A Personal Welcome from Glenn Ferguson

Hello, I'm Glenn Ferguson, a luxury real estate specialist and residency consultant with 20+ years helping international clients buying real estate in the Bahamas discover their slice of paradise.

Having seen tens of property transactions throughout Nassau and nearby islands, I've gained firsthand insights into what makes The Bahamas property market exceptional—and how to master its nuances.

Searching for a stunning oceanfront property or smart investment? Book a private consultation today.

Why I'm Telling All My Clients About The Bahamas Right Now

Look, I've been doing this a long time, and honestly, I haven't seen the Bahamas market looking this good in years. Here's the real deal for 2025:

• Luxury spots in Nassau are up 8-12% - that's just in the last year
• The tax situation is still incredible - literally zero income tax, property tax, capital gains tax
• They're finally fixing up the infrastructure without wrecking what makes this place special
• You can actually get here now - there are direct flights from pretty much everywhere
• All these remote workers with money are showing up and buying properties

I've got clients in some Nassau neighborhoods who've seen their places triple in value. No joke. One guy I worked with bought a beachfront house for $1.2 million back in 2015. Someone just offered him $3.4 million for it last month. That's the kind of growth I'm talking about.

Want to know which neighborhoods I'm telling my clients to look at right now? Grab my Nassau property report and see for yourself.

"How Do I Buy Property in The Bahamas?" - The Process Explained

After helping international clients through Bahamas property purchases, here's exactly how we'll handle your purchase:

1. Finding Your Perfect Property

I first ask new clients: "What are you looking for - vacation home, permanent residence, or pure investment?" Based on your answer, we'll look at different areas. Current luxury property prices (March 2025):

My team then handles all due diligence:

• 30+ year title search through the Bahamas Registry of Records
• Boundary verification with certified surveyors
• Permit verification through the Ministry of Works
• Environmental assessments when needed

2. Making An Offer That Gets Accepted

In today's competitive Bahamas market, here's how we maximize your chances:

• The average luxury property in Nassau receives 3-4 offers
• Most properties sell within 8% of asking price
• Typical escrow deposit: 10% (held by Bahamian attorneys)
• Average time from offer to acceptance: 5-7 days

3. Navigating Legal Requirements

The Bahamas Real Estate Association and Central Bank require specific steps for foreign buyers:

• Central Bank approval (processing time: 14-21 days)
• Investment Board certificate (if property exceeds $1.5M)
• International Persons Landholding Act permit ($500 fee)
• Government stamp duty (ranges from 2.5% to 12% based on purchase price)

Need help with these requirements? Connect with my trusted attorneys 

4. After You Own It

My client relationships don't end at closing. My team offers:

• Property management (average monthly cost: 1-1.5% of property value annually)
• Rental program setup (typical occupancy rates: 60-85% depending on location)
• Renovation coordination with leading Bahamian contractors
• Regular market updates and investment opportunities

"Can I Get Residency Through Buying Property in The Bahamas?"

Yes - and I've guided families through this process with the Department of Immigration.

Investing $750,000+ qualifies you for accelerated permanent residency, processed through the Prime Minister's Office. Here's what you get:

• Certificate of Permanent Residence (processing time: 6-12 months)
• No minimum stay requirements, unlike other Caribbean programs
• Path to citizenship after 10 years of residency
• Travel freedom throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

A Chicago family I worked with submitted their application through the Investment Board after buying a $1.2 million Nassau condominium. Eight months later, they received approval - about 30% faster than the typical processing time.

Want to know if you qualify? Take my 2-minute residency assessment based on current Immigration Department criteria.

"Where Should I Buy in The Bahamas?" - Top Locations for 2025

Based on my market data analysis and the Bahamas Real Estate Association's quarterly reports:

Nassau's Eastern Road

• Average price appreciation: 10-12% annually since 2022
• Luxury waterfront properties: $3-7 million range
• Land value per acre: $1.5-2.8 million
• New Providence Preparatory School and other top international schools nearby
• 15 minutes to Lynden Pindling International Airport

Paradise Island

• Ocean Club Residences currently selling at $1,800-2,200 per square foot
• Rental income potential: $15,000-25,000/week during peak season
• Atlantis and Ocean Club amenities accessible to residents
• New Four Seasons development adding premium inventory in Q3 2025
• 80% of my Paradise Island clients see positive cash flow in year one

Lyford Cay

• Ultra-luxury gated community with 24/7 security
• Properties range from $3.5-30+ million
• Exclusive Lyford Cay Club membership available to residents
• Average days on market: 46 (compared to Nassau's average of 92)
• Typical buyer profile: UHNW families seeking privacy and prestige

Which area matches your needs? Try my interactive property map with neighborhood statistics updated monthly.

