Our clients frequently tell us that they were informed that they cannot purchase land or a home in Aruba if they are not residents. These statements are untrue, as we can confirm. All non-residents can purchase land or a house in Aruba by following the same procedures as locals. Both property and lease land are available for purchase.

Finding the best home within your price range is the primary objective when searching for a home, ideally as soon as is possible. The realtors at Century 21 Aruba Real Estate greatly assist you in your search. We do our best to go above and beyond, giving exceptional service, delivering extraordinary experiences to home-buying, and selling clients.

We are experts in the Aruban real estate industry and are trained professionals who know exactly which steps to take. Of course, we are the best at predicting the challenges we would face while completing this search. On this matter, we support you and give you advice. In other words, looking is finding. Contact CENTURY 21 Aruba Real Estate if you're looking to find your dream home!

Taxes

The most attractive fact when you are thinking of buying a house in Aruba is that the costs related to the ownership of a house, land or commercial building are very low.

The yearly tax you have to pay is called land tax. This land tax is based on the selling price or the tax value, which ever is higher. Non-residents pay a tax rate of 0.6 % of the value. The rate for commercial buildings is also 0.6 % of the value. Residents pay the following rate:

Value     Tax rate
Afl 0 - Afl 250.000     0 %
Afl 250.001- Afl 500.000     0.2 %
Afl 500.001- Afl 750.000     0.4 %
Afl 750.001 and above        0.6 %

NOTE: When you purchase lease land in Aruba, you have to pay besides the land tax also a yearly lease fee.

Closing Costs (transfer tax and notary fees)

When you are considering buying a house in Aruba, you have to realize that there are closing costs involved besides the selling price. These closing costs, are approximately 7 % to 10 % depending on the value and the status of the Buyer (resident or non-resident). The closing costs consists of transfer tax and notary fees.

Transfer tax

The transfer tax rate (one-time tax) for all transactions is 3% up to AWG. 250.000 and 6% over balances of values above AWG. 250.000.

Notary fees

In Aruba you need the services of a public notary when you want to transfer the ownership of real estate in Aruba. Six notaries are appointed by the King of the Netherlands, M. Tromp, H. Rodriguez-Taekema, T.R. Johnson, R. Yarzagaray, M. Marugg-Helmeyer and C.A. Tromp. The Buyer pays for the notary services and can therefor select the notary office to handle the transaction. The notary will assure that the Buyer will receive a clean title. The notary will prepare the deed of transfer of ownership and if necessary the mortgage deed. The rates of all notaries are the same for non-residents and residents and are as follows:

Notary fees transfer deed:  1%-2% of value  
Notary fees mortgage deed:  1%-2% of value