Homes for Sale in The Bahamas Under $500,000 — 9 Islands, Real Prices
Condos from $90K · Houses from $150K · Beachfront from $200K · Land from $25K. Full island-by-island price guide, closing costs, VAT breakdown & mortgage options.
(242) 395-8495 · WhatsApp Glenn · Get Listings Under $500K · About Glenn →
Filter by island, price, bedrooms & property type. Updated daily from the Bahamas MLS.
In This Guide
- Island-by-Island Prices
- Property Types Under $500K
- VAT on Property Purchases
- Full Closing Cost Breakdown
- First-Time Buyer Benefits
- Foreign Buyer Guide
- Mortgage & Financing
- 5 Questions Before You Buy
- Annual Property Tax
- Rental Income & Airbnb
- Residency Options
- Inspection Checklist
- Insurance Guide
- Bank Foreclosures
- 18 FAQs
- Get Free Listings
What $500,000 Buys You — Island by Island
Not all Bahamas islands carry the same price tag. Here's what your money actually buys in 2026, from the most affordable Family Islands to the heart of Nassau.
Why: No property tax (Hawksbill Creek Agreement), lowest prices on a major island, international airport.
Why: Capital city, largest MLS inventory, best rental demand, schools, hospitals, Cable Beach.
Why: Pink sand beaches, growing expat community, Governor's Harbour & Harbour Island, strong Airbnb market.
Why: Swimming pigs, world-famous beaches, booming tourism, limited inventory drives appreciation.
Why: Rebuilding post-Hurricane Dorian with modern hurricane-resistant construction. Boating capital of Bahamas.
Why: Largest island, least developed, world-class bonefishing, eco-tourism potential, massive plots.
Why: Lowest prices in The Bahamas, pristine beaches, no Bahamian property tax on Family Islands, ideal retirement.
Not sure which island? Glenn will match your budget, lifestyle, and investment goals to the right island.
Get Island-Matched Listings Browse MLS Now WhatsApp GlennProperty Types Available Under $500,000
| Property Type | Price Range | Best For | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condos | $90K–$450K | Low maintenance, vacation home, rental income | Nassau, Grand Bahama, Paradise Island |
| Townhouses | $200K–$450K | Families, more space than condos, gated communities | Nassau (Balmoral, Palm Cay, Venetian West) |
| Single-Family Homes | $150K–$499K | Permanent residence, families, Bahamian buyers | Nassau, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera |
| Duplexes | $250K–$499K | Live in one, rent the other — built-in income | Nassau, Grand Bahama |
| Beachfront Cottages | $200K–$450K | Vacation rental, retirement, island lifestyle | Eleuthera, Exuma, Andros, Long Island |
| Vacant Land | $25K–$300K | Custom build, long-term investment, speculation | All islands — cheapest on Family Islands |
| Bank Foreclosures | $8K–$499K | 20–40% below market, fixer-uppers, investors | See foreclosures guide |
VAT on Property Purchases — The Real Numbers
The biggest closing cost is the Government VAT on the conveyance (deed transfer). Rates depend on your nationality and the property value.
Bahamian Citizens — Flat Rate Per Bracket
The rate applies to the entire transaction value, not just the portion in each bracket.
