Popular Estate Agents in Antigua and Barbuda
Some of the most popular real estate agencies in Antigua and Barbuda include:
- Caribbean Commercial Real Estate – A full service real estate brokerage firm offering sales, rentals, and property management services. They have over 15 years of experience in Antigua real estate.
- Tradewinds Real Estate – Specializing in luxury villas, condos, land and commercial real estate. They have been operating for over 20 years.
- Coldwell Banker Caribbean – Part of the global Coldwell Banker brand. They cover property sales and rentals throughout the Caribbean region.
- Cariblistings – Online property portal with listings from various real estate agencies in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Island Estates – Long established agency focused on the sale of villas, condos, land and commercial property.
Qualifications and Licences in Antigua and Barbuda
There is no mandatory licensing program for real estate agents in Antigua and Barbuda. However, many agents choose to get qualified through organizations like the National Association of Realtors in the US.
Some of the common credentials held by Antigua agents include:
- Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR)
- Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
These designations demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in international real estate transactions. But they are not legally required to practice in Antigua and Barbuda.
Breakdown of Estate Agent Fees
Real estate commissions are not fixed by law in Antigua and Barbuda. However, a typical fee structure is:
- For sales – The seller pays a 5-6% commission, which is split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent.
- For rentals – The landlord pays a 10-15% commission on the annual rent amount.
Some additional fees may include marketing and advertising costs, professional photography, virtual tours, etc. It’s important for sellers and landlords to clarify all fees upfront before signing a listing agreement.
Other Places to Find Property Listings
Apart from real estate agencies, property listings can also be found on:
- Antigua Property Listings – Popular property portal.
- Rediscover Antigua & Barbuda – Active Facebook group.
- Classified sections of local newspapers like the Daily Observer.
- Online forums and groups for expats living in Antigua.
- Real estate publications like Antigua Property Guide.
Use of Buyer’s Agents
The use of buyer’s agents is not very common in Antigua and Barbuda. Most buyers deal directly with listing agents. However, some expat buyers may choose to engage a buyer’s agent to represent their interests.
There are no specific licensing requirements for buyer’s agents in Antigua and Barbuda currently. Their fees are typically paid by the buyer, ranging from 1-2% of the purchase price.
Organizations for Foreign Property Buyers
There are a few organizations that provide assistance to foreign buyers in Antigua and Barbuda:
- Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program – Provides advice and facilitates the process for obtaining citizenship through real estate investment. Contact: https://cip.gov.ag/
- Antigua & Barbuda Association of Realtors – The trade association for real estate agents. They have a referral service to help match reputable agents with buyers. Contact: http://abrealtors.org/
- Antigua & Barbuda International Financial Services Authority – Regulates the real estate market and agents. Provides licensing and maintains industry standards. Contact: https://abifsa.ag/
- American Embassy Bridgetown – Provides services for U.S. citizens buying property abroad, including lists of local attorneys. Contact: https://bb.usembassy.gov/
It’s advisable for foreigners to engage a local real estate lawyer to assist with the transaction. The lawyer can review contracts, facilitate title transfer and registration, and ensure the purchase is properly documented.
Overall, Antigua and Barbuda is an attractive market for overseas property investors. With some due diligence and guidance from reputable professionals, the process can be smooth and secure.