BUYER'S GUIDE
TAKING THE PLUNGE
Buying a property can be one of the largest investments in one’s lifetime; building equity and for many of us, securing a home for family. Our team not only understands the importance of finding the right property for your needs, we also possess the experience and qualifications to assist you from beginning to successful closing of your property purchase.
BUYER ELIGIBILITY
The Bermuda Government has established policies relating to property purchases in order to safeguard our limited land mass.
This is accomplished by utilizing the Annual Rental Value (A.R.V.) of a property in defining the types of properties available to buyers based on their citizenship and Bermuda Immigration Status. Each property A.R.V. may be viewed on www.landvaluation.bm
BERMUDIAN / SPOUSE OF BERMUDIAN
– Any Property (regardless of A.R.V. designation)
PERMANENT RESIDENT CERTIFICATE HOLDERS “PRC HOLDERS”
– Any Property (regardless of A.R.V. designation other than property which has been developed as part of a Government funded scheme)
– Not able to purchase vacant lots of land
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS
– Homes with A.R.V. of $126,000 and over
– Condominiums with A.R.V. of $25,800 and over
– Not able to purchase vacant lots of land (except specific tourism development)
– Ownership of commercial property is limited to a 40% share, as is investment in local business. The exception to this is ownership of major hotel properties.
– For additional information contact our agents.
PURCHASING COSTS
Typically, Buyers and Sellers split the Stamp Duty Fee and Conveyance Fees associated with a Property Transaction.
STAMP DUTY FEES are based on the Purchase Price of the Property and can be calculated from the rates listed.
CONVEYANCE is the legal process of Property Transactions. This process includes producing a Certificate of Title, Land Title Registration and many other legal requirements.
A Purchaser usually chooses the attorney to conduct the property transaction, however the Buyer and the Seller are separately responsible for costs involving personal advice and negotiation by their respective attorney. Basic costs of Certificate of Title may be calculated from the rates listed.
It is recommended that you meet with your attorney to confirm all other costs involved.
Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty Band | Rate |
---|---|
First $100,000 | 2.10% |
Next $400,000 | 3.15% |
Next $500,000 | 4.20% |
Next $500,000 | 6.30% |
Over $1,500,000 | 7.35% |
Certificate of Title
Conveyance Band | Rate |
---|---|
First $250,000 | 1.25% |
Next $250,000 | 1% |
Next $500,000 | 0.75% |
Next $1,000,000 | 0.50% |
Over $2,000,000 | 0.25% |
FINANCING & MORTGAGES
As you begin your search for your dream home or property investment, you need to establish the price level your search should be based on.
Our handy estimators will help guide you as you begin your property search.
It is never too soon to meet with your banking institution to discuss your options and the financing package they can offer you. Knowing the price range of your purchase will be helpful to you as you view and consider specific properties
THE PURCHASING PROCESS
Secure Mortgage Pre-Approval
Overview
Visit local banks (HSBC Bermuda, Butterfield Bank, Clarien Bank) to secure mortgage pre-approval before beginning your property search.
Required Documents
- Recent pay stubs (typically 3-6 months)
- Credit card statements
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Car loan details and other existing debts
- Employment verification letter
- Credit check authorization
Outcome
You'll receive a pre-approval letter stating your maximum loan amount and terms, which strengthens your position when making offers.
Engage Shrubb Realty
Why Choose Shrubb Realty
Shrubb Realty provides invaluable local market knowledge, property access, and negotiation expertise specific to Bermuda's unique market.
What Shrubb Realty Will Do
- Provide access to MLS listings and off-market properties
- Advise on pricing and current market conditions
- Coordinate property viewings and showings
- Assist with offer preparation and negotiation
- Guide you through the entire buying process
- Coordinate with lawyers, banks, and surveyors
Property Search & Selection
Bermudian Advantages
As a Bermudian citizen, you have unrestricted access to all properties on the market with no ARV restrictions or licensing requirements.
Search Criteria to Consider
- Budget and financing capacity
- Location preferences and parish considerations
- Property type and size requirements
- Proximity to work, schools, and amenities
- Future resale potential
- Maintenance and insurance costs
Popular Areas
- Paget & Warwick: Central, convenient locations
- Southampton: Beach access and resort areas
- Hamilton Parish: More affordable options
- St. George's: Historic, budget-friendly
- Devonshire: Family-friendly neighborhoods
Submit Purchase Offer
Offer Preparation
Your agent will prepare a written offer including all terms, conditions, and timeline for the transaction.
Key Offer Components
- Purchase price and payment terms
- Contingencies (financing, inspection, etc.)
- Completion timeline
- Items included/excluded in sale
- Special conditions or requests
- Deposit amount (typically 10%)
Negotiation Strategy
Be prepared for counteroffers and negotiations. Your agent will advise on market conditions and help you make competitive offers.
Offer Acceptance
Congratulations!
Your offer has been accepted! This is an exciting milestone in your property buying journey.
What Happens Next
- Signed offer becomes a binding agreement
- Deposit (typically 10%) must be paid
- Legal process begins immediately
- Time to hire your attorney
- Mortgage finalization process starts
- Various searches and surveys will be arranged
Important Reminders
- Don't make major financial changes during this period
- Keep all documentation organized
- Stay in close contact with your agent
- Be prepared for the next steps in the process
Engage Legal Counsel
Legal Requirements
Hiring a Bermuda attorney is mandatory for all property transactions to ensure legal compliance and protection.
