Building from the ground up
Buy a plot and build to your own design, or purchase a turnkey new-build. Either way, knowing the permit and process basics protects your investment.
Bonaire still has plenty of land, and building new — or buying off-plan from a developer — is a popular route to a modern, energy-efficient home tailored to the climate. It takes more patience than buying existing, but gives you control over layout, materials and sustainability from day one. Note that buying a new-build from a developer is subject to 8% ABB rather than the 5% transfer tax that applies to existing homes.
Plot, permit and process
Start with the land: confirm the zoning, the ownership form and whether utilities reach the plot. New construction (and renovation) requires a building permit (bouwvergunning) from the island government’s Directie Ruimte en Ontwikkeling. Applications need drawings (situation, floor plan, cross-section, façades) and structural calculations for complex builds; the target processing time is within 16 weeks, extendable by up to 8 weeks. An architect and a licensed contractor familiar with Bonaire’s hurricane and climate conditions are essential.
Buying off-plan
When purchasing a new-build from a developer, pay close attention to the specification (what is and isn’t included), the payment schedule tied to build stages, completion guarantees and the delivery date. Several developments are marketed on the island (for example gated estates and marina/resort projects); have the purchase and construction agreements reviewed before signing, and budget for landscaping and finishing items that are often excluded.
Sources & official links
For orientation only. Rules, rates and costs can change — always verify the current situation with the relevant authority or an advisor. · Last reviewed: July 2026.
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