You are about to buy a home on sunny Curaçao. Exciting! But how do you arrange the financing? In this article, I explain everything you need to know about the costs involved when buying a house in Curaçao.
— Adriaan Smit, Sun Life Realty

The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions When Buying a House in Curaçao

• How much can I borrow?

• What costs should I take into account?

• How much own capital do I need to invest?

• What if I have (student) debts?

• What is a bank guarantee, and do I need one?

Property Valuation

How Much Can I Borrow?

If you are purchasing your first home in Curaçao and wish to take out a mortgage, it is important to know how much you can borrow. Banks in Curaçao use a standard calculation method to determine the maximum loan amount. Factors that play a role include:

• Your income and that of your partner

• Any (student) debts you may have

• The value of the property you are buying

• Your age

• Your place of residence

Each of these factors affects your borrowing capacity. Banks will review your employment contract, annual financial statements if you are self-employed, and other obligations such as alimony.

What Costs Should I Take Into Account?

When buying a house in Curaçao, you will pay not only the purchase price but also buyer’s costs and other additional expenses, such as:

• Transfer tax – usually 4% of the property value (monumental properties are exempt)

• Property valuation – required by the bank, approximately 1.2 per mille of the property value

• Structural inspection – costs on average ANG 300–1,000

• Notary fees – the notary handles the legal transfer of ownership

• Mortgage advice and mediation – ensures correct handling of your mortgage

• Purchasing agent – usually 1–2% of the property value

How Much Own Capital Do I Need to Invest?

Banks in Curaçao generally finance up to 100% of the property value. In addition, you should account for approximately 6% in additional costs, which must be covered with your own funds. This can come from savings, equity from another property, or financial support from family.

What If I Have (Student) Debts?

Debts affect your maximum mortgage amount. Student loans must be declared when applying for a mortgage. Possible solutions include:

• Paying off debts in advance

• Including debts in the mortgage financing

What Is a Bank Guarantee and Do I Need One?

When purchasing a home, a purchase agreement is drawn up. In some cases, a bank guarantee of 10% of the purchase price is required to protect the seller. The bank guarantees this deposit and charges a service fee of approximately 1%.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

As you can see, there is a lot involved in buying a house in Curaçao. Our advisors guide you step by step, ensuring everything is clear and that you are well prepared throughout the process.

This article was written by Adriaan Smit, buying & selling broker in Curaçao.
You can visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to view our latest listings.