Perfect Homes Magazine - Issue 12 | Page 310

Tax benefits Not only is the Bahamas a tax haven and offshore banking centre, there is no taxes on income, no VAT, no inheritance tax and there is no capital gains tax on real estate. There is no property tax on resort properties as long as personal use isn’t over 90 days and there’s only a 1% annual property tax applicable over the value of £250,000 properties. Foreigners who own properties in the Bahamas are eligible for a homeowner’s residence card (renewable annually) and those who purchase properties valued at least US$500,000 are given priority in permanent residence applications. 310 According to Crystal Investment and Real Estate, sales volumes are picking up as a result of “The Bahamas’ tax situation” as it is very attractive to foreigners, many of whom choose to become residents,” they say. Investment opportunities: Currently, ocean front units in the Royal Ocean Club, situated on Grand Bahama, are priced at US$156,070. In the Bahamas Rum Cay, the price of one THE ESSENTIAL COSTA DEL SOL WEBSITE - www.simplymedia-group.com and two-bedroom beach cottages start at US$128,095. In the Lyford Cay, a private gated community on the New Providence, a six bedroom colonial-style home, in Cuckoo’s Nest, is priced at US$6.5 million. Investors are also attracted to the stability of the economy.