Buying Property In Barbados
Homebuyers can choose from developed towns and cities through quintessential Caribbean beaches when searching for property in Barbados.
Whether it's a quieter rural location or the bustling capital Bridgetown, the island's vibrant and friendly culture always means a warm welcome, and its year-round sun makes it the perfect climate for an active lifestyle.
The island’s low-tax environment stimulates its thriving offshore financial sector, including banking and insurance.
Besides tourism, the agricultural and mining sectors are among the largest industries on the island.
House buyers are further attracted to Barbados due to it being outside the hurricane belt.
Buying, Owning Or Selling Property In Barbados
Buying property in Barbados is restriction-free for non-residents. Prospective purchasers simply have to seek permission from the Central Bank of Barbados, which is a formality.
Buyers paying for properties in cash must register the funds with the central bank and should employ an attorney and real estate agent.
For updated information regarding legal fees and property transfer tax, please read our Barbados buying guide.
Education
Several impressive private schools on the island offer both primary and secondary education, with some extending admissions through to 18.
Overseas residents are readily welcomed into these schools, with The Codrington School offering the International Baccalaureate while Lockerbie College also teaches foreign curricula, including American, Canadian and European.
Primary education is compulsory between the ages of 4 and 11 and secondary up until the age of 16.
The island has an impressive literacy rate of roughly 99.6 per cent – one of the highest in the world.
Activities
With more than 80 pristine white-sand beaches, Barbados is perfect for outdoor lovers.
Whether it's swimming and snorkelling with sea turtles in the calm waters of Paynes Bay Beach or surfing Rockley Beach, there's an abundance of choice.
For true indulgence, the island's west coast plays host to some of the world's most luxurious hotels, including Sandy Lane, Fairmont Royal Pavilion and Cobbler's Cove Hotel, whose restaurants, bars and spas are the perfect places to relax. Another highlight is the Sea Shed, a beachfront restaurant serving tapas, pizzas and cocktails in a laid-back, rustic-chic setting.
Keen golfers will wonder at the island’s world-leading facilities, with five PGA courses on the island and the exclusive Green Monkey at Sandy Lane.
Exploring the island’s lush flora is among the most captivating at the Welchman Hall Gully and Bathsheba’s Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
Culture
The island enjoys a packed social calendar with favourite events, including horseracing at the Garrison Savannah Racetrack, which has hosted races since 1845, polo and the amazing cultural spectacle, the Grand Kadooment.
A burgeoning beach bar and restaurant scene is emerging along the island’s west coast, with the likes of La Cabane at Batts Rock Beach and Speightstown’s One Eleven East Beach Bar serving up impressive cocktails and tasty food.
The coral island makes the most of its local produce, with flying fish and cou-cou (similar to polenta) its national dish. Shrimp, lobster and crab feature heavily on Barbadian menus, with coconut bread being a staple sweet treat.
The capital city Bridgetown’s entire downtown area is a Unesco World Heritage site that will entice those keen to learn about the island’s past.
Accessibility
Grantley Adams International Airport is one of the best-served in the Caribbean, with 26 direct flights each week.
This means cities including London, New York, Miami, Boston, Toronto and Frankfurt are easily accessible. Several carriers also fly to Barbados from regional UK airports, usually with a stop.
Getting around the island is most convenient by hire car although taxis are also available.