
The dynamic art scene in the Bahamas is best represented at the National Art Gallery, whose permanent collection showcases the best of modern and contemporary Bahamian artists. Outdoor enthusiasts will also wonder at the underwater cave system – one of the longest in the world – at Lucayan National Park and the vast pine and coppice forests of Blue Holes National Park, which is punctuated with deep vertical caves. Whether it’s visiting Bay Street’s numerous shops, relaxing in the lavish Sky Bar atop Baha Mar, or uncovering its vibrant history, the city offers a vivid juxtaposition to its tranquil coast.Īt night, entertainment can be found in luxurious casinos, such as Paradise Island’s Atlantis Casino, or indulge at one of the numerous chic hotels, including Graycliff Hotel, which boasts its own on-site chocolatier, cigar shop and the world's third-largest wine cellar. The Bahamas is a diving paradise, with its abundant sea life and the evocative Bimini Road dive site, asymmetrical limestone formation five and a half metres below the waves.Īway from the shore, exploring the country’s only city, Nassau, is a must. Major universities on the island include the Princess Margaret Hospital, which has a nursing school, and the University of the West Indies, which offers degrees in hospitality. School attendance in the Bahamas is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16, just like the UK, a key factor behind the island’s 96 per cent literacy rate. Most private schools follow a curriculum modelled on the British system, and some still maintain a faith-based denomination. These are mostly, although not exclusively, concentrated on the larger islands and include Lyford Cay International School, St Andrew’s International School and Lucaya International School. There are roughly 50 international and private schools in the Bahamas for foreign-born residents to choose from. Sellers usually pay the agent’s commission, charged at 6 per cent for developed properties and 10 per cent for undeveloped homes or vacant land. Property taxes are levied at a maximum rate of 1 per cent for properties worth more than $500,000, and stamp duty (which is split between the buyer and seller) ranges from 2 per cent to 10 per cent. Property purchasers are eligible for an annual Home Owners Resident Card, and those buying a property valued at $500,000 and above are given priority in permanent residence applications. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in the Bahamas. Buying, Owning Or Selling Property In The Bahamas The island – just an hour’s flight from Miami - attracts a broader range of nationalities than other Caribbean nations, with the westerly islands of New Providence and Paradise Island being the focus of tourist industries.īeyond tourism, a fifth of the island's GDP comes from the financial services sector, while the nation boasts the third-largest shipping registry globally. The laid-back pace of life is a compelling draw for prospective residents, while its favourable tax system is attractive for working families. From the bustling capital city Nassau through to secluded, idyllic islands, property in the Bahamas offers paradise in countless ways.
