Your Questions, Answered

  • The Bahamas in general has attracted a wide range of property investors for many years. The islands’ physical attractions, their safe investment climate, and the Bahamian lifestyle are what draws people in, time and time again.

    Stella Maris offers a quiet, safe location with a tightly knit international community, the Stella Maris Resort Club being its hub for dining and entertainment. Very importantly the Stella Maris International Airport and the Stella Maris Marina conveniently serve as your air and sea gateways.

  • We sell residential lots, commercial acreage, pre-owned single and multi-family residences, and occasionally commercial business entities.

  • Yes, brokers are licensed by The Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA). BREA is an international member of The National Association of Realtors (NAR).

  • Legal fees, VAT, and real estate commission.

    It is typical practice in the Bahamas that the VAT tax and legal fees be shared equally between buyer and seller unless otherwise agreed upon.

  • Real Property Tax is an annual tax levied on real estate by the Bahamian government, based on the property’s classification and market value. The property tax is calculated using a progressive tier system and the specific rate depends on how the property is used and the nationality of the owner.

    Example: Owner-Occupied (Primary residence where the owner permanently or seasonally lives)

    First $300,000 - Conditionally Exempt (Tax-Free)

    Next $200,000 - 0.625%

    Over $500,000 - 1.0%

  • Yes, you will need to obtain a building permit from the Long Island Town Planning department. A local architect or engineer would be able to assist with this.

  • Yes. Customarily additional specialists can be hired from throughout the islands.

    Non-resident architects can be used but they cannot work in the Bahamas without a permit. All building plans must be signed off by a local licensed architect and local engineers before submitting for approval.

    We always recommend using Bahamian vs. foreign expertise in order to enjoy the benefits of applying local customs and procedures.

  • As an owner of a home valued at a minimum of $250,000 you can apply for annual residency. An owner of a home valued at $1,000,000 or greater can apply for Economic Permanent Residency.

    Annual Residency Permit: Allows non-Bahamian nationals to live in the Bahamas for purposes other than employment such as retirement. There is an annual permit fee which varies based on your specific category.

    Economic Permanent Residency: Grants you a lifetime residency. This status allows you to reside in the country freely but it does not grant you the right to work or be gainfully employed without a separate work permit.

    Work Permit: Bahamian employers must sponsor foreign nationals’ applications and prove that no qualified Bahamian citizen are available for the job.

    Other options include permanent residency and permanent residency with the right to work.