Why invest in Puerto Rico in 2020? Discover the advantages in the 7th Heaven Properties guide for investors.
Puerto Rico – A Great Place to Invest
Are you thinking about investing in Puerto Rico real estate?
We have put together this guide for investors considering making an investment in property in the Caribbean and wondering whether Puerto Rico might be the best place to choose to buy property, whether that might be a house or villa, a condo or a parcel of land.
Here we take a look at the top reasons for buying property in Puerto Rico and for investing in this territory of the USA, high potential investment opportunities and the best places to invest.
The Ultimate Guide to Investing in the Puerto Rico
Contents
7 Reasons to Invest in Puerto Rico Real Estate
1. A US Jurisdiction in the Caribbean
2. Tax Incentives
3. Easily Accessible
4. High Quality of Life
5. Sophisticated Infrastructure
6. Rebounding Real Estate Market
7. Breathtaking Attractions
Best Places to Invest in Puerto Rico
Investment Opportunities in Puerto Rico
Find Out More About Investing in Puerto Rico
7 Reasons to Invest in Puerto Rico Real Estate
From its highly attractive tax incentives to its eclectic cultural scene, there are all kinds of reasons for choosing to invest in Puerto Rico. Here are our top 7 reasons to invest in this Territory of the USA.
1. A US Jurisdiction in the Caribbean
First and foremost, Puerto Rico offers the allure of a tropical island in the Caribbean with the security of being a territory of the USA. Like many other islands in the region, Puerto Rico basks in year-round warmth and sunshine. Its coastline is fringed by some of the best beaches in the world and surrounded by warm, clear Atlantic and Caribbean waters while inland majestic mountains are covered in lush tropical greenery. However, in contrast to other islands in the region, Puerto Rico is a self-governing territory of the USA. This means that English is one of its two official languages, the territory is subject to an American legal framework and the US Dollar is the official currency. This means that Puerto Rico is one of the only destinations in the region that visitors from the US mainland can travel to without a passport. This also means that buyers can invest in Puerto Rico real estate with the peace of mind that all the protections that come with US Federal Law apply here too.
2. Tax Incentives
In addition to its unique appeal of being a tropical paradise in the Caribbean and a US Jurisdiction with all the comforts and protections provided by US Federal law, Puerto Rico has put in place a set of highly attractive incentives designed to attract investment from high net worth individuals, empty nesters and retirees. In 2019, Act 60–2019 (known as the “Puerto Rico Incentives Code”) was signed into law. The Act codified various incentives, subsidies, and benefits under Acts 20 (the “Export Services Act”) and 22 (the “Individual Investors Act”) of 2012, including incentives for both businesses and individuals relocating to the territory. In the case of individuals who take up residency in Puerto Rico, Act 60 reduces income tax to a flat rate of 4% and offers a total exemption from taxes on dividends and capital gains.
3. Easily Accessible
Puerto Rico is also easily accessible from the US mainland via short, daily, non-stop flights. The island has 11 airports, 3 of which welcome direct international flights. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport which services the capital San Juan is, in fact, the busiest and most important air hub in the Caribbean region. San Juan Airport handles 8 million passengers per year via 1,800 weekly flights operated by more than 20 airlines. The island can be reaches in roughly 2.5 hours from Miami and 3.5 hours from New York.
4. High Quality of Life
As one of the leading destinations in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico offers the opportunity to enjoy a very high quality of life. The island is home to some of the best hotels in the world, several of which features world-class championship golf courses such as the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course at Bahia Beach, the East Course and Sugarcane Course at Dorado Beach and the Royal Isabela Golf Course at Isabela – hence its nickname “the golf capital of the Caribbean”. Puerto Rico also offers diverse dining, shopping and entertainment options that are simply not available in many other Caribbean destinations. Enjoy browsing the boutiques at Plaza Las Américas and the Mall of San Juan, exploring the island’s cuisine at an eclectic mix of restaurants serving everything from elevated home cooking to elegant dishes created by top chefs and dancing the night away at lively rooftop bars and clubs in chic Condado and Old San Juan.
