A Guide to Buying Property in Antigua & Barbuda for Foreign Buyers
Fringed by outstanding white and pink sand beaches and some of the best sailing waters in the world, Antigua & Barbuda has a relatively small but well-established property market.
If you are currently considering investing in real estate in Antigua & Barbuda but you are wondering “where are the best places to buy property in Antigua & Barbuda?” or “how do I go about owning property in Antigua & Barbuda as a foreign buyer” then this guide is for you.
Our guide takes you through the process of buying property in Antigua & Barbuda from beginning to end, including an introduction to the real estate market, the buying process, and the taxes you will need to be aware of.
Contents
Overview – The Real Estate Market
Buying Process, Fees & Taxes
Search Real Estate Listings
Best Places to Buy
Residency & Citizenship
Mortgages
Sending Money
How to Get There
Overview – The Antigua Real Estate Market
Famed for its 365 beaches and crystal clear seas, Antigua & Barbuda is the epitome of the Caribbean dream. Antigua also offers attractive tax benefits, good international access, and a stable political system.
With such a strong range of investor benefits on offer, the country has developed a well established real estate market. Its luxury beachfront homes and condos have attracted some of the world’s most celebrated music stars, fashion designers and business leaders from Eric Clapton to Giorgio Armani.
The country’s real estate market has been boosted by the opening of a new airport terminal in August 2015 which has made the island more accessible than ever, as well as an influx of investment stimulated by Antigua’s Citizenship by Investment program which offers full citizenship in exchange for an investment in property.
Recent announcements include a cluster of new hotels in a recently created Special Economic Zone on the north-eastern coast of Antigua, a US $250 million hotel project on neighboring sister island Barbuda to be developed in association with Hollywood film star Robert De Niro and a new Rosewood resort at Honeymoon Bay.
Buying Property in Antigua
Can foreigners buy property in Antigua?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Antigua and the Government of Antigua welcomes investment from overseas buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers acquiring real estate in Antigua and foreign buyers enjoy the same rights as Antiguan citizens. In order to purchase real estate in Antigua, foreign buyers need to apply for a Non-Citizens Land Holding Licence (NCHL or NCL) for which there is a fee of 5% of the purchase price. Alternatively, purchasing property in an approved real estate project may qualify the buyer for full citizenship of Antigua through the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program.
Buying Process
Buying property in Antigua is a relatively simple process, which typically involves the following steps:
- Begin your property search.
- Find your perfect property and make an offer.
- Apply for a Non-Citizens Landholding License – All foreign buyers acquiring real estate in Antigua must apply for an Alien Landholding License.
- The application cost for an Alien Landholding License is 5% of the property’s value and can take four months to be approved.
- Pay all required taxes.
Legal Fees
We would recommend you instruct a reputable lawyer to assist with the purchasing process.
Legal fees typically amount to 1% to 2% of the purchase price.
Stamp Duty / Transfer Tax
Buyers are also required to pay a 2.5% government transfer tax to complete the property purchase.
Search Antigua Real Estate Listings
As specialists in luxury Caribbean property, we can introduce you to a wide selection of the finest residential property in Antigua.
Homes for Sale & Condos for Sale
Our website is the ultimate destination to discover a wide selection of villas, houses and homes for sale in Antigua, as well as apartments and condos for sale in Antigua.
Land for Sale
You can also browse undeveloped land. Purchasing a lot of land provides you with a blank canvas and the opportunity to build your dream home in Antigua.
Whether you are looking for beachfront land or a centrally located lot, we’re here to help you find the perfect lot of land for sale in Antigua.
For larger parcels of land for commercial development, please see our commercial real estate listings.
Hotels for Sale
Searching for hotels for sale in Antigua? Browse hotels, B&Bs and guests houses right here.
Finding the Perfect Property for Sale in Antigua
Discover the most sought after real estate investment opportunities and benefit from unrivaled insight into the market.
To find your perfect property in Antigua, search our Antigua real estate listings.
