Buying Property in Antigua: The Process and Fees
The Process
- Select a Property
- Work with a licensed real estate agent to find a property that suits your needs and budget.
- Make an Offer
- Submit an offer to the seller. Once terms are agreed upon, both parties sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement, which is typically prepared by an attorney.
- Obtain an Alien Landholding License (If Required)
- Foreigners must apply for this license, which costs 7% of the property’s value and takes about 3–4 months to process, or there is the option to obtain property through the Citizenship Investment Program (CIP).
- Conduct Due Diligence
- Engage a local attorney to perform a title search and ensure the property is free of liens or encumbrances.
Associated Fees
- Property Price
- Varies depending on location, size, and type of property.
- Alien Landholding License (For Foreigners)
- 7% of the property value.
- Transfer Tax
- 10% of the property value, typically shared between buyer and seller (buyer pays 2.5%; seller pays 7.5%).
- Legal Fees
- Approximately 1–2% of the property value.
- Real Estate Agent Commission
- Typically 5%, usually paid by the seller.
- Stamp Duty
- Included in the transfer tax.
- Miscellaneous Costs
- Fees for surveys, valuations, or inspections, if required.
Timeline
The process typically takes 3–6 months, largely dependent on the approval of the Alien Landholding License for foreign buyers.