Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
My Name is Lee Lazare and I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, and have been residing in Mauritius for the last 12 years. I have 3 daughters aged 29, 18 and 16. I Have a marketing background but soon left to enter the world of real estate in SA. Upon arrival in Mauritius, we initially lived in the West and ventured into a new challenge, opening a restaurant in Black River for the first 4.5 years, which was a fantastic challenge, very exciting and a big learning curve. However, the world of real estate magnetized me back and I have been back ever since.
What are you doing currently?
I am a consultant for a branch of an international real estate company in Mauritius.
What brought you to Mauritius?
We decided to move to Mauritius as my husband is Mauritian and being a regular visitor the last 28 years, there was no hesitation. There are many advantages especially for my children, learning about their culture and experiencing all the beauty Mauritius has to offer, and living in a safe and secure environment.
What do you think of the property market in Mauritius?
I find the property market in Mauritius growing and evolving at a fast rate, the international market is booming and the buying power of Mauritians is astonishing.
What is the most exciting, island- inspired home you have been involved with selling?
Wow, difficult question – I think it's very hard to compare as each property is so unique and offers different advantages. But I must say that with all the competition and developers and homeowners competing for market share and clients, the uniqueness of properties in general and the way that designs are evolving are world class.
What was the impact of the global health crisis on your professional activity and how have things changed now the island is open again?
Initially we all struggled to adjust to the way we could do business, but Mauritius in general stepped up quickly and we all learnt to adapt. It's incredible how clients, especially those that had been to Mauritius before and had a relationship with us, showed confidence and were more than happy to buy online showing the faith for the brand and myself.
What's your favorite part of Mauritius and why?
Favorite part – well it really does depend: I enjoy exploring, so hiking is a great way to see the island and is always exciting, I love cycling and with a group of girls, we did a 3 day cycle tour around the island which was amazing in itself! Sometimes, just for a rustic beach retreat I enjoy the South coast. In the winter months, a weekend away at Chamarel with a fireplace is a real treat!
How do you juggle motherhood and a professional life on the island?
I can't really say I've mastered the balance of this as yet… but I'm really lucky knowing they are in a safe and secure environment. So on the days you have to work late, at least knowing your children are safe really helps put your mind at rest.
Tell us something fun about you Lee!
Something about me... I have taken up a new hobby, Padel and I'm hooked. I love it! Not that I'm any good as yet, but working on it and very excited. There are a number of new Padel courts coming up this year around the island – considering it is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide!
What are the main challenges you have faced as an expatriate in Mauritius?
The main challenge is learning French, as my husband and all the family speak it as well as my kids. I am learning, but it has been frustrating at times. Learning to slow down and breathe has been a challenge– coming from Johannesburg, initially the main reason we left SA was for quality of life and enjoying our children instead of them growing up without us - I was definitely part of the rat race and on arrival in Mauritius I had to learn to slow down. It took me 2 years to settle down but I have not looked back once!
What piece of advice would you give to budding property entrepreneurs in Mauritius?
My advice is to buy early on in the development, position is the next main criteria, always look out for opportunities that have a good rental yield and if possible always invest where there is a view.
What are your plans for the future?
Again very difficult to say really, traveling is always on the cards. Work hard, play hard is the motto and enjoy what all of what Mauritius has to offer, make every minute count!
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