At Home in the Bahamas: A Sun-Drenched Destination Ideal for Owners and Investors

As the ultra-luxury segment’s boom over the past five years shows, people are buying homes in the places they love to visit. And the Bahamas offers one of the most captivating options you’ll find anywhere. Crystal-clear waters, world-class beaches, great boating, and pleasant weather year-round are all just an hour’s flight from Miami. Real estate options are varied enough to suit diverse preferences, from lock-and-leave luxury condominiums with top-tier amenities to custom-built private compounds. Likewise, the islands themselves offer tremendous variety. View the Winter 2024 issue. ISLAND GUIDE Nassau, the vibrant capital, balances island charm with cosmopolitan glamour. White-sand beaches and blue water are at your fingertips, as are sophisticated culinary, entertainment, and shopping options—as well as exclusive gated communities and member clubs, including Lyford Cay, Albany, Old Fort Bay, and the Ocean Club. Direct flights are available to many major U.S. cities, Toronto, and London. Nearby Paradise Island , reachable by bridge from Nassau, is popular for its powdery white-sand beaches, diving, snorkeling, and of course its famous Atlantis Resort. Though just five miles long and a mile wide, the island offers ample opportunity for a quieter, more secluded lifestyle with the convenience of proximity to celebrity chef–run restaurants, spas, and nightlife. Just 3.5 square miles in size, Harbour Island is a favorite for its pink-sand beaches, colonial architecture, and upscale restaurants. The island’s compact nature makes it easy to explore on foot or by golf cart. Only a few minutes away by boat, Eleuthera offers a more remote feel. Diverse landscapes—from pink-sand beaches to rocky cliffs and pineapple farms—stretch over this 100-mile-long island, making it a paradise for outdoor activities like surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Direct flights link Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta to North Eleuthera Airport. The Exumas boast some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches and marine wildlife, not to mention swimming pigs. With beautiful coral reefs, white sandbars, and turquoise water, the Exumas set the standard for untouched natural beauty in the Caribbean. Most properties here are private islands, providing an opportunity to create your own version of paradise. 5-bedroom beachfront estate Lyford Cay, Nassau $40,000,000 MLS: A11443250 Kevin Cross 242.457.1284 kevin.cross@ theislesgroup.com. Dubbed “The Boating Capital of the Bahamas,” The Abacos island chain offers 120 idyllic miles for sailing and fishing enthusiasts. Prefer to stay on land? You can enjoy quaint villages like Hope Town, play golf, or get in a round of tennis. The Abacos have direct flights to cities in Florida as well as to Atlanta and Charlotte. A number of flights connect major islands with smaller cays. Water taxis and ferries are another mode of inter-island transportation, though frequency varies. Private yachts and boats are an option for those seeking flexibility (many islands have marinas and docks for private vessels), as are charter and private flights. Nassau also has several 24-hour, full-service private aviation firms with on-site customs and immigration services. For remote islands and cays that lack airport facilities, seaplanes and helicopters offer transport. MONEY MATTERS Real estate prices in Nassau and on nearby Paradise Island range from just over a million U.S. dollars to upwards of $10 million for condos with ocean views. Homes in luxury gated communities range from $4 million to over $60 million, while private islands run the gamut from $10 million to over $100 million. The Bahamas’ tax system is a plus for investors: The country does not levy personal income taxes, capital gains taxes, or inheritance taxes, and property taxes are relatively low. The government offers an economic permanent residency program for international individuals who invest at least $750,000 (U.S.) in real estate to qualify for permanent residence status, which lets them benefit from the Bahamas tax advantages. Those buying real estate of $1.5 million or more receive accelerated consideration for Permanent Residency. Contemplating rental income? The Bahamas has long been a mecca for vacationers, which translates to strong year-round demand for short- and long-term rentals. Private island near Nassau 3 houses, 7 bedrooms, $29,000,000 Little Whale Cay MLS: BS53564 James Mosko 242.477.0351 james.mosko@ theislesgroup.com BRIGHT FUTURE The islands’ growing international community has brought an influx of high-end amenities and services, from luxury retail to international schools. The nation has 20 airports, with new routes opening regularly (including newly added direct flights from Nassau to Los Angeles and Seattle), and recently launched a National Aviation Strategic Plan to support future development. Also in the works are numerous luxury residential developments. Montage Hotels & Resorts’ first Bahamian resort, set to open in late 2024 on a 53-acre private island just off Marsh Harbour in The Abacos, will include a deepwater marina, luxury residences, and oceanfront homesites. Construction is underway on a $20 million Jack Nicklaus Heritage Course, part of a new resort club and residential community in Jack’s Bay Eleuthera, opening in 2025. Paradise Island’s Paradise Landing—opened in 2022 with shops, restaurants, and a superyacht marina—is expanding its luxury residences. FOR MORE INFORMATION When buying a home in the Bahamas, it’s crucial to work with experienced advisers. We are excited to announce the opening of the new Douglas Elliman and Knight Frank office in the Bahamas, in partnership with The Isles Group . Headquartered in Nassau, The Isles Group focuses on bespoke full-service offerings throughout the island chain. They can support your investment with a network of related companies, from home renovations to property management. info@theislesgroup.com; www.theislesgroup.com