Friday, May 11, 2018

Tips For Purchasing Luxury Caribbean Real Estate

By Mark Evans


There is no one style, size or design that embodies a luxurious home. Therefore, the definition varies between individuals. When it comes to buying such a property, then what really matters is individual taste and preferences. However, there is a general guide that should be followed when investing in luxury Caribbean real estate. Below are a few tips to guide you.

You need to start by a thorough research. Do not just wake up one day and decide that you are going to buy property in some place you know so little about. Even if you have visited the place before, you need to have a critical review of your decision. Know what is driving your decision. Are you buying to rent or for personal use?

Plan how you are going to finance the venture. In some cases, you will find sellers who are willing to take a deposit and then allow you to clear the balance within a certain period. However, you may not be that lucky. You may find a seller who wants the full payment upfront. In such a case, you will have to look for a financier such as a bank to give you a loan.

Arm yourself with an experienced real estate agent. Language can be a big hindrance when searching for a house in the Caribbean. Having a professional handle the process for you makes the work much easier because you will not have to worry about such problems. Because an agent knows the local housing market better, they will offer valuable advice.

Have a real estate attorney. As a foreigner, the regulations surrounding the purchase of homes will vary. It would be wise to hire a lawyer who can help interpret the necessary laws. When hiring a lawyer, find someone who has experience in dealing with Caribbean properties.

Ensure that you are eligible to purchase property on the island of your choice. Various countries have different requirements that foreigners must meet to own property. Most countries, for example, will require that you undergo taxpayer registration. You may also have to be vetted before you are allowed to buy the house.

Get a valuation and survey report. It is not easy for an outsider to determine whether the property is valued appropriately. Hence, you will need the help of a professional. Apart from determining the legal issues regarding the property, the report will also be critical in determining the true market value of the house.

Know the total cost. Apart from the value of the house, there are various extra charges that can be quite high. In some cases, they may amount to a considerable percentage of the cost of the house. You need to pay all the professionals and the documentation. In addition, you also must pay land transfer taxes.

Have patience. Purchasing a house in a foreign country is not going to be a walk I the park. You will face various hurdles including government bureaucracy in some cases. You need to have patience as these will take time.




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