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Bahamas
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The 700 beautiful islands and 2,000 chunks of coral and limestone outcrop that form The Bahamas are playgrounds for sailors, anglers, divers, nature lovers, eco-tourists – and those in search of more glitzy pleasures or to lay back bliss’s. You will find great enthusiasm for American culture, combined with a strong flavour of Britain and a distinctly Caribbean beat.
Real Estate in the Bahamas Located a mere 40 miles from South Florida and with just 30 of the islands populated, one can experience the main islands like beautiful Grand Bahama Island (Freeport/Lucaya) and bustling New Providence (Nassau and Paradise Island). Or, if you really want to get away from the crowds, one of the many- known as the Out Islands such as Abaco, Andros, Acklins and Crooked Island, Biminis, Berry Islands, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exumas, Inaguas, Mayaguana and San Salvador would fulfill any real estate owners dream. New Providence has almost 60 per cent of the population and in the capital, Nassau, you can go on a horse-drawn carriage tour of a vibrant city filled with history’s reminders in its Victorian buildings and fortresses, then cross a bridge and you are in Paradise Island, a modern dream resort tailor-made for fun-seekers, featuring a 50,000 sq ft casino, a marina for large yachts, the world’s biggest aquarium, and palatial hotels -- or you might prefer the casinos of Cable Beach. And that's just the beginning. Island-hop to Grand Bahama and try your luck at the slot machines or the gaming tables in Freeport, the second largest city in The Bahamas. Then spend your winnings at Port Lucaya or in the International Bazaar during the day. Beyond these best-known destinations are the many serene island gems of the Out Islands or Family Islands as they are often referred to, where you can sail into 30 marinas on the Abacos Islands; dive in the 6,000ft Tongue of the Ocean trench off the Berry Islands and Andros; fish for the biggest and best marlin and tuna in Hemingway’s haunts off Bimini; admire the cliffs on Cat Island; surf in the giant waves of Eleuthera and discover picturesque Harbour Island; explore The Exumas by sail or with snorkel; swim in the clear waters of Long Island, and catch the spectacular view from Dixon Hill lighthouse on San Salvador. And this is just the beginning in these less populated and more laid back cays, where you will find a range of peaceful farming villages, settlements and picturesque towns. With such diversity, it is no wonder The Bahamas is a place of marvel to reside or own a vacation home. And buying real estate here is almost as easy as doing so at home. In fact International applications for annual or permanent residence by major investors who purchase residences valued over $500,000 have essentially automatic approval. Otherwise Visas for extended stays, a mere formality are required. For Bahama Visa requirements see here.
The Bahamian political system is the second oldest parliamentary democracy in the British Commonwealth and is based on English Common Law. Although becoming an independent nation in 1973, Queen Elizabeth ll is the head of State with representation by a governor general, on the island. The Supreme Court is the main court in the Bahamas with final appeals presented to the Privy Council in London. Buying real estate in the Bahamas carries peace of mind.
The Bahamas has prospered significantly through tourism, international banking and investment management over the years and has enjoyed a peaceful and stable democracy since 1729. There are no local taxes on capital gains, or on corporate and personal income, dividends or interest. And Real Property Tax Rates are exempt on the first $250,000 on owner occupied residential property; charged 3/4 of one percent between $250,000 and $500,000; and on the portion over $500,000, the tax rate is 1% of the market value of the property. Stamp Duty on the purchase of property is set at a rate of 10% starting at $250,001 and over and is generally shared equally between buyer and seller. The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar however the U.S. dollar is accepted throughout the Bahamas and is on par with the Bahamian dollar. And although the Bahamas is an English speaking country, its professionals are conversant in many languages including French, German and Spanish.
Getting to the Bahamas is easy due to its close proximity to the US with flights daily to the main airports in Freeport and Nassau from 65 regional and international carriers. Inter-island, scheduled and charter flights are available to airports to nineteen other Bahamas smaller islands parTicularly through Bahamas Air. Or one can sail to or charter within the Bahamas. Yes with being only 40 miles from the US mainland, this is an easy convenience and worth considering what with the abundance of marinas throughout the islands. And as each island in the Bahamas has its own unique character and charm exploring the Bahama chain is fascinating and interesting. Dazzling white sandy beaches, an ideal climate, crystal clear turquoise, green and blue sea and a Bahamas lifestyle so laid back. Owning real estate in The Bahamas is like owning your own bit of paradise. Buying real estate in The Bahamas is at your fingertips and you can begin your search right here. Whether you are looking for a villa, condo or even land in The Bahamas click on Sales, Rent for vacation rental and Vacation Ownership for an alternative to full home ownership.
Bahamas real estate, has proven to be a solid investment over the years. Contact Whitten Caribbean Real Estate for all your Bahamas real estate needs.
![]() Map of the Bahamas
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visit us here at www.multiplelistingservicecaribbean.com
visit WHITTEN CAPITAL GROUP at www.whittencapitalgroup.com
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