| Transaction Value | VAT Rate | Total VAT | Your Half (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $100,000 | 2.5% | Up to $2,500 | Up to $1,250 |
| $100,000–$300,000 | 4% | $4,000–$12,000 | $2,000–$6,000 |
| $300,001–$500,000 | 6% | $18,000–$30,000 | $9,000–$15,000 |
| $500,001–$700,000 | 8% | $40,000–$56,000 | $20,000–$28,000 |
| $700,001–$1,000,000 | 9% | $63,000–$90,000 | $31,500–$45,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 | 10% | $100,000+ | $50,000+ |
| Example: $400K home → 6% × $400,000 = $24,000 total VAT → Your half = $12,000 | |||
First-Time Bahamian Buyers — Reduced Rates
Non-Bahamian Buyers — Flat Rate
Full Closing Cost Breakdown — What You'll Actually Pay
| Cost Item | Amount | On a $400K Home (Bahamian) | On a $400K Home (Foreign) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your half of VAT | Varies (see above) | $12,000 | $20,000 |
| Legal fees | ~2.5% of price | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| VAT on legal fees | 10% of legal fee | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Title search & recording | $500–$2,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Property inspection | $500–$1,500 | $800 | $800 |
| Appraisal | $500–$1,500 | $800 | $800 |
| Insurance (first year) | 2–4% of value | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Investments Board registration | N/A for Bahamians | — | $100 |
| TOTAL BUYER CLOSING COSTS | ~$35,600 (8.9%) | ~$43,700 (10.9%) |
Note: Seller pays real estate commission (6% developed property) and their half of VAT. These are buyer costs only. Mortgage borrowers add stamp duty on the mortgage instrument (~1% of loan amount).
First-Time Bahamian Buyer Benefits
If you're a Bahamian citizen buying your first home, the government offers substantial tax relief:
- VAT Exempt on properties under $300,000 — you pay zero conveyance VAT
- 4% VAT rate on properties $300,000–$500,000 (vs standard 6%)
- VAT refund eligible on construction or renovation of a first home
- Low down payments — some banks offer 5% down for first-time buyers
- Special mortgage programmes through Bank of The Bahamas and Bahamas Mortgage Corporation
To qualify, you must be a Bahamian citizen who has never previously owned residential property. Apply through the Department of Inland Revenue with your attorney handling the exemption paperwork.
First-time buyer? Glenn will connect you with banks offering the best first-time buyer rates and guide your VAT exemption application.
Get First-Time Buyer Help WhatsApp GlennForeign Buyer Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Foreigners can buy property in The Bahamas with the same ownership rights as Bahamians. The government actively encourages foreign investment.
Key Rules for Non-Bahamian Buyers
- No restrictions on purchasing single-family homes, condos, or land under 5 acres
- No prior permit needed — just register with the Investments Board after closing
- Flat 10% VAT on conveyance (split 50/50 with seller is customary)
- Bahamian attorney required — gives Opinion on Title (functions as title insurance)
- Register with Central Bank Exchange Control — ensures you can repatriate sale proceeds in your original currency
- Annual Homeowner Resident Card — $500/year, allows entry and stay for you and family
- International Persons Landholding Act 1993 — the law that simplified foreign ownership
Permits Required When:
Government permits are needed only for: (1) undeveloped land of 5+ acres, (2) property intended for commercial use, or (3) property intended for rental purposes (hotel licensing required separately). Your attorney handles all registrations.
Mortgage & Financing Options
| Lender | Bahamian Buyers | Foreign Buyers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of The Bahamas | 5–10% down, 25yr terms | Limited | First-time buyer programmes, government-backed |
| RBC Royal Bank / FINCO | 10% down, 25yr terms | 30–50% down, shorter terms | Largest mortgage portfolio in Bahamas |
| Fidelity Bank | 10% down, up to 30yr | Case by case | Competitive rates, fast approvals |
| FirstCaribbean (CIBC) | 10–15% down | 30–50% down | International banking network advantage |
| Commonwealth Bank | 5–10% down | Selective | Major retail bank, personal loan options |
| Bahamas Mortgage Corp | 5% down (first-time) | N/A | Government agency — lowest rates for qualifying Bahamians |
Interest rates generally range from 5.5%–8.5% depending on the bank, loan-to-value ratio, and borrower profile. Foreign buyers typically pay 0.5–1.5% more than Bahamians. Glenn can introduce you to the right loan officer at each bank.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
After 24+ years, these are the questions that separate smart buyers from costly mistakes:
- What is the total cost of ownership — not just the price? Add your half of VAT + legal fees + annual property tax + insurance + HOA fees + maintenance. A $400K condo with $800/month HOA costs $9,600/year before property tax and insurance. Ask Glenn for a full annual cost projection.
