Going Global: 5 Things Jamaican and European Property Contracts Have in Common

Believe it or not, buying a house in Kingston has legal parallels with buying in London or Lisbon.

1. The Deposit is King: Whether it's 10% in Jamaica or 10% in Spain, the deposit secures the deal.
2. Title is Everything: The Torrens system (used in Jamaica) and European Land Registries both prioritize the registered title over everything else.
3. Taxes on Purchase: Transfer Tax/Stamp Duty in Jamaica mirrors the ITP in Spain or IMT in Portugal.
4. The Role of the Lawyer/Notary: You simply cannot proceed without legal representation to verify the title.
5. Anti-Money Laundering (AML): In 2026, expect strict "Know Your Customer" (KYC) checks everywhere. You must prove the source of your funds.

Find Real Estate Agents in Jamaica