Buying Property in Guyana — A Guide for Locals

# Buying Property in Guyana — A Guide for Locals

*By Guyana HomeHub Team*

Owning your own home or land is a major milestone. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for a house lot, a young professional ready to invest in property, or a family wanting to move into something bigger, this guide will walk you through the process of buying property in Guyana.

We'll cover everything from finding the right property to understanding the legal process to getting financing. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect and how to protect yourself.

## Types of Property You Can Buy

Before you start looking, understand what's available:

### House Lots (Land Only)

The government, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), allocates house lots to qualifying applicants. These are often in newer housing schemes and come at subsidized prices. You can also buy land privately from individual sellers.

### Existing Homes

Buy a house that's already built. This is faster than building from scratch and lets you see exactly what you're getting.

### Apartments and Flats

In Georgetown and urban areas, apartments are becoming more common. These can be more affordable than standalone houses.

### Commercial Property

If you're buying for business purposes — a shop, office, or rental property — different considerations apply.

For most first-time buyers, house lots or existing homes are the main options.

## The Two Ways to Get Property

### Option 1: Through CHPA (Government Housing)

The Central Housing and Planning Authority distributes house lots in government-developed housing schemes. This is often the most affordable path to land ownership.

**To qualify, you generally need to:**

- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a resident of Guyana for at least six months
- Be single, married, or in a common-law relationship
- Not already own property (for some programs)

**How to apply:**

1. Complete an application online at chpa.gov.gy or submit in person
2. Provide required documents (ID, proof of income, etc.)
3. Attend an interview
4. Wait for allocation (this can take time depending on availability)

CHPA lots are allocated at below-market prices, making them attractive for first-time buyers. However, demand is high, and the process can be slow.

### Option 2: Private Purchase

Buy directly from a private seller — an individual, family, or developer. This gives you more options and faster timelines, but prices are market-rate.

**Where to find private listings:**

- Licensed real estate agents
- Platforms like Guyana HomeHub
- Newspaper classifieds
- Word of mouth

We recommend working with a licensed agent rather than buying informally through Facebook or personal connections. An agent can show you multiple options and help navigate the process.

## Step-by-Step: Buying Property Privately

Here's how a typical private purchase works:

### Step 1: Determine Your Budget

Be realistic about what you can afford. Consider:

- Purchase price
- Legal fees (1-2% of property value)
- Stamp duty (~2%)
- Property tax
- If building: construction costs

If you need a mortgage, talk to banks early to understand how much you can borrow.

### Step 2: Find the Property

Work with a licensed real estate agent or browse listings on Guyana HomeHub. Visit properties in person. Don't rush — take time to compare options.

### Step 3: Verify Ownership

This is critical. Before you pay anything, verify that the seller actually owns the property.

Request a copy of the Transport or Certificate of Title. Then have your attorney conduct a search at the Deeds Registry or Land Registry to confirm:

- The seller is the legal owner
- There are no outstanding mortgages or liens
- There are no legal disputes

Never skip this step. Property fraud happens, and verification protects you.

### Step 4: Negotiate and Agree on Price

Once you've verified the property, negotiate the price and terms with the seller. When you reach agreement, you'll sign an Agreement of Sale.

This document outlines:

- The purchase price
- Deposit amount (usually 10%)
- Timeline for completion
- Conditions of the sale

Have your attorney review this before signing.

### Step 5: Pay the Deposit

Once the Agreement of Sale is signed, you pay a deposit to secure the property. This is usually held by the attorney.

### Step 6: Complete the Transfer

For Transport properties, the transfer must be advertised in the newspaper for three consecutive weeks. After a 10-day objection period, the buyer and seller appear before a Supreme Court judge to "pass Transport" — officially transferring ownership.

For Certificate of Title properties, the transfer is registered through the Land Registry.

### Step 7: Pay the Balance

At closing, you pay the remaining balance plus all taxes and fees. Once complete, you receive your Transport or Title document.

You now own property.

## Getting a Mortgage in Guyana

If you don't have cash to buy outright, a mortgage can help. Here's what to know:

### Who Offers Mortgages?

Most commercial banks in Guyana offer mortgage products, including:

- Republic Bank
- Demerara Bank
- Citizens Bank
- GBTI
- Scotia Bank

The New Building Society (NBS) also provides housing loans.

### Basic Requirements

Requirements vary by bank, but typically you need:

- Proof of income (job letter, pay slips, or business financials)
- Identification (ID card, passport)
- Proof of address
- Down payment (usually 10-20% of property value)
- Property valuation
- Clear title on the property

### Interest Rates

Mortgage rates in Guyana typically range from 6% to 10%, depending on the bank and your profile. Shop around and compare offers.

### Loan Terms

Most mortgages run 15-25 years. Monthly payments include principal and interest.

### Tips for Approval

- Have a stable job or proven business income
- Keep a good banking history
- Save for a solid down payment
- Get pre-approved before shopping for property

## Understanding Property Titles

Guyana has two main systems for proving ownership:

### Transport

The traditional system used for most properties, especially in older areas. A Transport is a legal document filed at the Deeds Registry proving absolute ownership. When property is sold, ownership is "passed" through a legal process involving the Supreme Court.

### Certificate of Title

A newer system used mainly in housing schemes and newer developments. Managed by the Land Registry. Provides similar ownership rights as Transport.

When buying, always confirm which system applies and verify the documents at the appropriate registry.

We have a [full guide explaining property titles](/guides/property-titles-explained) in detail if you want to learn more.

## Costs to Budget For

Beyond the purchase price, prepare for:

| Cost | Estimate |
|------|----------|
| Legal fees | 1-2% of property value |
| Stamp duty | ~2% of property value |
| Valuation fee | $20,000 - $50,000 GYD |
| Registration fees | Varies |
| Property tax | Annual, based on value |

Ask your attorney for a full breakdown before committing.

## How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Property scams happen in Guyana. Protect yourself:

**Always verify ownership.** Never buy without a title search at the Deeds Registry or Land Registry.

**Use an attorney.** A qualified attorney protects your interests and catches problems before you pay.

**Don't pay sellers directly.** Deposits and payments should go through your attorney's escrow.

**Be cautious of Facebook deals.** Anyone can post a listing. Verification is essential.

**If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.** Extremely low prices are a red flag.

Read our [full guide on avoiding property scams](/guides/avoid-property-scams) for more detail.

## Tips for First-Time Buyers

**Start with your budget.** Know what you can realistically afford before falling in love with a property.

**Get pre-approved for a mortgage.** This tells you how much the bank will lend and makes you a stronger buyer.

**Don't skip the attorney.** Legal fees are worth every dollar.

**Visit multiple properties.** Don't buy the first thing you see. Compare.

**Check the neighborhood.** Visit at different times of day. Talk to neighbors. Understand the area.

**Think long-term.** Where will you be in 10 years? Buy for your future, not just today.

## Find Your Property on Guyana HomeHub

Whether you're looking for a house in Georgetown, land in a housing scheme, or a rental investment, Guyana HomeHub connects you with licensed agents and verified listings.

Browse properties, compare prices, and connect with professionals who can guide you through the process.

**[Browse listings on Guyana HomeHub](/properties/buy) →**

## Final Thoughts

Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Take your time, do your research, and work with professionals who can protect your interests.

Whether you're going through CHPA or buying privately, the key steps are the same: find the right property, verify ownership, get proper legal help, and close the deal correctly.

Your home is within reach. Let's help you find it.

*Have questions about buying property in Guyana? Browse our [guides](/guides) or [contact a licensed agent](https://wa.me/5927629797) through Guyana HomeHub.*