An architectural masterpiece meticulously crafted and brought to life by the talented architectural draftsman Kevin Young of Sketchway Studio. This stunning design seamlessly blends modern luxury and contemporary charm with a touch of coastal flair, resulting in a harmonious combination that exudes tranquility, elegance, style, and comfort. This plan incorporates sustainable design features that prioritize both visual appeal and environmental consciousness, making it the ideal space for enjoying the island lifestyle for years to come.
We're the Sealeys (yes, it's LEY), a dynamic duo of tourist-turned-island enthusiasts! With one of us being a returning national and the other a local food eating legend, we've decided to set down our root in the stunning paradise of Barbados.
So far we've hit the jackpot with our rockstar realtor, legal wizard, and design extraordinaire. Click here to learn more about these powerhouse trio that's bringing us one step closer to our dream retirement house!
The next step is to round up a stellar squad of building and construction wizards, masters at crafting eco-friendly dream homes with a touch of luxurious charm guaranteed to bring joy for years to come. With this dream team leading the charge, we'll be ready to make waves as we set sail on our journey to living the ultimate Caribbean dream!
Our home design has been confirmed by Town and Country Planning department and boast around 4000 sq. ft. comprising 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms.
Front - view from the south
Front side - view from the east
Back side - view from the east
Back - view from the north
Back side - view from the west
Access private content including lot information, interior design details, measurements, walk-thru renderings, and more. Join us on this captivating journey by signing in or request login password here!
Are you or someone you know eager to join us in the exciting new project collaboration? We are seeking a qualified Quantity Surveyor and building professionals with the requisite skills, experience, and passion to help us move forward with our project. Let's join forces to bring our visions to fruition and build something truly exceptional!
Explore various websites that can provide valuable information on the building process and the cost associated with building and living in Barbados.
Whether you are currently living in Barbados, or looking to invest from overseas, there are several things to consider when buying or selling your property. This Guide will help answer some of the many questions you may have. For additional information, please feel free to contact us directly.
To start, here are a few guidelines for non-Barbadian buyers of Barbados real estate:
The remainder of this Guide outlines other considerations to be considered in deciding to invest in Barbados Real Estate. It also gives a very simple outline of the process of buying real estate in Barbados.
Legal Considerations
The Barbados legal system is derived from English common law statutes.
Retaining Legal Advice
Any person intending to buy or sell real estate in Barbados must retain the services of an Attorney-at-Law on the island to represent their interests. The Agreement for Sale, the Deed of Conveyance and the Deed of Transfer must all be prepared by an Attorney-at-Law. The peculiarities of Barbados' Conveyancing Laws, the absence of any scheme of insurance, and the predominance of unregistered title to land are factors that may render real estate transactions in Barbados potentially risky for the unfamiliar purchaser.
The Agreement for Sale
Once you have found the appropriate property, and the negotiations are complete, the starting point of the sales transaction is the Agreement for Sale, which is usually prepared by the Attorney-at-Law acting for the Vendor. At the time of signing, the Purchaser signs the Agreement in duplicate and pays a deposit-typically 10% of the purchase price. The Agreement, together with the deposit, is then delivered to the vendor's Attorney-at-law. The Vendor will then execute the Agreement and a copy of the duly executed agreement is then delivered to the Purchaser's Attorney-at-Law.
Investigation of Title
After the Agreement is signed, the Purchaser's Attorney-at-Law conducts a search against the title to the property to ensure that the Vendor holds a good legal title to the property and there are no encumbrances such as mortgages or charges of liens affecting the property. Encumbrances may also take the form of unpaid judgments, outstanding water bills, and unpaid land taxes.
Completion of the Sale and Purchase
Once the investigation of title is completed, the Vendor's Attorney-at-Law prepares the instrument used to convey the title to the Purchaser. Upon closing, the Vendor's Attorney-at-Law will normally exchange that instrument, along with prior deeds, for the balance of the purchase money.
Closing Costs
The Vendor of the property will be liable to pay the Stamp Duty and Property Transfer Tax. Legal fees are usually 1.5% to 2% of the purchase price of the property plus applicable VAT.
Taxation Considerations
Land Tax
Land Tax, or Property Tax, is payable annually and is computed as follows:
There is a ceiling of US $30,000 where the dwelling house is used exclusively as a residence by the person who owns the land on which the dwelling house is erected. For additional information, please see Barbados Land Tax info.
