A Complete Guide to Buying Property in the Exuma Islands, Bahamas

All you need to know about buying real estate in the Exumas

1. Introduction

Belonging to the Bahamian archipelago, the Exumas is a long stretching expanse of 365 cays. The district of Exuma is renowned for its stunning turquoise water, powdery soft beaches and lush vegetation. With an abundance of natural beauty and enough cays to visit one each day of the year it's easy to see why the Exuma islands are such a desirable place to own a home.

Exuma is split into 3 different areas: Great Exuma, Little Exuma and the Exuma Cays. Great Exuma and Little Exuma are associated with relaxed island living and are popular tourist destinations, while the Exuma Cays are known for their luxury private homes and private islands.

The main settlement in Exuma is George Town, which is home to a variety of shops and amenities. Exuma International Airport (GGT) is a 30 minutes drive from George Town and has regular arrivals from Atlanta, Toronto and Nassau.

The Exumas benefits from a tropical climate with year round warm temperatures. The average temperature in summer is approxiately 24 °C / 75°F, with the temperature around 18°C / 65°F in the winter months.

2. Why Choose Exuma to Buy Your Home?

There are so many reasons why people buy a home in Exuma, many come to visit our cays and fall in love with the pristine natural beauty and relaxed way of life, while others prefer the active lifestyle; with sailing, golfing, fishing, watersports all popular pastimes here. It is understandable why so many choose our cays to purchase a vacation home, an investment property or even make the permanent move to paradise.

Below we have compiled a list detailing just some of the reasons why people decide to buy a home here:

  • Foreign investment friendly
  • Stable economy and government
  • Close proximity to U.S.A and Canada
  • Popular tourist destination with homes offering excellent rental potential
  • Exuma has direct flights from Atlanta, Florida and Toronto, with many connecting flights changing at Nassau also.
  • Low taxes, with no income tax
  • The year round warm climate
  • An area of outstanding natural beauty
  • Property values in Exuma remain steady
  • Wide variety of properties available
  • The option to have permanent residency when you own a property valued $500,000 or more

3. Things to Think About Before Buying a Property in Exuma

Before viewing properties, a private island or a lot of land it is worth collating a list of what you are looking for from your purchase.

What are your non-negotiables and what are you more flexible about? For example, do you have your heart set on a particular cay or are you open to viewing various locations?

Are there amenities that you need to be close to? For example, is a sea view a must or perhaps privacy is your priority?

It would also be worth considering your budget, the number of rooms you require and the style of home you prefer. Do you require finance for your purchase? (See section 6 of this article for more information on how to finance a home in Exuma).

Share your list with one of our expert Engel & Völkers Real Estate Advisors, whom would be more than happy to answer any questions that you have and can advise you on property availability based on your criteria. Click here to meet our team or here to contact us.

4. Can Expats Buy a Property in Exuma?

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Exuma.

The International Persons Landholding Act (1994) replaced the Property Act (1981), which made the process for foreigners buying property in the Bahamas easier.

A government permit is required if you are purchasing more than 5 acres of land, if the land is undeveloped or it is being purchased for commercial use. If it does not fall into the aforementioned categories then the property only needs to be registered with the investment board and Central Bank.

5. The Buying Process: What to Expect

When you have found the right property and you are ready to purchase, a lawyer is highly recommended work alongside your Engel & Völkers advisor to prepare all documents ready for sale. A lawyer will also check validity of the title and check encumbrances (your advisor will be able to recommend a lawyer if you do not have one pre-arranged).

If you require finance for your property then your advisor would organize an appraisal of the property for the lenders.

When the sale price is agreed, your lawyer and the vendor's lawyer will prepare a detailed contract of sale. A 10% deposit will be required alongside signing the contract to reserve the property.

Your lawyer and advisor will make sure everything is in order ready for the completion date, which will be pre-agreed with you in advance. On average it would take around 8 weeks, however when finance is required the process can take longer. Please note, each property sale and circumstance is different so 8 weeks is an average rather than an exact timeframe.

