Can I buy a house in Jamaica with US dollars?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Jamaica without residency, and US dollars are commonly used for higher-value transactions. The official currency for property registration is the Jamaican dollar, but it is standard practice to quote and negotiate in USD for properties in Kingston, Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, with final transfer prices converted at the agreed exchange rate. Standard transaction costs run roughly 12 to 15 percent of price (transfer tax, stamp duty, registration, legal fees). Title work is mature and freehold ownership is the norm. Property ownership does not grant residency. A typical mid-market three-bedroom home in a safe Kingston suburb runs USD 250,000 to 500,000; equivalent in Montego Bay or Ocho Rios runs USD 300,000 to 700,000 with sea views. For the full picture, see our Jamaica cost of living page.