Closing Costs
Government Value Added Tax
- Rates for Conveyances to individuals who are Bahamian citizens or Bahamian permanent residents are:
$0.00 to $100,000.00 – 2.5%
$100,000.01 to $300,000.00 – 4%
$300,000.01 to $500,000.00 – 6%
$500,000.01 to $700,000.00 – 8%
$700,000.01 to $1,000,000.00 – 9%
Over $1,000,000.01 – 10%
- Rate on Conveyances to individuals who are non-Bahamians is 10%
- The rates on Conveyances to companies is 10% for all transfers.
- Bahamian first-time homeowner rate is 4% on transactions between $300,000.01 to $500,000.00.
Legal Fees
Depending on the size and complexity of the transaction, attorneys’ fees generally average between 1.5% and 4% of the transaction price, plus out of pocket disbursements, and VAT.
Bahamas Real Estate Commission
(Established by the Bahamas Real Estate Association)
- Developed property: 6%
- Undeveloped property (vacant land): 10%
A 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on real estate services, including appraisals, legal work and commissions.
Laws and policies are subject to change.
Property Tax
Annual Real Property Tax Rates
Owner-occupied property (Limit: One per person; may be a vacation rental home):
- The first $300,000 of market value is tax exempt
- More than $300,000 and not exceeding $500,000 of market value is 0.625%
- More than $500,000 and not exceeding $5,000,000 of market value is 1%
- Ceiling for Properties valued over $6,000,000 of market value is $120,000
Unimproved property: (other than unimproved property exempt by virtue of Section 39 of the Real Property Tax Act)
- First $7,000 of market value is $100
- More than $7,000 of market value 1½%.
Commercial Properties:
- First $500,000 of market value is .75%
- $500,001- $2,000,000 of market value is 1%
- Over 2,000,000 of market value is 1.5%
Properties Exempt from Real Property Tax:
- Property owned by Bahamians and situated in the Family Islands is exempt from property tax. Property approved as commercial farm land (by the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, and the Minister Finance) may be eligible for property tax exemptions.
- Unimproved property owned by Bahamians, meaning property without physical additions or alterations, or any works benefitting the land which have not increased the market value thereof by $5,000 or more;
- Places of religious worship; school buildings and their gardens and playing areas;
- Property owned by foreign governments;
- Property owned by foreign nations used for consular offices or residences of consular officials and employees;
- Property used exclusively for charitable or public service from which no profit is derived
Other Information
Permanent Residence Status
Overseas persons investing in a residence valued at $750,000 and over, may apply to the Department of Immigration for Permanent Residency status. Holding a Permanent Residency certificate can lead to significant tax advantages in your home country. Accelerated consideration for a Permanent Residency certificate is offered to purchasers of a residence (home or condo) of $1,500,000 or more.
Annual Homeowners Residence Card
Available to any homeowner in The Bahamas. Obtained from the Director of Immigration, it allows the permit holder, and family, to enter and remain in The Bahamas for the period of the permit.
Shipping Furniture And Household Items
There are several freight forwarding companies and air freight companies out of Florida that make shipping easy. A detailed inventory of items with approximate value is needed. Using a local customs agent to clear your goods is recommended.
For more information on air & sea freight services click here.
Architects, Builders And Decorators
Qualified professionals are available for any size of job from remodeling to new construction.
Financing
Local banks offer BSD$ and US$ Mortgages to finance the purchase of a home or property in the Bahamas.