Bahamas Real Estate Market Snapshot
The Bahamas luxury market outperformed the global average in 2024 and luxury sales volume surged 68% in 2025. Here are the numbers that matter for buyers entering the market now.
Prime residential price growth of 5.1% exceeded both the Knight Frank global average (3.6%) and the 3.7% average across leading “sun” destinations. Inventory remains approximately 20% below prior-year levels, creating a supply-constrained environment where well-priced properties move quickly. The average daily rate for entire-place short-term rentals reached $510.80 — up 11.8% year-on-year — underscoring the strength of vacation rental demand. Sources: Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025, Global Property Guide 2025, Central Bank of The Bahamas / AirDNA August 2025.
Which Neighborhood Fits You Best?
Every community has its own character, price range, and buyer profile. Glenn knows every street in these communities and can match you to the right one based on your budget, lifestyle, and whether you’re buying for personal use, rental income, or residency.
Not sure where to start? Tell Glenn your budget and goals and he’ll recommend the community that fits. Read more: All Bahamas Listings · Luxury Homes · Beachfront · Condos · Vacation Homes · Private Islands · Land & Lots
Step-by-step processHow to Buy a Home in Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of the most welcoming Caribbean nations for foreign property buyers. Unlike many island jurisdictions, there are no foreign ownership caps on residential real estate. American, Canadian, British, and international buyers acquire freehold title — the same permanent ownership rights as Bahamian citizens.
Purchases of developed residential property under 2 acres require only registration with the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) — no government permit. Undeveloped land over 5 acres, commercial properties, and properties in certain designated areas may require a BIA permit under the International Persons Landholding Act (IPLA) 1993. Glenn coordinates with your Bahamian attorney to handle all compliance.
Engage Glenn as Your Agent
Define your budget, lifestyle goals, preferred islands, and whether you’re buying for personal use, rental income, or residency. Glenn provides a tailored shortlist within 48 hours.
Tour Properties
In-person viewings or virtual video walkthroughs. Glenn provides comparable sale prices (not just asking prices), days-on-market data, and neighbourhood-specific context for every property.
Make an Offer
Submit with standard contingencies for inspection, financing (if applicable), and condo documents where relevant. Typical deposit: 10% held in the vendor’s attorney escrow account.
Hire a Bahamian Attorney
Required by law. Attorney handles title search, contract preparation, and closing. Fees: 2.5–3.5% of purchase price (Bar Association minimum 3.5% for registered land since January 2026).
Due Diligence & BIA Registration
Title search (Registry of Records, Supreme Court, Companies Registry, Probate Registry), property inspection, survey, HOA review. Register with BIA for foreign buyer clearance.
Obtain VAT Invoice & Close
Under the Conveyancing Amendment Act 2025, the VAT invoice from the Comptroller of Inland Revenue must be obtained and settled before deed execution. Pay VAT on conveyance (10%, commonly split with seller), register the conveyance, and receive title.
Post-Closing & Residency
File Declaration of Real Property with the Department of Inland Revenue. If your purchase is $1M+, Glenn files your Economic Permanent Residency application simultaneously — no separate firm needed.
Read the complete guide: Buying Real Estate in The Bahamas · Foreign Buyer’s Guide · Buyer’s Toolkit
Bahamas Property Taxes & Caribbean Comparison
The Bahamas has no income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax — making it the most tax-friendly property jurisdiction in the Caribbean. Annual real property tax is assessed on a graduated scale with a hard cap of $150,000 per year (Real Property Tax Amendment Act 2023).
Annual Property Tax Rates
| Assessed Value | Owner-Occupied Rate | Non-Owner-Occupied Rate |
|---|---|---|
| First $250,000 | Exempt | 0.75% |
| $250,001 – $500,000 | 0.625% | 1.0% |
| $500,001 – $5,000,000 | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Over $5,000,000 | 1.0% (capped at $150K/yr) | 1.0% (capped at $150K/yr) |
Owner-occupied requires 6+ months annual residence. Bahamian citizens receive additional exemptions up to $300,000. Properties in Freeport are exempt under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. Source: Department of Inland Revenue, Real Property Tax Amendment Act 2023.
