Can I finance the property and still qualify for residency?

Yes. Many investors finance their purchase through Bahamian or international banks. The qualifying threshold is based on the total purchase price of the property, not your equity or down payment. However, you must demonstrate the financial means to maintain the investment for the required 10-year hold period.

Which Bahamas neighborhoods have the best property appreciation?

Ocean Club Estates on Paradise Island, Lyford Cay, Albany, and Old Fort Bay consistently show the strongest long-term appreciation among Nassau luxury communities. The luxury segment (properties over $3M) has seen significant price increases since 2020. Exuma and Harbour Island are the fastest-growing Family Island markets. Cable Beach and Baha Mar offer strong rental returns with newer construction.

What is the 10-year hold period for residency properties?

Effective January 1, 2025, EPR investors must maintain ownership of their qualifying property for a minimum of 10 years. Selling before the 10-year mark gives the Immigration Board grounds to revoke your permanent residency. After 10 years, you may sell while retaining residency status, provided other requirements (like the 90-day annual presence) continue to be met.

How does Glenn Ferguson help with residency real estate?

Glenn is both a licensed Bahamas real estate agent (BREA #1247) and a residency consultant — meaning he handles the entire process under one roof. He verifies properties meet the $1M EPR threshold, manages the purchase and conveyance, prepares the residency application, coordinates with immigration attorneys, and files with the Department of Immigration. Most competitors require separate agents and immigration advisors.

Bahamas Residency by Investment Real Estate 2026 | Qualifying Properties | Glenn Ferguson

Which Bahamas Real Estate Qualifies for Residency by Investment?

Q: Can I rent out my qualifying property?

Yes. There is no restriction on renting your qualifying property as a short-term vacation rental or long-term lease. Many EPR investors generate significant rental income from their Bahamas property, particularly in high-demand areas like Paradise Island, Cable Beach, and Exuma. Glenn helps clients select properties with strong rental yield potential alongside residency qualification.

Any residential property valued at $1,000,000 USD or more qualifies for Bahamas Economic Permanent Residency. Glenn Ferguson is the only Bahamas professional who handles both the property purchase and the residency application as a licensed agent and residency consultant — one expert, one process, from property tour to Immigration approval.

Glenn Ferguson

Licensed Agent & Residency Consultant, 24+ Years

BREA #1247 Residency Consultant WPIC Certified

Get Your Property Shortlist See Qualifying Areas

EPR-Qualifying Neighborhoods

Where Should You Buy for Bahamas Residency?

Glenn recommends six established luxury communities in Nassau and Paradise Island where the majority of EPR-qualifying properties are concentrated. These neighborhoods offer the strongest combination of residency qualification, long-term appreciation, rental income potential, and lifestyle value. Every property Glenn presents has been verified to meet the $1,000,000 threshold before you schedule a viewing.

EPR Qualified $3M - $40M+

Ocean Club Estates

Ultra-luxury gated enclave on Paradise Island. Four Seasons resort access, private marina, championship golf. The Bahamas' most prestigious residential address.

Paradise IslandBeachfrontGated

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EPR Qualified $2M - $30M+

Lyford Cay

The Bahamas' most historic and exclusive private community. Members-only beach club, championship golf, deep-water marina, and international schools nearby.

West NassauPrivate ClubMarina

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EPR Qualified $2M - $25M+

Albany

Exclusive resort community with mega-yacht marina, Ernie Els golf course, water park, and members-only amenities. A magnet for global UHNW investors.

South NassauMarinaGolf

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EPR Qualified $2M - $20M+

Old Fort Bay

Gated waterfront community with colonial-era charm, private beach, deep-water marina, and the Old Fort Bay Club. Strong long-term appreciation history.

West NassauWaterfrontClub

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EPR Qualified $1M - $15M+

Cable Beach & Baha Mar

Nassau's premier beachfront corridor. Goldwynn, Aqualina, and Baha Mar branded residences offer strong rental returns with luxury hotel-caliber services.

BeachfrontBrandedRental ROI

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Select Listings at $1M+ $600K - $3M+

Palm Cay

Modern marina village on eastern Nassau with private beach, pool, gym, and yacht club. Select premium listings meet the $1M EPR threshold.

