Selling 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.

Before you list

• Confirm clear ownership and authority to sell (title deeds, probate/estate matters, company resolutions, powers of attorney, marital or co-owner consent)
• Obtain a current appraisal or comparative market analysis
• Gather Real Property Tax clearance, utility statements, and any HOA/condominium balances
• Confirm tenant status and lease terms, if occupied
• Assemble approved plans and occupancy/completion evidence where relevant

Item	Typically paid by	Legal or customary?
Brokerage commission	Seller	Customary / contractual — negotiated in the listing agreement
Seller’s legal fees	Seller	Customary
VAT on professional services (legal, brokerage, appraisal)	Whoever engages the service	Statutory (VAT Act)
VAT on the conveyance itself	Allocation is negotiated between the parties	Contractual allocation of a statutory tax
Discharge of any existing mortgage	Seller, from proceeds	Contractual, tied to loan terms
Real Property Tax arrears, if any	Seller, from proceeds, before closing	Statutory obligation

What does it cost to sell?

Commission, legal fees, VAT on services, and your share of the VAT on the conveyance, plus any arrears or mortgage discharge — ask your attorney for a net-proceeds estimate specific to your property.

Who pays the VAT on a sale?

Allocation is negotiated between buyer and seller in the Agreement for Sale; it is not fixed by statute.

How do I sell an inherited property?

You will need to resolve probate/estate matters and confirm clear authority to sell before listing — start with your attorney.

Can a non-resident seller repatriate proceeds freely?

Current exchange control treatment depends on your residency status and the transaction — confirm with your bank and the Central Bank’s current guidance before you rely on any assumption.

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.