Property lawyers in Jamaica, trusted by buyers, sellers & the diaspora.
Vanguard Law represents clients in the purchase, sale, and transfer of residential and commercial property across Jamaica. Clear process. Transparent fees. Direct attorney access — from first consultation through to registered title.
Attorneys-at-Law. Kingston & Morant Bay.
Representing local and international clients in Jamaican property matters.
Property work, from every angle.
Whether you are buying your first home in Kingston, selling a family property in St. Thomas, or purchasing an investment from abroad — we handle the legal side so you can focus on what matters.
Buying property in Jamaica
A home purchase is often the single largest transaction of a person's life. Our role is to make sure every cent is protected — from the initial contract through to the day your registered title arrives in your hands.
We handle title searches, sale agreements, stamp duty and registration, deposit management through our firm's trust account, and closing coordination with your realtor and lender.
- Title searches & due diligence at the National Land Agency
- Review or preparation of the Agreement for Sale
- Stamp Duty and registration fee management
- Mortgage document review and coordination with lenders
- Closing and delivery of the registered title
Selling property in Jamaica
When selling, the margin between a smooth closing and a stalled one often comes down to the quality of your legal team. We prepare and manage every document the transaction requires — giving you and your purchaser confidence at every stage.
Transfer Tax in Jamaica is 2% of the sale price or appraised value (whichever is higher) and is payable by the vendor. We handle this and all statutory filings on your behalf.
- Vendor's Certificate of Engagement and sale agreement drafting
- Transfer Tax calculation and filing
- Caveat review, preparation, or removal
- Proportionate share calculations for multiple proprietors
- Coordination with the purchaser's attorney through to completion
Buying from abroad — the diaspora
Buying property in Jamaica from London, New York, Toronto, or anywhere else? We act as your eyes and ears on the ground. Every step is documented, every call confirmed in writing, and every payment held in a regulated trust account until closing.
We assist overseas Jamaicans and international buyers with remote closings, supervised power-of-attorney execution, secure document delivery, and video consultations — so distance is never a reason to delay your plans.
- Remote video consultations across time zones
- Supervised Power of Attorney execution abroad
- Courier coordination for signed documents
- Regulated trust account for purchase funds
- Returning resident advice and statutory guidance
Title transfers & corrections
Transfers between family members, estate-to-beneficiary transfers, the addition or removal of proprietors, and proportionate share calculations — we handle the full range of title work, including lost title applications when the original has gone missing.
Every title transfer is registered through the National Land Agency. We manage that process end-to-end so your ownership position is recorded properly and reflected on the Certificate of Title.
- Family and inter-spousal transfers
- Transfers from estates to beneficiaries
- Addition or removal of registered proprietors
- Lost Title Applications with supporting affidavits
- Proportionate share and equity calculations
Every property matter, walked clearly.
We believe property transactions should not feel like guesswork. Here is the path your matter takes with us — no surprises, no hidden stages.
Initial Consultation
We review your matter, confirm the scope, and provide a written fee quote before any work begins. You will understand exactly what happens next and what it will cost.
Title & Due Diligence
Title searches at the National Land Agency, caveat review, verification of the Certificate of Title, and confirmation that the property is clear to transact.
Agreement & Statutory Payments
Preparation or review of the Agreement for Sale. Deposits are held in our regulated trust account. Stamp Duty, Transfer Tax, and registration fees are calculated and managed.
Registration & Close
Stamping at Tax Administration Jamaica, registration at the National Land Agency, and delivery of the registered Certificate of Title to its new proprietor.
What you actually pay at closing.
A Jamaican property transaction involves several statutory and professional costs. Below is a plain-language breakdown — the full calculation for your specific matter is provided in writing at your consultation.
Transfer Tax
2% of the sale price or appraised value — whichever is higher. Payable by the seller (vendor) only.
Stamp Duty
A flat JMD $5,000, split equally between the buyer and seller on the Agreement for Sale.
Registration Fee
0.5% of the sale price, split equally between buyer and seller and paid to the National Land Agency.
Agreement for Sale (AFS)
A typical fee of JMD $120,000 for preparing and reviewing the AFS, commonly split equally between parties.
Legal Fees
Approximately 3% of the sale price for conveyancing, payable separately by each party to their own attorney.
Search & Disbursements
Title searches, courier, stamping, and related out-of-pocket costs are billed at actual and confirmed in advance.
Use our cost calculator for an instant estimate, or book a consultation for a precise quote tailored to your transaction.
Answers to the questions we hear most.
Buying from abroad? We close remotely.
Jamaicans in London, New York, Toronto, Miami, and beyond trust us with property purchases they cannot physically be present for. Video consultations, supervised signings, courier coordination, and funds held securely in a regulated trust account.
Your Jamaica property, secured from anywhere in the world.
Remote closings · Supervised power of attorney · Regulated trust account.
Let's discuss your property matter.
Book a consultation and speak directly with an attorney about your purchase, sale, transfer, or title matter. Clear process, transparent fees, considered guidance.