Buying Real Estate in The Bahamas

Before you act on anything in this guide: all buyers and sellers must retain a licensed Bahamian attorney for legal, title, and conveyancing advice. This page is general information only — it is not a substitute for individual legal, tax, or immigration advice from a qualified Bahamian professional.

Step	What happens	Who is responsible
1. Define your intent	Use, island, budget, holding period, financing, exit plan	You, with an advisor
2. KYC / prequalification readiness	Gather ID, proof of funds or mortgage prequalification	You, your bank
3. Appoint your team	A licensed Bahamian real estate professional and an independent Bahamian attorney	You
4. Screen the market	Search, shortlist, view properties	You, your agent
5. Make a written offer	Offer subject to appropriate conditions (financing, title, inspection)	You, your agent, your attorney
6. Negotiate & execute the Agreement for Sale	Terms finalized and signed	Both parties, both attorneys
7. Pay the deposit	Into the stakeholder/escrow arrangement your attorney directs	You, your attorney
8. Complete due diligence	Title, survey, appraisal, inspection, tax, utility, HOA, zoning, environmental, insurance, permits	Your attorney and inspectors
9. Foreign-buyer requirements, if applicable	IPLA registration or permit, exchange control review	You, your attorney
10. Obtain the provisional VAT invoice	Required from DIR before the conveyance is executed	Your attorney
11. Close and record	Conveyance executed, deed submitted for recording, ownership and tax records updated, insurance and property management put in place	Your attorney

Decide before you sign, not after

• Fee simple vs. condominium vs. leasehold/Crown lease
• Individual vs. joint vs. company ownership
• Beneficial ownership structuring, if using an entity
• How the structure affects Real Property Tax, VAT, and eventual resale

Before you make an offer

• Whether the property or transaction type triggers IPLA registration or a permit requirement
• Whether the listing price and comparable sales support your offer
• Whether the property has any obvious red flags worth flagging to your attorney early

How long does closing take?

It varies with financing, due diligence findings, and whether foreign-buyer registration or a permit is required. Ask your attorney for a timeline specific to your transaction.

What is an Agreement for Sale?

The signed contract that sets out price, conditions, and closing terms once you and the seller agree.

Do I need a Bahamian lawyer?

Yes. Independent legal representation is required for every buyer and seller on this site.

What is the provisional VAT invoice?

A VAT invoice DIR issues before a conveyance can be executed, required under the 2025 Conveyancing Act amendment; it must be paid within 180 days of execution.

Can I close through a company?

Yes, subject to your attorney and tax adviser confirming the structure is right for your situation and, for non-Bahamians, subject to IPLA treatment of entity-held land.

This guide provides general information and was reviewed as of 9 August 2026. Bahamian laws, taxes, fees, government procedures, lending criteria, planning requirements, and immigration policies may change. Property facts and approval requirements vary by island, parcel, ownership structure, intended use, and project scope. All buyers and sellers must retain a licensed Bahamian attorney for legal and title-transfer advice. Obtain independent advice from a licensed Bahamian attorney and the relevant qualified tax, financial, planning, engineering, environmental, appraisal, insurance, and immigration professionals before acting.