1. Can I buy property in Vanuatu?
   Provided you have the funds necessary for the purchase, you can buy property in Vanuatu. When buying land over a certain value, you are entitled to apply for a residency permit which means you can stay in this beautiful country year round.
2. Is land Leasehold or Freehold?
   All land in Vanuatu is Leasehold. This situation is similar to most other countries of the South Pacific, and leasehold is also common in some areas of Australia such as Canberra. Anywhere around the CBD, in the so called urban areas, the Minister of Lands is the Lessor. Land other than urban, which in many cases has now been subdivided, has a “custom owner” Lessor. The Constitution of Vanuatu states that the maximum term of a lease is 75 years. 
3. What happens at the end of the lease?
   When you buy and existing lease, you purchase the remaining term, not a new 50 or 75 year period. All urban leases can be renewed for a fee. This is 10% of the “unimproved land value” (as assessed by the Government’s Valuation Unit) and administrative fees.  Land that is rural will have a different renewal fee depending on the Lessor. This can range from a simple one off payment to 2% of the unimproved land value. A renewal of lease can be negotiated at any time at terms suitable for both lessee and lessor. 
4. Why should I invest in Vanuatu?
   Vanuatu (and more precisely Port Vila on Efate) is the no.1 Pacific financial centre for the administration and management of offshore companies, trusts, banks, insurance companies and shipping registration. There are no personal or corporate income taxes, no estate or gift duties, no exchange controls, and secure privacy provisions. Vanuatu has not signed any international tax treaties further ensuring confidentiality with regards to business. Although there is a fantastic opportunity to make money by investing in Vanuatu, a lot of people invest in property in Vanuatu because they are seeking the relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere of this tropical South Pacific country. 
5. What Annual outgoings should I expect when I purchase a property?
   If you have a property in the urban area, there are municipal rates/taxes to cover roads, refuse collection etc. All properties will incur (if they have the services) electricity, water, gas and ground rent. Ground or land rent is paid annually and is a nominal amount calculated on a square meterage basis on the unimproved value of your land. It generally runs at about AUD$300-400 per year. House and content insurance is optional.
6. Is it possible to buy apartments or shops on their own Strata title?
   Yes. The Vanuatu Parliament passed the Strata Title Act in 2000 and also approved the Strata Title regulations. It is possible to strata title existing buildings and to create strata titles for new apartment and commercial buildings.
7. What other costs are incurred when I purchase a property?
   Solicitor’s fees are typically around 0.5% of the purchase price, or you can negotiate a flat fee. Stamp duty is 5% of the purchase price and government registration fees are 2% of the purchase price. Different rules apply if you buy a business or property owned in a company name. Your lawyer or accountant can advise you of this at the time of purchase.
8. Can I get finance from a bank in Vanuatu to purchase a property? 
   There are currently four banks in operation in Vanuatu. Bred, ANZ, Westpac and the National Bank of Vanuatu will all lend money against property. Typically, residential property will require a 20% deposit and commercial requires a 40% deposit. Bank lending criteria are similar to Australia and New Zealand.
9. Is it easy to rent out property?
   Yes. Good rental properties can return up to 10% per annum or more. There are many private companies and aid organisation who rent for long contract periods rather than buying. 
10. Should I use my lawyer back home or should I use a local solicitor?
    A property transaction is a significant transaction, and deserves to be handled appropriately. We would strongly recommend using a lawyer in Vanuatu as they are armed with local knowledge and expertise. Andrew Duncan can recommend several solicitors to meet your requirements.
11. Are there good builders in Vanuatu?
    There is a large variety of professional builders, engineers and architects, both Ni Vanuatu or foreign trained, to construct the house of your dreams. Simply open the local phone book to find their details. We recommend having a look at examples of their work to establish the suitability for your needs and demands before you get them to quote on your project.  Houses in Vanuatu are typically constructed and engineered to a higher level than you would generally find in most first world countries, simply because we are occasionally exposed to cyclones and earthquakes. Just remember you will need a building inspection done and a certificate provided to insure against cyclone damage.