There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Aruba.
It’s a small but stable market. Start by choosing a reputable Real Estate Agent, in Aruba, because of the size of the community you can go on word of mouth but generally make sure that the company you choose is registered at the Central Bank Of Aruba and that they are a member of the Aruban Real Estate Association.
The first step is to make an offer. Once the price has been agreed upon, the purchase agreement will be signed and a 10% deposit will be paid within three to five days from the signing. The notary will then obtain and accumulate data to determine if there are any unsettled and conflicting charges against the property and to determine the tax value of the property, which determines the stamp duty payable. This whole process takes about six to eight weeks.
Note that the buyer bears all closing costs, e.g., the transfer tax and the notary costs, which have to be settled before signing the final deed.
Transfer Tax:
The transfer tax is charged at a flat rate: 3% for property values up to US$139,665, and 6% for property values exceeding US$139,665.The round trip transaction costs include all costs of buying and then re-selling a property – notaries’ fees, registration fees, taxes, agents’ fees, etc.
Transfer Tax:
The Transfer Tax is charged at a flat rate of 3% of the property value.
Notary Costs:
Notary fees on the transfer deed are around 1% of the selling price.
Registration Tax:
Registration of deeds signed by civil law notaries is mandatory in Aruba. The tax is charged at AWG5 (US$2.79) for each document submitted for registration.
Agent’s Commission:
Real estate agents usually charge 5% of the purchase price for their services, paid by the seller.
