According to the Housing Act, a home owner of a Government House must request the approval of  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 house without referring the matter to the Minister.   In some cases a house sale may also be requested by the lending institution due to foreclosure as a result of non-payment of the mortgage.

Any owner (citizen or permanent resident of The Bahamas) of a government house for less than 21 years

Sale by Owner

1. The home owner or an attorney acting on his behalf must write a letter to the Minister of the Environment and 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 lost through foreclosure.
2. The owner may provide the ministry with a buyer and the proposed selling price. The Ministry of the Environment and 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 the 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.

No form is needed for this service.

• Proof of Bahamian citizenship (passport)
• National Insurance card
• Verification of income (recent pay slip, job letter, affidavit)

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

Please contact the below offices, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.  

Note: Requests in respect of other Family Islands must be processed through the New Providence office.

New Providence
Department of Housing
Charlotte House
Corner of Charlotte and Shirley Streets
P.O. Box N275
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 302-5816 or 323-3333
Fax.(242) 328–4244

Grand Bahama
Government Office Complex
The Mall Drive
P.O. Box F43774
Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 352-3630 / 3893
Fax.(242) 352–9244

Abaco
Officer In Charge
Department of Housing
Dove Plaza
Marsh Harbour
Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 367-2157
Fax.(242) 367-2150