Property Transfer Tax
The land tax rate is 2.5%, payable by the vendor upon the sale of the property. Where the transaction is land only, the property tax is paid on the full amount. However, if the transaction includes a dwelling house, the first BBD$150,000.00 is exempt from the tax. For additional information, please see Barbados Land Registry.
Stamp Duty
This is payable by the vendor at the rate of 1% on the gross consideration.
Personal Tax vs Corporate Tax
The property owner can hold the real estate investment personally or they may set-up a holding company to do so. In either case, so long as the owner and/or the holding company are non-residents for Barbados tax purposes, there will be a withholding tax at a rate of 25% on the gross rental income earned from the property.
It is possible to obtain permission from the local tax authorities to file a Barbados tax return which would include the gross rental income less the related expenses. In such a case, if the property is owned personally, the applicable tax rate is 15% on the net rental income. The rate also applies if a company owns and rents the residential property.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Where the property is rented on a short term basis and income exceeds BBD$5,000 monthly or BBD$60,000 per annum, the owner will be required to register for VAT and charge VAT accordingly. In Barbados, VAT is imposed on the supply of a dwelling house that is rented to persons for use as a vacation or holiday home at the rate of 7.5%.
The owner may also claim VAT that is charged by suppliers on the maintenance of the property etc. against the VAT charges on the tenants. However, long term rentals are exempt from VAT.
Other Considerations
There is no Capital Gains Tax in Barbados; nor is there any Estate, Inheritance or Gift Tax. The title may be taken in a person's name or a company may be set up to own the property. In case of ownership by a company, if it is incorporated outside of Barbados, it must be registered in Barbados.
Property Management Fees
This cost can vary depending on the needs of the client. The property management companies on the island are excellent and the services are customized to suit every property owner's needs.
Deposits
Contract deposits are usually 10% of the purchase price. A refundable reservation deposit is required if the Buyer is purchasing at the pre-construction phase. Stage payments are then made in accordance with the sale agreement schedule.
Bank Accounts
A non-national may open a bank account with the proper identification and bank and professional references. Anti-money laundering legislation requires non-nationals to provide evidence of Source of Funds.
Agency Fees
The unofficial commission rate for real estate agents is 5% of the sale price plus applicable VAT.
Residence and Exchange Controls
Non-residents are required to apply to the Exchange Control Authority for permission to bring in and register their foreign currency for the purchase of property in Barbados. This is to facilitate the future repatriation of funds. Failure to do so could prevent or delay such repatriation. In the statement made by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance on March 14th 2007, it was proposed where there was sale of a property by a non-resident to another non-resident and there is no foreign exchange loss, the proceeds of the sale can be repatriated without restrictions.
A Buyers Guide to purchasing property in barbados by Barbados Real Estate 246
To ensure a seamless property purchase process in Barbados, it’s essential to do the following;
To lean more about the process visit Residence Barbados Blog
How to successfully build your Dream Home by M+ Architect.
The Architectural and Design Trends blog by Berkan Construction Services Inc provides all the key features we desire in a home.
RED by Terra Caribbean reports that BCQS International's recent review showed construction costs in the Caribbean increased between 13-30% from 2020-2022. Curacao saw the lowest rise at 13.10%, while Anguilla had the highest at 29.99%, with Barbados averaging a 16% increase over the three years.
Read the entire article HERE
In this section, you will find a list of experts in various fields that with whom we are in communication with or are presently evaluating based on specific criteria
Cherita O’dell
Real Estate Broker
Tel#:(246)233-8888
Annissa Ram
Sales & Long Term Rentals Agent
Elville House, Church Point, St. James, Barbados, BB24016
t: 246.432.5050
f: 246.432.5051
m: 246-230-6501
e: annissa@barbadossothebysrealty.com
Instagram : @annissarealestate https://www.instagram.com/annissarealestate/
Office : +1 246-247-2229
Mobile : +1 246-247-2229
WhatsApp : +1 246-247-2229
Email : travel@inspiredbythecaribbean.com
Year Admitted To Bar: 1993
Areas of Specialty - Conveyancing, Banking, Contract, Offshore Services, Estate
Law School Attended Norman Manley 1991-1993 (Jamaica, St. Lucia) 1998 (Barbados)
"Brigade House"
The Garrison
St. Michael
Barbados
Tel: 246 538-2556 Fax: 246 538-2557
Cell phone: 246-233-7965
E-mail: calewis@lewislawchambers.com
Ryan Moseley Partner
"Penrith" 11th Ave Bellville
St.Michael, Barbados
Work : +1 246 436 - 3950
Cell : +1 246 - 231- 4220
Email : Ryan@moseleypersaud.com
Shipping service in Kearny, New Jersey
Service options: Onsite services
1200 Newark Tpke, Kearny, NJ 07032
Hours: 8AM - 3 PM
Phone: (201) 246-7740
SWF
28 Stone Castle Road
Rock Tavern NY 12575
United States
Phone: 718-656-8356
BDL - 3
315 ELLA GRASSO TURNPIKE
C/O Forward Air
Windsor Locks CT 06096
United States
Phone: 718-656-8356
Emerson Webster
Kevin Young (Draughtsman, Designer)
Barbados , West Indies
E: sketchwaystudios@gmail.com
T or Whatsapp: 246-263-0198
FB: www.facebook.com/sketchwaystudios
Provides services in structural engineering and civil engineering.
