In order for a foreigner to purchase property in Carriacou, Grenada you are required to apply to the Government for an Alien Land-Holding License. This costs 10% of the agreed purchase price. It is generally a simple process handled by your local lawyer on your behalf. You will be required to produce the following original documentation in support of your application:
As a rule of thumb, we advise you to add 14% to the purchase price to cover your lawyer’s fees and Government taxes.
The purchase process usually takes between 4 to 6 months to complete. Once your lawyer has the original supporting documentation for your AL she will submit it to Government for approval. This takes between 8 to 12 weeks. Once your application has been approved, completion will follow in 2 – 4 weeks.
We can recommend a local lawyer. You can either deal directly with your lawyer or we will instruct them on your behalf.
When you sign the sales agreement a deposit of 10% is required. Carriacou Real Estate Ltd or your lawyer will hold this in an Escrow a/c. This deposit is only refundable if the Government does not approve your AL application.
Yes, it may be possible to secure some local financing to build a house once you have purchased your land. We have branches of The Republic Bank and First Caribbean International Bank on Carriacou. Please contact the banks directly, as we do not assist with financing requirements
No, you do not need to be present in person to purchase property. All the documents requiring your signature can be sent to you by secure courier. You then go to a Notary Public and sign them.
If you decide to sell your property you would most likely instruct a local agent. Commissions are generally 5% of the agreed purchase price. There is a Government Sales Tax currently levied at 15% for foreigners and 5% for Grenadians. Your lawyer’s fees would be 1%.
Firstly, you will need to employ a local architect to design your house and submit plans to the Physical Planning Unit, the Government body responsible for regulating building on the islands. Once your plans are approved, which may take 16 – 24 weeks, you have one year in which to commence building. Secondly, you will enter into discussions with local builders and ask for a quote.
Building costs on the island are currently between US$75 – US$100 per sq. ft. depending on the type of construction and quality of finish. This is for a house. Don’t forget you will need fencing, driveways, paths, drainage and possibly retaining walls. This will add at least 20% to the project cost. If you want a pool that will be an additional cost.
The short answer to this question is no, probably not. The rental market on Carriacou is relatively small and subject to many outside influences which you have no control over - e.g. 9/11 and Hurricanes Ivan & Emily. If you build a house you must be in a financial position to cover the maintenance costs. These costs will vary depending upon the arrangements you put in place. Our parent company Down Island Ltd offers a Property Management service.
In order to sell your property we need the following information from you: