Buying a Villa, House or Houch in Djerba: The Buyer's Guide

Buying in Djerba may begin as a love at first sight, but above all it is a project to prepare. A modern villa with a pool, a single-storey house, a traditional houch to renovate or an apartment: each type of property meets different needs. This guide helps you move forward with method, from defining your project to signing.

This guide gives general guidance. Legal, administrative and tax procedures depend on your situation and change over time: always have them checked by a notary or a lawyer before committing.

Villa, house, houch, apartment: what are the differences?

• The villa: a detached house, often recent, with a garden and frequently a pool. It is the choice of those who want modern comfort and outdoor space;
• The house: a detached home, often single-storey, simpler, suited to a main residence or yearly rental;
• The houch: a traditional Djerbian dwelling, typical of the island, generally built around a courtyard and set on a plot. It offers character and strong potential, but often needs renovation work;
• The apartment: more compact, it suits a pied-à-terre or a smaller budget, with less upkeep.

Each property may also be finished, being finished or at shell stage: an unfinished property costs less to buy but requires a budget and works supervision.

Define your budget and criteria

Before viewings, put your project on paper:

• The overall budget: price of the property, costs linked to the purchase (notary, registration, taxes), any works, furniture and upkeep. Do not look only at the asking price;
• The use: main home, holiday home, retirement, rental;
• The location: close to the beach, to the centre of Midoun, to Houmt Souk or somewhere quiet (see our guide to the areas);
• The facilities: pool, garden, terrace, number of bedrooms, parking;
• The condition: ready to move in, to freshen up, to renovate.

Viewings: what to look at

A good viewing is not limited to a general impression. Pay attention to:

• the structure: cracks, damp, roof, waterproofing of terraces;
• the installations: electricity, plumbing, hot water, air conditioning, pool filtration;
• the plot: boundaries, access, neighbours, possibilities for extension;
• the surroundings: noise, traffic, nearby shops and beaches;
• the connections: water, electricity, drainage, internet.

Do not hesitate to visit two or three times, at different moments. The agency organises viewings with you and answers your questions, with no obligation.

Checking documents with the agency and the notary

This is the heart of your purchase's security. The agency helps you gather information; the notary (or lawyer) carries out the legal check. The points usually verified:

• the identity and capacity of the seller(s), especially in cases of joint ownership or inheritance;
• the land status of the property, its title and the situation of the plot;
• the absence of undeclared charges, disputes or mortgages;
• the compliance of the building with permits and regulations;
• the proper registration of the deed and the transfer.

Never pay money before the file has been checked, and favour a written and secure framework.

Buying from abroad or moving to Djerba

Many buyers live in France or elsewhere. Buying remotely is possible: shortlisting from photos and videos, exchanges with the agency, then a visit on site to decide. Useful points:

• the purchase of real estate in Tunisia by a foreigner is subject to a prior authorisation procedure by the administrative authority (the governor), with particular rules depending on the nature of the property. The notary tells you the steps and timescales;
• if needed, you can grant a power of attorney to a trusted person before a notary;
• think about your tax situation in your country of residence: a qualified professional will advise you.

Our expatriation and retirement in Djerba page helps you prepare your move, and you can try the lifestyle with a yearly rental before buying.

After the purchase: renovate, build, rent

Does your property need works? Our construction and renovation management service coordinates contractors and follows the site for you (the agency manages, the contractors carry out the works). Do you not live there all year? Our rental management can rent the villa for you.

Properties for sale at My Villa Rise

We offer villas, houses, houchs and land in Midoun, Tezdaine, Aghir, Houmt Souk and elsewhere on the island. Browse the villas and houses for sale in Djerba or the full list of properties for sale. Each listing includes photos, the location and the essential information.

Frequently asked questions

Let's talk about your purchase

Browse our properties for sale or contact the team: we help you define your criteria and organise your viewings. Do you want to sell a property? Find out how we support you on the sell your property page.