5. Sophisticated Infrastructure
As a territory of the USA, Puerto Rico benefits from sophisticated infrastructure that is lacking in many other Caribbean islands. In addition to the busiest airport in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has 11 seaports, 24,000 miles of highways and the Caribbean’s first rapid transit system which serves the San Juan metropolitan area. The island also benefits from high-speed broadband internet and robust landline, wireless, cloud and ethernet services.
6. Rebounding Real Estate Market
Having suffered severe damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017, Puerto Rico has since been on the road to recovery. After several years of declining property prices, the real estate market has begun to show strong signs of rebounding. Several factors have contributed to a rebound, including tax incentives outlined, an inflow of insurance and federal funding and a stream of buyers from the mainland on the hunt for bargains after the hurricane. While it may still be a buyer’s market, 2019 saw an increase in property prices and a rise in transactions and that trend is set to continue.
7. Breathtaking Attractions
One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is blessed with breathtaking attractions including the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay on Vieques, pristine beaches on Culebra and the majesty of the El Yunque National Forest which is home to rare flora and fauna such as the Puerto Rican Parrot. Besides sites of outstanding natural beauty, Puerto Rico also offers sites of unique cultural and historical importance, such as Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan), the historic colonial section of the capital which is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 16th Century and the oldest settlement in the USA.
Summary: A Top Tier Caribbean Destination
So, in summary, whether you are drawn to the beautiful beaches or the tax incentives, the high quality of life or the beachfront real estate, the reasons to invest in Puerto Rico are many and varied.
Best Places to Invest in Puerto Rico
To find out more about where to invest in the islands, explore the best places to buy property in Puerto Rico on our website.
Discover High Potential Investment Opportunities in Puerto Rico
Discover investment opportunities in Puerto Rico on our website:
- Search: Puerto Rico real estate
- Search: Homes for sale in Puerto Rico
- Search: Condos for sale in Puerto Rico
- Search: Land for sale in Puerto Rico
- Search: Hotels for sale in Puerto Rico
Find Out More About Investing in Puerto Rico
Would you like to find out more about investing in Puerto Rico? 7th Heaven Properties is here to help you. We have the insight and advice you need to begin investing in Puerto Rico real estate.
To find out more, contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist.
We look forward to working with you and helping you find your perfect property in Puerto Rico.
Keywords
Investment, Puerto Rico
FAQs
Is buying property in Puerto Rico a good investment? ›
The Bottom Line. Buying real estate in Puerto Rico offers a number of logical investment perks for Americans, including flexible finance possibilities, zero immigration concerns, and amazing tax breaks (should you qualify).
What happens to abandoned houses in Puerto Rico? ›“Any abandoned property that has a mortgage will be subject to a judicial foreclosure process. Until then, the ownership will be retained by its lawful owners,” he said. “Then if they are finally foreclosed, it will become a real estate owned (REO) property of the particular bank.
Is there a tax break for buying a house in Puerto Rico? ›Puerto Rico Real Estate Incentives: Law 68 & 187
Law 187: Exempts buyers from paying property taxes for five years as well as certain closing costs for the purchase of the new residence as a primary residence, second home or investment property.
Puerto Rico offers many advantages to homeowners, including a lower cost of living, tax benefits, beautiful weather and beaches, and a rich culture. However, there are also potential challenges to be aware of, such as natural disasters, property values, and infrastructure challenges.
Do property owners in Puerto Rico pay property taxes? ›Puerto Rico real property is subject to an annual real property tax.
Is Puerto Rico a good tax haven? ›Located in the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is a spectacular tax haven for businesses and individuals. Much of this is due to Act 60, a piece of legislation passed to boost economic development on the island.
