residencies with Diesel Generators to ensure consistent power supply. TOC is charging a separate fee of 0.09 USD per square meter living area per month to the property owners.
This fee does not apply to Burj and Soul properties where the power backup is included in the property service fee.
Property Tax
The Government of Zanzibar has introduced an annual property Tax of 22 USD per Property. This tax will be collected together with you annual fees and paid to the respective auhtority.
Rental Management
TOC is offering rental schemes should you wish to rent out your property on a short-term or long-term basis. The management fees are based on the rental revenue of your property.
What are some key facts and figures about Zanzibar?
Country & Location
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania and consists of many small islands. The main and largest island Unguja is informally also referred to as Zanzibar. The Zanzibar archipelago is located approx. 25-50 km from the African mainland in the Indian Ocean, about 6°S of the Equator.
Area
- 90km long (north-soith) and 40km wide (west-east)
- Total 2,462 km2 / 951 sq mi.
- Zanzibar: 1,660km²
- Pemba Island: 985km²
Population, Language and Capital
- Total Population: 1,889,773 (2022 census)
- Capital: Zanzibar City, Historic center: Stone Town (World Heritage Site)
- Offical Languages: Swahili, English, Arabic
Popular Tourism Activities
- Beaches: Zanzibar hosts stunning beaches along most of its coastline, known for their white sands and clear waters.
- Watersports: Zanzibar is a famous hot spot for kite surfing. SUP Tours, Scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are also great experiences due to the surrounding coral reef and rich fish populations.
- Parks and Marine Reserves: There are several marine parks and reserves, including the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve and Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, which help protect the rich marine biodiversity.
- Stone Town: the historic old town of Zanzibar City is a protected UNESCO world heritage and hosts numerous old building sites, museums, shopping and dining possibilities
- Spice Tour: Zanzibar has been historical one of the world largest spice trade hubs. Guided spice tours lead through plantations where different spices are grown.
Tourism
- Annual Tourist Arrivals: Zanzibar attracts over 700,000 tourists each year, with numbers increasing (approx. 15% annual increase) due to its growing popularity as a travel destination.
- Main Source Markets: Key source markets for tourists include Tanzania mainland, Europe (particularly the UK and Germany), and East Africa.
- Tourism Contribution to GDP: Tourism is a significant contributor to Zanzibar's economy, accounting for approximately 27% of the GDP.
Climate
Zanzibar has a tropical monsoon climate with 2 main rain periods: Mid-March to end of May (257mm / 10inches) and November (136mm / 5,3inches). Temperatures vary throughout the year between 33 °C / 92 °F and 22 °C / 72 °F
Religions
- Islam (99%)
- Christianity (0.5%)
- Others/Indigenous/Irreligious (0.5%)
Additional Information
- Currency: Tanzania shilling (TSh)
- Economy: Fishing, Agriculture, Toursim
- Driving: left side
- Calling Code: +255
- Electricity: 230v 50Hz, square three-pin British-style plugs.
- Cultural Diversity: Zanzibar is home to diverse cultures and ethnicities, which contributes to its rich heritage and vibrant local life.
What do I need to know about visiting Zanzibar?
Visa
A Tourist Visa costs US$50 for a three-month single entry.
Visa application:
visa.immigration.go.tz
Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance
Since October 2024 Tourist need to obtain Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance for Tourists
Costs: 44 USD
apply here: visitzanzibar.go.tz
Ferry
You can reach Zanzibar by ferry from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The trip duration is approx. 1.5 hours
Zanfast Ferries: zanfastferries.com
Azam Marine: azammarine.com
International Airlines
- Air Tanzania
- Condor
- Discover airlines
- Edelweiss
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines.
- Kenya Airways
- Oman Air
- Qatar Airways
- RwandAir
- SafAir
- Turkish Airlines
What healthcare services are available to residents?
Zanzibar has a relatively high standard of primary health care.
As a resident or homeowner in Fumba Town, you’ll have convenient access to Urban Care, an on-site healthcare clinic dedicated to serving residents and their families. Urban Care offers a range of medical services and is staffed by qualified professionals to handle both routine care and urgent medical needs.
Link: urbancare.clinic
Before visiting Zanzibar you are advised to consult your medical doctor or specialized tropical doctor for any vaccinations and prophylaxis needed.
Elementary And Secondary Schools near Fumba Town
- International School of Zanzibar
- British School of Zanzibar
- Feza Schools Zanzibar
- Laureate International School
- Zancoastal Academy
Colleges and Universities near Fumba Town
- The State University of Zanzibar
- African School of Economics
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras
What security features are available in Fumba Town?
Zanzibar is considered very safe and peaceful. Theft from hotel rooms is very unusual and Hotels in the middle and upper price ranges offer individual safe deposit boxes. You are advised to not carry any valuables when walking at night on beaches.
In Fumba Town and the soul, you’ll benefit from comprehensive security services designed to ensure peace of mind. Our security team includes professionally trained guards, security dogs, and a CCTV camera system for continuous monitoring. With controlled access points, regular patrols, and well-coordinated emergency protocols, Fumba Town’s security measures create a safe, secure environment for you, your family, and your property.