6. Taxes and charges

Stamp Duty

  • A 2.5% stamp duty is charged on all properties valued under $100,000
  • A 10% stamp duty is charged on all real estate over $100,000
  • Custom dictates that the seller and the buyer share the stamp duty charges equally unless another arrangement is agreed before the sale is completed

VAT Registered

  • If you are VAT registered then it is possible to claim back 7.5% VAT on commercial property sales

Real Property Tax

Owner occupied property tax:

  • The first $250,000 is exempt from tax
  • If the property is valued between $250,000 - $500,000 the rate is 0.75 of 1%
  • Property valued between $500,000 - $5,000,000 has a rate of 1%
  • Properties with a market value of over $5,000,000 the rate is 0.25%
  • Since 2013 there has been a ceiling of $50,000 on owner occupied properties

Vacant Land (unless exempt from Section 39 of the Real Property Tax Act):

  • The first $7000 of the market value is $100
  • Over $7000 of the market value is 1.5% per year

All other property types:

  • First $500,000 of market value is 1%
  • Over $500,000 of market value is 2%

Commercial property:

  • Properties with a market value of $500,000 or below have a 1% charge per year
  • Properties with a market value over $500,000 are charged at 2% per year

Exemptions from property duty:

  • Property that is owned by Bahamians and situated in the Family islands.
  • Property approved as commercial farmland (by the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources and the Minister Finance) may be eligible for property tax exemptions.
  • Unimproved property owned by Bahamians (property without any physical additions or alterations or any works benefiting the land, which have not increased the value thereof by $5,000 or more.
  • Places of worship, school buildings, gardens and play areas.
  • Property owned by foreign governments
  • Property owned by foreign nations and used for consult offices or residences of consular officials and employees.
  • Property used exclusively for non-profit charitable or public services.

Permits

Please note that permits are required for the following:

  • On any property that is over 2 acres
  • Any property that you choose to partially or fully rent out
  • Any property that is for commercial use

7. Can I Obtain Finance on a property in the Exumas?

Yes expats can obtain finance in the Exumas.

Generally, a 30% deposit is required to qualify for finance.

In accordance to the Housing Act, the lenders you choose must be pre-approved by the Minister of housing here in the Bahamas. Here is a link to all pre-approved lenders.

You advisor will be able to help with any questions you may have regarding finance.

8. Do you need a visa to live in Exuma?

Citizens of the USA, United Kingdom and Canada do not require visas providing their stay does not exceed 3 weeks and that they have a return ticket to leave the Bahamas. US Citizens no not need visas if their stays are less than 8 months. Bahamas Immigration Department permits are required if an individual wishes to reside, work or engage in any business in the Bahamas.

9. How do you obtain a residency card to live in the Exuma islands?

Non-Bahamian property owners can apply for a homeowner's residency card. These are $500 per year. The resident cards allow families to enter and leave the Bahamas and to freely live there. There is also an additional $100 processing fee per applicant.

Major International owners of property valued at $1,500,000 or over will receive quick consideration for their annual or permanent residency permits. All applicants must be of good character, show evidence of financial support and submit in writing their wish to live permanently in the Bahamas. Spouses and dependents (under 18 years) whom are usually resident in a household may be endorsed on the certificate when the original application is made. For details contact:

Bahamas Investment Authority
Office of the Prime Minister
Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre
PO Box CB 10980
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel.: 242 327-5970
www.bahamas.com/investment
email: biaphmi@batelnet.bs

Or you can also contact the immigration office in Exuma for more information:

Department of Immigration
Exuma
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 336-2569
Vibe.(242) 225-1349
Fax.(242) 336-3569
Email: immigration@bahamas.gov.bs
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

10. Buying property for a rental investment

There are no restrictions on expats buying property in the Exumas with the view to renting them out. In fact, renting out your property can offer a fantastic income on the Exuma Islands as it is a very popular location for vacations.

There are no government restrictions on rental amounts and these can be freely negotiated between landlord and tenant.

