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Viewing Buying Property in Trinidad and TobagoBuying Property in Trinidad and Tobago
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Overseas buyers searching for luxury property in the Caribbean should take a good look at Tobago. Investors have been buying land in Tobago at an alarming rate. A small cottage makes for a great adult getaway at any time of year. By Nicholas Marr Overseas buyers searching for luxury property in the Caribbean should take a good look at Tobago. This small island has so many benefits that overseas investors have been buying land in Tobago at an alarming rate. A small cottage makes for a great adult getaway at any time of year. The Trinidad and Tobago Government has now started a licensing system to monitor international buyers, so that the small island does not become so expensive that local people might not be able to buy property on their own island. So why is Tobago so popular? Tobago is still an unspoiled place of natural beauty. Eco tourism alongside beach holidays is part of its attraction. Real estate in Tobago is still relatively inexpensive compared to islands such as Barbados, for example. The tropical climate, easy access, and strong, well-rounded economy combine to make it one of the best investments in the Caribbean. The process of buying land and property in Trinidad and Tobago is straightforward and similar to many other Caribbean nations. Foreigners and foreign companies may purchase up to one acre of residential land and/or up to five acres of commercial land without applying for a license. Any purchases over these amounts and you must apply for an Alien Landholder License through the government. When you find your desired property and agree on terms with the seller, you both sign a sales agreement. The buyer pays a 10% deposit to be held in escrow, and the contract is binding on both parties. Traditionally, the final payment is paid on closing 90 days from the signing of the sales agreement to allow time for all the necessary searches and records work. After signing the sales agreement, the buyer instructs a local lawyer to perform a title search. At the same time, your lawyer should conduct a record search from the Utilities and Water and Sewage Authority (WASA), and also make sure that all taxes are paid. Getting clearance from WASA is probably the longest part of this process, and can take as long as six weeks. It will also cost $575 TT for the certificate. Once the title of the property is verified and all records checked, you may proceed to closing. Closing fees include a stamp duty, legal fees (typically 1-2%), and insurance costs for the dwelling. A memorandum of stamp duty should go to the Board of Inland Revenue for assessment of stamp duty prior to closing, so that you will know how much to pay. After closing, you take the memorandum to the Board of Inland Revenue and pay the duty. Upon payment, the memorandum of transfer is stamped, and you can now present this for registration with the Land Registry. The Land Registry prepares a return of ownership form, showing change in ownership for paying property taxes. This document is filed with the District Revenue Office - and you are done About the Author: Nicholas Marr is a lifetime property investor and CEO of Marr International Ltd., a UK-based property marketing company that is responsible for the international real estate web site at http://www.homesgofast.com. Article Source: Adult Escapes - http://www.AdultEscapes.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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