The complete guide to Antigua and Barbuda real estate

Investing in Antigua and Barbuda real estate is a ripe opportunity for investors wishing to diversify their portfolios, protect their assets, and enhance their global mobility. Home to world-class beaches, reefs, endless sunshine, and vivacious culture, Antigua and Barbuda is irrefutably located in paradise — yes — but it also offers something many small nations don’t: the chance to own a second passport in exchange for an investment.

In this complete guide to Antigua and Barbuda real estate, we provide detailed information on the nation’s property market scene so that you can buy property with confidence in this slice of paradise, and obtain a high-ranking passport. 

Why buy property in Antigua and Barbuda?

Whether you’re looking to retire on an island of oasis, buy a holiday home, or invest in real estate for a passport, buying a property in Antigua and Barbuda makes for a fantastic investment. 

Buy property in Antigua and Barbuda and enjoy:

Stable property prices

Vast property types on offer including plenty of beachfront luxury villas

A beneficial taxation system — No income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance tax

A path toward securing an Antigua and Barbuda passport for yourself and your family members

A relaxing lifestyle in a safe, peaceful island nation

Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment

It’s perfectly possible to secure a real estate investment without physically residing in Antigua and Barbuda. In fact, it’s encouraged, especially if you’re a foreign investor looking to broaden your horizons and own a second passport without actually needing to relocate. 

One of the most attractive options for investors is to purchase real estate via Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Program . The program allows investors to acquire a passport in 3-4 months, in exchange for making a qualifying investment in the nation. 

While the program offers three investment routes, investing in real estate is the most worthwhile way to earn a profit in returns and simultaneously own a second home in paradise. In fact, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and iconic fashion designer Giorgio Armani already own properties in Antigua; You can too!

Antigua and Barbuda real estate investment requirements (under the citizenship by investment scheme):

• You must buy an Antigua and Barbuda property for sale valued at a minimum of $400K. Do note that two applicants can make a joint investment, as long as each investor pays at minimum, $200K each. 
• The property must come from a ‘pre-approved’ list of areas, and the property must be selected from the government’s approved development projects list
• The investment  must be held for a minimum of five years
• Property registration, processing fees, and taxes must be paid in addition to the property purchase. 

For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment scheme below.

Real estate investment benefits

You might be wondering, why would I want to own property in Antigua and Barbuda? Truth be told, it’s a fantastic investment, one which many investors from around the world have made already.

Where to buy property in Antigua and Barbuda?

In this tiny two-island nation, you’ll get the golden combo of sun and sea paired with a tropical rainforest and mountainous terrain. Local traditions blend with British architecture, providing for a range of property types. Condos, luxury villas, beachfront properties, sprawling resorts reminiscent of a colonial-era — you name it, you have plenty of options to choose from. 

Antigua and Barbuda is divided into the parishes of Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, and Saint Philip on the island of Antigua and the dependencies of Barbuda and Redonda.

Here’s our curated list of where to buy property in Antigua and Barbuda:

• Barbuda
• Dickenson Bay
• English Harbour
• Galley Bay
• Hodges Bay
• Jolley Harbour
• Nonsuch Bay
• Runaway beach
• Willoughby Bay

One thing’s for sure, there is no shortage of waterfront properties on the market!

Antigua and Barbuda real estate: a market overview

Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market is well established. Its luxury villas on sale and condos have attracted some of the world’s biggest celebrities, boosted in part, by its prestigious Citizenship by Investment Scheme offering a comfortable real estate investment route. The opening of its shiny new airport terminal in 2015 has further bolstered its tourism sector, making the island more accessible than ever. 

On average, Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market offers the opportunity to earn a high rental income if you opt to purchase real estate for tourism purposes. In fact, Antigua and Barbuda’s world-renowned status as the ‘it’ tourism destination in the region is something more and more investors are taking advantage of.

What are Antigua and Barbuda real estate prices like?

The property price range in Antigua and Barbuda is between $255,000 – $12,000,000. This is of course, dependent on what property type you choose and your income bracket.

Step-by-step guide on how to buy Antigua and Barbuda real estate

Buying Antigua and Barbuda real estate is a streamlined, straightforward process. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to consult with an experienced real estate attorney when buying property abroad.

Once you’ve combed through Antigua and Barbuda real estate listings and have sought assistance from either real estate agents in Antigua and Barbuda or an independent buyer’s agent, the following five steps must be taken to secure your dream property.

1. Ensure there are no encumbrances on the property. An attorney can do this by assessing the deed
2. Prepare the sales and purchase agreement
3. Apply for the non-citizen’s Landholding License, which is 5% of the purchase price.
4. While you wait for your license to be approved (it takes around five months), secure the property by paying a 10% deposit to the seller.
5. If you opt to work with an attorney, get them to register a restriction blocking others from dealing with the property without your consent.

Antigua and Barbuda property for sale transaction costs

After obtaining your Landholding License, you must close the deal by paying the remaining balance of the purchase price and stamp duty.

When taking Antigua and Barbuda property for sale transaction costs into account, factor in the following:

• 5% license fee
• 5% stamp duty
• 1% to 2% in legal fees
• 2% for insurance cover against risk
• If you want to sell your property down the line, you’ll need to pay a 7.% stamp duty, 2-3% in legal flees, plus a 5% appreciation tax. 

Property taxes

Property taxed in Antigua and Barbuda is usually charged at the market price point. Rates vary from 0.1% to 0.5%, depending on the property value and use. 

Property tax also depends on whether you’re purchasing a plot of land — in which case you’ll be taxed a relatively low sum — or whether you’re levied on buildings and other residential property. Allowances and tax rebates apply.

Do note that if you’re a non-resident owner of undeveloped land, you must pay a land tax of 10%- 20% on the value of the land, depending on how long you’ve owned the plot. Equally, non-resident leasing out of properties on the island is subject to a 25% tax rate of the net rental income.

Frequently asked questions about Antigua and Barbuda real estate

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