Gerald Petty, Licensed Agent, in partnership with Bahamaland Realty

Buying here is simpler when someone walks you through it

Whether it's your first Bahamian purchase or your tenth, you'll know what comes next at every stage.

  • Listings matched to youTell me your budget, island, and must-haves. I'll send only what fits.
  • Clear on costs and financingI'll explain closing costs, taxes, and lending options before you make an offer.
  • Guided through title and legal stepsI work alongside your attorney so nothing surprises you at closing.
  • Negotiation in your cornerTwo decades of contract and deal experience, working for your best price.

Common questions from buyers

Straight answers, no jargon.

Can I buy property in the Bahamas if I live abroad?

Foreign buyers can generally own property here. Depending on the size and intended use, some purchases need registration or a permit. I'll explain what applies to you, and your attorney will confirm it.

What costs should I expect besides the price?

Plan for legal fees, stamp duty, and other closing costs. I'll give you a written estimate for the specific property before you commit.

How long does a purchase usually take?

It varies with financing, title work, and approvals. I'll map out a realistic timeline once we know the property and your situation.

Can you help me find rental or investment property?

Yes. Choose "Invest" at the top of this page and I'll send options that suit your goals and budget.

Buyer readiness profile

Tell me about your timeline and how you plan to pay, and I will line up the right properties and next steps. Takes about two minutes. Please do not type bank account numbers, ID numbers or passwords here. Proof of funds and ID are collected separately, securely, when you are ready.

Start with your numbers

Fill in at least one. An estimate is fine, and I keep it private.

Buyer tools and free guides

Everything for buying in one place: plan your savings, see what buying really costs, find a price that fits your budget, and download a free guide.

Buying your first home

For Bahamian citizens and residents: how to budget, line up a mortgage, and know your closing costs before you offer.

  • Mortgage basicsLenders look at income, debts, your down payment and the property. Get pre-approved before you shop and compare rates, terms and fees.
  • Closing costsPlan for legal fees, government VAT on the transfer and other costs on top of the price. I will give you a written estimate before you make an offer.
  • For Bahamian citizensAsk your attorney and lender whether any terms or exemptions for citizens apply, as rules can change.

1. How much do I need to save?

Enter your savings goal, for example your down payment. See how much to put aside each week and each month, and how many years it takes.

Not sure of your goal?

Your results appear next to this form on a computer, and just below it on a phone. They update as you type.

2. What will it cost to buy?

Choose the kind of property, who is buying and how you will pay. You will see the down payment, government VAT, legal fees and other costs, and the loan payment if you borrow.

Change my assumptions

Your results appear next to this form on a computer, and just below it on a phone. They update as you type.

3. What can I afford?

Start from the monthly payment you are comfortable with. The estimate shows a price range you could look at.

Change my assumptions

Your results appear next to this form on a computer, and just below it on a phone. They update as you type.

An estimate only. It leaves out insurance and property tax, and your lender decides how much you qualify for.

Free buyer guides

Choose a guide, enter your name and email, and it downloads instantly. I will also send you the occasional new listing that fits what you are looking for.

First-Time
Home Buyer
Guide

First-Time Home Buyer's Guide to the Bahamas

A one-page guide to budgeting, mortgages, closing costs and the steps to your first home.

Buying in the
Out Islands

A Guide to Buying Real Estate in the Bahamas Out Islands

A one-page guide covering Eleuthera, Harbour Island, the Abacos and more: the buying steps, what to check, and questions to ask before you offer.

Cover preview of the recent sales list

Recent Nassau Sales: What Homes Sold For

A list of recent sales in Nassau and Paradise Island: area, bedrooms and baths, list price, sold price and date.

2026
Market
Update

2026 Bahamas Real Estate Market Update

A one-page review of sales by property type and island, and what changed in the market.

Rates and assumptions used

Everything above uses the numbers below. They were checked on October 5, 2026 and can change. Your attorney confirms the amounts that apply to your purchase.

Government VAT on the transfer of real property (formerly stamp duty)

Value of the propertyBahamian citizen buying as an individual
Up to $100,0002.5%
$100,001 to $300,0004%
$300,001 to $500,0006%
$500,001 to $700,0008%
$700,001 to $1,000,0009%
Over $1,000,00010%
  • Not a Bahamian citizen (foreign buyers), and transfers to companies: a flat 10%.
  • First and only home for a Bahamian citizen: no VAT up to $300,000 and 4% from $300,001 to $500,000.
  • The VAT is usually shared 50/50 between buyer and seller, unless the contract says otherwise.
  • Legal fees: about 3% of the price as a planning estimate, plus 10% VAT on the fee. The Bahamas Bar Association’s suggested scale for acting for one side is 2.5% plus VAT, so your attorney’s actual quote may be a little lower or higher.
  • Agent’s commission: 6% on developed property and 10% on vacant land, plus VAT. It is normally paid by the seller, so it is shown separately above.
  • Mortgage: 7.5% interest over 25 years unless you change them. The bank sets the real rate.
  • Miscellaneous costs: 2.5% of the price as a cautious allowance for survey, title search, valuation, bank fees, insurance and similar costs. It is not a quote.

Not included: annual real property tax, insurance, community or HOA fees, moving and furnishing, and any permit or registration fees for non-Bahamians.

Sources: the Bahamas Real Estate Association page “Taxes & Bahamas Real Estate”, the Bahamas Bar Association suggested fee scale, and the closing practice described in Bahamaland Realty’s own offer form. Rules and rates change, so please confirm with your attorney.

These calculators give estimates for planning only. They are not legal, tax or financial advice and they are not a loan offer.

Planning a visit?

Tell me when you will be in the Bahamas and what you would like to see. I will line up viewings and confirm the times with you.

  • Viewings lined up before you landShare your dates, island and the kind of property. I will suggest properties that fit and arrange the viewings.
  • Not ready to travel? Ask for a video tourI can arrange a video tour so you can shortlist before you fly.
  • Honest about timingViewing times depend on owners and tenants, so I confirm each one with you rather than promise a slot up front.

Request a viewing

Takes about a minute. I will reply personally to confirm times.

Sending this does not book a viewing. I will contact you to confirm the properties and times.

Let's talk about your next move

The fastest way to reach me is WhatsApp. Call or email works too.

Free guide

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