How to Buy Property in Antigua as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

Buying a home in Antigua as a foreigner is entirely possible and, in many cases, simple. But the process hides nuances that no listing portal explains clearly. This guide summarises what I have been learning across five years of closings with buyers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

First, the headline: as a foreigner, you can buy property in Guatemala under nearly the same conditions as a Guatemalan citizen. The exception is property within 15 km of the border, which requires additional authorisation — this does not apply to Antigua.

The legal process requires a Guatemalan notary to prepare the deed, a lawyer to verify the property registry, and payment of transfer taxes (3% of the recorded value). Closing costs typically run between 4% and 6% of the purchase price.

Realistic timelines: from signing an offer to keys changing hands, plan on 60 to 120 days. The most common delays come from registry issues — old inheritances never formalised, outdated boundaries, unreleased liens. This is precisely why legal due diligence before signing a purchase promise is critical.

My operational recommendation: never sign a purchase promise without having a Guatemalan lawyer review the certificate from the General Property Registry first. And never pay more than 10% as a deposit until that study is complete.