The Insider's Guide to Buying Property in Anguilla
Welcome to the 7th Heaven Properties guide to buying property in Anguilla, your essential companion for navigating the enchanting appeal of this exquisite Caribbean island.
Small but perfectly formed, tiny Anguilla is one of the most exclusive destinations in the world with a highly prestigious property market.
Discover the beauty of this incredible island, find out why property buyers are investing in real estate in Anguilla and delve into the real estate market with a showcase of property listings and blog posts highlighting the island’s unique charm and advantages.
From the ins and outs of buying property in Anguilla to an essential overview of relevant taxes, this is your ultimate go-to resource.
Overview - The Anguilla Real Estate Market
A Caribbean Gem Sparkling with Unrivaled Beauty
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Anguilla beckons you with its pristine powder-soft white-sand beaches and dazzling turquoise waters. This enchanting island paradise spans just 35 square miles, yet its alluring blend of luxury, exclusivity, and small-island charm offers an irresistible invitation to those in search of a serene Caribbean escape.
An Island of Tranquility and Unspoiled Beauty
Lose yourself in the tranquility of Anguilla’s breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. With over 30 sun-soaked beaches to choose from, you’ll revel in the serene ambiance of Meads Bay, the captivating vistas of Shoal Bay East, or the untouched splendor of Little Bay. The island’s gentle landscapes, punctuated by palm trees swaying in the warm Caribbean breeze, provide an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
A Rich Culture and Warm Hospitality
Beyond its natural beauty, Anguilla is home to a vibrant culture that warmly embraces its visitors. A melting pot of cultural influences, the island’s rich heritage is showcased through its lively festivals, mouth-watering cuisine, and captivating music. As you immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions, you’ll be touched by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Anguillian people.
Exclusivity and Luxury in Anguilla’s Real Estate Market
Anguilla’s real estate market is renowned for its exclusivity and orientation towards the luxury end of the market. From elegant beachfront apartments in intimate communities to lavish clifftop estates, the island offers a diverse range of luxurious properties that cater to the most discerning buyers. Popular locations such as West End, Shoal Bay and Meads Bay provide an enticing array of options, each with its own unique allure.
As a discerning property investor, you’ll appreciate the island’s strong commitment to preserving its natural environment and maintaining its high-end appeal. Building regulations and carefully planned development have helped protect Anguilla’s pristine beauty while ensuring the island remains a sought-after destination for luxury real estate.
A Thriving Community and Exceptional Lifestyle
Life in Anguilla is a harmonious blend of leisure and adventure, with myriad opportunities to indulge in a variety of pursuits. Golf enthusiasts will relish the Greg Norman-designed championship course at Aurora Anguilla, while water sports aficionados can explore the island’s vibrant marine life through kiteboarding, windsurfing, waterskiing, and sailing.
The island’s thriving art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists, speaks to the creative spirit that imbues Anguilla. And with a wide array of world-class dining options, including beachside bistros and fine dining establishments, your taste buds will be equally delighted by the island’s culinary offerings.
Discover Your Dream Home in Anguilla
As you explore the enchanting island of Anguilla, you’ll find yourself captivated by its unrivaled beauty, luxurious properties, and warm, inviting culture. With its unique blend of tranquility, exclusivity, and small-island charm, Anguilla offers an unparalleled setting for those looking to invest in their own slice of Caribbean paradise.
Embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories and enjoy an exceptional lifestyle in a place that truly feels like home. Welcome to Anguilla, where your dream Caribbean retreat awaits.
“Anguilla’s real estate market is renowned for its exclusivity and orientation towards the luxury end of the market”
Buying Process, Fees & Taxes
- Can foreigners buy property in Anguilla?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Anguilla and the Government of Anguilla welcomes investment from overseas buyers. To purchase real estate in Anguilla, non-nationals need to first apply for an Alien Landholding License for which there is a US $400 application fee.
There are some restrictions on overseas buyers. For example, non-nationals are permitted to purchase up to half an acre of land and must build a property with a gross external floor area of 2,000 square feet within 18 months from the date of issue of the Alien Landholding License.
Also, non-nationals are not permitted to purchase property along a sandy beachfront as prime beachfront land is reserved for tourism projects and commercial development. However, foreign buyers may purchase homes set along the rocky coastline or cliffs or inland.
