An orderly, well-protected process under Dutch civil-law — from an accepted offer to the keys in your hand.
The process is the same in shape across all three islands, and typically runs about four to eight weeks from agreement to transfer.
Your broker negotiates on your behalf; an accepted offer becomes a written purchase agreement (koopovereenkomst) setting the price, conditions and timing.
A deposit — usually around 10% — is held safely by the notary, never paid directly to the seller.
The notary verifies title, checks the Kadaster for mortgages or charges, and confirms the tenure (freehold / long-lease) and permits.
The notary prepares and executes the deed of transfer (akte van levering), settling the funds, taxes and any mortgage.
The deed is registered at the Kadaster — ownership passes on registration — and the keys are handed over.
The buyer pays a one-off property transfer tax plus notary and registration fees. Rates differ by island — budget the ranges below on top of the purchase price.
Mortgages are available from local banks (for example MCB, Banco di Caribe and Orco Bank on Bonaire, and the main banks on Curaçao and Aruba), in the island's currency.
Non-residents typically need a bigger deposit — commonly around 35–40% down — while resident owner-occupiers can usually finance more.
Dutch-Caribbean mortgage rates commonly run in the mid-single digits; no bank publishes a fixed rate, so you request a quote. Terms are often shorter for non-residents.
A bank-approved independent appraisal (usually under a year old), plus ID, proof of income, bank statements and the signed purchase agreement. The property must be insured, including hurricane cover.
Typically about four to eight weeks from an accepted offer to the transfer of the deed, depending on financing and due diligence.
An impartial civil-law notary (notaris) — a neutral public official who verifies title, holds the funds in escrow, executes the deed and registers it at the Kadaster.
Budget roughly 6–8% of the price for the transfer tax plus notary and registration. Confirm the exact figures for your island and property with your notary.
Yes, from local banks, though usually with a larger deposit — commonly around 35–40% down. Rates and terms are quoted on request.
Browse verified homes across all three islands — each one checked before it goes live.