Is it hard to buy a house in Puerto Rico? ›Buying a property on the island can be very different than on the mainland. To purchase a home in Puerto Rico, you are required to be pre-qualified for a loan. If you are planning a cash purchase, you must show evidence of sufficient funds. A good credit score and a 20% downpayment is the norm for getting a loan.
Can I homestead in Puerto Rico? ›The Homestead Act establishes that every Puerto Rico domiciled individual or head of family shall be entitled to possess and enjoy, as a protected homestead, a real property consisting of a parcel of land and the structure located thereon or a residential condominium unit, which real property or residence the ...
What is the new inheritance law in Puerto Rico? ›The portion of the estate reserved for forced heirs in a will is two thirds. In the absence of a will (intestate estate), estate is distributed equally among forced heirs. The portion reserved for forced heirs in a will is reduced to 50%. In the absence of a will, estate is still distributed equally among forced heirs.
How many days do you have to live in Puerto Rico to avoid taxes? ›You must become a resident of Puerto Rico, and you must reside there for at least 183 days a year, or meet one of several other tests that are less clear cut.
How do I avoid capital gains tax in Puerto Rico? ›
If you move to the island, you can legally pay none. There's also no capital gains tax. You just have to give 4 percent of your income to Puerto Rico.
Do you have to pay US taxes if you live in Puerto Rico? ›While the Commonwealth government has its own tax laws, Puerto Rico residents are also required to pay US federal taxes, but most residents do not have to pay the federal personal income tax.
What is the most affordable place to live in Puerto Rico? ›Rio Marr, Puerto Rico: Affordable, Walkable, and Chill
Consistently rated as one of the best places to live in Puerto Rico, Rio Marr is a stunning place. It's also very affordable, mostly because the area has little nightlife.
As has been widely reported, Puerto Rico's Act #20 and Act #22 provides incentives for high net worth U.S. citizens to move to Puerto Rico and potentially reduce their 39.6% federal income tax (plus any applicable state tax) to a 0% – 4% Puerto Rico income tax rate.
Are home prices dropping in Puerto Rico? ›House prices were down 2.67% during the year to Q3 2022
Puerto Rico's housing market remains weak.
U.S. citizens who become bona fide residents of Puerto Rico can maintain their U.S. citizenship, avoid U.S. federal income tax on capital gains, including U.S.-source capital gains, and avoid paying any income tax on interest and dividends from Puerto Rican sources.
Who inherits property in Puerto Rico? ›The order of inheritance in Puerto Rico is as follows: descendants (children), ascendants (parents), surviving spouse, preferred collaterals (siblings and nieces and nephews), ordinary collaterals (aunts, uncles and cousins) and, if there is no one, the government.
Why are millionaires moving to Puerto Rico? ›After a meteoric year, investors are relocating to Puerto Rico for its savings on individual and corporate taxes.
Why are people moving out of Puerto Rico? ›Achieving economic stability is typically the main reason that many Puerto Ricans migrate to the U.S. mainland. At the same time, thousands return to Puerto Rico annually, describing their homecoming as "a dream come true."
Why are Americans moving to Puerto Rico? ›Moving to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes is just one of countless good reasons to be here. Besides an overall cost of living that is lower than on the mainland, you can enjoy picture-perfect beaches and nature trails, tasty Caribbean treats, convenient shopping, and so much more.
Is it cheaper to live in Puerto Rico than the United States? ›
Remember this rule of thumb: depending on where you settle on this U.S. territory, you will likely save somewhere between 5% and 70% off the cost of living found in a typical city in the United States. Puerto Rico's smaller cities tend to have an especially low cost of living.
Can I just move to Puerto Rico? ›Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898 when the U.S. acquired it at the end of the Spanish-American war. (It also happens to be the most populated U.S. territory!) If you're a U.S. citizen, this means an easy transition for you. No need for work permits or visas if you decide to relocate.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Puerto Rico? ›Summary of cost of living in Puerto Rico: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,366.3$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 970.9$ without rent. Cost of living in Puerto Rico is, on average, 10.7% lower than in United States.
What is the 500 acre law in Puerto Rico? ›The 500-acre law, which stipulated that corporations operating in Puerto Rico were forbidden from owning more than 500 acres of land, was usually circumvented by proxy landownership and absenteeism.
How many months do you have to live in Puerto Rico to be a resident? ›The term 'resident individual' means an individual who is domiciled in Puerto Rico. It should be presumed that an individual is a resident of Puerto Rico if they have been present in Puerto Rico for a period of 183 days during the calendar year.
Are you a U.S. resident if you live in Puerto Rico? ›In general, most Puerto Rican residents would be considered United States citizens. The following individuals are United States citizens: 1. People born in Puerto Rico on or after January 13, 1941.
What is Rule 75 in Puerto Rico? ›Under Law 75, once the principal establishes a distribution agreement with the distributor, the principal cannot withdraw from the contract without just cause.
What is the 7 year inheritance law? ›After 7 years, the gift does not count towards the value of your estate, which is known as “the 7-year rule” for inheritance tax purposes. This rule is why, very often, parents will give their children or grandchildren gifts long before they believe they will pass away, in order to avoid paying tax on the gift.
What is the gift tax in Puerto Rico? ›The Puerto Rico rates for gift tax and the estate tax are the same, 10% of the taxable amount. The gift tax return is due on or before January 31 of the year following the year of the gift.
What is the code 60 in Puerto Rico? ›The Tax Incentive Code, known as “Act 60”, provides tax exemptions to businesses and investors that relocate to, or are established in, Puerto Rico.
Who qualifies for Act 60 in Puerto Rico? ›
Act 60 - Export Services and Commerce
Services must be provided in Puerto Rico for customers outside Puerto Rico. The eligible service provided must not have a nexus with Puerto Rico; it cannot be related to the conduct of the trade, business or other activity of the customer in Puerto Rico.
U.S. citizens who become bona fide residents of Puerto Rico can maintain their U.S. citizenship, avoid U.S. federal income tax on capital gains, including U.S.-source capital gains, and avoid paying any income tax on interest and dividends from Puerto Rican sources.
Can I move to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes? ›One of the greatest of many Puerto Rico tax benefits is the Act 60 Investor Resident Individual Tax Incentive (formerly Act 22), which allows you to pay 0% federal or Puerto Rico capital gains tax on all capital gains incurred during the time that you qualify as a bona fide Puerto Rico resident living in Puerto Rico.
What income is taxable in Puerto Rico? ›ABT income is subject to Puerto Rican income taxes. You can earn up to $25,000 in ABT income for free, and up to $50,000 will incur an ABT rate of 1%. ABT income in excess of $250,000 is subject to an ABT rate of 24%.
What is a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico? ›Bona Fide Residents of Puerto Rico: Generally, you are a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico if during the tax year, you: Meet the presence test • Do not have a tax home outside Puerto Rico, and • Do not have a closer connection to the United States or to a foreign country than to Puerto Rico.
Does Puerto Rico pay into Social Security? ›For instance, Puerto Rico residents are exempt from federal income tax, though they do pay other federal taxes such as Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes.
Is Social Security income taxable in Puerto Rico? ›When do I have to pay taxes for the benefits received? The Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code excludes from taxes the benefits received from Social Security. Nevertheless, you must report your benefits using the IE Schedule of your Personal Income Tax Return.
Does Puerto Rico have Medicare? ›More than 65% of individuals living in Puerto Rico receive health care through Medicaid and Medicare, but federal funding for these programs in US territories has restrictions not present in the US mainland.
Where do most expats live in Puerto Rico? ›Most expats settle in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, or in the south in Ponce, its second-largest city. Carros Públicos (public cars) allow you to travel all over the island and reach even remote areas. A working knowledge of Spanish can be of great help during the housing search in Puerto Rico.
