NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The government is preparing reforms aimed at addressing ongoing pressures in The Bahamas’ housing and rental market, alongside broader efforts to modernise land administration and improve access to property ownership according to the Speech from the Throne.
In the Speech from the Throne delivered by Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt, housing was identified as a continuing priority within the new parliamentary term.
“My Government believes every Bahamian deserves access to safe and dignified housing,” the Speech stated, setting out the policy direction for a set of planned reforms focused on both rental regulation and home ownership.
A key component of the housing agenda is the proposed establishment of a National Rental Property Registration System. This system is intended to require landlords to meet defined standards and to bring greater structure to the rental market. It is expected to improve oversight of rental properties and provide a clearer framework for addressing disputes and complaints, particularly in cases involving housing conditions and rental increases.
To support enforcement, the Government intends to establish a Residential Tenancy Authority with responsibility for inspections, investigations, and regulatory compliance across the rental sector. The objective, according to the policy direction outlined in the Speech, is to provide a more consistent framework for both landlords and tenants while improving accountability within the sector.
The housing reform agenda is being developed against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about affordability and market pressures. Keith Bell who will once again serve as Housing Minister has previously noted that the Ministry continues to receive reports of significant rent increases as well as disputes involving rent payments and access to properties. He has also pointed to concerns about housing conditions, stating the importance of ensuring that landlords maintain their premises while also ensuring that tenants live up to their obligations as well.
Alongside rental regulation, the Government’s housing strategy includes a broader focus on land administration reform. The Speech confirmed continued implementation of the Land Adjudication Act and Registered Land Act, aimed at developing a centralised, searchable land registry and improving the efficiency of property transactions. “My Government will continue implementing the Land Adjudication Act and Registered Land Act, to create a central searchable land registry, modernise records, and reduce delays in property transactions,” the Speech stated.
The establishment of a central land registry is intended to reduce administrative delays in areas such as property transfers, development approvals, and inheritance processing. It also forms part of wider efforts to improve the accessibility and usability of land records, which stakeholders have long identified as a constraint in the property market.
The Speech also referenced plans to review the Real Property Tax regime with the aim of providing relief for Bahamian property owners. This forms part of a wider approach to balancing fiscal policy with housing affordability considerations.
