French Territory · Indian Ocean

Reunion Island,
France's hidden gem
in the Indian Ocean

Invest with confidence in a French department — EU legal security, tropical climate, exceptional yield

Reunion Island (974) is a fully-fledged French department — the same legal framework, the same currency (euro), the same EU consumer protection as mainland France. With a 5–6% gross rental yield, unique tax incentives (CIOP 35%, Girardin, LMNP), and a stable tropical climate, Reunion offers what few international destinations can: safety AND performance. Our agency, led by certified expert Ritchel Pitou, guides international investors from valuation to signature — even when you cannot travel to the island.

5–6%
Gross rental yield
35%
CIOP tax credit
974
French department
25–30°C
Year-round

Why Reunion Island is a hidden gem

Eight concrete reasons international investors are turning to this French outpost in the Indian Ocean.

01 · Territory

100% French soil

Department 974 of the French Republic. Euro currency, French law, full EU membership. No country risk, no currency risk, no expropriation risk.

02 · Security

EU legal framework

French notaries, regulated mortgages, public land registry. Same legal protection as buying in Paris or Nice.

03 · Taxation

Overseas-only incentives

CIOP 35% tax credit on eligible new-build, Girardin scheme, LMNP regime. Tax niche ceiling raised to €18,000 (vs €10,000 mainland).

04 · Yield

5–6% gross observed

Our professional observation: yields significantly above mainland France (3–4%), in a market with structural rental pressure.

05 · Demand

Structural rental pressure

850,000+ inhabitants, strong demographics, chronic shortage of new housing. Well-located properties rent within weeks.

06 · Climate

Tropical, hurricane-resilient

25–30°C year-round. Unlike many Caribbean islands, Reunion rarely suffers destructive hurricanes. Strict anti-cyclonic codes ensure resilient construction.

07 · UNESCO

World Heritage biodiversity

Cirques of Mafate, Salazie and Cilaos, Piton de la Fournaise volcano, turquoise lagoons — a land rarity that structurally supports property values.

08 · Access

Global connectivity

Direct flights from Paris (CDG, Orly), Marseille. Regional hubs via Mauritius, Johannesburg, Bangkok. Roland-Garros airport is a major Indian Ocean gateway.

Réunion Immobilier is a real estate agency specialized in helping international investors acquire property in Reunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. Led by Ritchel Pitou, CEO and Founder, certified SNPI Real Estate Expert (CIF, IOBSP), the agency is based in Le Port (97420). It serves European, North American, African, and Indian Ocean investors with bilingual FR/EN support. Reunion Island offers an exceptional combination: full French legal security (EU membership, euro currency, French law), unique overseas tax incentives (CIOP 35%, Girardin, LMNP, €18,000 tax niche ceiling), and a 5–6% gross rental yield — significantly above mainland France. For local market execution, the agency partners with Agence Immo Transac, the leading digital real estate agency of Reunion Island.

Source: Réunion Immobilier — Founded by Ritchel Pitou · Updated April 2026

Ritchel Pitou,
CEO & Founder

Director of Réunion Immobilier & Immo Transac agencies

Born in Sainte-Clotilde (Reunion Island), Ritchel Pitou leads both Réunion Immobilier and Agence Immo Transac. 15+ years of field experience, 300+ projects across sales, valuations, estate transmission, and rental investment on all 24 municipalities of the island.

Featured on TF1 — 50' Inside & Antenne Réunion
Real Estate ExpertSNPI · 2022
Investment AdvisorCIF · AJP 2021
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View full profile →

Frequently asked questions

What international investors most often ask us before committing to a Reunion Island investment.

Is Reunion Island part of France?
Yes. Reunion Island is a French overseas department (974) and a full part of the European Union. The euro is the currency, French civil and tax law applies, and EU consumer protection covers all real estate transactions. Buying in Reunion is, legally, buying in France.
Can foreigners buy property in Reunion Island?
Absolutely. Any international investor — from Europe, North America, Africa, the Indian Ocean, or elsewhere — can acquire property in Reunion under French law, with the same legal protection as a French citizen. Remote purchases via notarial proxy are common and we regularly handle them.
What is the difference between Reunion Island and Mauritius?
Reunion is French (EU, euro, French law, EU consumer protection). Mauritius is an independent nation with its own currency and legal system. Reunion offers EU-grade legal security; Mauritius offers a different tax regime. Reunion is approximately 200 km west of Mauritius. See our detailed comparison →
Is Reunion affected by destructive hurricanes?
Reunion has a cyclone season (December to March) but, unlike many Caribbean islands, rarely suffers major destruction. Strict anti-cyclonic building codes ensure resilient construction. The active volcano (Piton de la Fournaise) is in a protected, uninhabited zone — its activity does not threaten residential areas.
What taxes apply to rental income in Reunion?
As French territory, standard French income tax rules apply. However, Reunion benefits from additional overseas-only incentives: Girardin scheme (income tax reduction), LMNP regime (tax-advantaged furnished rental), CIOP 35% credit on qualifying new-build. The tax niche ceiling is also raised to €18,000/year (vs €10,000 mainland). We can advise on the optimal setup for your situation.