How The Bahamas Compares to Other Caribbean Destinations
| Jurisdiction | Transfer Tax | Income Tax | CGT | Inheritance Tax | Annual Property Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahamas | 10% VAT (split) | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0–1% |
| Turks & Caicos | 6.5–12.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | None |
| Cayman Islands | 7.5% | 0% | 0% | 0% | None |
| BVI | 4–12% | 0% | 0% | 0% | Varies |
| Bermuda | Varies | 0% (payroll tax) | 0% | 5–20% | Progressive |
| Barbados | 2.5% | 12.5–28.5% | 0% | 0% | 0.1–0.75% |
Rates shown for foreign buyers. The Bahamas is the only zero-income-tax Caribbean jurisdiction offering both freehold ownership and permanent residency through property investment. Source: Legal 500, Chambers Real Estate 2025, jurisdictional tax authorities.
Use the Bahamas Property Tax Calculator to estimate your annual obligation, or read the complete 2026 tax guide.
Permanent residency through investmentBahamas Residency by Real Estate Investment
Glenn Ferguson structures every qualifying purchase with residency in mind — ensuring your property title, ownership structure, and documentation meet current Department of Immigration requirements from day one. He files the EPR application alongside your property closing, eliminating the need for a separate immigration firm.
The EPR threshold increased from $750,000 to $1,000,000 on 1 January 2025. Standard EPR ($20,000 fee) grants residency without work rights. The $25,000 tier permits you to operate your own business in The Bahamas. Spouse and dependent children under 18 are included on the application ($300 per dependent).
Country-specific guides: American Buyers · British Buyers · Canadian Buyers · Indian Buyers · Full Residency Guide · Eligibility Check
Ready to Start Your Bahamas Property Search?
Tell Glenn your budget, preferred island, and goals. He’ll send a personalised shortlist within 48 hours — including off-market properties and pre-construction opportunities.
Rental Income & Investment Potential
The Bahamas welcomed a record 11.22 million visitors in 2024 (up 16.2% from 2023), and the short-term rental market has expanded from approximately 4,000 listings in 2018 to over 7,000 in 2024 (IMF). The average daily rate for entire-place rentals reached $510.80 — up 11.8% year-on-year (AirDNA/CBOB August 2025). Total room nights sold grew 7.8% in the same period.
Nightly Rental Rates by Area
| Area | Nightly Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Beach / Baha Mar Branded | $400 – $1,200 | Highest yield, resort amenities |
| Exuma | ~$750 | Ultra-luxury, privacy |
| Eleuthera / Harbour Island | $450 – $800 | Boutique travellers, surf |
| Nassau Condos | $150 – $400 | Volume play, consistent demand |
| Paradise Island | $300 – $1,500 | Four Seasons proximity |
A Bahamas vacation rental business licence is required. Rental income is not taxed by the Bahamian government. Budget for property management (20–30% of gross income), insurance (1.5–3% of insured value), and HOA fees where applicable. Glenn provides property-specific pro-formas with seasonal occupancy adjustments — not generic island averages.
Read more: Rental Income Guide
Live MLS feedBrowse Current Nassau Bahamas Listings
Glenn knows the history, comparable sales, and negotiation leverage for every listing below. Before you browse, know that the best properties often sell before they reach the MLS.
Found Something Interesting?
Glenn confirms availability, provides actual closed sale prices for comparable properties, and shares off-market alternatives you won’t find on any listing portal.
Your Bahamas expert
Why Buy Through Glenn Ferguson?
Glenn isn’t a listing portal. He’s a 24-year veteran of the Bahamas luxury market who handles everything from property search to closing to residency. Full MLS access plus off-market inventory, comparable sales data, and the ability to file your EPR application without a separate firm.
Bahamas MLS Member · Residency Consultant · 24+ Years
Off-market access. Many luxury properties in The Bahamas sell before they ever hit the MLS. Glenn has relationships across Lyford Cay, Ocean Club, Albany, Old Fort Bay, and the Family Islands that surface these opportunities first.
Comparable sales data. Online listings show asking prices. Glenn provides actual closed sale prices, price-per-square-foot trends, and days-on-market data that lets you negotiate from a position of knowledge.
Full-service from search to residency. Glenn finds the property, negotiates your purchase, coordinates with Bahamian attorneys, and files your EPR application if applicable. One relationship replaces what typically requires three separate firms.
Rental income projections. For investment buyers, Glenn provides property-specific pro-formas factoring in actual nightly rates, seasonal occupancy, management fees, and operating costs — not generic island averages.
Three Services, One Expert
Luxury Real Estate
Homes, condos, beachfront estates, and private islands across Nassau, Paradise Island, and the Out Islands. Live MLS access and off-market listings.
Browse All ListingsResidency Consulting
Navigate Bahamas permanent residency through property investment. From qualifying purchases to immigration applications, Glenn handles every detail.
Residency GuideDestination Weddings
WPIC-Certified planner and Licensed Marriage Officer with 24+ years of Bahamas wedding expertise. From intimate elopements to luxury celebrations.
Wedding PlanningRead more: About Glenn Ferguson · Complete Buying Guide · 2026 Market Report
Frequently asked questionsBuying Property in The Bahamas
Answers to the questions international buyers ask most, based on Glenn’s 24+ years advising foreign purchasers across every island.
Yes. Foreign nationals purchase residential property with the same freehold ownership rights as Bahamian citizens. No income tax, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax. Owner-occupied developed residential purchases under 2 acres require only registration with the Bahamas Investment Authority — no government permit. Undeveloped land over 5 acres and commercial properties may require a BIA permit under the International Persons Landholding Act (IPLA) 1993. Investments of $1M+ qualify for Economic Permanent Residency. Read the full foreign buyer’s guide.
Entry-level condos in Nassau start around $200,000–$350,000. Mid-range homes in gated communities range from $500,000–$1.5 million. Luxury beachfront estates in Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, and Albany range from $2 million to $50 million+. Budget an additional 10–14% for buyer-side closing costs including VAT on conveyance (10%, commonly split with seller), attorney fees (2.5–3.5%), and inspections. Browse affordable options.
Total buyer-side closing costs are approximately 10–14% of the purchase price. The largest cost is VAT on conveyance — 10% for non-Bahamian purchases over $100,000 (commonly split 50/50 between buyer and seller, but this is negotiable). Attorney fees run 2.5–3.5% (the Bahamas Bar Association raised the minimum to 3.5% for registered land effective January 2026). Additional costs include title insurance (optional), property inspection, survey fees, BIA registration, and prorated HOA/utility costs. There is no stamp duty — it was replaced by VAT on conveyance under the VAT (Amendment) Act 2022. See the buyer’s toolkit.
No. Stamp duty on real estate was replaced by VAT on conveyance under the VAT (Amendment) Act 2022, effective 1 July 2022. Foreign buyers pay 10% VAT on conveyance for purchases over $100,000. Bahamian citizens pay on a sliding scale from 2.5% (under $100K) to 10% (over $1M). The VAT is commonly split 50/50 between buyer and seller, though Glenn regularly negotiates better splits on luxury transactions.
Yes. Foreign nationals who purchase real estate valued at $1,000,000 or more (effective 1 January 2025, increased from $750,000) can apply for Economic Permanent Residency (EPR). Government fee: $20,000 (standard, no work rights) or $25,000 (with the right to operate your own business). Requirements: 10-year hold period, 90 days/year presence, clean police record. Spouse and dependent children under 18 are included ($300 per dependent). Glenn files EPR applications alongside property closings. Full residency guide.
Yes. Americans are the largest group of foreign property buyers in The Bahamas (Knight Frank 2025). The process is straightforward: freehold ownership, no foreign buyer restrictions on developed residential property under 2 acres, no income tax, and the Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar — eliminating currency risk. American buyers who invest $1M+ qualify for Economic Permanent Residency. Read the American buyer’s guide.
Yes. Many condo communities and single-family homes permit short-term rentals, subject to HOA rules and a Bahamas vacation rental business licence. Nassau and Paradise Island generate strong rental income: luxury beachfront units earn $400–$1,200/night at Cable Beach/Baha Mar. The average daily rate for entire-place rentals reached $510.80 in August 2025 (up 11.8% YoY). Rental income is not taxed by the Bahamian government. Rental income guide.
No. Foreign-incorporated entities (US LLCs, UK LTDs, Canadian corporations) cannot hold Bahamas real estate directly. You can purchase through a Bahamian IBC (International Business Company), but this does not satisfy the EPR personal ownership requirement. Most international buyers purchase in their own name for owner-occupied tax rates and EPR qualification. Glenn advises on the best ownership structure for your situation.
It depends on your goals. Ocean Club Estates ($3M–$40M+) for ultra-luxury and Four Seasons access. Lyford Cay ($2M–$30M+) for historic prestige and privacy. Albany ($2M–$25M+) for resort lifestyle and superyacht marina. Old Fort Bay ($2M–$20M+) for gated canal estates. Palm Cay ($500K–$3M) for families and rental income. Cable Beach/Baha Mar ($400K–$5M+) for the strongest short-term rental yields. Explore all neighborhoods above.
