Behind the Scenes of Listing Mauritius: Nico Nel on Expanding the Luxury Property Franchise
As Listing Mauritius gears up for its highly anticipated debut this October on BBC Lifestyle, audiences are in for a visual treat, exploring the island’s booming luxury property scene through the eyes of a talented production team. We had the exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes with PD Productions’ very own Nico Nel, who shared exciting insights into the show and the growing Listing franchise. From stunning oceanfront villas to hidden island gems, this season promises to captivate South African viewers with its unparalleled showcase of high-end real estate and local flair.
Why did we choose Mauritius to expand the Listing franchise?
It was the natural progression. We did visit Mauritius in a couple of episodes in Listing Jozi and we quickly realized that the island lends itself to luxury properties and developments. Also, quite an interesting amount of international and South African buyers. Its natural beauty is like the Atlantic seaboard area, it offers the same as what South Africa does
In your eyes, what about the Listing Franchise keeps viewers coming back for more?
If you like luxury opulent property that very few of us will be able to afford, Listing Mauritius and the listing franchise lends itself to that. I think it gives you a view of how successful entrepreneurs have been able to afford properties like this. This is the only opportunity us as producers and some viewers will be able to access homes of this kind. It’s about opulent living and aspiration which is a big part of the show.
In South Africa, certain areas are known for their architectural styles or affluent neighbourhoods. What are similar distinctions in Mauritius, and how do these influence the properties featured on the show?
In Mauritius you see quite a variety of properties, it’s almost resort style, Balinese villas which you see a lot of in the show. There are super modern homes. Interestingly, a lot of South African architects were used in the design process of a lot of the villas and properties. From super traditional to super modern, there is quite a variety of offerings with regards to the properties shown this series.
How do you think viewers in South Africa will relate to or be inspired by the properties showcased in Mauritius?
Mauritius is definitely on a different level but similar design wise to what you maybe see in Cape Town area but because they’re working with euros and dollars the price ranges are extravagant. It’s a completely different culture as well so I think that is something that will be interesting the viewers.
Looking at the format of listing Mauritius, Drama is not a central element of the show except for some time where we see the realtors finding their feet like we saw on Listing JHB, How is the energy this time between the realtors? Does Listing Mauritius show how competitive it gets between the real estate agencies?
Mauritius is a different beast when it comes to agent dynamics, with it being an island country, it’s competitive but people are much more keen to share. For the first time every you don’t see agents conclude sole mandates on properties. Probably about 90% of properties that are on the show, none of them have exclusive mandates so every agent gets to sell anything on the island. This does create a sharing culture so it’s not as cut throat as the Atlantic Seaboard which actually makes for really pleasant viewing. The Listing franchise is reality, they are real agents and they don’t want to be portrayed as cut throat as it would really affect their day to day.
What are some interesting things you can give away about things that happened while shooting?
One of the storylines is the storyline of Graham, he literally packed up his family, moved from South Africa and started filming in his first few days in Mauritius. Seeing him physically knocking on doors, trying to find new leads on an island that is predominantly full with regards to agents, that was super interesting to see. Also we got to see the other side of it, Mridula, who is one of the top agents on the island, we got to follow her side of things. Being an established agent on the island and having her brilliant reputation, seeing the type of people she has on speed dial was a cool dynamic.
Can you share any fun or unexpected moments that happened while filming, either with the agents or the properties themselves?
This is reality. We got to see a big big big deal fall through on camera with Graham and as hard as it is to see it’s interesting viewing when you get to see the end result on the show. We get to spend a lot of time with these guys and most of the agents become good friends. Seeing deals coming through and deals falling through, it’s interesting to be part of that whole narrative.
To be pre-emptive, what are some other markets in Africa you are interested in to take the listing franchise?
That is a hard one and is something we are scratching our heads about. Mauritius offers a lot of luxury and we filmed over 50 homes across the series. The location would need to lend itself to a range of properties, not just one style. The African flavour still needs to be a part of the show as well as luxury so it’s a hard thing to marry.
The 10-part series, Listing Mauritius is set to premiere on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, at 20:00 on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174), is set on the stunning island off the East African coast. Famed for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and tropical climate, Mauritius has become an enticing destination for foreign property investors, including a growing interest from South Africans.
