Namibia is relatively open to foreign buyers: foreigners buy residential and commercial property, mainly in towns and cities, in the usual way. This guide covers rules, costs and the stages of a transaction.
What you can buy
- Residential and commercial property in urban areas: apartments, houses, commercial units. This is the main direction for foreigners.
- Agricultural land is largely reserved for Namibian citizens. Exceptions need ministerial approval and are rarely granted (section 58 of the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act, 1995).
What a purchase does not give
Owning property does not by itself give residency rights; permits are a separate process. More: Residence permits in Namibia.
Buyer's costs
As a guide, add roughly 10–15% to the purchase price for taxes, legal fees and registration. The main items:
- Transfer duty. For individuals from 1 October 2024: nil on the first N$1,100,000; 1% on the portion from N$1,100,001 to N$1,580,000; N$4,800 plus 5% above N$1,580,000 (up to N$3,150,000); N$83,300 plus 8% above N$3,150,000 (up to N$12,100,000); N$799,000 plus 11% above N$12,100,000. Companies pay a flat 12%.
- Conveyancer's fees and registration charges.
- Independent valuation typically about 0.05–0.1% of the property value.
If the purchase goes through a company, duty is charged at the company rate, which is one reason to discuss the structure up front.
Owner's taxes
There is no formal capital gains tax on property sales. Income tax may apply if the sale is part of a business activity. Land tax mainly applies to commercial farmland. There is no estate tax.
How a transaction runs
- Check the agent: they should be registered with the Namibia Estate Agents Board.
- Independent valuation of the property.
- Formal offer. Once accepted, both parties sign the Deed of Sale, which binds both sides.
- FIA documents: certified passport, proof of residence, source-of-funds declaration, bank statements or tax clearance certificates.
- The conveyancer verifies title, encumbrances and municipal taxes. The municipality issues a Clearance Certificate.
- The documents are lodged with the Deeds Registry. Registration takes about six to eight weeks, after which the buyer receives the title deed.
Financing (a mortgage) is best arranged before submitting the formal offer.
How we help
We select properties for rental and a management company for them. On a business tour, in-person meetings are held with realtors, developers and property lawyers. Choosing an asset, ownership structure and taxes are discussed at the first free consultation.
This material is provided for reference. Rates and fees are published by the authorities and conveyancers.