The Insider's Guide to Buying Property in Montserrat
Welcome to the 7th Heaven Properties guide to buying property in Montserrat, your essential companion for navigating the enchanting appeal of the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.”
With its relaxed pace of life, charming sea-view villas and green carpeted mountains, Montserrat is the perfect place to enjoy unhurried days spent lounging by the pool and quiet nights gazing at the stars.
Discover the irresistible appeal of this tiny Caribbean island, find out why property buyers are investing in real estate in Montserrat and delve into the real estate market with a showcase of property listings and blog posts highlighting the island’s unique qualities and advantages.
From the ins and outs of buying property in Montserrat to an essential overview of relevant taxes, this is your ultimate go-to resource.
Overview - The Montserrat Real Estate Market
In 1979, when Beatles producer George Martin sought out the ideal location to build and operate a music studio in an idyllic location away from the crowds, he chose the tiny, green mountain-covered island of Montserrat. Music stars from Paul McCartney to Eric Clapton followed in his wake and discovered an island paradise. Over the years Montserrat has welcomed investment from numerous overseas buyers who treasure the island’s dramatic natural beauty, safety, peacefulness and quiet.
The charms that lured those famous families to the island decades ago have fortunately been retained and Montserrat continues to offer a unique charm and tranquility. The property market today comprises hillside and waterfront homes availavle at substantially lower prices than other comparable investment locations in the Caribbean. The quiet “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean” attracts a dedicated set of snowbirds who continue to return each year via a short flight from nearby Antigua to soak up the sun at their spacious villas.
With almost no beachfront properties, condos or apartments and very limited stock of high-quality real estate available, homes in the most desirable areas are in high demand and property prices are expected to rise across Montserrat, especially in areas such as Woodlands, Olveston, Old Towne and Isles Bay.
“Over the years Montserrat has welcomed investment from numerous overseas buyers who treasure the island’s dramatic natural beauty, safety, peacefulness and quiet”
Buying Process, Fees & Taxes
- Can foreigners buy property in Montserrat?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Montserrat and the Government of Montserrat welcomes investment from overseas buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers acquiring real estate in Montserrat. In order to purchase real estate in Montserrat, foreign buyers need to apply for an Alien Land Holding Licence (ALHL) which costs $2,500 or 5% of the purchase price (whichever is greater) and takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks for approval.
- Buying process
Buying property in Montserrat is a relatively simple process, which typically involves the following steps:
- Begin your property search.
- Find your perfect property and make an offer.
- Once you have made an offer on a property and the offer has been accepted, you will need to engage a local attorney to assist you in applying for an Alien Land Holding License and preparing the contracts.
- Upon signing the contract, the buyer needs to pay the deposit which is typically 10% of the agreed purchase price. The sales contract should be conditional on the application and approval of the Alien Landholding License.
- Upon receiving approval of the Alien Landholding License, the buyer will transfer the balance of the purchase price (typically within 30 days).
- Pay all required taxes and fees.
- Upon closing, the seller signs a memorandum of transfer and the buyer will receive the title (land certificate) for the property.
- Fees & taxes
Transfer Fees & Stamp Tax
Buyers are responsible for the payment of Transfer fees and Stamp Tax which amounts to 2.75% of the price of the real property (excluding contents).
Legal Fees
In addition, buyers will need to cover the cost of their attorney’s fees which typically total 2% of the purchase price of the property.
Property Tax
There is an annual residential land tax rate of 0.05% per year and building tax rate of 0.025% per year.
Latest Real Estate Listings in Montserrat
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Residency & Citizenship
- How long can a foreign citizen stay in Montserrat?
While Montserrat is an Overseas Territory of the UK, it has its own visa policy. Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, EU and many countries in the Caribbean and Latin America are permitted to remain in Montserrat on holiday without a visa for up to 6 months.
- How do you become a resident of Montserrat?
Montserrat operates an Economic Residency Programme which allows foreign nationals depositing EC $400,000 in a bank account in Montserrat or investing EC $400,000 in real estate in Montserrat to apply for a residence permit.
Foreign nationals that have resided lawfully in Montserrat for at least 5 years can then apply for a Permit of Permanent Residence.
- How do you become a citizen of Montserrat?
Individuals who have been legally resident in Montserrat for at least 5 years may be eligible under the British Nationality Act to apply for naturalization as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC).
Mortgages in Montserrat
Looking for financing to fund the purchase of property in Montserrat?
Contrary to popular misconception, it is possible for foreign nationals looking to invest in Montserrat real estate to apply for a mortgage.
Some local banks offer mortgages for qualifying non-residents buying, building or improving a second home in Montserrat.
For more information, see our page on: Caribbean mortgages.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from North America, South America, Europe or Asia to Montserrat.
To get to Montserrat, you should take a flight to Antigua, which is one of the Caribbean’s most accessible destinations.
From Antigua, take a short connecting flight to Gerald’s Airport on Montserrat with FlyMontserrat or SVG Air.
- Antigua to Montserrat 20m
- Miami to Antigua 3h 00m
- New York to Antigua 4h 00m
- Toronto to Antigua 5h 00m
- London to Antigua 8h 00m
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