Can a non-national buy land in Dominica?

Yes, subject to the requirements of the Aliens Landholding Regulation Act, which in defined cases requires a licence before land may be held by a non-national. The chambers advises on whether a licence is needed and assists with the application.

How long does a conveyance take?

A straightforward transaction commonly takes several weeks from agreement to registration, depending on the state of the title, whether a licence or mortgage is involved, and the current turnaround at the Land Registry.

What does a title search reveal?

A search establishes the registered proprietor and discloses encumbrances such as mortgages, charges, caveats, easements and restrictive covenants. It is the single most important step in protecting a purchaser and is never skipped.

Do I need an attorney if the vendor already has one?

You should have your own. The vendor's attorney acts in the vendor's interest. Independent representation ensures that the search, the terms of the agreement and the transfer instrument protect your position.

Areas of Practice · V

Property & Conveyancing

Careful stewardship of land and title.

Attorney-at-Law · Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
Rights of audience: Magistrate's · High Court · Court of Appeal
Instructions accepted subject to conflicts check
Retainer effective only when confirmed in writing

Land is a serious matter in Dominica. The chambers acts for purchasers, vendors and lenders in the conveyance of real property — with rigorous title searches, careful drafting of instruments, and full attention to registration formalities.

Most property disputes are the product of a search never properly done. The chambers investigates title before a deposit is paid, identifies encumbrances, boundary irregularities and planning constraints, and settles the instruments so that registration proceeds without objection.

Forum

Land Registry · Physical Planning Division · High Court

Common questions

Property & Conveyancing — what clients usually ask.

Can a non-national buy land in Dominica?: Yes, subject to the requirements of the Aliens Landholding Regulation Act, which in defined cases requires a licence before land may be held by a non-national. The chambers advises on whether a licence is needed and assists with the application.
How long does a conveyance take?: A straightforward transaction commonly takes several weeks from agreement to registration, depending on the state of the title, whether a licence or mortgage is involved, and the current turnaround at the Land Registry.
What does a title search reveal?: A search establishes the registered proprietor and discloses encumbrances such as mortgages, charges, caveats, easements and restrictive covenants. It is the single most important step in protecting a purchaser and is never skipped.
Do I need an attorney if the vendor already has one?: You should have your own. The vendor's attorney acts in the vendor's interest. Independent representation ensures that the search, the terms of the agreement and the transfer instrument protect your position.

Take instruction · Property & Conveyancing

Have the title examined before you commit.

Bring the agreement for sale, any survey plan and the vendor's title documents to the first conference — advice is most valuable before the deposit is paid.

Instruct on a conveyance Book a conference

Other sectors

Property & Conveyancing

Property & Conveyancing — what clients usually ask.

Have the title examined before you commit.

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