Attorney Responsibilities
- Draft SPA: Create the Sale and Purchase Agreement
- Negotiate SPA: Work with seller's attorney on terms
- Finalize SPA: Ensure all conditions are properly documented
- Sign SPA: Arrange signing ceremony with all parties
- Handle the 10% deposit in escrow
- Coordinate with banks and surveyors
Choosing Your Attorney
- Select someone experienced in Bermuda real estate
- Ask for referrals from your agent or colleagues
- Consider firms like Conyers Dill & Pearman, Marshall Diel & Myers
- Meet them before deciding
Finalize Mortgage Application
Begin Finalization Process
Now that you have a signed SPA, it's time to complete your mortgage application and begin the final approval process.
Supporting Documents and Checks Again
- Signed Sale and Purchase Agreement
- Updated financial documents and pay stubs
- Current bank statements
- Employment verification (again)
- Property insurance quotes
- Any changes in financial situation
What the Bank Will Review
- Final loan amount and terms
- Property details and purchase price
- Updated credit and income verification
- Property appraisal (they will arrange)
- Insurance requirements
Arrange Structural Survey (Optional)
Optional but Recommended
A structural survey isn't mandatory but is highly recommended, especially for older Bermuda properties.
What the Survey Covers
- Foundation and structural integrity
- Roof condition and potential leaks
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Potential repairs needed
- Bermuda-specific issues (salt air damage, hurricane preparedness)
- Overall property condition assessment
Benefits
- Identify costly repairs before purchase
- Negotiate price reductions if issues found
- Peace of mind about your investment
- Future maintenance planning
Bank Appraisal Process
Required Bank Appraisal
The bank will appoint an independent appraiser to confirm the property value supports the loan amount.
What the Appraiser Does
- Inspect the property thoroughly
- Compare with recent similar sales
- Assess market conditions
- Determine fair market value
- Ensure loan-to-value ratio compliance
- Provide detailed appraisal report to bank
Potential Outcomes
- Appraisal matches purchase price: Process continues smoothly
- Appraisal comes in low: May need to renegotiate price or bring more cash
- Appraisal exceeds price: Great news - you're getting good value!
Boundary Survey Completion
Seller's Responsibility
The vendor (seller) must hire a licensed surveyor to establish exact property boundaries before closing.
What the Boundary Survey Includes
- Precise measurement of property lines
- Physical staking of boundaries
- Identification of any encroachments
- Verification against official records
- Resolution of any boundary disputes
- Official survey certificate
Why It's Important
- Essential in Bermuda where properties can be small
- Prevents future boundary disputes
- Required for clear title transfer
- Ensures you know exactly what you're buying
- Needed for property insurance
Legal Searches & Due Diligence
Critical Legal Searches
Your attorney will conduct comprehensive searches to ensure clear ownership and identify any issues.
Planning Search
- Determines if any illegal development has taken place
- Ensures no unauthorized construction or zoning violations
- Checks planning permissions and compliance
- Typically takes about one month
Title Search
- Verify clear title ownership
- Check for liens, encumbrances, or legal issues
- Review chain of ownership
- Critical as Bermuda has no title insurance
Land Tax Search
- Confirm current land tax status
- Ensure no outstanding tax liabilities
- Calculate pro-rated taxes for closing
Mortgage Approval & Commitment
Final Mortgage Approval
With all documentation, appraisal, and searches underway, the bank will finalize your mortgage approval.
What Gets Finalized
- Final interest rate and terms
- Loan amount confirmation
- Monthly payment calculation
- Closing cost breakdown
- Insurance requirements
- Mortgage documentation preparation
Your Responsibilities
- Maintain stable financial situation
- Don't make major purchases or changes
- Provide any additional documentation requested
- Arrange property insurance
- Prepare closing funds
Completion Prerequisites
Final Coordination Phase
All parties coordinate to ensure everything is completed before closing day.
Checklist - Searches Done
- Planning search completed satisfactorily
- Title search shows clear ownership
- Land tax search confirms no outstanding issues
- All legal searches reviewed by attorney
Checklist - Boundary Done
- Boundary survey completed by vendor
- Property lines clearly marked and staked
- Survey certificate provided
- No encroachment issues identified
Checklist - Appraisal Done
- Bank appraisal completed and approved
- Property value supports loan amount
- Appraisal report accepted by lender
- No valuation issues requiring resolution
Property Completion & Settlement
Completion Day Process
The final legal and financial steps to transfer ownership of your new property.
Sign Conveyance
- Legal transfer documents executed
- Deed of conveyance signed by all parties
- Final review of all terms and conditions
- Attorney ensures all legal requirements met
Bank Transfer Funds
- Lender transfers mortgage funds to attorney
- Your down payment and closing costs transferred
- All funds held in attorney's trust account
- Final fund reconciliation completed
Disburse Funds
- Attorney pays seller the agreed amount
- Outstanding costs and fees paid
- Government stamp duties paid
- All parties receive their proper payments
Key Handover & Possession
Congratulations!
You are now officially a property owner in Bermuda! Time to receive your keys and take possession.
Key Handover Process
- Final walk-through of the property
- Receive all keys, codes, and access cards
- Get garage door openers and security codes
- Collect any warranties or manuals
- Utilities officially transferred to your name
- Property officially becomes yours!
Important Next Steps
- Change locks for security
- Set up utilities and services
- Update your address with banks, employers, etc.
- Arrange moving and settlement
- Consider ongoing maintenance needs
- Enjoy your new Bermuda home!
Future Considerations
- Annual land tax payments
- Property insurance renewals
- Regular maintenance (exterior painting every 5 years)
- Roof maintenance every 2-3 years
- Hurricane preparations
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