- Buying process
Buying property in Anguilla is a relatively simple process, which typically involves the following steps:
- Begin your property search.
- Find your perfect property and make an offer.
- If your offer is accepted by the seller and you are a non-national, you will need to apply to the Department of Lands and Surveys for an Alien Land Holding License. An Alien Landholding License is required by all non-nationals purchasing real estate in Anguilla.
- To qualify for an Alien Landholding License, applicants are required to correctly complete the application form, provide various references and pay a US $400 application fee.
- A brief interview with a Government representative is required and a decision on approval is normally made within 3 months.
- Once your Alien Landholding License has been approved and received, it should be presented to Lands and Surveys together with the RL1 Land Transfer Forms.
- Pay all required taxes to The Treasury.
- Provide Lands and Surveys with a receipt from The Treasury to confirm taxes have been paid and the property will be transferred into your name.
- Fees & taxes
Belongers / Nationals of Anguilla: Stamp Duty has been reduced from 5% to 2.5% from 1st January 2017 for a period of three years.
Non-Belongers / Non-Nationals: Stamp Duty has been cut from 12.5% to 5% for built developments and 6.25% for vacant land for a period of two years.
Residency & Citizenship
- How long can a foreign citizen stay in Anguilla?
Non-Belongers who purchase property in Anguilla will be granted an eleven-month visitor’s stamp at the time of payment of the ALHL (Alien Land Holding License) fees. The visitor’s stamp can be renewed for the same term on an annual basis.
- How do you become a resident of Anguilla?
In June 2019 Anguilla launched a Residency by Investment Program which allows investors making a financial contribution to the island to obtain Permanent Residence status in Anguilla via either a financial contribution to a government fund or an investment in real estate.
To be eligible for the Anguilla Residency by Investment Program applicants must contribute via 1 of the following 2 optional routes:
- Option 1: Make a one-time contribution of US $150,000 for the main applicant (plus US $50,000 for each dependant/spouse) to Anguilla’s Capital Development Fund,
- Option 2: To qualify a family of 4, purchase or construct real estate with a minimum value of US $750,000 (plus US $100,00 for each additional dependant). The property must not be sold for a minimum of 5 years).
Find out more: Anguilla Residency by Investment
Tax Residency
Anguilla also operates a Tax Residency Program, which allows high-value applicants to become tax resident in Anguilla. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Make a fixed annual payment of US $75,000 in annual worldwide income tax to Anguilla’s Treasury,
- Own and maintain property in Anguilla with a minimum value of US $400,000,
- Spend a minimum of 45 days on the island each year,
- Establish genuine links in Anguilla, for example bank accounts, memberships etc,
- Declare in writing that you have not spent more than 183 days per year in any other country,
- Demonstrate the ability to readily transfer the first 5 years of annual tax payments,
- Pay the programme application and due diligence fees.
Find out more: Anguilla Tax Residency Program
- How do you become a citizen of Anguilla?
Permanent residents that have resided in Anguilla for 5 years can apply for a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) passport and BOTC citizenship. British Overseas Territories Citizens can apply for full British Citizenship, subject to meeting certain physical presence and character requirements.
Mortgages in Anguilla
Looking for financing to fund the purchase of property in the Caribbean?
Contrary to popular misconception, it is possible for foreign nationals looking to invest in Anguilla real estate to apply for a mortgage.
Our partner – a very well respected international financial organization – offers mortgages for qualifying non-residents buying, building or improving a second home in Anguilla.
For more information, see our page on: Caribbean mortgages.
How to Get to There
There are no direct flights from the USA, Canada or Europe to Anguilla.
To get to Anguilla, fly to St Maarten, Puerto Rico or Antigua and take a connecting flight to Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport.
From St Maarten, a major regional transport hub, the flight is just 7 minutes. Fly with Trans Anguilla, Anguilla Air Services or private charter.
There are direct flights from Puerto Rico to Anguilla and flight time is approximately 1 hour.
From Antigua, Liat operates daily flights to Anguilla.
Alternatively take a boat / ferry from St Maarten to Anguilla. The journey time is just 20 minutes.
- St Maarten to Anguilla 10m
- Puerto Rico to Anguilla 1h
- Antigua to Anguilla 45m