Down payment
Local banks commonly ask for 10–20% down for Bahamian residents. Government-backed programs can lower this for qualifying first-time buyers — ask your bank what you qualify for.
Plan before you browse
What can you afford in The Bahamas?
Start from your monthly budget, see your price ceiling — including the government VAT and legal costs most first-time buyers don't expect — then jump straight to real homes in your range.
Banks typically want this under about a third of your monthly income.
Check your bank's current rate — offers vary.
You're shopping for homes up toBSD 240,000
- Loan this supports
- BSD 222,154
- Your down payment
- BSD 20,000
- At
- 6.50% over 25 years
Estimates for orientation only — not a loan offer or financial advice. Rates, terms, and government fees change, and first-time Bahamian buyers may qualify for VAT exemptions. Confirm the numbers with your bank and attorney.
How Bahamian home financing usually works
Closing costs are real money
On top of the price, budget for government VAT on the conveyance (graduated by price band) and attorney fees of roughly 2.5%. On a BSD 300,000 home that can mean BSD 15,000–20,000 in cash beyond your down payment.
First-time buyer relief
First-time Bahamian buyers may qualify for VAT exemptions or reductions on homes under certain values — worth asking your attorney about before you close, as the thresholds change with budget cycles.
Not sure where to start?
Ask CeCe — she can run these numbers with you and show homes in your range, or introduce you to a local professional.