An increasing number of people are choosing Dominica (not the same as the Dominican Republic) because of simplicity of living, its breath taking scenery and its friendly people. Citizens from the surrounding Islands, America and Europe are discovering Dominica as a place to invest.

Purchasing Property in Dominica is relatively easy as most property is now registered under the Title By Registration Act. However, it is important to check this and ask to see a copy of the vendors Title before putting any offer in writing or parting with any money.

It is recommended that once you are ready to commit your offer to writing you contact a lawyer in Dominica to ensure that everything is in order. Most buildings are sold on an ‘as is basis’ so if you have any concern obtain a structural survey and make your offer subject to this structural survey. Normally when speaking of Surveys lawyers are speaking only about establishing the boundaries of the land and obtaining the plans in your name If you are buying everything that is in a Title it is a good idea to ensure that the surveyor chosen by your lawyer checks the boundaries and does not just copy the plans. This may save problems in the long run.

If you are purchasing a piece from a larger portion of land planning permission is required to subdivide. You should check the land owner has this or speak with the planning Department. In the absence of such permission you may not get planning permission when you are ready to build.

In certain areas there may be proposed restrictions on building as in the Pont Casse area or the historical district of Roseau. Although these provisions are not yet legally in force it is worth asking our attorney to check that what you want to do is permissible in principle or check with the planning Division.

If you are not Dominican or a citizen of an OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) country you will require an Alien Land Holding License to purchase more than 1 acre for residential or 3 acres for business. This is the amount you can hold in total. Your Attorney can apply to the Government for such a License.

Visit our website for more details about requirements of purchasing property in Dominica.

Cecily Lees (LLB) (Hons)Attorney-At-Law