Yes. Foreign ownership has long been welcomed here, and most residential purchases, homes, condominiums, and smaller parcels of land, proceed without restriction. Larger undeveloped land or commercial purchases involve an additional government step.
A written offer, a signed sale agreement, a deposit held in escrow by your attorney, a legal due diligence period covering title and government filings, then completion and recording of title. Most purchases move through this in 60 to 90 days.
Outright ownership, in your own name, is standard and requires no special structure.
Yes, this is a common structure for estate planning or privacy, though a standard purchase in your own name doesn’t require it.
Yes. Bahamian transactions require a locally licensed attorney to manage the legal process from contract through closing, including the related government filings.
Most buyers purchasing a home or condominium for personal use don’t need approval, only registration of the purchase with the Investments Board, which your attorney handles as part of closing. Approval becomes relevant for larger undeveloped land or non-residential use.
Most purchases close within 60 to 90 days of a signed agreement. Financed and preconstruction purchases typically take longer.
Yes. Documents can be signed and notarized remotely, and most of the process runs through your attorney without requiring you on island.
The Bahamas holds one of the largest concentrations of private islands available anywhere in the world. Considerations vary by island, access by boat or private airstrip, independent utilities, and in some cases environmental or Crown land designations.
Total closing costs typically run 8 to 10 percent of the purchase price, the majority of that being VAT. Your attorney confirms the exact figure for a specific transaction.
By custom, VAT is split evenly between buyer and seller, though it’s a negotiated term of the Agreement for Sale, not a fixed rule.
Yes, an annual real property tax applies based on assessed value, with rates varying by property type and use.
No. None of the three apply.
Yes, several Bahamian banks lend to non-residents, with terms that differ from domestic lending. Use our Mortgage Calculator to estimate your payment.
Non-resident buyers generally face a down payment of 30 percent or more, well above domestic lending. Exact terms vary by lender.
Both are common. Some buyers finance locally, others arrange financing through their bank at home against existing assets.
A minimum investment of $1,000,000 in qualifying real estate supports an application for Economic Permanent Residence. Requirements are set by Bahamas Immigration and are confirmed at the time of application.
A branded residence carries the standards and management of a hospitality name alongside the real estate itself, services and consistency a standard condominium doesn’t offer. The terms hotel-branded and managed residence are generally used interchangeably.
Generally yes, with a business license required depending on frequency and use. Reach out to discuss renting out your specific property.
Many properties, particularly branded and managed residences, include professional management as part of ownership. Others are handled through independent local property management companies.
Penthouses typically offer larger floor plans, private or limited-access elevators, expanded terraces, and in some buildings distinct ownership or association terms.
Construction and renovation require permits through the local building authority, typically managed by your architect or contractor.
Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International is the main gateway for commercial and private aviation, with established private terminals. Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, and Exuma each have their own aviation facilities, alongside commercial connections from major gateways across the US, Canada, and Europe.
Hurricane season runs June through November, and modern construction here reflects that, with hurricane-rated materials standard in newer developments. Insurance eligibility and code requirements are confirmed with your insurer and the property’s architect or contractor.
New Providence and Grand Bahama have hospitals, including private facilities affiliated with US providers, along with several international schools serving the expatriate community. The smaller Family Islands are generally served by local clinics, with air evacuation well established for more specialized or urgent care.
The Bahamas is one of the Caribbean’s most politically stable nations, an independent parliamentary democracy with a long, uninterrupted history of peaceful governance. It’s a well-established destination for international homeownership, with the ordinary precautions appropriate to any place people call home.
Proximity to the US, direct flight access, and a tax-neutral structure distinguish it from many other Caribbean markets. Explore neighborhoods across New Providence and the Family Islands to see what fits best.
A rare combination of natural beauty and world-class luxury, more than 700 islands and cays, pristine beaches, and waters among the clearest anywhere in the Caribbean. Internationally acclaimed resorts and fine dining sit alongside secluded retreats and a slower, outdoor way of life. Proximity to the US, an English-speaking environment, and a favorable tax structure round out the appeal.
Yes. The Bahamas has been an independent nation since 1973, while remaining a member of the Commonwealth with close historical ties to the United Kingdom.
Eastern Time, and the Bahamian dollar, pegged one to one with the US dollar and used interchangeably with it.
A well-established international banking sector, no personal income tax, and a business environment shaped by decades of foreign investment.
Yes, through the Bahamas Real Estate Association.
Customarily the seller.
Reach out directly, and I will personally follow up to schedule a private consultation.
The information on this page is general in nature and provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Information is subject to change, and buyers should confirm current requirements with a licensed Bahamian attorney or qualified professional before making any decision.
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