Finding a suitable and reliable estate agent in the Netherlands Antilles can be a difficult job because of the distance and the language barrier. Nacas can help you find a suitable estate agent and offers guidance during the first meeting. If you are going to look for an estate agent on your own, read the tips below:
- Draw up a list of three potential estate agents you would like to do business with
- Visit the website and the social media page of the estate agent in question and check these for things such as: up to date contact details, appearance and check whether these estate agents regularly update their website and social media with new listings
- Schedule an interview, either by telephone or video calling
- Compile a questionnaire prior to the interview containing everything you want to know
- Ask for references from the estate agents and check these as well
- Only join forces with an estate agent if you are certain that this agent can translate your housing wishes in the right way and if there is a click between you and the estate agent
- Ensure that all agreements made are laid down in a contract and have these verified by a lawyer, for example

Yes, you have to pay tax on your house in the Antilles. This differs per island.

On Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Maarten, you pay transfer tax and in addition land tax, property tax or vastgoedbelasting, which is an annually recurring tax.

On Aruba, you only pay an annual land tax.

Tastes differ, so we cannot tell you which island is the most beautiful for you.

Which island you end up buying a house on depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for an island that is popular among tourists, then Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are very suitable islands.

If you are looking for lots of nature, Saba might be the most suitable island for you.

The islands differ in the number of beaches, diving spots, nature and hills. It is therefore important to compile a wish list that clearly defines the requirements you have for your future living environment.

Take a look at the following pages and discover more about the different islands:
-Buying a house in Aruba
-Buying a house in Bonaire
-Buying a house in Curaçao
-Buying a house in Sint Maarten
-Buying a house in Saba

When buying a house in the Netherlands Antilles, you look at other aspects than when you buy a house in the Netherlands. Partly because of the difference in climate, your future home will have to meet other requirements.

For example, look very critically at the architectural aspects; a house in the Netherlands Antilles may have several defects under the influence of the climate. Overdue maintenance in such a case can lead to high costs.

The environment of the house is also an important point to take into account. Where does the sun rise and how does this relate to the location of your garden, your living room and your bedroom?

When you are going to view a house, or have someone do so, on the Netherlands Antilles, it is also advisable to check how far the house is from amenities such as the beach, shops and the airport, for example.

It is advisable at this point in the process to call in an expert with knowledge of the island. This expert will point out things that you might not have thought of yourself.

When buying a house in the Netherlands Antilles, you have to deal with the selling party, a real estate agent and a notary. The latter is present at the signing of the purchase agreement and at the transfer. This notary will collect the deposit from you, which in many cases is 10% of the purchase price. The notary will keep this amount in trust and will transfer it to the selling party after the transfer of the deed.

Living on the Netherlands Antilles you can make it as expensive as you want. On the Antilles there are large supermarkets that sell well-known Dutch house brands. The prices of these foodstuffs are often a little higher than in the Netherlands because there is a surcharge for embarkation costs. In some cases it is cheaper to buy your daily groceries in the smaller shops that sell local products.

The nightlife on the Antilles, such as restaurants, bars and nightclubs, is comparable in costs to the big cities in the Netherlands.

In the process of searching for your home, you will have to deal with notary fees and transfer tax.

Once the purchase is complete and the property is in your possession, you will have to deal with property tax, wealth tax or land tax, depending on the island where you are going to live. You also have to take into account costs for insuring your home.