Photo: Pi3.124, CC BY-SA 4.0How it works
Buying or selling directly with the owner, without an agent. Here's what to expect on Roatán.
Why go direct
For sellers
- Keep the commission Agents on Roatán often charge around 10%. On a $300,000 home, that's about $30,000 you keep instead.
- Set your own price and terms You decide the asking price, what's included, and whether to offer owner financing.
- Talk to buyers yourself Answer questions directly, show the property on your schedule, and judge each offer for yourself.
- Reach buyers abroad Your home sits on a map with nearby beaches, clinics and services, in English and Spanish, for buyers planning a move.
For buyers
- Get answers from the person who knows Ask the owner about the water, power, road access and neighbors, and hear it first-hand.
- More room to negotiate No agent's commission is built into the price, so there's often more room to agree on a fair number.
- Owner financing options Some owners let you pay over time, which is rare with bank loans on the island.
- No sales pressure Take your time, visit at your pace, and bring your own attorney.
Closing costs can be shared
Because the seller isn't paying an agent's commission, there's room to negotiate who pays the closing costs: the transfer tax, attorney and notary fees, and registry fees. Buyer and seller can agree to split them, or the seller can cover some or all of them. Write whatever you agree into the promesa de compraventa, and make sure every tax and fee is paid in full. Your attorney will confirm what Honduran law requires each side to pay.
Buying
- Find a home
Browse the map, save the ones you like, and message owners directly. Ask for more photos or a video call.
- Visit in person
See the house, the road in, the water and power setup, and the neighbors. Never pay anything before you've visited.
- Hire your own attorney
Choose a Honduran attorney who works for you, not the seller. They check the title and liens at the property registry, the survey, and that property taxes are paid.
- Agree on terms
Your attorney drafts a promise of sale (promesa de compraventa) with the price, deposit and closing date. Deposits are best held by an attorney, not paid to the seller.
- Close and register
Sign the deed before a notary, pay the transfer tax, and your attorney registers the new title in your name.
Good to know
- Dominio pleno means full ownership. Dominio útil is a right to use the land, which can often be converted to full title. Ask your attorney what that involves for the specific property.
- Foreigners can buy on the Bay Islands, but coastal land has special rules and size limits. Your attorney will explain what applies.
- Most island purchases are paid in cash or by bank transfer. Local mortgages for foreigners are uncommon.
What would it cost to buy?
About $259,350 all in
- Price
- $250,000
- Transfer tax
- $3,750
- Attorney / notary
- $5,000
- Other fees
- $600
- Estimated total
- $259,350
A starting point only. Your attorney will give you the real figures for your purchase.
Selling
- Get your papers ready
Your title deed (escritura), survey or cadastral map, and a receipt showing municipal property tax is paid. Buyers' attorneys will ask for all of these.
- Take good photos
Daylight, clean rooms, and the view. The first photo is the cover, so make it your best outside shot.
- Price it honestly
Look at similar homes on the map. Overpriced listings get views but no messages.
- List and answer quickly
Your listing goes live once we check it, usually within a day. Buyers who hear back the same day are far more likely to visit.
- Close with attorneys
Let the buyer's attorney do the title work. Mark your listing sold when you're done.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and costs change; your attorney has the final word.