Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic, the Turks and Caicos are a chain of 40 islands located 575 miles from Miami. With the third largest coral reef system in the world, it is a premier dive and snorkeling destination, offering wall dives as well as spectacular living coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.

Its 230 miles of tropical beaches are arguably he best in the Caribbean, while its sunny year-round climate and warm friendly people contribute to an ideal atmosphere that helps everyone truly unwind and relax. Still emerging as a tourist destination, 60 percent of visitors to Turks and Caicos return again and again, with many choosing to purchase a second or retirement home here.

The population of Turks and Caicos is less than 25,000 persons, spread across eight inhabited islands that include Providenciales with the majority of residents, and Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, East Caicos, and West Caicos. Tourism is the main industry in TCI, and the islands are committed to retaining the unspoiled charm and beautiful environment that captivate all who come here.

In an average year, Turks and Caicos has 350 days of sunshine. Temperatures are generally comfortable year-round, ranging between 85 and 90 degrees in the summer when the heat is tempered by fresh trade winds. From November to May, the average temperature is 80 to 84 degrees. Annual average rainfall varies from 21 inches on Grand Turks and South Caicos, to 40 inches in North Caicos.

Travel to Turks and Caicos has become is relatively easy, with direct flights offered by American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines, Air Canada and British Airways from Miami, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Toronto, and London to the international airport in Providenciales. Flights from Miami are about 75 minutes while New York is less than three hours away. SkyKing and Air Turks and Caicos can take you from Providenciales to Grand Turk, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, South Caicos, and Salt Cay. Charters to Grand Turk and South Caicos are also available, and boats can take you to North Caicos from Providenciales or to many other islands.

Legal issues:

The Turks and Caicos islands have an open real estate market that does not require residency or any other permit to purchase real estate.

The government provides an efficient and secure means of property registration. Confidentiality of land holdings may be enhanced through establishment of a local land holding company. A growing professional community of architects and builders are available to assist with all aspect of the development process.

The procedure for purchasing real estate throughout Turks and Caicos is very straightforward. Title is freehold and guaranteed by the crown which eliminates the need for title insurance. All details relating to the size, ownership, encumbrances and restrictions registered against the property can be easily obtained from the land registry.

The legal framework for Turks and Caicos real estate ownership is the Torrens Land Registry System, with title to land guaranteed by the Crown. The Register, which is available for public inspection, discloses all relevant information.

Once a person or corporation is registered as owner with absolute title, a purchaser need not make any enquiry into prior title. No Turks and Caicos government consents are required in registering title and there is no restriction on foreign property ownership.

Taxes and charges:

There are no annual property taxes, nor any capital gains tax levied on the disposal of property.

There is a one time land transfer tax called Stamp Duty, payable upon the acquisition of a property after which there are no annual property taxes, or capital gains taxes payable on the disposal of the property. Income on short term rentals have a small tax levied.

There is a land transfer tax of 0 to 3% based on property value in lesser developed islands and 0 to 9.75% on Providenciales. There are NO real estate taxes imposed in connection with the ownership, development or disposal of land in the Turks and Caicos Islands.