Ratan Tata's Villa Up For Sale, Buyer Willing To Pay Rs 55 Crore For Rs 85-Lakh Property

Ratan Tata’s Seychelles villa

The beachfront villa once owned by industrialist Ratan Tata is located on Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles, along a turquoise shoreline noted for its scenic beauty. The property lies away from the capital’s bustle, in a more secluded part of the island.

Foreign nationals are typically barred from owning property in Seychelles, but Tata received a rare exemption around two decades ago. Aircel founder C. Sivasankaran, a Seychelles citizen and Tata’s close friend, helped him navigate the restrictive local ownership rules to acquire the villa.

Ownership and valuation

In his will, Ratan Tata left the villa to RNT Associates, his Singapore‑registered investment firm known for backing emerging Indian startups. Professional valuers appointed by the executors assessed the villa at about Rs 85 lakh, a figure considered modest for a beachfront home in that location.

Despite this valuation, an interested buyer is reportedly willing to pay about 6.2 million US dollars, or roughly Rs 55 crore, for the property. This large gap between the formal estimate and the indicated offer suggests a substantial premium linked to the home’s location and history.

Potential buyer and negotiations

Reports state that C. Sivasankaran and his family or close associates have shown interest in buying the same estate he once helped Tata secure. When questioned, Sivasankaran is quoted as saying, “I don’t know what you are talking about,” indicating that no final agreement has been confirmed publicly.

Sources familiar with the matter say discussions have taken place, but the parties have not yet reached any binding deal. The family reportedly insists that the villa must be free of taxes, construction liabilities, and other dues before completing any transaction, a standard requirement in tightly regulated foreign property markets.

Legal and financial complications

C. Sivasankaran is currently subject to bankruptcy proceedings in the Seychelles Supreme Court, which could complicate any purchase plan involving him or his family. His son, Saravana Sivasankaran, founder of Marlo Technologies, is said to be actively involved in the negotiations around the villa.

Under a Bombay High Court order dated June 16, 2025, any sale proceeds must be divided equally between the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation and the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust. This arrangement ensures that income from the Seychelles property will support philanthropic initiatives linked to Tata’s legacy.

Current status of the sale

For now, the villa remains on the market, its shutters facing the sea while talks continue between the interested parties and the current owners. Regulatory scrutiny over foreign transactions in Seychelles and the legal situation around Sivasankaran add further layers of complexity before any final handshake can occur.

If the high‑value deal is completed, a relatively modestly valued asset on paper will convert into a major cash inflow for the named charitable entities. The story of the Mahe villa thus intertwines personal friendship, cross‑border regulation, and the long‑term impact of Tata’s estate planning.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” C. Sivasankaran reportedly replied when asked about his interest in acquiring the villa.

Author’s summary

A modestly valued Seychelles villa once owned by Ratan Tata may sell at a huge premium, with Sivasankaran’s family circling the deal as courts channel future proceeds into Tata’s philanthropic trusts.

News18 — 2025-11-28