Ultimate Guide for Foreigners: Buying Property in The Bahamas

When non-residents decide to buy property in the Bahamas, having clear legal guidance is essential. Below are the key steps and considerations:

• Initial planning: define your objective (vacation home, investment rental, residence).
• Property search and offer: negotiate price, decide on deposit terms, review vendor’s disclosure.
• Legal due diligence:
  • Title search and verify ownership chain.
  • Check compliance with the International Persons Landholding Act if the property is owned by a foreign individual or company.
  • Verify land registry, easements, liens, and undeveloped-land restrictions.
• Contract of sale: set out completion date, deposit, and conditions (financing, inspection).
• Transfer & registration: lodge with the Land Registry, register foreign investment if required, and pay stamp duty/taxes.
• Post-purchase matters: property tax, maintenance, and structuring ownership for liability or estate planning.

Foreign buyers also benefit from a tax-free environment (no capital gains tax in many cases).

Engaging a Bahamian law firm early can help avoid pitfalls, especially with complex foreign-owned vehicles or when using a company structure to hold property.

Contact our team to guide you through your Bahamas property purchase smoothly.