The Bahamas Property for Sale — Verified Listings
Loading listings…
About buying property in The Bahamas
The Bahamas stretches across more than 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic, east of Florida and north of Cuba. New Providence and Paradise Island around Nassau hold the busiest market, while the Out Islands — the Exumas, Eleuthera, Abaco and Harbour Island — attract buyers seeking second homes and private cays.
Foreign buyers generally face a lighter process than in the Eastern Caribbean. Under the International Persons Landholding Act, owner-occupied homes and condos under two acres only need a Certificate of Registration, while a permit is required for undeveloped land of two acres or more or property not for your own use. Non-Bahamians pay the same stamp duty as Bahamians, and since July 2024 VAT also applies to land transfers. Owner-occupied real property tax runs from 0% to 1%.
The Bahamas has no citizenship-by-investment programme, though residency options exist. The Bahamian dollar is fixed one-to-one with the US dollar. Lynden Pindling International in Nassau is the main gateway, and the country welcomed a record 11.22 million visitors in 2024, although air stopover arrivals were 1,571,892, down 3.6%.
The Bahamas market snapshot
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Live Antillia listings | … | Antillia approved listings |
| Total visitors 2024 | 11.22 million (record) | Bahamas Ministry of Tourism |
| Stopover arrivals 2024 | 1,571,892 (−3.6%) | Bahamas tourism statistics |
| CBI programme | None | Not yet sourced |
| Owner-occupied property tax | 0%–1.0% | Bahamas Inland Revenue |
| Currency | BSD$1 = US$1 | Central Bank of The Bahamas |
The Bahamas listings
How to buy property in The Bahamas
Step 1: Engage a local attorney
Your attorney handles registration and title.
Step 2: Certificate of Registration or permit
Homes under two acres need only a Certificate of Registration; larger or non-owner-occupied land needs a permit.
Step 3: Title search and due diligence
Bahamian title is not always registered; a 30-year title search is standard practice.
Step 4: Deposit and escrow
A deposit is held in escrow on signing.
Step 5: Closing, stamp duty and VAT
Pay stamp duty and VAT on the transfer, then record the conveyance.
Typical buyer costs
| Stamp duty | Same rate as Bahamians — confirm with attorney |
|---|---|
| VAT on land transfers | Applies since July 2024 |
| Owner-occupied property tax | 0%–1.0% |
Planning figures only. Confirm current rates with a local attorney before you commit.
The Bahamas property FAQ
Can foreigners buy property in The Bahamas?
Yes. Homes under two acres for your own use need only a Certificate of Registration.
What is the stamp duty for non-citizens in The Bahamas?
Non-Bahamians pay the same stamp duty as Bahamians, and VAT now also applies to land transfers.
Does The Bahamas offer citizenship by investment?
No. Residency options exist, but not citizenship by investment.
What is the average property price in The Bahamas?
No official index is published; Antillia will show asking prices as listings are approved.
How long does it take to buy property in The Bahamas?
Registration for owner-occupied homes is relatively quick; permits for larger land take longer.