Barbados is an independent island nation located in the western Atlantic Ocean, just to the east of the Caribbean Sea, found at roughly 13° north of the Equator and 59° west of the Prime Meridian. Located relatively close to South America the nation of Barbados is around 434.5 kilometres (270 miles) northeast of the South American nation of Venezuela.

The closest island neighbours to Barbados are Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines both located to the west, along with Barbados these islands are all considered a part of the Caribbean region's Lesser Antilles.

The weather is mostly sunny and fair in tropical Barbados, with an average of high daytime temperatures of 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). These hot conditions are tempered by the prevailing cool northeast tradewinds. The dry season occurs from January to June and the hurricane season extends from June to October. Hurricanes, however, usually miss Barbados. Instead the island experiences some spectacular tropical rainstorms. These are usually short and heavy spells that dry up quickly.

More than 20 flights land at Barbodos Grantley Adams International Airport every day. Flying time to Barbados is 4 1/2 hours from New York, 3 1/2 hours from Miami, 5 hours from Toronto, and 1 1/2 hours from San Juan.

American Airlines has dozens of connections passing through San Juan, plus daily nonstop flights to Barbados from Miami. BWIA the national airline of Trinidad and Tobago, also offers daily flights from New York and Miami.

US Airways flies daily from New York's LaGuardia. Air Canada has nonstop flights daily in the winter, and Air Jamaica offers daily flights that link Barbados to Atlanta, Baltimore, and Miami through the airline's Montego Bay hub. Air Jamaica offers nonstop flights from New York to Barbados about three days a week.

If you are Buying a Property:

-There is no Property Transfer Tax for buyers.
-Buyers Legal Fees - Approximately 1.5% of the Purchase Price (plus 15% VAT).
-Mortgage Down Payment - Usually a minimum of 10%, but can be as low as 0%.
-Mortgage Repayment Time - Up to 30 Years or until the borrower reaches 65 years of age.
-Mortgage Interest Rate - Range from 6% to 8%
-Mortgage commitment fee and negotiation fee - Ranges from 0.5% to 3%
-Life Insurance - This is required if you need a mortgage.

Annual Land Tax:

Annual Property Insurance:

- 0.4% for a residence
- 0.6% for commercial buildings
- 0.9% for hotels


For Non Nationals of Barbados:

In 1998 the government abolished property transfer tax for non-nationals of Barbados.

It is necessary for a non-national purchaser to remit the purchase price to Barbados in a foreign currency. It is then converted into Barbados currency and registered with the Exchange Control Authority of Barbados.

This is to facilitate a subsequent repatriation of funds if the property is sold.

Exchange Control Authority permission is also necessary for the purchase itself. This is usually a formality once the purchase monies have been registered.

US Dollar loans are available to non-residents from FirstCaribbean International Bank for up to 60% of the value of the property over a term of up to 15 years.

Legal Issues:

Property is passed by conveyance of title, which is evidenced by the recording of title deeds and certified survey plans at the registry of title.

Once the purchaser has agreed to buy, and the vendor have agreed to sell, a legal contract has to be drawn up by a lawyer in Barbados, which provides for a deposit to be made to secure the property. The vendor's attorney holds this deposit in escrow until completion of the sale when the balance of the purchase price is paid and the title passes to the purchaser by way of the conveyance.

The purchaser will require a registered Barbadian attorney to search the register and establish title to the property prior to the completion of sale to ensure that there are no encumbrances, charges, encroachments or other impediments to the sale.

Select form the resorts above to visit our information and property pages for that resort