Why Abaco Is Drawing a New Wave of Buyers

Lucía Torres · 2026-11-04

World-class boating, diving, and easy international access have turned The Bahamas into a magnet for luxury buyers. The Agency now has offices in both Abaco and Nassau to meet the demand. We sat down with Scott Ferguson, Managing Director of The Agency Abaco, to talk about where the opportunities are and what buyers should know before investing in this idyllic island setting. ### Where Abaco's Buyers Are Coming From The U.S. remains the largest source of buyers, especially Florida, the Carolinas, and the Southeast. Interest keeps growing from Texas, Canada, and the U.K., too. What's really changed is how accessible Abaco feels today. More private aviation, better airlift, and bigger boats that can cross the Gulf Stream have made the Abacos an easy place to reach. South Florida matters most because Abaco is so close. For many buyers, getting here is actually easier than traveling to another part of Florida. That proximity, paired with the boating and fishing lifestyle, makes Abaco a natural extension of South Florida for second homeowners. Buyers are also discovering Abaco younger than before. In the past, someone might vacation here for years before finally buying. Today, they often arrive already looking for a way to become part of the community. That shift has become more obvious as Florida has grown more crowded and more expensive since Covid. ### What Buyers Want Now Buyers today care much more about how a property fits their lifestyle. They still notice the house, the finishes, and the view, but the first questions are different: Where's my boat? How fast can I get on the water? Can I walk to the beach? Can family and friends stay comfortably with us? Boating access has always mattered in Abaco, but it matters more than ever. Deep-water docks, protected slips, boat lifts, and easy access to the Sea of Abaco can change how desirable a property really is. Vacation-rental potential is another big consideration. Abaco has a strong rental market, especially for high-quality waterfront and boating-oriented homes. Some of the better properties can see rental demand for 35 to 40 weeks a year. That lets buyers enjoy an exceptional second home while earning meaningful rental income when they aren't using it. For many, that combination is hard to resist. > "Don't try to understand Abaco entirely from a spreadsheet. Spend time here. Get on a boat. Visit the different cays and communities." ### What First-Time Buyers Should Know The first thing Ferguson tells new buyers is that buying in The Bahamas is very achievable for international purchasers. But you need the right local team around you. That means an experienced Bahamian real estate agent, a good local attorney, and, depending on the property, the right surveyors and inspectors involved early on. Financing is available, but many transactions, particularly at the luxury end, are cash purchases. Buyers should understand transaction costs, VAT, and the legal process before making an offer. That way they can assess the full cost of acquisition, not just the purchase price. Due diligence matters even more with island property. Beyond the home itself, look closely at: - Elevations and construction quality - Docks and seawalls - Utilities, generators, and water systems - Insurance considerations - Boating access Abaco is incredibly diverse, and finding the right fit takes more than a checklist. Spend time on the water, visit the different cays, and get a feel for the communities. That's how you find a place that truly works for you.