Buying property in the Caribbean: a practical guide

Every island has its own rules for foreign buyers. In most of the Eastern Caribbean a non-national needs an alien landholding licence, while islands such as the Dominican Republic and Curaçao treat foreign buyers the same as residents.

Budget for closing costs of roughly 5–10% of the purchase price: transfer tax, notary or attorney fees, and registration. Ask the seller upfront which costs are shared and which fall to the buyer.

Always use an independent local attorney to check title, boundaries and any outstanding charges. On smaller islands, land is often held in family title and needs a clean chain of ownership before sale.