Commercial Property for Sale in the Bahamas: Retail, Marinas and Hotels

Foreigners may buy freehold commercial property, but operating certain businesses can require approval from the Bahamas Investment Authority and business licences, and some trades are reserved for Bahamians. Confirm with an attorney before buying a going concern. See the Bahamas buying guide.

• Licences and permits. Confirm they transfer with the sale.
• Seasonality. Occupancy swings with the tourist season and hurricane risk.
• Utilities and staffing. Costs are higher than in many countries.
• Hurricane damage and insurance history.
• Title and encumbrances.
• Tax. VAT and stamp duty may apply.

If the sale includes a trading business, ask for three years of accounts, tax filings and staff contracts. Seasonality means a winter-heavy business can look excellent on a single quarter's figures. Ask how the property fared in recent storms, whether claims were made, and what the premium is now. Request landlord and tenant details for any let units, including lease length and renewal terms. A local accountant will tell you what is realistic to expect after tax and costs, and an attorney should check any related-party leases.

For general budgeting, our financing guide explains what local banks typically require, and the mortgage calculator can model a cash-plus-loan scenario.

Local entrepreneurs, tourism operators, and overseas investors buying income-producing premises or a marina plot.

Visit at least twice, once in the busy winter season and once in the quiet summer or early autumn, so you see both sides of the cash flow. Talk to neighbouring operators about utilities, labour and supply deliveries, which are often the hardest part of running a business on an island. Allow extra time for closing, because government approvals and title searches can move slowly, and agree a long-stop date in the contract. Keep funds in a regulated account while the attorney completes the work.