New Providence and Paradise Island Property for Sale in the Bahamas

Nassau, the capital, has historic buildings, government offices and a cruise port. Paradise Island, connected by bridge, has the Atlantis resort, marinas and upmarket residences. Cable Beach, west of Nassau, has hotels, casinos and condos. Lyford Cay is an exclusive gated community with large estates in the west, while Old Fort Bay and Ocean Club Estates are other high-end enclaves. Eastern areas such as Eastern Road have sea-view homes, and the south-west has more affordable neighbourhoods.

Nassau's airport has direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe. Hurricane exposure is a fact of life in the Bahamas, and building to code with impact windows and shutters is the norm.

Foreigners can buy property in the Bahamas, and there is no ban on foreign ownership, but non-resident buyers may need to register the purchase with the Central Bank for exchange control purposes and apply for a permit if they buy larger acreages. Stamp duty on conveyances is substantial, often around 10% of the price for property over a threshold, typically split between buyer and seller by negotiation. There is no income tax or capital gains tax, but an annual real property tax applies, with different rates for owner-occupied and non-resident property. The Bahamas has also offered permanent residence and long-term residence options for property owners above certain values. Confirm details with a Bahamian attorney.

Our Bahamas buying guide and financing page explain more. Insurance is a key cost, so ask for quotes early.

Land titles in the Bahamas are registered under a deeds system, and an attorney should carry out a title search that goes back several decades. Utility connections and road access can be basic in the outer parts of the island, and some newer subdivisions lack full services. Crime levels vary by neighbourhood, so research the area and ask local contacts. Building costs are high because materials are imported, and construction timelines can be long. If you plan to rent the property, verify licensing and tax rules for short-term rentals, and note that tourism is the backbone of the economy, with peak season from December to April.

The Bahamas has 700 islands. Nearby options include Nassau, Abaco, Grand Bahama Freeport, Eleuthera, Exuma and Long Island. See the Bahamas hub and use the valuation tool to check an asking price. Compare cheaper Bahamas listings for budgets.