International buyer guide
A clear route from interest to ownership.
Buying property in Antigua and Barbuda is easier to navigate when the commercial deal, independent legal work and applicable government approvals are kept in the right order. This is a practical map, not a substitute for advice on your transaction.
- Core protection
- Independent local legal review
- Foreign-buyer route
- Landholding licence or approved CBI property
- Final step
- Registered transfer of title
The process
Six stages, with due diligence before completion.
- 01
Select the property and agree headline terms
Make the offer through a reputable local agent or the seller's appointed representative. Record the price, included fixtures or contents, conditions and proposed timetable in writing.
- 02
Appoint independent Antigua and Barbuda counsel
Ask your own lawyer to confirm registered ownership and title, mortgages or other encumbrances, land-tax status, planning matters, boundaries and the legal route available to you. The seller's or agent's lawyer is not a substitute for independent advice.
- 03
Negotiate and sign the sale agreement
The contract should reflect due-diligence findings and make any required government approval a clear condition. Reservation and contract deposits vary by transaction; a 10% deposit is not automatic and should not be treated as a statutory rule.
- 04
Complete the applicable approval route
A non-citizen may need a Non-Citizens Land Holding Licence. A qualifying purchase in an officially approved project may instead form part of a Citizenship by Investment application. Your lawyer or authorised CIU agent should confirm which route applies.
- 05
Confirm boundaries, valuation and completion figures
Use an appropriate survey and valuation, confirm the property's insurance position and obtain a written completion statement showing the balance, taxes, fees and conditions before funds are released.
- 06
Complete and register the transfer
After contractual conditions and approvals are satisfied, the balance and applicable charges are settled, transfer documents are executed and the transfer is lodged with the Land Registry. Ask counsel when registration evidence and the registered title will be available.
Two routes
Choose the ownership path before you choose the paperwork.
| Question | Non-citizen landholding route | Approved CBI real estate route |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | A foreign buyer acquiring ordinary freehold property or land, subject to the applicable law and licence | An applicant combining a qualifying approved property purchase with a Citizenship by Investment application |
| Property restriction | The property and proposed use must fit the licence and applicable requirements | The property must be in an officially approved project and satisfy current CIU rules |
| Minimum property value | No universal CBI threshold; confirm the applicable landholding requirements for the transaction | The CIU currently states a minimum value of US$300,000 for the real-estate option |
| Key authority | The relevant Antigua and Barbuda government authorities; confirm the current application route with counsel | The Citizenship by Investment Unit through an authorised representative and licensed agent |
| Resale | Subject to the contract, title and ordinary ownership rules | The CIU currently states that the real estate cannot be resold for five years, except for an approved replacement-property route |
| Outcome | Property ownership, if the transaction and approvals complete; it does not itself grant citizenship | Citizenship remains subject to the CIU application, due diligence, approval and completion of the qualifying investment; no route guarantees approval |
Budgeting
Price is only one line in the acquisition budget.
Professional
Legal and conveyancing fees
Agree the scope, fee basis and tax treatment with independent counsel before signing. Do not assume a percentage quoted online applies to your transaction.
Government
Licence and transfer charges
The applicable route determines which approvals and statutory charges apply. Obtain a written, date-specific completion estimate from counsel or the relevant authority.
Property
Survey, valuation and insurance
Budget for boundary confirmation, any required valuation, title and planning checks, and an insurance review that reflects storm and coastal exposure.
After completion
Holding and operating costs
Plan for property tax, insurance, utilities, maintenance, management and any development, resort or community charges. The amount depends on the property and use.
Before you commit
Ask for the documents, not only the answers.
- Title
- Who owns the property, and what is registered against it?
- Boundaries
- Does the survey match what you believe you are buying?
- Permission
- Which licence or programme approval applies to this buyer and property?
- Completion
- What conditions must be satisfied before funds are released?
- Costs
- Which taxes, fees and ongoing charges are included in the written completion estimate?