Durants, Christ Church, Barbados
E: cbellamy@atlanticengineeringbarbados.com
P: (246) 228-7252
Dale Franklyn
DKF Construction
P: (246) 284-8250
Building Renovations - Home Improvements - Small Projects
Rudolph / Rudy Sealy
RRS Designs & Build LTD
P: (246) 253 4660
Winslow Tate
(246) 84109877
Juan Martinez
Russell Armstrong
Jan Hurley
E: jmartinez@mhds-bb.com
Studio Blue Architects
Neil Hutchinson, B.A (hons), Dip. Arch, RIBA, BIA Management Director
PO Box 25
Worthing
Christ Church
Barbados / BB 15130
E: info@studiobluearchitects.com
T:246-228-1666
Whatsapp: 246-826-2583
SKYPE: studio-blue-architects
M Plus Architure
Marco De Bortoli, Director
#4b Dolphin Court, The Garrison,
St. Michael, Barbados W.I. – BB14038
M: +1-246-823 1408
Skype: marco_de_bortoli
www.mplusarchitecture.com
Vicki Telford Architects Inc
Vicki S. Telford, B. Arch, MBC, RA, BIA Director, Principal Architect & Project Manager
Letchworth House Annex - Suite #1
The Garrison, St. Michael
T: (246) 427-8108
F: (246) 228-7456
E: architect@vtabarbados.com
Blue Print Management
Project Management, Architectural and Interior Services, and Procurement.
Tel: 1 (246) 573-8858
Email info@blueprintbarbados.com
2nd Floor, Hastings Financial Centre
Hastings, Christ Church
Barbados BB 15154
GSA (Gillespie & Steel Associates Ltd.)
Architecture, Interior Designs, and Master Planning.
Dormers, Prior Park, St. James Barbados WI Tel (246) 425 - 1356
Directory of Barbados Government and Non-Government Agencies, Departments & Services.
Architects Registration Board (ARB)
C/O Ministry of Transport, Works
and Water Resources
Pine East-West Boulevard
The Pine, St Michael
Tel: (246) 536-0101
Barbados Fire Service Headquarters
Level 5 General Post Office Building
Cheapside, Bridgetown
Tel: (246) 535-7800
Fax: (246) 435-0794
Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI)
Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship
and Commerce
Small Business Centre
Fontabelle, St. Michael
BB11000
PBX: (246) 426-3870
Tel: (246) 426-3871
(246) 426-3873
(246) 426-38-78
Fax: (246) 436-1495
Email: office@bnsi.com.bb
Barbados Water Authority (BWA)
Pine Commercial Estate
The Pine, St Michael
Tel: (246) 434-4200
Fax: (246) 228-0155
Email: customercare@bwa.gov.bb
Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU)
8th Floor, Warrens Tower II, Warrens
St Michael BB12001
Tel: (246) 535-5700
Fax: (246) 535-5741
Email: info@coastal.gov.bb
Department of Emergency Management
#30 Warrens Industrial Park
Warrens, St. Michael
Tel: (246) 438-7575
Fax: (246) 421-8612
Email: deminfo@barbados.gov.bb
Electrical Engineering Department
Verona House,
Bank Hall Main Road
St. Michael
Tel: (246) 535-7102 or 535-7103
Fax: (246) 426-9238
Engineers Registration Board (ERB)
Christie Building, The Garrison
St Michael BB 14038
Tel: (246) 243-4779
Email: erb@caribsurf.com
Environmental Protection Department
Ministry of Environment and National Beautification
L V Harcourt Lewis Building
Dalkeith, St. Michael
Tel: (246) 535-4600
Chief Building Department Officer
Tel: (246) 535-4604
Fax: (246)228-7103
Email: epd.secretary@epd.gov.bb
Good Hope
Green Hill, St Michael
Tel: (246) 424-0260
Fax: (246) 424-0300
Email: info@ftc.gov.bb
Ground Floor East
Warrens Office Complex
Warrens, St. Michael
Tel: (246) 310-2000