Best Places to Buy Property in Antigua
Barbuda
Discover Barbuda – Read our guide to buying property in Barbuda.
Dickenson Bay
Discover Dickenson Bay – Read our guide to buying property in Dickenson Bay.
English Harbour
Discover English Harbour – Read our guide to buying property in English Harbour.
Galley Bay
Discover Galley Bay – Read our guide to buying property in Galley Bay.
Hodges Bay
Discover Hodges Bay – Read our guide to buying property in Hodges Bay.
Jolly Harbour
Discover Jolly Harbour – Read our guide to buying property in Jolly Harbour.
Nonsuch Bay
Discover Nonsuch Bay – Read our guide to buying property in Nonsuch Bay.
Runaway Beach
Discover Runaway Beach – Read our guide to buying property in Runaway Beach.
Willoughby Bay
Discover Willoughby Bay – Read our guide to buying property in Willoughby Bay.
Antigua Residency & Citizenship
How long can a foreign citizen stay in Antigua?
Citizens of countries including the USA, Canada, UK and the EU are permitted to remain in Antigua for holidays or business for up to 6 months without a visa.
How do I become a resident of Antigua?
Persons of independent means (e.g. homeowners/retirees) who have resided in Antigua & Barbuda for 2 years and intend to permanently reside in the country may apply for a Resident Permit. A Resident Permit offers the right to live, work and study in Antigua. Successful applicants will receive a Resident Permit Card which may be granted for 1 to 3 years and can be renewed through an application to the Immigration Department.
How do I become a citizen of Antigua?
Resident Permit holders who have legally resided in Antigua & Barbuda for 7 years are permitted to apply for citizenship.
In addition, Antigua & Barbuda operates a Citizenship by Investment Program which offers qualified investors the opportunity to obtain full citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda in exchange for a significant contribution to the nation’s finances, either through a financial contribution to a government fund or via investment in an approved real estate project.
Read more: Antigua Citizenship by Investment.
Mortgages in Antigua
Looking for financing to fund the purchase of property in the Caribbean?
Contrary to popular misconception, it is possible for foreign nationals looking to invest in Antigua real estate to apply for a mortgage.
Our partner – a very well respected international financial organization – offers mortgages for qualifying non-residents buying, building or improving a second home in Antigua.
For more information, see our page on: Caribbean mortgages.
Sending Money to Antigua
You could save money when investing in Antigua real estate by using a foreign exchange expert to get the best rate for your property purchase. We have partnered with Halo Financial, a specialist in foreign exchange, to help you get the best exchange rates when making one-off or regular international payments for a property purchase in Antigua. To see how you could save money, read more: Foreign Exchange.
How to Get to Antigua
There are regular direct flights to Antigua’s V.C. Bird Airport from North America and Europe.
American, Continental, Delta and US Airways fly from various American cities and JetBlue recently launched new non-stop flights from New York JFK to Antigua.
Air Canada also operates direct flights from Toronto.
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BMI operate direct flights from the UK to Antigua.
The island is also served by various regional airlines, including Liat, Caribbean Airlines interCaribbean Airways and Seaborne Airlines.
How to Get to Barbuda
To get to Barbuda, you can either travel by plane, helicopter or ferry.
Flights to Barbuda
To travel to Barbuda by air, there are flights to Barbuda operated by Fly Montserrat.
Flights depart from Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport and arrive at Barbuda Codrington Airport.
Flight time from Antigua to Barbuda is approximately 20 minutes.
Helicopter
It is also possible to travel from Antigua to Barbuda by helicopter.
Various companies operate helicopter charter services between the islands.
Ferry
For those with a bit more time on their hands, it is possible to travel from Antigua to Barbuda by ferry.
The Barbuda Express operates an Antigua Barbuda ferry service which operates a 6 day per week service from St John’s Harbour in Antigua to Barbuda.
Journey time on the high-speed ferry is approximately 90 minutes.
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