Selling a House in Antigua & Barbuda

Yes, foreigners can absolutely buy a house in Antigua. Foreign buyers enjoy the same rights as Antiguan citizens when purchasing property. However, non-citizens must obtain an Alien Landholding License (ALHL) from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, which costs 5-7% of the property value.

To buy a home in Antigua as a non-resident, follow these steps:

1, Find and make an offer on your desired property

2. Apply for an Alien Landholding License (ALHL) - this can take 3-6 months to process

3. Make a 10% deposit to secure the property during the license application period

4. Complete title searches and property surveys

5. Finalize the purchase with legal representation

Alien Landholding License: 5-7% of property value

Stamp Duty: 2.5% paid by buyer (total 10% split with seller)

Legal fees: 1-2% of property value

Real estate agent commission: 5-7%

Property management fees: typically 10%

Popular areas for buying a house in Antigua include:

Jolly Harbour - Marina community with restaurants and amenities

English Harbor - Historic charm with modern conveniences and vibrant social scene

Falmouth Harbour - Upscale waterfront location

Nonsuch Bay - Exclusive coastal area

Half Moon Bay - Beautiful beachfront properties

While there are no standardized financing options for foreign nationals and the market leans toward cash purchases, some financing routes are available. Commercial banks like Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank and CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank may offer mortgage services to foreigners, but typically require proof of significant assets, larger down payments, and overseas property as collateral.

Property tax obligations include:

Annual property tax: 0.1% to 0.5% of assessed property value

Land tax for non-resident owners of undeveloped land: 10-20% of land value

Withholding tax on rental income: 25% for non-residents

No capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax for residents

The Antigua Citizenship by Investment program allows you to purchase approved property valued at minimum US$300,000 to qualify for citizenship.

Key benefits:

No Alien Landholding License required for CBI purchases

Citizenship provides visa-free travel to 150+ countries

Must hold the investment for minimum 5 years

Can sell property after 5 years and retain citizenship

Rental income can bring up to 15% per annum in high season, with luxury and vacation properties returning annual rental yields of up to 8%. Average hotel occupancy rates are around 60%, peaking at 81% in March.

According to recent data, average prices for two-bedroom houses are about $350,000, while three-bedroom and larger properties average around $600,000. Property prices have been increasing by approximately 5% annually since 2019.

Engaging a local attorney is highly recommended when buying property in Antigua. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide buyers through the legal intricacies and ensure compliance with local regulations. Legal costs typically vary between 1% and 2% depending on property value.

The majority of properties are serviced by government electricity and water, cable TV, telephone and broadband. Insurance cover is approximately 2.0% of the insured risk with a 2% deductible that includes earthquakes and named storms.

Yes, foreigners can buy land in Antigua for building, but there are conditions: construction must be completed by a fixed date, and you must pay state transfer fees of 2.5%. Note that there is currently a prohibition on buying land for building in Barbuda.

RE/MAX 365 Antigua offers:

- Local expertise in Antigua real estate market

- Professional guidance through the foreign buyer process

- Comprehensive property portfolio including luxury villas, condos, and land

- Assistance with Citizenship by Investment program properties

- Located in Jolly Harbour Commercial Centre for convenient access