"What Are The Tax Benefits of Buying in The Bahamas?"

As verified by top accounting firms like PwC and Ernst & Young:

• No income tax (0% compared to 37%+ in the US or 45%+ in the UK)
• No capital gains tax when you sell your property
• No inheritance/estate tax
• Property tax structure (updated January 2025):
  • Under $500,000: Exempt
  • $500,000-$1M: 0.75% annually
  • $1M-$5M: 1% annually
  • Above $5M: 1.25% annually

A California client working with Deloitte calculated her tax savings: establishing Bahamian residency while maintaining her investment portfolio saves approximately $2.8 million over ten years - that's real money back in your pocket.

"How Do I Finance a Bahamas Property Purchase?"

While most clients purchase with cash, attractive financing exists:

• FirstCaribbean International Bank offers up to 70% LTV for qualified foreign buyers
• Scotiabank Bahamas provides 15-30 year terms
• Current interest rates:
  • $1-3M properties: 4.5-5.5%
  • $3M+ properties: 4.0-5.0%
• Down payment requirements: 30-40% for non-residents
• Typical closing costs: 7-15% of purchase price (including stamp duty)

Need personalized financing options? Schedule a call with me, and I'll put you in touch with someone who specializes in luxury property financing.

"Is The Bahamas Safe for Property Investment?"

This question comes up a lot. Here are the facts:

• Property rights are based on British common law and strongly protected
• The Bahamas has maintained a stable democratic government since 1973
• Government ministries like Finance, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs actively support foreign investment
• The Investment Board provides additional protection for international investors
• The Central Bank of The Bahamas maintains strict financial regulations and stable currency

According to the Bahamas Investment Authority, foreign direct investment increased 18% in 2024, with real estate representing the largest sector.

Think The Bahamas Might Be Right For You?

Listen, I've been doing this for over 20 years now. I've seen what works and what doesn't. My team and I have gotten pretty good at making this whole process painless. We handle all the complicated stuff - finding the right property, dealing with the legal headaches, sorting out financing options, all that.

Let's jump on a call and talk about what you're looking for. The Bahamas isn't just beaches and sunshine - though we've got plenty of both. It's honestly one of the smartest places to put your money in 2025.

FAQs About Buying Bahamas Real Estate

1. How long does the entire purchase process take for foreigners?

• From finding a property to closing, expect 60-90 days. Central Bank approval takes 2-3 weeks, and the rest involves legal work and financing arrangements.

2. What's the minimum investment for foreign buyers?

• There's no legal minimum, but properties under $750,000 don't qualify for expedited residency. Most foreign buyers invest $1M+ for better properties and residency benefits.

3. Can I rent out my Bahamas property when I'm not using it?

• Absolutely. Short-term vacation rentals in prime areas typically achieve 60-85% occupancy with strong yields. My property management service handles everything from marketing to maintenance.

4. What are the annual costs of owning Bahamas real estate?

• Budget 1-2% of property value for maintenance, insurance runs 0.5-1%, property taxes 0-1.25%, and optional HOA fees in gated communities average $5,000-25,000 annually depending on amenities.

5. How does buying in The Bahamas compare to other Caribbean destinations?

• The Bahamas offers stronger property rights, better air connections, superior infrastructure, and more sophisticated financial services than most Caribbean alternatives. Property appreciation has consistently outperformed places like Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

About Glenn Ferguson

Born and raised in Nassau, I combine local knowledge with international real estate expertise. As a Licensed Bahamas Real Estate Agent and Residency Consultant, I've been helping international families with their Bahamas real estate anneds for over 20 years. And maintain relationships with the Bahamas Investment Authority, Ministry of Finance, and Department of Immigration to ensure my clients receive accurate guidance.

My team includes legal counsel, property managers, and investment advisors to provide truly comprehensive service.

Reach me directly at (242)-395-8495 or ASK Glenn to start your journey buying real estate in the Bahamas today.