Land Ownership Education
Understanding land ownership
Owning land in The Bahamas involves clear title, registered conveyance, and ongoing obligations such as property tax. The Ministry provides guidance so that citizens enter ownership informed.
Conveyance basics
Conveyance is the legal transfer of property from one party to another. It typically involves preparing documents, paying stamp duty where applicable, and registering the transfer with the Registrar General.
Subdivisions and zoning
Subdivisions are areas of land divided into lots according to an approved plan. Zoning determines how each lot may be used — residential, commercial, mixed-use, etc.
Where to get help
For specific land matters, the Ministry and the Lands and Surveys Department can guide you to the right resources. Citizens are also encouraged to engage independent legal counsel.
Legislation & official sources
Everything on this page is drawn from Bahamian law and official government sources.
- Acquisition of Land Act, Ch. 252
Declaration of intending acquisition, notice requirements and compensation.
- Stamp Act, Ch. 370
Duties on conveyances and mortgages, including the first-home exemption in section 3B.
- Registrar General's Department
Recording of conveyances and searches of the register of records.
- First Home Exemption — Department of Inland Revenue
Official application process for stamp duty / VAT relief on a first home.
- Real Property Tax — Department of Inland Revenue
Assessment, owner-occupied relief and payment of real property tax.
- Department of Physical Planning
Subdivision approvals, zoning and building permit guidance.
Support
Need help with housing or land services?
Our staff is available Monday through Friday to answer your questions about applications, eligibility, rentals, and land programmes.
Thompson Boulevard, PO Box N275
Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas