Infos | Understanding Land Measurement Units in Mauritius

Arpent – The Local Real Estate Standard

In Mauritius, the arpent is widely recognized as the primary unit used in property transactions. It is particularly favoured in legal documents and listings. An arpent roughly equals 4,221 square meters, making it ideal for larger properties or plots of land.
For example, a plot measuring 60 meters by 70.35 meters would be approximately 1 arpent in size.
It's also worth noting that arpents are often split into smaller units – that’s where perches come in.

Perch – Common for Smaller Lots

A perch is a subdivision of the arpent and is more suitable when measuring smaller pieces of land. There are 100 perches in an arpent, which means one perch equals about 42.21 square meters.
For example, a plot of 10 perches would measure around 422 square meters, which is a common size for residential lots or small garden spaces.

Square Foot – A Familiar International Metric

If you’re more accustomed to international measurements, you’ll be glad to know that square feet are also used in Mauritius, particularly when targeting foreign buyers or listings geared toward a global audience.
For reference, 1 square meter equals around 10.76 square feet.
So, if you see a property listed at 100 square meters, that’s about 1,076 square feet – a typical size for a cosy apartment.

Toise – An Older, Traditional Unit

Though not commonly used in modern real estate listings, the toise is still sometimes mentioned in older property descriptions or legal deeds. One toise translates to roughly 11.1 square feet.
For example, a land record showing 300 toises would represent an area of approximately 3,330 square feet. While it might not come up frequently, it’s helpful to recognize it, especially when reviewing historical records or legacy properties.

Essential Land Measurement Conversions in Mauritius

Here’s a quick reference guide to help you convert between the different units:

Why These Conversions Matter

Understanding these units is more than just technical knowledge – it directly affects how you assess the value, size, and potential of a property. For example, knowing that a 10-perch plot equals around 422 square meters can influence your buying decision, budgeting, or construction plans.
Whether you're looking for a coastal villa, a suburban home, or a development opportunity, these conversions ensure you're making informed decisions every step of the way.

Need Help Navigating the Market?

The Mauritian real estate landscape is full of opportunities, but having clarity on how land size is measured is key to making the right investment. At PropertyMap.mu, we’re here to simplify the process for you.
Explore our property listings with confidence, knowing exactly how much land you’re looking at – and what it means for your investment.