Financing a Bahamian Property

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.

Path	Typical features	Key consideration
Citizen / permanent resident mortgage	Standard local bank underwriting, BSD-denominated	Income verification, debt-service tests, collateral, legal charge and recording
Non-resident / temporary resident financing	More limited lender pool, often higher equity requirements	Confirm which local banks lend to non-residents and on what terms
Foreign-currency funding	Common for non-resident buyers	May reduce exchange control friction for non-residential/mixed-use property; development and BSD-financed deals still need Central Bank reference
Construction loans	Draw-based, tied to inspection milestones	Draw controls, contingency, and cost-to-complete reporting matter as much as the headline rate
Seller financing / mortgage-back	Negotiated directly with the seller	Still requires proper legal documentation and recording

Interest rates, loan-to-value, loan-to-cost, amortization, DSCR requirements, and underwriting criteria come directly from the lender you’re working with — this page will not quote indicative rates or imply financing approval, because both vary by lender, borrower profile, and property.

Can a foreigner get a Bahamian mortgage?

Some local banks lend to non-residents, typically with more conservative terms — confirm current appetite and terms directly with lenders.

What down payment is typical?

It varies by lender, residency status, and property type; ask your bank for a current quote rather than relying on a rule of thumb.

What is a construction draw schedule?

A series of milestone-based disbursements tied to completed, inspected work rather than a single lump-sum loan.

Does financing in Bahamian dollars change exchange control treatment?

Yes — Bahamian-dollar-financed transactions generally still require Central Bank reference even where foreign-currency purchases have been liberalized. Confirm current treatment before you commit to a financing structure.

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.