What to consider living on Curacao?

What should you consider when buying a house on Curacao

Right now is the perfect time to purchase a house in Curacao. Curacao boasts a relatively low cost of living, gorgeous weather all-year round, and a stable economy. Plus, Curacao is out of the hurricane zone, a big bonus compared to many Caribbean islands. All these ingredients make Curacao an ideal location for investing in property. Century 21 is here to make your life easier when it comes to purchasing property. Whether you are a local resident or a foreign investor, there are many options, and we are here to help you choose the best option for you!

Where do you want to live on Curacao?

Location is a top priority for most buyers. Do you prefer to be close to beaches, schools, historic Willemstad, or more central? Every region and neighborhood in Curacao offer certain benefits, so deciding can be tricky.

Historic Willemstad

Includes the four districts of:

Punda (oldest part of the city)
Pietermaai
Otrobanda
Scharloo

Founded in 1634, the historic town of Willemstad combines European-style urban planning with Spanish and Portuguese influences. These bustling historic districts showcase colorful Dutch-style architecture, captivating murals, fabulous restaurants, and high-end retail shopping. Every Thursday night is Punda Vibes, showcasing local art and salsa music. In addition to weekly events, many festivals such as Carnival and the King’s Day parade, take place in these areas, making it an ideal spot if you enjoy local culture.

Willemstad

Businesses and neighborhoods around Schottegatweg ring of the city include (but not limited to):

Salinja (Saliña)
Mahaai
Damacor
Rooi Catootje
Van Engelen
Emmastad

These neighborhoods are situated conveniently close to shopping centers such as Zeelandia and Promenade, large supermarkets, sport complexes, medical offices, schools (both local and international), and historic land houses such as Bloemhof and Chobolobo. Built in the 60s and 70s, most houses of these areas tend to have large, spacious lots, but older houses may need more maintenance or possible renovations. Although houses in these areas may be older, the mixture of commercial and residential areas allows you to live and work easily.

East of Willemstad

You’ll find:

Mambo beach and Sea Aquarium
Marie Pampoen
Jan Thiel
Bottelier
Santa Rosa
Jongbloed
Abrahamsz

East of the Schottegatweg these areas tend to be more residential, suburban, scattered with shops, tokos (convenience stores), and restaurants. Mambo Beach, a hot spot for tourists and locals alike, has excellent restaurants, bars, shops, and clubs right on turquois blue water. Construction of condos and small houses is in progress near Mambo Beach. Traveling further east down Caracasbaaiweg will take you to Bottelier, a quiet residential area with spectacular views of the salt ponds. Further east, Jan Thiel offers all kinds of water sports including diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, and restaurants, shopping, and hiking. This highly desirable area has high volumes of traffic.

West of Willemstad

Includes:

Piscadera
Julianadorp
Sint Michiel
Blue Bay
Mahuma
Grote Berg
Daniel
Sint Willibrordus (also known as Williwood)
Tera Corá (also written Tera Kora)

These areas are steadily growing in popularity, with less traffic and closer proximity to Curacao’s beaches. High-end resorts in Piscadera mixed with low-key restaurants such as De Visserji offer a laid-back atmosphere typical of a Caribbean island. Blue Bay Resort has many amenities such as: 18-hole golf course, gym, private beach (open to the public), diving center, tennis courts, and restaurants. Grote Berg, nestled between Gato and Daniel, is an up-and-coming neighborhood with an ideal location for buyers seeking reasonably priced modern houses that are close to town (10-minute drive) and close to beaches, diving, and hiking. As you drive further west, you’ll find Sint Willibrordus (aka Williwood), the salt ponds and flamingoes, and the exclusive Coral Estate gated community with a spa, restaurants, and diving center.

Banda Abou

More rural and quieter communities such as:

Soto
Barber
Lagun
Westpunt

White-sand beaches, historic land houses, small road-side cafes, and Christoffel National Park are highlights of this area. Popular beaches include Cas Abou, Daaibooi, Playa Porto Marie, and Grote Knip. Although restaurants are more spread out along the western end of the island, each spot has fresh, local dishes, such as kabritu (goat) stew, that delight any palate. If you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities, then Banda Abou is right for you.

Banda Ariba

further east you’ll discover:

Montaña
Spanish Water
Santa Catharina
Cas Grandi
Santa Barbara Plantation

The Curacao Yacht Club, the only yacht club on Curacao, can be found on Spanish Water. North of the yacht club you’ll find Jan Sofat and Cas Grandi, spacious and modern homes with views of Tafelberg (Table Mountain) and Spanish Water. North of Cas Grandi lies Montaña, where you’ll happily discover the only brewery on Curacao, Montaña Bierhuis. Driving further east is Santa Barbara Plantation, also home to Sandals Curacao, an exclusive gated-resort with a marina and 18-hole golf course.

How much does a house cost on Curacao?

It is important to consider possible extra costs for the buyer such as: appraisal to obtain a mortgage, an inspection, and closing/transfer costs. Prices for inspections can also vary depending on the size of house, but the inspection is a very important part of the process and should not be omitted. An additional 5% should be added to the final purchase price for all closing and transfer costs, with 4% for transfer taxes and 1% closing costs for the notary. Annual property taxes (OZB) should also be considered, which vary depending on the price of the house. Century 21 also has certified appraisers on staff and a list of inspectors that the realtors regularly refer. Also, we walk you through the negotiations, closing process, and transfers with the notary.

Purchasing a house on Curacao can feel overwhelming, but Century 21 has the expertise to guide you through the process and help to find the perfect home. For questions or more information, visit our contact page: https://century21numberone.com/en/c/contact-us. We look forward to working with you!

References:

Central Bureau of Statistics Curacao (Director). (2022). https://www.cbs.cw/_flysystem/media/de-ontwikkeling-van-de-woonmarkt-in-de-periode-2010-2021.pdf

United Nations Office for Project Services. (2019). Transforming Urban Curacao. Isocarp.org. https://isocarp.org/app/uploads/2019/04/UNOPS_TransformingUrbanCuracao.pdf