Frequently Asked Questions
The future of the Caribbean lies within its tourism product therefore an emphasis on infrastructure, service, technology, communications, health and education systems has become a priority.
The tropical climate with its balmy trade winds makes the Caribbean an ideal location for those less enamoured with colder climates, especially northern winters.
Being in the Caribbean, outside the U.S. market will make real estate investments less subject to U.S. cycles and it puts the Caribbean on the global market.
Compared to the current soft market in the US, the Caribbean is seeing double and even triple growth in return investments.
More buying power for the dollar with attractive tax incentives such as no capital gains or property taxes in some countries.
In terms of value for the price, many parts of the Caribbean offer unrivalled location, size and features when compared to similar North American locations.
Waterfront and water-view properties offer more security in the housing market as historically they are the last to go down in value and the first to rise back up in the corrective cycle.
The tremendous diversity in terms of culture, topography, climate, demographics, history, population and ecology exists throughout the Caribbean so there is something for everyone. Need we say more!
The answer is yes, on most islands, however there are stringent laws, applications and licenses, which need to be completed. Some developers and real estate brokers have made the process much easier and will assist you with the process.
Yes, through local banks affiliated with each developer and broker, you can apply for a mortgage. Rates are very competitive and can generally be amortized between 15 - 25 years and requiring 20 - 30% down. Pre-financing approval can be done in some situations.
Neither! Hibiscus International works in partnership with TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) licensed travel professionals for the tour portion of any site inspection or small group tour. Open House Real Estate Group acts as a third party introduction service to real estate professionals in the Caribbean. We insist that before any purchase you "do diligence" and speak to your own financial and legal professionals before any purchase takes place.
Money is well spent on an attorney. It is recommended that anyone purchasing real estate should seek the advice of an attorney. Local developers and/or brokers on each island can make introductions.
Yes, just let us know your intent and we'll make sure that you site inspect appropriate properties and are introduced to the people you will need to build a home. We'll even assist with introductions to interior design companies and moving and shipping companies for transporting your own belongings into the Caribbean.
No need to worry. On all our site inspection tours and cruises we prepare you well in advance of your trip with material and resources found in the password protected Hibiscus Club Member's vault. Once you've signed up, you'll have access to extensive information. During all escorted tours and cruises, the host will be available to help you with details and what questions to ask. Breakfast presentations onboard the cruises will help prepare you for each day's site inspections.
Your on-island developers and brokers will explain what rental pooling, fees, management and options are available at each property.
Title and ownership will vary from property to property so it's a question that must be asked and understood prior to purchase. Many of the properties have Title held in perpetuity with some of the world's safest legislation and protection of property rights.
Stamp Duty is a form of taxation on many islands and will vary across the region. It's paid upon closing and will represent a percentage of the purchase price. Some developers have great concessions on new properties. This is another questions, which must be asked and understood prior to purchasing.
By all means, come along and make it a family vacation. Today's dreamer may just be tomorrow's purchaser.