What is the most expensive part of Puerto Rico? ›This $45 Million Home At Dorado Beach Is Puerto Rico's Most Expensive Listing. Senior Contributor.
What part of Puerto Rico is safest from hurricanes? ›
For the small size of Puerto Rico, hurricanes affect the entire island, regardless of the hurricane category. If a hurricane passes far to the north or the south, the outer rainbands might affect only one part of the island, and depending on the route, the west coast might be the safest.
What is Rule 66 in Puerto Rico? ›Hearsay within hearsay is admissible if both the principal and the subordinate or included hearsay fall within the scope of an exception to the hearsay rule.
What is law 33 in Puerto Rico? ›(Approved May 22, 2019) AN ACT. To set forth the public policy of the Government of Puerto Rico on climate. change and on the mitigation, adaptation, and resilience processes per sector; establish a greenhouse gas emission inventory; direct the approval of a.
What is Law 53 in Puerto Rico? ›It was called Public Law 53, and also known as La Ley de la Mordaza…the Gag Law. Law 53 made it a felony to sing a song, whistle a tune, or utter one word against the US government, or in favor of Puerto Rican independence. This included singing La Borinqueña, or owning a Puerto Rican flag. Own a flag…
Is it smart to buy property in Puerto Rico? ›Puerto Rico offers many advantages to homeowners, including a lower cost of living, tax benefits, beautiful weather and beaches, and a rich culture. However, there are also potential challenges to be aware of, such as natural disasters, property values, and infrastructure challenges.
Is buying real estate in Puerto Rico a good investment? ›The Bottom Line. Buying real estate in Puerto Rico offers a number of logical investment perks for Americans, including flexible finance possibilities, zero immigration concerns, and amazing tax breaks (should you qualify).
Do you pay property taxes on homes in Puerto Rico? ›Puerto Rico real property is subject to an annual real property tax.
Is it worth it to move to Puerto Rico? ›Life in Puerto Rico is a superb value, with a high standard of living combined with an overall lower cost of living than most expect. Your dollar will go farther in Puerto Rico than in most U.S. cities.
Is it cheaper to live in the US or Puerto Rico? ›Remember this rule of thumb: depending on where you settle on this U.S. territory, you will likely save somewhere between 5% and 70% off the cost of living found in a typical city in the United States. Puerto Rico's smaller cities tend to have an especially low cost of living.
How long can a US citizen stay in Puerto Rico? ›An approved ESTA for Puerto Rico allows a stay of 90 days with each entry for tourism, transit, or business purposes, and is valid for a total of 2 years from issue, meaning there is no need to re-apply for every trip to US territories.
Where do the rich live in Puerto Rico? ›
If an upscale, livable, walkable area is what you desire in Puerto Rico, Dorado is a great choice. Dorado is one of the wealthiest areas near San Juan, with gated communities everywhere you look.
How much do you need to live comfortably in Puerto Rico? ›Summary of cost of living in Puerto Rico: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,366.3$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 970.9$ without rent. Cost of living in Puerto Rico is, on average, 10.7% lower than in United States.
Can a US citizen just move to Puerto Rico? ›No need for work permits or visas if you decide to relocate. In other words, living in Puerto Rico is almost like living abroad, but without either the paperwork hassle or the immigration concerns. Because it's a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico also uses the U.S. dollar, which makes banking and finances simple.
Why do people move out of Puerto Rico? ›“The population was declining, that reduced the tax base for the public sector, which then was unable to provide adequate public amenities. And then this reduction in the quality of public services contributed to further frustration and out-migration.
Can Americans just move to Puerto Rico? ›Because Puerto Rico is a territory of the US, no special visas or work permits are necessary for US citizens. Think of it as an extension of the US with beautiful beaches and a Caribbean vibe with none of the paperwork and red tape hassle of moving to a foreign country.