Guyana Property Tax Guide: Transfer Tax 2.5%, Annual Tax 0.5-1.5% 2026
Guyana's property tax system includes a transfer tax of 2.5% on property value (paid by the buyer) and an annual property tax of 0.5-1.5% of the rental value assessed by the local authority. Here is how Guyanese property tax works in 2026.
Property taxation in Guyana is governed by the Property Tax Act and administered by local government authorities (municipalities and neighborhood councils). Unlike many countries with value-based annual property taxes, Guyana bases its annual tax on the assessed rental value of the property. The transfer tax is a one-time cost paid by the buyer at the time of purchase. Capital gains on property sales →
Real-world example: A buyer purchases a residential property in Georgetown valued at GYD 20,000,000. The transfer tax at 2.5% = GYD 500,000 (paid by buyer). The annual property tax at 1% of rental value (assessed rental value say GYD 1,200,000/year) = GYD 12,000/year. In Jamaica, the same property would incur transfer tax of approximately 2% plus stamp duty of GYD equivalent value, and annual property tax would be approximately 0.8% of market value. Rental income taxation →
Property Transfer Tax (Purchase Tax)
- Rate: 2.5% of the property value (purchase price or assessed value, whichever is higher)
- Paid by: The buyer (purchaser) is responsible for paying the transfer tax
- Due at: Time of property registration and transfer of title
- Exemptions: Certain first-time homebuyers may qualify for reduced rates or exemptions
The transfer tax is calculated on the higher of the contract price or the assessed value determined by the Commissioner of Valuations. Additional costs include registration fees and legal fees.
Annual Property Tax
- Rate: 0.5% to 1.5% of the assessed annual rental value of the property
- Assessment basis: Based on the estimated annual rental value, not the market value of the property
- Set by: Local government authorities (municipalities, neighborhood councils)
- Payment: Due annually, typically in quarterly or annual installments
- Owner-occupied: Same rates apply to owner-occupied and rental properties
The annual property tax is relatively modest compared to value-based systems. The rental value assessment is typically lower than market value, resulting in a low effective tax rate.
Registration and Legal Fees
- Registration fee: Fee for registering the property title with the Deeds Registry, typically a percentage of property value
- Legal fees: Attorney fees for conveyancing, typically 2-5% of the purchase price
- Stamp duty: Applicable on certain documents
Buyers should budget approximately 5-10% of the purchase price for total transaction costs including transfer tax, registration, and legal fees.
Do foreigners pay the same property tax as residents?
Yes. Guyana applies the same property tax rules to residents and non-residents. There are no additional surcharges on foreign property ownership. Foreigners may purchase property in Guyana with the same tax treatment as Guyanese citizens.
Is there a tax on rental income from property?
Yes. Rental income from property is subject to personal income tax at the flat 28% rate. There is no separate property tax on rental income. Deductions for maintenance, management fees, and mortgage interest may be available. Detailed rental income guide →