Are you considering buying a house on Bonaire? It is easy to understand why. The island offers sunshine and a pleasant climate, but also a relaxed lifestyle where much of daily life takes place outdoors. From a morning by the sea to an afternoon on the porch or beside the pool, Bonaire makes outdoor living possible almost all year round.
In addition, Bonaire offers many different ways to live. You may be looking for a permanent home, a second home for vacations or real estate as an investment. Therefore, before you decide to buy a house on Bonaire, it is important to learn more about the available properties, financing options and the buying process.
Real estate for sale on Bonaire
For example, one of the characteristics of Bonaire is the amount of space. Compared with many other places, there are relatively few terraced houses or high-rise residential buildings. Instead, the real estate market includes detached homes, apartments, oceanfront villas and houses with sea views.
In addition, Bonaire has a variety of residential neighborhoods and gated communities, some with a shared swimming pool or other amenities. Furthermore, new residential developments are regularly built on the island.
Ultimately, the type of property that suits you best depends on your preferences, budget and the purpose of your purchase. Are you looking for a permanent residence, a second home or do you want to invest in real estate and rent out all or part of the property? As a result, your plans may influence both the location and the type of property that is most suitable for you.
Financing a house on Bonaire
Financing is an important consideration when buying property on Bonaire. In most cases, obtaining a mortgage requires you to contribute your own funds. In addition, banks will consider factors such as your income and employment situation.
It is important to know that banks in other countries do not provide mortgages for the purchase of property on Bonaire. Therefore, if you need a mortgage, you will have to arrange financing through a bank or mortgage provider on Bonaire.
For financing a house on Bonaire, you can contact:
1) Banco di Caribe
2) Crooij en Flipse Verzekeringen & Hypotheken
3) MCB Bonaire
4) OBNA Bank
5) ORCO Bank
6) RBC Bonaire
Please keep in mind that banks on Bonaire generally require a mortgage to be fully repaid by the age of 65. This can particularly affect older buyers, as it may limit the mortgage term and, consequently, the amount they are able to finance.
Would you like to know approximately how much you could borrow to buy a house on Bonaire? You can use an online mortgage calculator to get an initial indication of your financing options before you start searching for properties.
Buyer’s closing costs on Bonaire
In addition to the purchase price, buyers should take closing costs into account. When purchasing an existing property, these generally include notary fees and transfer tax. If you take out a mortgage, there will also be costs associated with registering the mortgage.
For new construction, this is different. When purchasing an existing property, a 5% transfer tax applies, whereas the transfer of a newly built property is subject to 8% ABB. In addition, a newly built property may be offered free of buyer’s closing costs, meaning that certain costs are already included in the purchase price.
Therefore, it is important to consider not only the asking price but also the total amount you will need to invest. With our buyer’s closing costs calculator, you can easily calculate the additional costs involved in buying property on Bonaire.
Viewing and researching a property
Once you have found an interesting property, it is time to take a closer look. During a viewing, you will naturally consider the layout, location and condition of the property. However, there are several other aspects that may also be important.
For example, you should consider the legal status of the land. Is the property situated on freehold land or long lease land? In addition, zoning regulations, a possible Homeowners Association (HOA), the structural condition of the property and existing building permits may all play a role.
Therefore, when buying a house on Bonaire, it is important to look beyond the property itself and also consider the legal and practical aspects of the real estate.
Buy a house on Bonaire with a buyer’s agent
If you are not sure where to start, a local buyer’s agent can guide you through the process. Moreover, a local real estate agent knows not only the current property market but also the different neighborhoods, market prices and specific characteristics of buying real estate on Bonaire.
Harbourtown Real Estate can assist you in searching for suitable properties, evaluating the asking price, attending viewings, negotiating and reviewing the purchase agreement. Even if a property is listed by another real estate agency, we can represent you as your buyer’s agent.
Would you prefer to rent first?
Are you not yet sure whether you want to buy a property straight away? In that case, renting a house or apartment first can be a good option. It gives you the opportunity to get to know Bonaire and its different residential areas before making a final decision. Some people prefer living in Belnem or Kralendijk, while others look for a home with a sea view in Sabadeco or Santa Barbara. You may also prefer a more local neighborhood such as Nikiboko, Antriol or Tera Cora.
Renting can be a good temporary solution if buying a house on Bonaire is not yet financially possible. Moreover, if you decide to buy later, you will often have a much better idea of which location and type of property suit you best.
Are you looking for a rental property? Take a look at our current rental properties or contact our rental department. Alternatively, you can send your requirements by email to verhuur@harbourtownbonaire.com. Please include information such as your budget, preferred property size and neighborhood, whether you would like a swimming pool and whether you have pets. This allows us to search more specifically for a rental property that meets your needs.
Finding your home on Bonaire
Buying a house on Bonaire is an important step. Good preparation helps you make the right choices, both financially and when searching for the right property.
Would you like to see which properties are currently for sale or would you like professional assistance with your purchase? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation or visit our office at Kaya L.D. Gerharts 20 in Kralendijk. Harbourtown Real Estate will be happy to guide you in finding, evaluating and buying your house on Bonaire.
Your specialist in Real Estate!
Our real estate agent on Bonaire is ready to assist you in finding your dream home or perhaps the right piece of land on which you can build your own home or oceanfront villa. We are also ready to help you in listing your property for sale or rent. Since 1989, Harbourtown Real Estate has been the designated place to help you fulfill your wishes.
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92 Crown TerraceReady-to-build plot of 19,278 sq.ft (1,791 m²) freehold land including building permit and architectural drawings.$560,000
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Kaya PapagoHato Business Park is a new commercial development that will consist of a total of 36 business units, divided across 3 buildings.$298,320Details120 m²
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42 Vista Royal VillageLot with Approved Building PermitThis 10,151 sq.$226,320
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6 La PalmaBuilding plot of more than 10,000 sq.ft (937 m²) of freehold land in the popular La Palma neighborhood near Belnem.$250,000
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45 Regatta ResidenceFurnished detached bungalow in a centrally located gated community adjacent to the swimming pool.$449,000Details32130 m²
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45a Kaminda LagoenDetached family home at the entrance of the new residential area Oud Lagoen, featuring a swimming pool, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms$595,000Details32135 m²
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4 Crown CourtSpacious freehold plot of 19,515 sq.ft (1,813 m²), located in the popular Sabadeco neighborhood.$350,000
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Kaya Monseigneur NieuwindtNewly built 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments on the popular and centrally located Regatta Residence.$315,000Details2175 m²
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Kaya L.D. Gerharts 20, Kralendijk
Bonaire - Dutch Caribbean
Tel (Bonaire): +599 717 5539
Tel (Netherlands): +31 (0) 85 888 0508
Office hours: 08:30 - 17:30
Closed on: Saturday and Sunday


