Migrating To Jamaica | Should I Build Or Buy?

The wife and I have decided that we would like to live in Jamaica. We are not interested in living in a gated community so we are looking for either property and house in the country or looking to buy a piece of land and building.

My question right now has to do with taxes. The info that I have found so far indicates that a lawyer is 2-3%, a real estate fee is 2-3% and the Gov takes a one-time 16.5% tax, with a yearly tax rate of 0.50%.

Assuming that I buy a property for $100,000, I could expect to pay an additional $20,000+ in fees and taxes.

What would the breakdown be if I instead decided to buy a $10,000 lot now and over the next few years build a 1000 sq ft home? I'm assuming that I would pay the 16.5% tax and the formention fees on $10,000? Say I spend $40,000 - $50,000 to build the house at a later date, do I skirt the 16.5% tax? Do I have to pay it on the building cost?

Also, it's my understanding that the Government would need to approve our immigration status from the USA depending on how much money we had? Trying to find out what the magic number was if there was one.

Any website that I may have missed, that you know, that could shed some light on that for me?

Thank you very much

UPDATE:
Maura sent me the following additional points as well.

• As a purchaser his fees are not that high and he doesn’t have to use a lawyer. If he does it’s 1.5 to 2%
  
• Construction costs 80-120 USD per square foot.
  
• If he has residency he is good, otherwise, he can stay up to 90 days and not exceed 6 months in a year.
  

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.