- Is the title clean? The Bahamas has no centralised land registry. Your attorney must search 4 separate registries going back 30 years. Unclear titles delay closings by months. Glenn only shows properties with verifiable ownership chains.
- What's the flood zone and hurricane history? Properties at sea level or in flood zones carry significantly higher insurance premiums (3–4% vs 2% of value). Ask for elevation data and recent storm damage history. Inspect roof, windows, and foundation thoroughly.
- What will this property rent for? If you plan to rent, research comparable nightly/monthly rates on Airbnb and VRBO. Nassau and Exuma command $150–$400+/night for vacation rentals. Eleuthera and Grand Bahama are lower ($100–$200/night). Factor in 10% VAT on short-term rental income plus management fees (15–25%).
- Is the HOA financially healthy? Request the HOA's financial statements and reserve fund balance. Underfunded HOAs issue special assessments — sometimes $5,000–$15,000 per unit. Ask about pending lawsuits, deferred maintenance, and fee increase history.
Not sure what to look for? Glenn evaluates every property against these criteria — and tells you honestly which to pursue and which to avoid.
Get Honest Property Advice WhatsApp GlennAnnual Real Property Tax
Owner-Occupied (Bahamian Citizens)
| Property Value | Tax Rate | Annual Tax on $400K Home |
|---|---|---|
| First $300,000 | Exempt | $0 |
| $300,001–$500,000 | 0.625% | $625 |
| Total Annual Property Tax | $625/year | |
Non-Owner-Occupied & Foreign-Owned Property
Applies to vacation homes, rental properties, and any property not used as the owner's primary residence. Most foreign-owned properties fall in this category.
| Property Value | Tax Rate | Annual Tax on $400K Home |
|---|---|---|
| First $500,000 | 0.75% | $3,000 |
| Total Annual Property Tax | $3,000/year | |
Rental Income & Airbnb Potential
The Bahamas has no income tax — rental income is tax-free at the personal level. But there are licensing and VAT requirements.
| Rental Type | VAT | Licence Required | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term (<45 days) | 10% on rental income | Hotel Licence from Tourism Ministry | $150–$400+/night (Nassau/Exuma) |
| Long-term (45+ days) | Exempt | Business licence | $1,200–$3,500/month (Nassau) |
Best rental islands: Nassau (year-round demand, highest occupancy), Paradise Island (premium nightly rates near Atlantis), Exuma (seasonal peak, luxury travellers), Eleuthera (growing market, lower management costs). Budget 15–25% for property management if you don't live locally.
Residency Options When You Buy
| Investment Level | Residency Status | Annual Fee | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any property value | Annual Homeowner Resident Card | $500/year | Facilitates entry + stay for you, spouse and minor children. Renewable annually. Not equivalent to full residency status. Processing fee $100–$200. |
| No specific minimum | Permanent Residency (apply) | $100 processing | For "financially independent" homeowners. Requires good character, financial self-sufficiency. Property ownership helps but no set dollar threshold. Slow processing (6–18 months). |
| $1,000,000+ | Economic Permanent Residence | $20,000 gov't fee | Since Jan 2025 (raised from $750K). Must hold property 10 years, 90+ days/year residency. No right to work. Spouse + minor children included ($300 each). |
| $1,500,000+ | Accelerated Permanent Residency | $20,000–$25,000 | Expedited consideration — faster processing. Same requirements as Economic PR but prioritised review. |
A property under $500K qualifies you for the Homeowner Resident Card. Permanent residency requires demonstrating financial independence and good character — there's no specific dollar minimum, but higher-value property strengthens your application. For guaranteed Economic Permanent Residence, you'll need to invest $1M+. You could buy an under-$500K property now and upgrade later — or combine property value with other qualifying investments. Full Bahamas residency guide →
Property Inspection Checklist
All Bahamas properties sell "as inspected." This checklist could save you tens of thousands:
- Roof & hurricane resistance — Check age, material, and whether impact-rated. Hurricane shutters or impact windows installed?
