| WATER CAY ~ Whats Next? 
INVESTMENT The Bahamas has attracted a very wide range of property investors… from the very rich who have purchased large multi-million dollar estate properties to those who have purchased modest condominiums or homes in the $100,000 - $250,000 price range.
The old axiom that states that location, location, location is a major determinant of demand and value has pushed the price of properties in specific areas of New Providence and Paradise Island to very high levels, but even at these levels prices are on par with other similar resort destinations.
The Abacos and their offllying cays are now considered one of the 'hot' buys in the Bahamas, and the Bahamas has never failed to be one of the strongest investment opportunities throughout the Caribbean. Water Cay is less than a mile from the mainland of Abaco and a three hour boat journey from Florida. Each plot comes with Planning permission and is ready to build. Water Cay has only been on the market for a few weeks, and the plots are selling fast. Click on the link at the bottom of the page to reserve yours.
TAXES The Bahamas has absolutely no personal income tax, no corporate income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax.
The absence of income, corporate, and inheritance taxes means that import duties are the main source of revenue for the government.
As a result, duty, or "tariff", rates are very high. The Bahamas raises some 65 percent of its revenues from import tariffs. The average rate of duty charges on imports is 32.8 percent. In addition to high tariffs, the Bahamas also charges a 7 percent stamp tax on imported goods. There are no other significant barriers to trade.
In 1998, the government eliminated duties on computer software, discs, and some medical goods. In 2000 it eliminated duties on all computer hardware.
In 2003, the imports of goods and services were $1.53 billion; Major import trading partners: US 20.8%, South Korea 17.4%, Italy 11.4%, France 9.1%, Brazil 7.5%.
The Bahamian Government raises over 50% of its revenue from import tariffs or duties. The standard ad valorem tariff for imported goods is 35%, but a many items have their own duty rates. All duty rates are subject to change at a moment's notice.
Bahamians residents shopping abroad are permitted to import $300 worth of goods, duty free, twice per year.
The Bahamas government also charges a 7% "stamp tax" on most imports.
INTERNATIONAL BANKING Recent changes in our laws regarding financial reporting and compliance have affected some offshore banks and businesses that have been doing business in the Bahamas. Customers of these banks or businesses that were not willing to comply have taken their business elsewhere. However, there are now very few places that they can go to avoid taxes. Legitimate high net worth individuals and businesses that are avoiding taxes, legally, are still here.
Many of the leading offshore banks are expanding their business in the Bahamas. Bahamas investment is affected more by the US stock market and international economic conditions than by changes in our banking laws.
Water Cay is a turnkey purchase. Purchase your lot from 1/2 to 1 1/2 acre and start building!
We even offer free viewing trips direct from Florida.
Contact us and and lets go!
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caribbean real estate 