East NassauMarinaModern

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Glenn also sources qualifying properties on the Family Islands — Exuma, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, and Abaco — for investors who prefer larger land parcels, private beachfront acreage, or emerging markets with higher appreciation potential. Exuma short-term rentals average $750/night with strong seasonal demand.

Luxury Bahamas beachfront real estate qualifying for residency by investment

The Glenn Ferguson Advantage

Why One Expert Is Better Than Two Separate Firms

Most investors hire a real estate agent and a separate immigration advisor. Glenn Ferguson is both — a licensed Bahamas real estate agent (BREA #1247) and a residency consultant with 24+ years on the ground. He verifies every property meets EPR requirements before you make an offer, structures the purchase for residency qualification, and files the Immigration application himself. One point of contact, zero handoff risk, faster approval.

Working with Glenn Ferguson

One Expert, Start to Finish

Licensed real estate agent handles property search and purchase

Same person files your EPR application with Immigration

Pre-verifies every property meets $1M EPR threshold

Structures purchase for residency from day one

24+ years of multi-island market knowledge

Also a licensed Marriage Officer and WPIC wedding planner

Typical Approach: Agent + Immigration Firm

Two Firms, Handoff Risk

Agent may not verify residency qualification before sale

Separate immigration firm enters after purchase closes

Ownership structure may need correcting post-purchase

Two fee structures, two timelines, two relationships

Agent may lack island-specific residency knowledge

No wedding/lifestyle integration services

Bahamas Real Estate Market 2026

What Does the Market Look Like Right Now?

The Bahamas luxury real estate market is strong. Nassau median home prices sit around $495,000 with the luxury segment (properties over $3M) roughly doubling in value since 2020. Inventory is approximately 20% lower than recent years, creating favorable conditions for sellers. Record tourism — 11.2 million visitors in 2024 — continues to fuel rental demand across all islands.

~$495KNassau Median Home Price

-20%Inventory vs. Prior Year

11.2MTourist Arrivals (2024)

$750Exuma Avg. Nightly Rate

The luxury segment — where EPR-qualifying properties are found — shows the most sustained strength. Properties above $3 million in prime locations have appreciated significantly since 2020, with some submarkets seeing values roughly double. Waterfront inventory in communities like Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, and Ocean Club Estates remains exceptionally limited.

Short-term rental demand is also strong. Nassau leads in listing volume, while Exuma, Bimini, and Central Eleuthera command the highest average daily rates (above $500). Occupancy ranges from 70-75% in peak season (March) to 25-30% in September — a pattern Glenn factors into every investment recommendation.

Read the full 2026 Bahamas Real Estate Market Report for island-by-island data.

Ocean Club Four Seasons Residences — EPR qualifying luxury property Bahamas

From Property Tour to Residency Certificate

How Glenn Takes You from Viewing to Immigration Approval

Glenn manages six phases from first conversation to Certificate of Permanent Residence. Unlike agents who stop after closing, Glenn stays with you through the entire Immigration process — because he handles both sides. Standard timelines run 6-18 months; accelerated processing (investments of $1.5M+) typically completes within 9 months.

Discovery Call with Glenn

Glenn reviews your financial profile, family situation, residency goals, and investment timeline. He explains the current EPR requirements and creates a personalized property shortlist matched to both your lifestyle and residency qualification.

Week 1

Property Selection & Viewings

Glenn curates EPR-verified properties across his recommended communities. He arranges private viewings, coordinates virtual tours for overseas clients, and provides comparable sales data, rental projections, and HOA details for each option.

Weeks 2-6

Purchase & Conveyance

Glenn manages the offer, negotiation, and contract execution. He coordinates with a Bahamian attorney for title search, conveyance, and closing — ensuring the ownership structure and documentation meet Immigration requirements from the outset.

Weeks 6-12

EPR Application Preparation

Glenn assembles the complete application package: police clearance, medical certificates, proof of investment and source of funds, passport copies, reference letters, and financial statements. Foreign documents are authenticated through apostille or legalization as required.

Weeks 10-14

Immigration Filing & Interview

Glenn files with the Department of Immigration and prepares you for the interview (typically scheduled within 2-3 months of submission). He remains your single point of contact with Immigration throughout the review and due diligence period.

Months 3-6

Approval & Certificate Issuance

Upon approval, the Department of Immigration issues your Certificate of Permanent Residence — with endorsements for spouse and dependent children. Glenn confirms your 10-year hold obligations and 90-day annual presence requirements.

Months 6-18 (9 months accelerated)

Goldwynn Bahamas luxury beachfront residences — EPR qualifying property with strong rental returns

Rental Income Potential

Can You Rent Out Your Residency Property?

Yes — and many EPR investors do. There are no restrictions on renting your qualifying property as a short-term vacation rental or long-term lease. Nassau and Paradise Island command strong year-round demand, while Exuma and Harbour Island deliver the highest nightly rates. Glenn helps clients select properties with the best dual-purpose value: residency qualification plus rental income.

Market	Avg. Nightly Rate	Peak Occupancy	Best For
Paradise Island	$400 - $1,200+	70-75% (Mar)	Four Seasons brand, year-round demand
Cable Beach / Baha Mar	$350 - $900+	65-70% (Mar)	Branded residences, hotel-managed rentals
Exuma	$500 - $750+	70-75% (Mar)	Highest nightly rates, private island feel
Harbour Island	$450 - $800+	65-70% (Mar)	Pink sand beaches, boutique luxury appeal
Nassau (general)	$200 - $500+	60-65% (Mar)	Highest listing volume, consistent demand

These figures reflect short-term rental averages. Occupancy is highly seasonal: peak months (December through April) run 65-75%, while shoulder season (September-October) drops to 25-30%. Glenn builds these patterns into every pro-forma analysis, accounting for management fees, insurance, HOA, and maintenance before presenting projected returns.

Use the Residency Investment Calculator to estimate your total costs and potential return, or ask Glenn for a custom pro-forma on specific properties.

Luxury Bahamas waterfront property — residency by investment qualifying real estate

Frequently Asked Questions

Bahamas Residency Real Estate FAQ

What type of property qualifies for Bahamas residency?

Any residential real estate in The Bahamas valued at $1,000,000 USD or more qualifies. This includes single-family homes, condos, townhouses, beachfront estates, and vacant residential land. The investment can be a single property or multiple properties totalling the threshold. Commercial property alone does not qualify. Glenn verifies every property meets the threshold before you make an offer. Read the full residency guide.

Can I finance my property and still qualify for EPR?

Yes. The qualifying threshold is based on total purchase price, not your equity or down payment. Many investors finance through Bahamian or international banks. You must demonstrate the financial means to maintain the investment for the 10-year hold period. Glenn can connect you with Bahamian mortgage lenders and help pre-qualify before property viewings. Read the buying guide.

Can I rent out my qualifying property?

Yes. There are no restrictions on renting your EPR-qualifying property. Many investors generate significant rental income, particularly in high-demand areas like Paradise Island, Cable Beach, and Exuma. Glenn selects properties with strong dual-purpose value — residency qualification plus rental yield. He provides pro-forma rental analyses on every property he recommends.

What happens if I sell my property before 10 years?

Under rules effective January 1, 2025, selling before the 10-year hold period gives the Immigration Board grounds to revoke your residency. After 10 years, you may sell while retaining your permanent residency status, provided other requirements (90-day annual presence, 10-year declaration) continue to be met. Glenn advises all clients to approach this as a long-term investment commitment. Read more about the hold requirement.

Which neighborhoods have the best appreciation?

Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Albany, and Old Fort Bay consistently show the strongest long-term appreciation. The luxury segment (properties over $3M) has seen values roughly double since 2020. On the Family Islands, Exuma and Harbour Island are the fastest-growing markets. Cable Beach and Baha Mar offer newer construction with strong rental returns. Glenn provides comparable sales data for every property he presents. Read the full market report.

How is Glenn different from other agents?

Glenn is both a licensed real estate agent (BREA #1247) and a residency consultant — most competitors are one or the other. He handles property search, purchase, and EPR filing under one roof, eliminating the risk of misalignment between your real estate transaction and your residency application. He also holds a WPIC wedding planner certification and is a licensed Marriage Officer, giving him a unique ability to serve clients who discover The Bahamas through a destination wedding and want to invest in property. Learn more about Glenn.

Ready to Find Your Residency Property?

Glenn will build a shortlist of EPR-verified properties matched to your budget, lifestyle, and residency timeline — then manage the entire process from viewing to Immigration approval.

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1-242-395-8495