Question 1

Can foreigners buy a house in Antigua?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners can absolutely buy property in Antigua and Barbuda. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. Non-nationals simply need to obtain an Alien Landholding Licence (ALHL) before purchasing property, which is a straightforward process that RE/MAX 365 can guide you through.

Question 2

What is the process to buy a home in Antigua as a non-resident?

Accepted Answer

The process involves: 1) Find your property with RE/MAX 365, 2) Make an offer and sign a Sale Agreement, 3) Apply for an Alien Landholding Licence (takes 2-4 weeks), 4) Conduct due diligence with a local attorney, 5) Pay stamp duty and complete the transfer at the Land Registry. The full process typically takes 60-90 days.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy a property in Antigua including all fees?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the purchase price, budget for: Alien Landholding Licence fee (5% of property value for non-nationals), Stamp duty (2.5% for non-nationals), Legal fees (1-2%), Agent commission (typically paid by seller). Total additional costs are typically 7-10% of purchase price.

Question 4

What are the best areas to buy a house in Antigua?

Accepted Answer

Popular areas include: West Coast (Jolly Harbour, Valley Church) for sunset views and marina access; North Sound area for waterfront living; Falmouth & English Harbour for sailing culture and history; and the Hills above St. John's for panoramic views and privacy.

Question 5

Can I get financing to buy a home in Antigua?

Accepted Answer

Local bank financing is available for residents. Non-residents typically finance through their home country banks or use private financing. Some sellers offer vendor financing. We recommend consulting with a financial advisor familiar with Caribbean real estate.

Question 6

What taxes do I pay when buying property in Antigua real estate?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty is 2.5% of the purchase price for non-nationals (7.5% for nationals). There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax in Antigua. Annual property tax is relatively low at 0.5% of market value for non-nationals.

Question 7

How does the Citizenship by Investment program work when I buy a home in Antigua?

Accepted Answer

Antigua's Citizenship by Investment (CIP) program allows you to obtain citizenship through real estate investment. You must invest a minimum of USD $300,000 in an approved real estate project, hold the property for 5 years, and meet the residency and background check requirements.

Question 8

What rental income can I expect from Antigua real estate?

Accepted Answer

Antigua's strong tourism market generates excellent rental returns. Short-term vacation rentals can yield 8-12% annually on beachfront properties. Long-term rentals typically yield 5-7%. Rental income for non-residents benefits from favorable tax treatment.

Question 9

What are the average property prices to buy a house in Antigua?

Accepted Answer

Property prices vary widely by location and type. Entry-level homes start around $300,000-$500,000. Mid-range properties typically range from $500,000-$2,000,000. Luxury beachfront villas and estates range from $2,000,000 to over $10,000,000.

Question 10

Do I need a lawyer to buy a property in Antigua?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is strongly recommended and essentially required to use a local Antiguan attorney for property transactions. Your attorney will conduct title searches, prepare the sale agreement, handle the Alien Landholding Licence application, and ensure the title transfer is properly registered.

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