Fax: (246) 424-2310
Email: lsdept@babrbados.gov.bb
Planning and Development Department
Warrens Office Complex
Warrens, St. Michael
TelPBX: (246) 535-3000
Director of Planning: (246) 535-3070
Deputy Director of Planning: (246) 535-3080
Customer Service: (246) 535-3025 or 3027
Email: contact@planning.gov.bb
Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources
The Pine, St. Michael
PBX: (246) 536-0000
Building Unit
Tel: (246) 536-0194
Fax: (246) 426-9706
Senior Building officer
Tel: (246) 536-0188
Fax: (246) 426-9706
Barbados Building Standards Authority (BSA)
Director Tel: (246) 536-0196
(246) 536-0197
Fax: (246) 427-5078
Barbados Association of Architectural Technologists
c/o Interior Design Group
White Hall Road, St. Michael
Tel: (246) 425-2695
Email: baat2003@gmail.com
Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE)
Christie Building, The Garrison
St Michael BB 14038
Tel: (246) 429-6105
Email: engineers@caribsurf.com
Barbados Association of Quantity Surveyors
c/o Henry L. Taylor Associates Ltd
"Sherwood"
Corner Hoytes and Government Hill,
St. Michael
Tel: (246) 228-1578
Fax: (246) 426-0774
Email: hentay@caribsurf.com
Barbados Land Surveyors Association
c/o Mr. Andrew Weeks
Penrith, 11th Avenue Belleville, St. Michael
Tel: (246) 427-7019
Barbados Real Estate and Valuers Association
P. O. Box 130 Worthing , Christ Church
Tel: (246) 624-1811/836-0650
Email: info@beavainc.com
Barbados Town Planning Society
c/o Richard Gill Associates Ltd
Prior Park House, St. James
Tel: (246) 425-1488/9
Fax: (246) 421-7638
Email: barbadostownplanningsociety@gmail.com
Barbados Light & Power Company Limited
Garrison, St. Michael
Tel: 626-1800
Fax: 228-1396
Email: customerservice@blpc.com.bb
Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI)
Building #3 Unit 2B,
Harbour Industrial Estate
St. Michael
Tel: (246) 429-5357
Fax: (246) 429-5352
Email: info@bcsi.org.bb
CAA
Common Wealth Association of Architects
Website: http://www.comarchitect.org/
FCAA
Federation of Caribbean Association of Architects
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fcaainfo/
Antigua & Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda Institute of Architects
P.O. Box 2844 - St. John’s, Antigua, W.I.
Email: admin@instituteofarchitectsab.com
Website: https://instituteofarchitectsab.com
Council of Architects of Antigua & Barbuda
P.O. Box 2844 - St. John’s, Antigua, W.I.
Website: efa@candw.ag
Bahamas
Institute of Bahamian Architects
P O Box 3187 Nassau Bahamas
Email: baharchitect2015@gmail.com
Website: https://www.ibabahamas.org/ibahistory.php
Professional Architects Board
P O Box C B 13040 Nassau Bahamas
Email: bdmanager@coralwave.com
Belize
Association of Professional Architects of Belize
#10 Taiwan Street, Belize City, Belize
Email: belizearchitects@gmail.com
Website: https://www.architectsofbelize.com/
Dominica
DOMINICA SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS
Hanover St, Roseau, Dominica
Email: president@architectsdominica.org
Website: architectsdominica.org
Grenada
Grenada Society of Architects
Sherbourne House, Sunset Drive, St. Georges
Tel: (473) 404 9220
Email: mjohannatamar@gmail.com
Website: https://www.buildgrenada.com/architects.html
Guyana
Guyana Institute of Architects
C/o 150 Crown Street, Queenstown,
Georgetown, GUYANA.
