Buying property in The Bahamas, explained.
What it really costs, how closing works for non-Bahamians, and an introduction to a licensed Bahamian broker who knows your island.
Five markets, very different prices.
New Providence & Paradise Island
$600K median · 71 sales
Nassau: most deals, widest price range, closest to schools, banks and airlift.
Grand Bahama
$475K median · 15 sales
Freeport and Lucaya: the value entry point and the closest large island to Palm Beach.
Abaco
$1.18M median · 27 sales
Boating capital; Hope Town and Marsh Harbour; strong rental demand.
Eleuthera & Harbour Island
$2.15M median · 10 sales
Pink-sand beaches and the highest median price in Q2 2026.
Exuma
$1.43M median · 2 sales
Turquoise cays, premium second homes, a thin market with few sales each quarter.
Median residential sale price and closed sales, Q2 2026. Source: Graham Real Estate, Q2 2026 market report.
Estimate your closing costs.
Foreign buyers pay 10% VAT on the conveyance, customarily split with the seller. A 2026 worked example put the buyer’s total at about 7.75% of price with VAT split and about 12.75% if the buyer pays everything.
Sources: ParrisWhittaker, Buying property in The Bahamas (2026); The Rio Times, Buying property in the Bahamas (2026). Estimates only — your attorney confirms actual costs.
Read the full cost guide →Nine steps from offer to recorded deed.
- Agree terms and instruct a licensed Bahamian attorney
- Title search across the registries
- Survey, inspection and association checks
- Register with the Bahamas Investment Authority, or apply for a permit if needed
- Obtain the VAT invoice
- Sign the conveyance in person (wet signatures)
- Pay VAT within 180 days
- Record the deed within 180 days
- File the beneficial-interest declaration within 30 days
Typical closing takes several months; in Q2 2026 the average was 139 days to close. Sources: ParrisWhittaker, Buying property in The Bahamas (2026); Graham Real Estate, Q2 2026 market report.
Thinking of living here?
A purchase of US$1,000,000 or more can support an application for Economic Permanent Residency, with accelerated processing from US$1,500,000. Homeowners can also apply for an annual Home Owner resident card.
Read the residency guide →US$1M EPR minimum since Jan 1, 2025
US$1.5M accelerated processing
Source: ParrisWhittaker, Buying property in The Bahamas (2026). Approval rests with the Bahamian government.
Tell us what you are looking for
We introduce you to one licensed Bahamian real estate broker who fits your island and budget. BahaRealty.com does not list, show or sell property.
No payment details or documents. Submitting does not create an agreement or booking.
Common questions
Can foreigners buy property in The Bahamas?
Yes. Non-Bahamians can buy homes and land. A permit under the International Persons Landholding Act is generally needed for undeveloped land over two acres or property intended for commercial or rental use. Your attorney confirms what applies.
Is BahaRealty.com a real estate brokerage?
No. We are an independent guide. In The Bahamas, only licensed Bahamian brokers may market and sell property, so every introduction we make is to a licensed broker.
How much VAT does a foreign buyer pay?
Foreign buyers pay VAT at a flat 10% on the conveyance. It is customarily split equally between buyer and seller, but that is negotiable. Since July 2025 it must be paid within 180 days of the deed.
Can I get residency by buying property?
A purchase of at least US$1,000,000 can support an application for Economic Permanent Residency, with accelerated processing from US$1,500,000. Homeowners can also apply for an annual Home Owner resident card. Approval rests with the Bahamian government.
Work with BahaRealty.com.
Licensed brokers and agents, developers, lenders, attorneys and relocation firms: receive qualified introductions or refer clients into the network.
Referral partnerships run through Referrals.com and Referral.com.
Related guides.
The Bahamas Buyer Brief
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