The Bahamas Property Fund is a real estate investment trust that invests in three commercial properties in The Bahamas. Its properties include the Bahamas Financial Centre, One Marina Drive, and Providence House. The fund buys and manages commercial real estate and is comprised of a diverse portfolio of tenants from various industries. Its shares are traded on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange under the symbol “BPF.” The fund is managed by Royal Fidelity Bank & Trust, and it has about $700 million in assets under management and administration.
In order to register your property in the Bahamas, you need to fill out a Declaration of Real Property Form. This form should be signed by the property owner and witnessed by a person who is authorized to do so. This can be a magistrate, a registered medical practitioner, a bank official, a justice of the peace, or a notary public. If you are not a Bahamian, you need to pay a real estate tax if you intend to use the property.
When purchasing property in The Bahamas, it is recommended that you hire a local attorney to make sure that the title documents are in order. Besides representing you and your interests, a local attorney also gives an opinion on the property’s title, similar to title insurance, making him liable for any problems with the title.
The Bahamas real estate market is extremely stable and has a low-crime environment, making it an excellent investment opportunity. A number of people from the US and other developed countries are drawn to The Bahamas’ affordable real estate. This is due in part to its international accessibility, low crime rate, and favorable immigration policies. Moreover, the Bahamian government is very welcoming to foreigners and offers free title for real estate to foreigners.
The Bahamas has numerous private islands, cays, and islets. While some of them are populated with world-class amenities, others are less developed and have virgin beaches. In many cases, Bahamas property can be purchased on a private island and developed as infrastructure for superyachts and private jet landings.
Major banks in The Bahamas offer mortgages for foreign nationals and Bahamians. Some of them offer terms as long as 25 years and require as little as 10 percent down payment. If you do not wish to buy Bahamas property in The Bahamas, consider a short-term vacation rental. Regardless of how long you intend to stay in The Bahamas, you can enjoy the sun, surf, and sand while you’re at it.
Taxes and fees are another important aspect of buying and selling Bahamas property. The government levies a VAT of 7.5 percent on real estate transactions, which is generally split between the seller and the buyer. For owner-occupied properties, the first $250,000 of value are exempt from tax. Between $250,000 and $500,000, the tax rate is 3/4 percent of the market value. The rate increases once the market value exceeds $7,500. harbour island real estate