Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
A guide to buying Real Estate in Jamaica,
by O. Daille Nation-Ashley
Many people visit Jamaica and are enamoured by the beautiful landscape and fabulous real estate.
Click Here to watch my latest videos on my fun YouTube channel - you'll love it!
For many of them though the complex procedures involved in buying Jamaican real estate in Jamaica is a deterrent. The process by which legal title in land in Jamaica is transferred is called conveyancing and there are many reputable attorneys who practice in this field.
The Jamaican conveyancing law and procedures are based on the old English common law and the Torrens title system.
While the property laws in England have changed over the years, the Jamaican laws have not been updated and so many foreigners who are accustomed to a quicker course of action believe that in Jamaica it is too long and expensive and some believe unnecessarily bureaucratic.
It is for this reason that it is recommended that anyone buying or selling real estate in Jamaica employ the services of an attorney who specializes in conveyancing.
Most but not all properties in Jamaica are registered at the National Land Agency commonly referred to as the Titles Office.
Some owners have common law title to their properties but it is recommended that a buyer purchase from a landowner with registered title or request him to apply for a registered title. It is easier to validate a registered title.
In addition it has several other advantages including but not limited to the fact that it is a fairly simple document which provides proof of ownership of property which is clearly described.
Furthermore if a buyer will need to use the title as security for mortgage financing then a registered title is typically better received by the financial institutions.
The typical conveyancing transaction in Jamaica takes about 12 weeks or 90 days after the contract is duly executed to completion. This is standard but it can take longer especially if the Purchaser is buying the property with a loan from a financier.
During the contract stage, you must discuss the terms of contract with your attorney, determine all your closing costs, obtain any amendments if necessary, sign the contract and pay the deposit.
It is strongly recommended that you employ your own attorney instead of having joint representation with the Vendor's attorney.
On completion the purchaser should get his title, keys, letters of possession, letters the utility companies and proof of payment of water rates, property taxes and other outgoings.
If he had financed the purchase through a mortgage institution the title will be forwarded to said institution but he should ask to obtain a copy for his records.
O. Daille Nation-Ashley is an Attorney who specializes in real estate matters. She authors a blog at http://jamaicanlaw.blogspot.com where you can read more about her views on these and other legal issues.
New! If you are looking to acquire prime property for housing development in Jamaica, please click here and see my personal recommendation.
Back to Top of buying Real Estate in Jamaica
Tag: Real estate sales in jamaica
And if you haven't done so, make sure you subscribe to my free monthly e-zine My Island Jamaica Digest (MIJD) and stay with the latest from Jamaica!
Return to Jamaica Real Estate from Buying Real Estate in JamaicaSharing IS Caring... Its now YOUR turn to...
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, My Island Jamaica Digest here.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
New! Talk To Me
Was the information helpful? Something needs changing? I welcome your feedback here.
-
Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
Also connect with My-Island-Jamaica.com on Social Media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
Thank You!
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
A patriotic Jamaican who adore its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day.
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest and check out his unique Jamaican products on his Etsy store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.