The Bahamas
The Caribbean4 independent articlesTax-free, English-speaking archipelago 50 miles off Florida.
The Bahamas levies no income, capital-gains or inheritance tax, sits on Florida's doorstep, and welcomes foreign buyers freely. The International Persons Landholding Act makes purchase simple; buying above $750k fast-tracks residency. Prime markets are Nassau/Paradise Island, the Exumas and Harbour Island.
Can foreigners buy?
Fully open; foreigners register purchases under the Landholding Act (permit needed only for large tracts or to rent out). Purchase ≥ $750k supports residency.
Taxes & buying costs
VAT on conveyance ~2.5–10% (sliding by price, usually split); annual real-property tax ~0.75–1% (cap on owner-occupied); no income/CGT/inheritance tax.
What makes it unique
Zero income/CGT tax, US proximity, and some of the world's most exclusive private-island real estate.
1
Most prestigious places to own
Harbour Island (Eleuthera)
Pink-sand celebrity enclave; ultra-scarce beachfront cottages.
$3m–$25m+
Pink-sand beach cottage
Lyford Cay & Old Fort Bay, Nassau
Gated old-money estates on New Providence.
$4m–$40m+
Gated waterfront estate
The Exumas
Private cays and Emerald-Bay luxury.
$2m–$50m+
Private-island / beach estate
2
Best income potential from vacation renting
Paradise Island / Nassau
Cruise + Atlantis demand; the deepest STR pool.
$500k–$2.5m
5–8% gross
Resort condo
Exuma (Emerald Bay)
Sandals-anchored resort rentals.
$500k–$2m
5–8% gross
Beach/golf condo
3
Picturesque farms & rural tourism properties
Eleuthera & Cat Island
Out-island acreage; pineapple heritage, farm-stays, off-grid estates.
$200k–$1.5m
Eco / lifestyle
Out-island acreage
Everything on The Bahamas
All stories →Montage Cay, Bahamas: A Private Island Reimagined as a Branded Residence CommunityJuly 2026Caerula Mar Club, South Andros: Off-Grid Luxury on the World's Third-Largest Barrier ReefJuly 2026Buying Property in the Bahamas as an Expat: Laws and ProcessJuly 2014Establishing Residency in BahamasJune 2014
Indicative 2025–26 planning bands for screening only, not quotes and not advice. Holiday-let licensing, tax and foreign-buyer rules change frequently — confirm locally with a lawyer and tax adviser before buying.