Michael,

Good advice here, building in the Bahamas is 2-3 times the cost of the same in the USA/Canada and 3-5 times the cost if you build in the islands other than Nassau or Freeport. It can be done, but it will test your mettle. I have a friend who wants to sell his place in Bimini, its already built and livable, good harbor and close to the mainland it would be easier and cheaper to go this route rather than build something from scratch. Alan

I'v been there fishing buy something on USA soil aka Keys!Hospitals/power/roads/sewers phones etc etc!If you pay 100k and build a home for another 400K ??Also will you ever recoup your 600k??Friends dad passed away there years back what a project to get things done bring body home big$$$Then again you want to ruff it go for it!Good luck!

Great advice guys! I really appreciate the input! I had considered the hurricanes, but, never thought of the tidal surge. I figured building on the Island would be a few dollars more, but, 3-5 TIMES! Wow, that's pricey

I had previously looked at places in Florida, the problem was (still is?) anyplace with gulf or ocean access was crazy expensive, and that only left places like "LeHigh acres" which I was told to STAY AWAY FROM, no matter how cheap it was!

Alan if you could forward me some details on Bimini I would appreciate it!
Anyone with advice or links to areas to look I would appreciate that in advance too!

THANKS! to everyone again for the input, it's appreciated!!!

If you are spending 100K on dirt, 100K on build then 200K will get you a waterfront condo in the keys or a small house on a dry lot easily. Convenience is going to be priceless in the keys compared to anything in the Bahamas. Similar water, but way easier to visit/enjoy too!

Bimini is nice since it is so close to the US (about 45 miles east of Ft Lauderdale). But Bimini is very small, a few bars/restaurants but still small. I recently heard the new resort Bimini Bay closed for 60 days to wait for the winter rush to start. Bimini Bay was trying to sell condo units (2/3 story buildings, not hi rise stuff) but the prices were insane (300K for a 1 bedroom with a window shaker a/c unit). They pitched that you could rent it back through the resort for income but the resort is no where near busy enough to ever give you any type of ROI.

Bimini bay is impressive on the website but not as impressive in person, kind of "glamour shots" type photos on their website and the casino has still not opened (though the resort is a couple years old now).
THANKS! to everyone again for the input, it's appreciated!!![/QUOTE]

Even buying in bimini seems like a bad idea, I am not a fan of bimini bay so we usually stay at bimini sands. The last place we rented was $375/night 2 bed with a loft and 3 bath, $40/night more for the slip. They happened to have the place for sale and are asking $460,000!!!! How are you ever going to make money at $375/night on a place that costs $460K. Of course you can usually rent it all summer but that would be when you would want to use it. We always rent vacation homes wherever we go, keys, bahamas ect. you can rent multi million dollar houses for $5000-$10000 week, I just don't understand why people ever buy them, but I am glad they do!

Bimini
 

Alan - If you can PM me details on the place in Bimini, I'll appreciate it.

try on Lyford Cay for size

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