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Buying property in Barbados

The process of purchasing property in Barbados is similar to the UK because the island’s laws are based on the English system. However, there are important differences which we highlight on this page.

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International buyers are well accustomed to the protections afforded to the buyer of units in other jurisdictions, particularly in the UK, and are likely to expect the same safeguards to apply in Barbados.

We are experienced in dealing with Bajan property and the professionals on the island. We have extensive experience of dealing with real estate development and off plan sales, both internationally as well as in the UK and we are aware of the differences between jurisdictions and the concerns of a buyer. We are aware of the various protections that an international buyer is likely to expect to have the benefit of in the current economic climate.

The Bajan Government have introduced the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp to allow visitors the option to work remotely from Barbados for a year at a time. This could boost long-term rental and buyer demand on the island. The new visa costs $2,000 for an individual visa or $3,000 for a ‘family bundle’ and visa-holders will not have to pay income tax whilst working in Barbados, therefore avoiding the issue of double taxation.

One key stipulation applied by the Barbados authorities is that all applicants should expect to earn over $50,000 per annum or have the means to support themselves, and their spouse/dependants, for 12 months.

Once you have you have been approved for the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp, you will be able to re-apply at least two more times to extend your visa.

When purchasing a property in Barbardos, the following process will take place:

  • Price is negotiated upfront in advance of exchanging contracts;
  • Price is negotiated upfront in advance of exchanging contracts;
  • On exchange, you pay a deposit to the seller and will be committed to purchase the property;
  • Title to the property will be investigated to check that the seller has right to sell – local attorneys will undertake the conveyancing searches required;
  • New-build property requires planning permission from the Town and Country Planning Office and certificate to show that the building was constructed in compliance with planning guidelines. There is no building regulation regime so you will be reliant on the developer’s expertise to ensure the quality of the work;
  • Documents need to be signed in front of a Bajan attorney (or your signature can be notarized in the UK);
  • Registration is not generally compulsory in Barbados and your title is likely therefore to remain unregistered. A Condominium Declaration will be required for apartments and that has to be recorded at the land registry.

There is no equivalent for Bajan property of NHBC cover, which is generally provided for a new-build property in England. It is therefore important to negotiate the contract to ensure you are adequately protected and the developer is required to construct the property diligently and to the agreed quality and specification.

Contracts are commonly provide for stage or down payments as construction progresses. It is also important to ensure that there is adequate protection for those payments, for example by adding a provision for them to be held in a separate secure escrow account until completion of the building.

When purchasing a property in Barbardos, the following process will take place:

  • Price is negotiated upfront in advance of exchanging contracts;
  • Price is negotiated upfront in advance of exchanging contracts;
  • On exchange, you pay a deposit to the seller and will be committed to purchase the property;
  • Title to the property will be investigated to check that the seller has right to sell – local attorneys will undertake the conveyancing searches required;
  • New-build property requires planning permission from the Town and Country Planning Office and certificate to show that the building was constructed in compliance with planning guidelines. There is no building regulation regime so you will be reliant on the developer’s expertise to ensure the quality of the work;
  • Documents need to be signed in front of a Bajan attorney (or your signature can be notarized in the UK);
  • Registration is not generally compulsory in Barbados and your title is likely therefore to remain unregistered. A Condominium Declaration will be required for apartments and that has to be recorded at the land registry.

Exchange controls restrict the ability of non-residents to obtain loans in Barbados. The correct procedures must be followed when bringing in funds for your purchase and repatriating your gain when you come to sell.

Your funds will have to be registered with the Central Bank of Barbados to ensure repatriation of money following your sale. Non-residents also need permission to purchase the property from the Exchange Control Authority of the Central Bank of Barbados.

We can assist you with UK tax advice in respect of buying the property and the most efficient way of doing so and will work with local advisers in Barbados as needed. If appropriate, after having taken the relevant tax advice, we can assist you in setting up an offshore company to hold your property to simplify repatriation of any gain from the sale of your property. The cost of setting up and running a company structure would, of course, need to be offset against the potential savings in time and money and would also need to be the correct decision for you from a tax perspective.

ARTICLE

Owning property in Barbados: taxation and expenses

The process of purchasing property in Barbados is similar to the UK.  However, there are important differences.  This articles provides a useful summary of the legal fees and taxes incurred when purchasing a Bajan property.

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Our team

Charlie Tee

Charlie Tee

Partner | London

Charlie Tee

Partner | London

Private client and tax

James Martell

James Martell

Partner | London

James Martell

Partner | London

Real estate

Jeremy M Wakeham

Jeremy M Wakeham

Partner | London

Jeremy M Wakeham

Partner | London

Real estate

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma

Senior associate | London

Priya Sharma

Senior associate | London

Real estate

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Our website will give you a flavour of the advice we provide - if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.

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