Typical timeline: 60–90 days from accepted offer to closing. Steps: engage Glenn, define criteria, tour properties, submit offer (10% deposit), hire Bahamian attorney (2.5–3.5%), complete BIA registration, obtain VAT invoice from the Comptroller (required before deed execution under the Conveyancing Amendment Act 2025), close and register. EPR application can be filed simultaneously. Read the complete buying guide.
Yes. Bahamian law requires a local attorney for conveyancing — title search, contract preparation, and closing. Fees run 2.5–3.5% of the purchase price. The Bahamas Bar Association raised the minimum to 3.5% for registered land effective January 2026 (previously 2.5% since 2006). 5% for unregistered land. As there is no land registry yet in The Bahamas, good title is determined by manual searches across the Registry of Records, Supreme Court, Companies Registry, and Probate Registry. Glenn works with trusted attorneys across every price range.
Yes. RBC Royal Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean, and Scotiabank offer mortgages to foreign buyers — typically 50–70% LTV, 5–8% interest, 15–25 year terms. The average residential mortgage rate was 5.32% in mid-2025 (Central Bank of The Bahamas). Approval takes 4–8 weeks. Most luxury buyers (80%+) pay cash for speed and negotiating leverage. Glenn helps coordinate financing when needed.
Annual property tax (0–1%, capped $150,000/year), hurricane and property insurance (1.5–3% of insured value — mandatory for financed properties), HOA fees ($400–$2,500+/month in gated communities), property management (20–30% of gross rental income), and maintenance (1–2% of property value — salt air accelerates wear on exterior finishes and mechanical systems).
The Bahamas has more private islands for sale than any Caribbean nation. Prices range from $500K for small undeveloped cays to $100M+ for developed private islands in the Exuma Cays. Foreign buyers need a BIA permit for island purchases (over 2 acres undeveloped). Development requires separate permits. Glenn has access to both listed and off-market island opportunities. Browse private islands.
Yes. Properties within the Freeport economic zone on Grand Bahama are exempt from real property tax under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. This exemption applies to both Bahamian and foreign owners. Grand Bahama offers lower entry prices than Nassau, making it attractive for budget-conscious investors seeking Bahamas property ownership without annual property tax.
Major projects include Four Seasons Ocean Club Residences (Paradise Island, completion 2027), Rosewood Residences at Baha Mar, Goldwynn branded residences (Cable Beach), Aqualina (Nassau), $55M North Eleuthera Airport expansion, and the new Exuma international airport. These developments drive both capital appreciation and rental demand. See Aqualina. · Baha Mar Residences.
The Bahamas offers 0% income/CGT/IHT — the most favourable tax regime in the Caribbean. By comparison: Turks & Caicos charges 6.5–12.5% stamp duty, Cayman charges 7.5% stamp duty, Barbados charges 2.5% transfer tax plus income tax. The Bahamas also offers freehold ownership (not leasehold) and permanent residency through property investment — a combination no other Caribbean nation matches. See the full comparison table.
Prime residential prices grew 5.1% in 2024 (Knight Frank), exceeding the global average of 3.6%. The Bahamas ranked 31st in the PIRI 100 (2025). Luxury sales volume increased 68% in 2025. Average STR daily rate reached $510.80 (up 11.8% YoY, AirDNA August 2025). Inventory remains approximately 20% below prior-year levels. Half of wealthy expats are now permanent residents, up from 20% pre-pandemic. Read the full market report.
Yes. MLS listings on this site pull directly from the Bahamas Multiple Listing Service and update in real time. For the most current status on any specific property — especially luxury listings that move quickly — contact Glenn directly. He confirms availability, provides actual closed sale prices for comparable properties, and shares off-market alternatives that never appear on the MLS.
Glenn Ferguson — licensed real estate agent (BREA #1247), Bahamas MLS member, authorised residency consultant, 24+ years across all islands. Property search, comparable sales, closing coordination, and EPR filing — one call starts everything. WhatsApp or call 1-242-395-8495.
Ready to Find Your Bahamas Home?
Tell Glenn your budget, preferred island, and lifestyle goals. He’ll send a personalised shortlist of properties matched to your criteria — including off-market listings and pre-construction opportunities not available on the MLS.

