The choice of options on the British Virgin Islands is extensive. Asking the following specific questions can usually direct you to the right property to buy in the BVI:

• Is the solitude of a private island the right choice or do you like being around lots of activity?
• Is a condominium or managed property the way to go for your lifestyle?
• Will you be a permanent resident of the BVI or will you come and go?
• Do you no longer want the responsibility of a home or do you value your privacy and autonomy?
• What is the difference between a leasehold and freehold property?

Lifestyle

If you are looking for a somewhat private island, there are various options, but if you’d like the solitude of a private island and are willing to share with others, Great Camanoe, Oil Nut Bay, Scrub Island, and Blunder Bay are excellent choices.

Both land and residences are available for sale on Great Camanoe, which has both a freehold side and a leasehold side to choose from. Outer island living requires one to be comfortable using a boat for transportation and access to amenities.

The decision to buy a private home, or a managed property, whether it is a condo or free standing home, has much to do with lifestyle. Condos or managed properties are a great option for snowbirds—those who fly home for the summer months—and cater to a more carefree style of living.

Rental income

A managed property has a company look after the residence and rent it if that is so desired. Having your property generate income can be a motivating reason to buy in the BVI as it is a desirable vacation destination and the rental market is very active. A private home may be the perfect choice for families and permanent residents of the British Virgin Islands.

Lease- or Freehold

Property in the British Virgin Islands is either freehold—also known as fee simple—or leasehold. Freehold is simple enough; the owner owns the property outright. With a leasehold property, the land is often owned by the government and leased for a fee for a certain length of time, initially 99 years. It is important to consider the length of time left in the lease as the yearly lease cost is likely to increase upon renewal, which will affect the present owner and the resale value.

Addressing some of the issues and questions in the above paragraphs should be of great assistance in making a decision on the type of property to purchase in the British Virgin Islands.

The 10 steps listed below will walk you through the process, hopefully toward a great investment and buying the Caribbean home of your dreams to live in paradise in the BVI.

1. Make an offer and give it your best shot

Your real estate agent will write a ‘Letter of Intent’ to purchase the property.

2. Leave an earnest money deposit

Your real estate agency can act as an escrow agent and hold a 10% deposit, usually in the form of a check.

3. Draw up a sales and purchase agreement

This is often best left to the attorneys.

4. Property Advertisement

It is mandatory for the property seller to advertise the property locally, with a contracted price, for four consecutive weeks. If no buyers step up to the plate, you are a step closer to acquiring your dream home.

5. Non-Belongers land holding license (NBLHL)

Non BVIslanders need to apply for a license to own property. Among other documentation, the applicant must present a police certificate, financial statements and personal references. Belongers have the advantage of skipping this step.

Note: A Belonger ‘belongs’ to the British Virgin Islands by birth, marriage, or special designation. A Non-Belonger does not hold these privileges.

6. Be patient

It can take 4-9 months for approval of the NBLHL – longer if a sea bed lease is involved in the purchase of the property.

7. Submit the draft license for vetting

After approval, a license executed by the BVI Governor can take several weeks to be issued.

8. Again, be patient!

An important step throughout the process until it’s time to close.

9. Stamp Duty

After closing, duty of 12% of the greater of the appraised value or the contracted price must be paid by Non-Belongers. This amount is less for Belongers

10. Register

Present receipt of stamp duty along with transfer documents to have the property registered in your name.

The purchasing process in the BVI remains a gentle process, just like learning to relax, learning to appreciate people and their heritage, culture and conversation, like learning to say “Good mornin”, “Good afternoon” or “Good night”.

Island rhythms

A Caribbean vacationer’s first impression of the islands is often focused on the unspoiled natural beauty, but as time passes they realize there is more to these enchanted islands. After a few days of gazing at the stars at night through pure fresh air, floating silently on crystal clear waters of various shades of blue, stretching sun-soaked bodies across warm soft sand, cruising to various white sandy beaches, or diving/ snorkeling amongst a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, one gradually begins to finally relax and let go of the “rat race” mentality often found in Western or European cultures.

There is the feeling of family, that can not be found elsewhere easily. It is a “lay back” charm, which is part of an island culture that one grows to appreciate over days, weeks and months. The people of the islands have a genuine desire to connect on a more personal level, and once that connection is made, unique “island family” ties are formed. A quality of life, influenced by relationships with others within the island’s indigenous community, becomes the core of their existence. As these genuine ties are formed, foreigners eventually decide to purchase a home or land to build on, as they wish to join this island community, their “home away from home.”

Why the purchasing process takes time

Purchasing will usually take about 3 to 6 months, provided the paperwork is all in order, and most efficiently brought to completion by having a BVI Solicitor help process the paperwork alongside an experienced real estate firm, who can help channel and chase.The application process is not really complicated, it just has various steps required along the way. Part of the process is designed to help protect the island people and their inheritance, wherein the property will be advertised for 4 weeks in a local newspaper at the negotiated price, so a BVIslander (Belonger) will have the opportunity to purchase their country back at a price that the owner was willing to accept. If no Belonger comes forward, then the application is submitted and the process begins.

