Buy a house in Curacao

Thinking About Buying a House in Curacao?

By Nick Vervoord- Last updated: April 2025

It’s not just a transaction. Buying a house in Curacao means choosing a lifestyle with more sun, more freedom, and something solid you can call your own. Renting gets you a roof — owning gives you roots. And when your second home is on an island like this one, vacationing starts to feel like coming home.

There are plenty of emotional reasons to make the move — but here are a few you can actually measure:

• Financial investment – your monthly mortgage payment creates equity for you, not your landlord.
• The interest on your mortgage is a tax deduction – while this isn't a reason in itself to buy a home in Curacao, it's nice to get a break at tax time.
• Fixed monthly housing payment – if you opt for a fixed-rate mortgage, the monthly rate of your mortgage won't change for the length of the term.
• Tax-free gain – when it's time to sell your home, you don’t pay taxes on the proceeds of the sale that are above what you paid (with some restrictions).

What the Process Actually Looks Like

It starts with finding a place that feels right. Could take a few days — or a few months. Everyone's search looks different. Your agent will help you make an offer, and most of the time, there’s a bit of back-and-forth before landing on a final deal.

Make an offer

Once your offer is accepted, it's smart to hire an inspector. You’ll want to know if anything needs fixing before moving forward. Then, both sides sign a purchase agreement — and you’ve got a short window (3 days if you’re a private buyer) to step back if needed, no questions asked.

The Notary Step

To lock things in, you’ll make a deposit — usually around 10% — with a local notary. These professionals are appointed by the Dutch crown and handle due diligence on both sides. They’ll need your compliance docs, and they draft the deed of transfer, which can take 6 weeks or so.

Expect a 4% transfer tax and a notary fee between 1–2%. That’s standard here.

Need a Mortgage?

If you're not paying cash, most banks in Curacao will lend up to 70% of the home’s value to non-residents. You’ll need an appraisal report, and getting pre-approved helps move things faster.

Closing the Deal

Once everything checks out — the inspections, the financing, the paperwork — it’s time to close. You’ll sign at the notary’s office (or authorize someone locally if you’re abroad). And then... you get the keys.

Want to Take the Next Step?

If you're ready to explore homes and see what owning in Curacao could look like for you, now’s the time. Your spot in the sun might be closer than you think.