Buying Jamaican Real Estate

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Buying Real Estate in Jamaica

In Jamaica there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of property. In purchasing property the first step is to make an offer.

Upon acceptance by the vendor, a land survey and title search is conducted to confirm any other claims or conflicting interests against the property.

Once fully satisfied, the buyer is advised to lodge a caveat on the property to prohibit any other interest from being registered against the property, until transfer has been completed.

There are two kinds of land titles in Jamaica. A common law title is a certificate of ownership used for unregistered lands.

A common law title can be upgraded to a registered title. This registered title is both legal and official.

The Registration of Titles Act stipulates that the original must be retained at the Office of Land and Titles, while a duplicate is provided to the proprietor.

The Agreement for Sale is then prepared, normally by the vendor’s lawyer. It is usually signed by both parties either at the agency (if a real estate agent is employed) or in the presence of a lawyer.

The transaction becomes official and binding upon signing the agreement. At the same time, the buyer will be required to pay a deposit of about 10% - 20% of the selling price, depending on what has been agreed upon, and to pay his share of the stamp duty on the transaction.

It is important to note that foreign currency remittance for the purpose of purchasing real estate is prohibited without the approval of the Bank of Jamaica.

Consent from the Exchange Control Department of the Bank of Jamaica is required prior to engaging in purchase agreements.

After signing the sale agreement, an application should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Titles, and government duties paid.

An important reminder: documents on conveyance of land must be stamped within 30 days of signing, to avoid substantial penalties.

The transfer of the deed signals the completion of the sale. If the purchase is in cash, the time it takes to complete will depend largely on the participating entities.

On the other hand, if a mortgage is involved, the completion can last up to three months or more from the date of signing.

The whole process of registering a property can take around 54 days to complete.

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Last Updated On : 24 Feb 2011