- Foundation & structural — Look for cracks, settling, water intrusion. Salt air corrodes steel reinforcement.
- Termite & pest inspection — Subterranean termites are common in The Bahamas. Damage can be hidden behind walls.
- Electrical system — Verify panel capacity, wiring age, and BPL (Bahamas Power & Light) meter status. Electricity costs approximately $0.27–$0.38/kWh including fuel surcharge — budget $150–$400+/month for a typical home.
- Plumbing & water supply — Check cistern condition and capacity, or Water & Sewerage Corp connection. Many homes rely on cisterns.
- Flood zone & elevation — Request flood zone maps. Properties below 10ft elevation carry higher insurance and hurricane risk.
- Septic system — Most Bahamas properties use septic, not municipal sewer. Inspect tank condition and drain field.
- Boundaries & survey — Get a current survey to confirm lot boundaries match the deed. Encroachment disputes are costly.
- Mould & moisture — Tropical humidity causes mould behind walls and under floors. Run AC during inspection to check for musty odour.
Budget $500–$1,500 for a professional inspection. Glenn can recommend trusted inspectors on every major island.
Insurance — What You Need and What It Costs
| Coverage | Annual Premium | On a $400K Home | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane & wind | 1.5–3% of value | $6,000–$12,000 | Largest component. Higher for coastal/low-elevation. |
| Flood | 0.3–0.8% of value | $1,200–$3,200 | Essential for properties in flood zones. |
| Fire & contents | 0.2–0.5% of value | $800–$2,000 | Usually bundled with hurricane policy. |
| Typical Total | 2–4% of value | $8,000–$16,000/yr | Major providers: Bahamas First, Summit, J.S. Johnson |
Bank Foreclosures Under $500K
Bank-owned properties often sell 20–40% below market value, making them the best entry point under $500K. Major banks holding foreclosed inventory include Bank of The Bahamas, RBC/FINCO, Fidelity Bank, FirstCaribbean, Commonwealth Bank, Bahamas Development Bank, Teachers & Salaried Workers CU, and Family Guardian Insurance.
Glenn tracks foreclosure portfolios at all 8 banks weekly and provides early access before listings go public. Foreclosures sell "as is, where is" — always inspect before bidding.
Full Bahamas Bank Foreclosures Guide — prices, banks, legal process, risks →
Want foreclosure listings? Glenn sends curated matches based on your budget, island preference, and investment goals.
Get Foreclosure + MLS Listings WhatsApp GlennFrequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a home in The Bahamas for under $500,000?
Who do I call to buy a home in The Bahamas under $500K?
Can foreigners buy property in The Bahamas?
What are the closing costs when buying a home in The Bahamas?
What is the VAT on buying property in The Bahamas?
What property types can I buy under $500K?
Is there property tax on homes in The Bahamas?
Can I get a mortgage to buy property in The Bahamas?
Can I rent out my Bahamas property on Airbnb?
What are the best islands to buy under $500K?
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in The Bahamas?
Does buying a $500K home qualify me for Bahamas residency?
What should I inspect before buying a home in The Bahamas?
Are there bank foreclosures under $500K?
Is there income tax or capital gains tax in The Bahamas?
How long does it take to buy a home in The Bahamas?
What insurance do I need for a Bahamas property?
What are HOA fees like in The Bahamas?
Get Free Bahamas Listings Under $500,000
Tell Glenn your budget, preferred island, and property type. Receive personalised MLS matches — many 24 hours before public release.
Prefer to talk? 24+ years in Bahamas real estate. Glenn knows which properties are bargains and which are overpriced.
Call (242) 395-8495Prefer WhatsApp? Message Glenn
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