A license is required for all foreign owned rental property. The cost of this permit is as follows:

  • Properties valued less that $250,000 have not additional cost
  • Properties valued between $250,000 - $500,000 have a 0.75% tax
  • Properties over $500,000 are taxed 1%

In line with the 'International Persons Landholding Act', Expats renting out their property have to apply for a permit. The fees are as follows:

  • Registering and applying for permit $50
  • Permit $500
  • Certificate of registration - between $50 - $100 (depending on house value)

Owner Occupied Rentals

Owner occupied rentals are homes that are used by the owner as a dwelling houses on a permanent or seasonal basis. Owners of such properties with more than one bedroom are required to collect a 6% hotel guest tax from their tenants. Licenses to rent this type of property must be obtained through the local Family Island Administrator Office, or the Hotel Licensing Department of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in Nassau, Bahamas.

11. Infrastructure in the Exumas

The infrastructure in the Exumas is ever expanding and adapting to the needs of its residents. The island has become easier to access with the regular international and national arrivals from Exuma International airport.

Once in Great Exuma, there is cable, reliable telephone lines and Internet, sewage removal, clean water and electricity. The Exumas is also passionate about recycling and has its own recycling center.

Below is some information that may be useful when planning to move to the Exuma islands. If you have any further questions, click here and one of our experienced advisors will be more than happy to assist you.

Currency

The currency in the Exumas is Bahamian dollars (BSD), which operate at a like for like exchange rate as the US dollar.

Exuma International Airport (GGT)

Situated 15 miles north west of George Town, Exuma International Airport receives regular arrivals from Atlanta, Florida, Toronto and Nassau.

Website: http://www.exumaairport.com/

Phone Number: +1 242 524 9118

Doctors surgeries in Exuma

Island Med Medical Centre,

George Town,

Tel: 242-336-2220

Exuma Community Mini- Hospital,

George Town,

Tel:242-336-2088

Electricity Supplier in Exuma

Bahamas Power and Light,

Black Point,

George Town,

P.O Box N-7509,

Tel:242-336-2022

Website: http://www.bahamaselectricity.com

Water supplier in Exuma

Naturally Fresh Water,

Queen's Highway,

George Town,

Tel: 242-336-3343

Cable Company (also suppliers of internet and telephone services)

REV,

Queen's Highway,

Georgetown,

BAF Building - 322-CASH (2274)

Website: https://www.cablebahamas.com/revtv/packages/

Internet Supplier

BTC are a company that is based in George Town and Black Point

Website: http://www.btcbahamas.com/locations

12. About Us

Our mission is to provide the highest quality real estate service for luxury real estate in Great Exuma and The Exuma Cays. We invite you to join our social media sites to get the most up to date news, information and market. For immediate real estate services that demand a quick response, experienced strategy and creative solutions our professionaly licensed brokers and advisors are ready to serve you. Please enjoy searching our listings.

Meet Jenny Kettel our expert real estate advisor in Exuma.

Jenny has 15 years experience in the real estate industry and originally joined Bahamas Waterfront Properties (now Engel & Völkers Bahamas) in 2007 as sales executive for Great Exuma. She is a graduate of Harvard University, a Justice of The Peace and has served on the local government board in Exuma for many years. Jenny is deeply involved with the wider community and along with her husband Chris founded the Exuma Foundation, which has successfully supported a diverse list of educational initiatives.

Over the years, Jenny has developed a large following of very loyal clientele who buy and sell some of the finest waterfront property in the Exumas. She is always generous with her time and information and values assisting the needs of real estate enthusiasts who are keen on making Exuma their permanent or part-time home.

Engel & Völkers is one of the world's leading service companies specialised in the sale and rental of premium residential property, commercial real estate, yachts and aircrafts. Based in over 700 locations in total, Engel & Völkers offers both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of services. Leasing, sales, consultancy and valuations form the core competences of the staff of more than 8,500 employees. The company is currently operating in 32 countries on four continents.