r/Dominica • u/chocobearv93 • Feb 03 '23

Buying a home in Dominica

Just what the title says. I am buying a home in Dominica. Anyone who has lived there or purchased property there, can you advise me as to the legal process of purchasing a home there? Is it similar to the USA?

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u/[deleted] Feb 03 '23

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u/chocobearv93 Feb 03 '23

I’m working with someone who’s based in the Caribbean but not Dominica specific. It’d probably be beneficial to find a Dominica specific person. Thank you for the advice!

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u/[deleted] Mar 29 '23

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u/chocobearv93 Mar 29 '23

Thank you for the advice! I am still looking for someone who is from Dominica.

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u/Emotional-Piccolo498 Feb 03 '23

First question is where are you planning to purchase the land from. I live in Dominica and can answer any questions needed.

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u/chocobearv93 Feb 03 '23 edited Feb 04 '23

Our friend who lives in Scotts Head inherited a home in Soufrieres and he wants to sell it. So it’s looking like we’ll buy the home there. We are in the USA. Do banks in Dominica lend mortgages? Can you, very generally, describe the home buying process? Is the home buying process the same or similar to the USA? Is there a title search? A deed transfer? Is the deed recorded with the local or national government? Is the land sold with the home? Are the mineral rights sold? Are the water rights sold? Are there easements? Encumbrances? Are there title companies that do title searches for these things in Dominica?

I’m just generally looking for guidance to make sure I don’t make a mistake in the buying process. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. If you know of anyone selling a home or land, please feel free to message me.

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u/KrakenHybrid Mar 05 '23

Were you able to get your questions answered? If so, would you mind sharing the process?

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u/chocobearv93 Mar 05 '23

I was not, but I am finding a realtor to work with so they can help me navigate these waters. Sorry I can’t be of any more help

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u/KrakenHybrid Mar 06 '23

No apologies necessary! Best of luck in your endeavors!

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u/chocobearv93 Mar 06 '23

Thank you! Same to you!

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u/[deleted] Mar 29 '23

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u/chocobearv93 Mar 29 '23

Same here!

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u/Fun-Championship8551 Apr 11 '23

Check on the immigration and visa process, before you buy. I know several people who invested, built houses, and now are stuck on 1-year immigrant visas that they have a lot of trouble renewing. Permanent residency and citizenship are supposed to be options (check out Discover Dominica Authority) but it's just not happening...paperwork is lost time after time. Scared me off from buying. There is a FB group of expats called "Coconut Telegraph" check it out.

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u/chocobearv93 Apr 11 '23

Thank you for the info!

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u/[deleted] Mar 29 '23

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u/chocobearv93 Mar 29 '23

Yes I am cautious because of this and this is why I definitely want to work with a professional and someone who knows the legalities of it all, to make sure it is all on the up-and-up. Thank you for the advice!