Email: rjaincorp@yahoo.com
Website: https://guyanabusiness.biz/pages/details.php?comId=3577
Jamaica
Jamaican Institute of Architects
Office No. 1, Ground Floor
Incorporated Masterbuilders Building
5 Oxford Park Avenue, Kingston
Email: jiapresident2021.ja@gmail.com
Architects Registration Board of Jamaica
Office No. 1, Ground Floor
Incorporated Masterbuilders Building
5 Oxford Park Avenue
Kingston 5
chairman@arb.com.jm
Caribbean School of Architects
University of Technology Jamaica
237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Email: jtlawton@utech.edu.jm
Website: https://www.utech.edu.jm/
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis Institute of Architects
P O Box 519, Bassaterre, St Kitts and Nevis
Email: djcf_architect@outlook.com>
St. Lucia
Saint Lucia Institute of Architects
Email: slia-slu@gmail.com
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects
Email: president@ttia-architects.org
Board of Architecture of Trinidad and Tobago
19 Stanmore Avenue
Port of Spain | Trinidad & Tobago
https://boa-tt.org
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
St Vincent & the Grenadines Institute of Architects
POBox 1181 , Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Email: calvertb@hotmail.co
Website: https://www.comarchitect.org/st-vincent-the-grenadines/
Barbados, a Caribbean island, offers stunning beauty, vibrant culture, rich history, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and year round sunshine.
Barbados, located in the eastern Caribbean, has a rich and diverse history. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Arawaks and Caribs, the island was later claimed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. However, it was the English who established the first permanent settlement in 1627, leading to centuries of British colonial rule. Barbados became a center of the Atlantic slave trade, with enslaved Africans brought to work on sugar plantations, shaping the island's economy and society. The abolition of slavery in 1834 marked a significant turning point, leading to a transition to a plantation-based economy dependent on indentured laborers from India. Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. Today, its history is reflected in its diverse cultural heritage, from its colonial architecture to its vibrant music and festivals, making it a fascinating destination for visitors and scholars alike.
Population: About 303,000
Geography: Barbados is a small island with a length of 21 miles (34km) and a breadth of 14 miles (23km) at its broadest point. The island's terrain is relatively flat, with some small hills.
Capital city: Bridgetown - largest city, cultural and commercial hub.
Climate in Barbados: Temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F with rainy season (June-Nov) and dry season (Dec-May). High humidity all year.
Economy: Relies on agriculture, especially sugar, rum, and molasses exports, as well as tourism and offshore financial services. Job opportunities are competitive, with a preference for locals.
Cost of living: Cost of living is, on average, 8.2% higher than in US. Budget for imported goods. Choose eco friendly smart housing. Check utility costs. Shop local for savings. Use public transport or consider car expenses.
Healthcare: The island offers excellent healthcare options, including private and public facilities.
Transport and driving: Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. The island's compact size makes it easy to get around. Public transport, such as minivans, buses and taxis, is available.
Neighbouring countries: Barbados is an island in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. Nearby islands include St Lucia, Puerto Rico, Martinique and Trinidad and Tobago.
Geography: Barbados is a small island with a length of 21 miles (34km) and a breadth of 14 miles (23km) at its broadest point. The island's terrain is relatively flat, with some small hills.
Political system: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Main languages: English and Bajan (a local English dialect which can nevertheless be difficult for even native English speakers to understand).
Money: The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) is divided into 100 cents.
Time: GMT-4
Electricity: 110 V, 50 Hz. 'Type A' two-prong and 'type B' three-prong plugs are used.
Internet domain: .bb
International dialling code: +1 246
Emergency contacts: 511 (ambulance), 311 (fire), 211 (police)
These fun facts offer just a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and natural wonders of Barbados:
Here is a list of popular Barbadian dialect words and phrases:
These words and phrases are commonly used in Barbados and reflect the island's unique linguistic and cultural heritage.
"Bajan" - A person from Barbados or something related to Barbados
"Lime" - To hang out or socialize
"Wunna" - You all (plural)
"Ting" - Thing
"Ole" - Old
"Braff" - A large and lively party or celebration
"Gaff" - House or home
"Wuk" - Work
"Wuk up" - style of dancing characterized by gyrating the waist and hips in a provocative or energetic manner.
"Pickeny" - Child or children
"Lef" - Leave or depart
"Cut eye" - To give a disapproving or scornful look
"Hot sun" - Very sunny weather
"Breadfruit" - A popular Caribbean fruit, often used in cooking
"Conkies" - Traditional Barbadian cornmeal and coconut dessert
"Zouk" - A style of Caribbean music and dance
to be continued...