How much is rent in Antananarivo for expats?

In the main expat neighborhoods (Ivandry, Ambatobe, Alarobia), a furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs $300–$500/month. A 3-bedroom villa with garden and security runs $600–$1,200/month. In the city center (Analakely, Isoraka), prices drop to $150–$300 for a 1-bedroom.

Can foreigners buy property in Madagascar?

Foreigners cannot directly own land in Madagascar under current law. However, you can enter into a long-term lease (bail emphytéotique) of up to 99 years, which is the standard approach for foreign property investment. Alternatively, you can create a Malagasy company (SARL) to hold property.

Are furnished apartments common?

Yes, particularly in expat areas. Most landlords catering to foreigners offer fully furnished apartments including bed, sofa, kitchen equipment, and sometimes even linens. Specify 'meublé' (furnished) when searching. Unfurnished options are cheaper but require significant upfront investment.

Is it safe to rent in Madagascar?

Yes, provided you take precautions. Always use a written lease (contrat de bail), preferably reviewed by a local lawyer. Pay via bank transfer when possible for a paper trail. Choose properties in secure compounds with a gardien. Avoid paying more than 3 months upfront to an unverified landlord.

What utilities should I expect to pay on top of rent?

Electricity (JIRAMA): $20–$50/month depending on AC usage. Water: $5–$15/month. Internet (fiber): $20–$40/month in Tana. Total utilities typically run $50–$100/month in Antananarivo and $40–$80/month in Nosy Be.

Expat Topics

D7, digital nomad, golden visa & more

💰

Cost of Living

Monthly budgets from €1,200 to €4,000+

🏥

Healthcare

Public, private & expat health insurance

🏠

Housing

Rent prices, best areas & lease tips

💼

Work & Business

Permits, remote work & freelancing rules

✈️

Moving Guide

Step-by-step relocation checklist

📚

Education

International schools & universities

🌆

Daily Life

Transport, food & expat communities

🌅

Lifestyle

Climate, culture & quality of living

📈

Investing

Property, stocks, tax & wealth building

View all resources →

Rankings Compare Blog

🏠

🇲🇬 Madagascar

Housing

Housing in Madagascar is extraordinarily affordable. A furnished apartment in Antananarivo's best expat neighborhoods costs $300–$500/month, while beachfront bungalows in Nosy Be run $200–$400/month.

$300–$500/mo

1-BR (Tana, expat area)

Ivandry/Ambatobe

$200–$400/mo

1-BR (Nosy Be, beach)

Near Ambatoloaka

$600–$1,200/mo

Villa (Tana, 3-BR)

With garden & security

Agents & Facebook

Finding Housing

No major listing sites

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Antananarivo 🏝️Nosy Be

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Key Takeaways

Antananarivo (Ivandry/Ambatobe): $300–$500/month for a furnished 1-BR; $600–$1,200 for a villa
Facebook groups: 'Expats in Madagascar,' 'Nosy Be Expats,' 'Location Tana' — most active platforms
Power outages are common — ask if the property has a generator or inverter system

Housing Market Overview

Madagascar's rental market operates very differently from Western countries. There are few online listing platforms — most expats find housing through local real estate agents, word of mouth, or expat Facebook groups (Madagascar Expats, Nosy Be Expats). Leases are typically flexible, with 6-month or 1-year terms common. Furnished apartments are widely available, especially in expat-heavy areas.

Antananarivo (Ivandry/Ambatobe): $300–$500/month for a furnished 1-BR; $600–$1,200 for a villa
Nosy Be: $200–$400/month for a beachfront 1-BR; $100–$200 for an inland bungalow
Security deposit: typically 1–3 months' rent upfront
Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $50–$100/month in Tana; $40–$80 in Nosy Be
Most expat rentals include a guard (gardien) — this is standard and expected
Furnished apartments are common — specify 'meublé' when searching

How to Find Housing

The housing search in Madagascar requires a different approach than you may be used to. Online platforms are limited, and the best properties are often found through personal connections and local agents who know the neighborhoods. Budget 1–2 weeks in a hotel or guesthouse when you first arrive to search in person.

Facebook groups: 'Expats in Madagascar,' 'Nosy Be Expats,' 'Location Tana' — most active platforms
Local agents (agences immobilières): charge 1 month's rent as commission — worth it for vetting properties
Word of mouth: ask other expats, embassy staff, and coworking space members
Jumia House Madagascar: limited online listings but worth checking
Visit properties in person — photos can be misleading; check water pressure, electricity, and security
Negotiate: prices are rarely fixed, especially for longer-term leases

What to Expect in Malagasy Housing

Housing standards in Madagascar differ significantly from Western expectations. Even premium expat apartments may lack features you take for granted. Understanding these differences helps you set realistic expectations and ask the right questions before signing a lease.

Power outages are common — ask if the property has a generator or inverter system
Water supply can be intermittent — many properties have a water tank (citerne) on the roof
Hot water: typically electric water heaters (cumulus) — check it works before signing
Internet: fiber is available in parts of Antananarivo (Yas, Orange) — confirm coverage at the property
Security: gated compounds with a gardien (security guard) are standard for expat housing
Mosquito screens on windows are essential — if not installed, negotiate with the landlord

FAQs