Non-Belonger Holding License

All foreign investors, including citizens of the United Kingdom are required to obtain a Non-Belonger Holding License (NBLHL) to purchase property in the BVI. Agreements to purchase property are therefore made contingent upon a license being obtained by the purchaser. A License gives entitlement to own a specific property. An overseas investor who wishes to rent their property will need permission to rent granted on their NBLHL, thereafter one can apply for a Trade License to commence renting their property. Neither Purchaser nor Vendor need be present in the BVI at any stage of the transaction.

Taxes

At closing, a Non-Belonger Purchaser is required to pay 12% stamp duty on the Purchase price or the appraisal price (whichever is higher) for both leasehold and freehold property. A Belonger will pay a 4% stamp duty which is less because they are already contributing in other ways to the government employment taxes. This one time stamp duty is used by the BVI Government to provide for various forms of infrastructure within the country, such as police, social services, roads, waste management, schools, etc. This stamp duty is reasonable for all the services a Purchaser(s) will be benefiting from, over the course of time they own their home.

Annual land and house taxes are nominal. Land Tax is assessed annually at the rate of $50 for sites up to 0.5 acre, $150.00 for sites between 0.5 and 1.00 acre and $50 for each additional acre or part thereof. House Tax at the rate 1.5% of the assessed annual rental value, are levied. In practice this means that for an average 2 or 3 bedroom house the annual taxes will be less than $500.00 per acre.

Leasehold and Fee Simple

Leasehold property are taxed at a lower rate with various terms and conditions. The majority of land in the BVI is owned in fee simple. A purchaser will normally acquire absolute title which is registered in the BVI Government land Registry. Registered titles relate to a detailed cadastral survey which defines legal boundaries. No transfer of land can take place unless the boundaries of the property have been determined to the satisfaction of the Registrar of Lands. Property in the BVI may also be held on long lease from the Crown or private individuals. Most often the duration of such leases is 99 years. For practical purposes a purchaser of such a leasehold interest will enjoy all the benefits of an absolute title for the duration of the lease.

Residency status

Purchase of a property in the BVI does not in itself establish resident status. However an identification card is available to a person who holds a Non-Belonger Land Holding License which will allow the holder to be granted leave to land in the BVI for a period of up to six months. A certificate of residence, entitling the holder to land or embark in the Territory for an indefinite period, may be granted to a person who intends to reside permanently in the BVI.

Development

Development in the BVI is governed by Land Development Control Authority who are concerned with planning matters and by the Building Authority who are responsible for ensuring that the building conforms with the building code guidelines. It is preferred that working drawings submitted to these authorities are prepared by architects based in the BVI.

If you are ready to consider a purchase, we are here and ready to help guide you through the process, making your dream a reality, your “home away from home” in the BVI.

Even ardent sailors occasionally feel the need to spend some time enjoying the benefits of a stable platform from which to observe the islands, and the boat traffic, from a different perspective. Frequently, it is pressure from the less than ardent fan of a boating spouse that initiates an investment in BVI real estate in the BVI.

Buying a landbase in a foreign country is not a light decision to make but, funds permitting, it’s really not a very difficult procedure. That process has been amply covered in other articles. Here, instead, is a top-ten list of things to look for if you are considering investing in a property with a view to renting out to vacationers while you are at home, presumably dreaming about your next visit.

1. Easy access to the property is important, but easy access to the water is even more important. The property does not have to be right on the water’s edge but certainly not more than a couple of minutes drive away;
2. The view from the house should be memorable and readily available from a number of vantage points. Each bedroom should have at least a view of a tropical garden, if not the sea;
3. The location of the house should provide for sufficient airflow. It should not feel dank or stuffy anywhere in the house, and especially not in the bedrooms. During the summer months, and frequently at other times of the year, the wind can and does die down. Air Conditioning will seem like a blessing at these times;
4. Finding a property with Caribbean charm and character can make the house more appealing to owners and renters alike, but it also has to fit the physical needs of the owner who may have serious storage requirements if they also happen to be a boat owner;
5. A large covered deck no doubt adds to the charm of a property. Spending a lot of time outdoors is an important part of life in the tropics; come rain or shine;
6. If the property has rental income history, so much the better. You will hit the rental ground running;
7. Construction quality is of course very important, but it is difficult to measure without a trained eye. A structural survey will put your mind at ease and ensure the property will remain in a good condition to sell when the time comes;
8. Having the electricity and telephone wires run underground will add to the property’s charm and its value. The unimpeded views are what people appreciate;
9. The costs of maintenance and insurance are not always considered early in the selection process but they are important aspects of purchasing that should be accounted for in the final reckoning;
10. Crime is very rare in the BVI, but if the area has low quality housing and rusted wrecks around remember, “Location, location, location”.