- Legal & practical
The Caribbean guilder (XCG) and property prices in Curaçao
- RealEstatesCuraçao
- 5 min read
Editorial · written by RealEstatesCuraçao
On this page8 sections
On this page8 sections
When buying or renting property in Curaçao, you will encounter different currencies. This article explains the introduction of the Caribbean guilder (XCG), its relationship with the U.S. dollar, and how these currencies affect real estate pricing on the island. For the live numbers, see Homes for sale in Curaçao under US$500,000.
What is the Caribbean guilder
The Caribbean guilder (XCG) was introduced as legal tender on 31 March 2025. It replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) as part of a monetary union between Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which have been autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 10 October 2010.
The transition from the old currency followed a specific schedule:
- As of 31 March 2025, the XCG became legal tender.
- From 30 June 2025, the ANG is no longer accepted for cash payments.
- Commercial banks allowed the exchange of ANG banknotes and coins for one year following the introduction of the XCG.
- The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) allows the exchange of ANG banknotes and coins for up to thirty years after the introduction.
The design of the XCG banknotes is based on a “World Under the Sea” theme, featuring marine life on the front and historical or cultural landmarks on the reverse. The coins feature maritime themes such as turtles, seashells, and waves.
Exchange rate and property prices
The Caribbean guilder is legally pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = 1.79.
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Because of this peg, many brokers list properties in US$. On the RealEstatesCuraçao portal, prices are shown in USD, even if the broker published them in another currency. This allows buyers to compare properties easily.
As of 30 October 2026, there were 1,057 properties for sale on the portal. Of these, 917 had a published asking price. The median of these asking prices was US$685,000, and half of the asking prices lay between US$406,000 and US$1,095,000.
For those looking to rent, the portal listed 352 properties as of 30 October 2026. Among these, 272 rentals had a published monthly rent. The median monthly rent was US$1,860, with half of the rents lying between US$1,340 and US$2,520.
Property taxes and fees
Buyers in Curaçao must account for specific government taxes when purchasing property. These are typically calculated based on the value of the asset.
The transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) is a one-time tax paid upon the transfer of real estate. This tax is 4% of the value of the property. The value used for this calculation is generally the purchase price stated in the deed; however, if the purchase price is lower than the value recorded in the land registry (kadaster), the higher value is used as the basis for the tax.
Owners are also subject to an annual property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB). This tax replaced the previous land tax on 1 January 2014. The OZB is based on the value of the property in economic circulation. If a building is located on leasehold (erfpacht) land owned by the government of Curaçao, the person leasing the land is responsible for paying the OZB on the value of the building.
For more details on these costs, you can read our guides on property transfer tax in Curaçao and the annual property tax (OZB).
The role of the notary
A notary is essential for any real estate transaction in Curaçao. They handle the legal transfer of ownership and ensure that all government requirements are met.
The notary is responsible for:
- Drafting the purchase agreement and the final deed of transfer.
- Calculating and collecting the transfer tax for payment to the government.
- Ensuring that any mortgage (hypotheek) is correctly registered.
- Verifying the legal status of the property through the land registry (kadaster).
Because the notary acts as a neutral legal officer, they ensure that both the buyer and seller fulfill their contractual obligations before the property is officially transferred.
Further information on the specific steps and legal requirements can be found in our guide to the notary in a Curaçao property purchase.
Homes by budget
Homes for sale on Curaçao by budget
Asking prices in US$, exactly as each broker publishes them. Choose a budget to see the newest homes in that range.
Property prices by region
Asking prices vary significantly across different areas of Curaçao. Based on listing data as of 30 October 2026, the median asking prices for properties in specific regions are as follows:
- Jan Thiel Region: US$950,000 (based on 229 published prices)
- Blue Bay & Piscadera Region: US$751,000 (based on 133 published prices)
- Banda Abou Region: US$698,000 (based on 151 published prices)
- Willemstad Region: US$690,000 (based on 134 published prices)
- Mambo Beach Region: US$536,000 (based on 78 published prices)
- Santa Rosa Region: US$437,000 (based on 102 published prices)
- Hato Region: US$368,000 (based on 51 published prices)
When to get professional advice
RealEstatesCuraçao is an independent property portal and does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult the following professionals for specific guidance:
- A notary: For legal transfer of property, drafting deeds, and verifying ownership via the land registry (kadaster).
- A tax adviser: For questions regarding your personal tax obligations, income tax, or the specific application of transfer tax to your purchase.
- A lawyer: For legal disputes, complex contract negotiations, or corporate structuring for property ownership.
- The government office concerned: For official information on residence permits or zoning laws.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exchange rate for the Caribbean guilder to the US dollar?
The Caribbean guilder (XCG) is legally pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = 1.79.
Can I still use Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) in Curaçao?
No. As of 30 June 2025, the ANG is no longer accepted for cash payments. However, you can exchange ANG banknotes and coins at commercial banks for one year after the introduction of the XCG, or at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) for up to thirty years.
How much is the transfer tax when buying a home in Curaçao?
The transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) is 4% of the value of the property. This is based on the price in the deed, unless the value recorded in the land registry (kadaster) is higher, in which case the higher value is used.
Is there an annual tax on property in Curaçao?
Yes. There is an annual property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB) based on the value of the property in economic circulation.
Sources
- Caribbean Gulden officially introduced as legal tender (31 March 2025), Curaçao Chronicle (news, secondary) (opened 30 October 2026).
- Caribbean guilder, Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (caribbean-guilder.com) (opened 30 October 2026).
- Overdrachtsbelastingverordening 1908, Lokale wet- en regelgeving, overheid.nl (opened 30 October 2026).
- Introductie Onroerendezaakbelasting (OZB), Belastingdienst Curaçao (opened 30 October 2026).
- RealEstatesCuraçao, active listings on the portal, measured 30 October 2026 (our data).
