According the Housing Act, a home owner of a Government House must refer to the minister responsible for housing if (s)he wishes to sell his/her home. However, Government home owners who have owned the house for 21 years or more are able to sell the home without referring the matter to the minister. In some cases a home sale may also be requested by the lending institution due to foreclosure as a result of non-payment of the mortgage.

Eligibility

Any owners of a government house for less than 21 years.

Process

• Sale by Owner

1. The home owner or an attorney acting on his behalf must write a letter to the Minister of Housing requesting permission to sell the house. The letter should include a reason for the sale, for example, relocation, change of marital status, or risk of loss through foreclosure.
2. The owner may provide the ministry with a buyer and the proposed selling price. The Ministry of Housing can supply a buyer in the event that the home owner does not have a proposed buyer.
3. The proposed purchaser is interviewed by a Housing Officer to establish that the home will be owner-occupied. The minister will not permit sale of a property for commercial use.
4. Once approval is granted, the owner is notified in writing that (s)he may proceed to sell to the specified party at the approved selling price.

• Foreclosure

1. In the event of foreclosure due to non-payment of the mortgage, the lending institution must request approval from the minister, to exercise the terms of the mortgage arrangement due to non-payment.
2. The bank must provide the minister with a proposed buyer and the proposed selling price.
3. The proposed purchaser is interviewed by a Housing Officer to establish that the home will be owner-occupied. The minister will not permit sale of a property for commercial use.
4. Once approval is granted, the bank is notified in writing that they may proceed to sell to the specified party at the approved selling price.

Application Form(s)

No form is needed for this service.

Supporting Documents

• Proof of Bahamian Status (Passport)
• National Insurance Card
• Verification of Income (Recent Pay Slip, A Job Letter, Affidavit to verify income)

Turn-around Time

Once all requirements have been satisfied a final determination is communicated to the party within one month.

Deadline Date

There is no deadline associated with this service.

Fee(s)

If the home was mortgaged the owner will be advised of any outstanding mortgage obligations that are required before the sale can be completed.

For More Information

Please contact the below offices, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays. Note all other family island must process requests through the New Providence office.