Top 5 Mistakes Diaspora Buyers Make When Buying Property in Guyana

By Guyana Home Hub Team

If you're part of the Guyanese diaspora looking to buy property back home, you're not alone. Thousands of overseas Guyanese are exploring real estate opportunities as the country's economy booms. But without proper guidance, it's easy to make costly mistakes.

Here are the top 5 mistakes we see diaspora buyers make — and how to avoid them.

1. Sending Money Before Verifying the Property

This is the biggest mistake, and unfortunately, the most common. Someone sees a listing on Facebook, gets excited about the price, and sends money to a "seller" or "agent" they've never met.

The reality: In Guyana's informal real estate market, there are people who post listings for properties they don't own. Some collect deposits from multiple buyers for the same property. Others simply disappear with your money.

How to avoid it: Never send money until you've verified the property exists, the seller actually owns it, and you have a signed Agreement of Sale reviewed by a Guyanese attorney. If you can't visit in person, hire a local attorney to conduct a title search and verify everything before any money changes hands.

2. Not Hiring a Local Attorney

Many diaspora buyers try to save money by skipping legal representation. They figure if they trust the agent or the seller is "family," they don't need a lawyer.

The reality: Property transactions in Guyana require navigating the Deeds Registry, understanding Transport vs. Certificate of Title, checking for liens and encumbrances, and ensuring proper transfer documentation. Without an attorney, you won't know if there are problems until it's too late.

How to avoid it: Always hire a Guyanese attorney who specializes in property transactions. Yes, it costs money. But compared to losing your entire investment to fraud or title disputes, it's the best money you'll ever spend.

3. Relying Only on Facebook and WhatsApp Groups

Social media is where most diaspora buyers start their property search. And while there are legitimate listings on Facebook Marketplace and in WhatsApp groups, there's no verification system. Anyone can post anything.

The reality: You have no way to verify if the person posting is a real agent, if the property exists, if the photos are current, or if the price is accurate. You're essentially gambling.

How to avoid it: Use platforms like Guyana HomeHub where agents are verified and listings are connected to real professionals. You can still browse social media for ideas, but don't make decisions or send money based solely on what you see there.

4. Not Understanding the Two Types of Property Ownership

Guyana has two property ownership systems: Transport (the traditional Roman-Dutch system) and Certificate of Title (the newer Land Registry system). Many buyers don't understand the difference — or even know there is one.

The reality: The verification process is different for each system. If you don't know which one applies to the property you're buying, you might miss important steps in due diligence.

How to avoid it: Ask upfront whether the property is under Transport or Certificate of Title. Your attorney will know how to verify ownership under either system, but you should understand the basics yourself.

5. Making Decisions Based Solely on Price

When you're shopping from abroad, it's tempting to jump on what looks like a great deal. "Land for only $5 million GYD? That's so cheap!"

The reality: There's usually a reason something is priced well below market. The land might have title issues. It might be in a flood zone. There might be boundary disputes with neighbors. Or the "seller" might not actually own it.

How to avoid it: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices across multiple listings. Ask your agent or attorney why a particular property is priced the way it is. Do your due diligence before getting excited about a "bargain."

The Bottom Line

Buying property in Guyana from abroad is absolutely possible — and it can be a great investment. But you need to approach it with caution, work with verified professionals, and never skip the legal steps that protect your investment.

At Guyana HomeHub, we're building the infrastructure to make this process safer and more transparent for diaspora buyers. Browse our verified listings, connect with professional agents, and start your property search the right way.