FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROCESS:

1) Q: Do F.P. real estate "purchases" actually yield legal property deeds of "ownership", or are they forms of "long term leases" from the government?

A: In many foreign countries, it is simply not legally possible for a foreigner to "own" property. (obtain a deed of ownership)
In French Polynesia, there are BOTH purchase AND "long term lease" options available.(leases are usually 30 years or more) Depending on the individual listing, you may have to settle for the option offered you, as that may be your ONLY way to get into the property.

2) Q: Can foreigners commercially develop properties in F.P?

A: That will depend on the specific zoning rules for the listing and whether or not your project will add to the local economy.

3) Q: What, exactly, is a "notary" and why do I need one?

A: A notary is necessary for handling the official paperwork requirements discussed in the section "More about the Process". All foreign investors will need to have a notary authorized permit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT US AND WHAT WE DO:

1) Q: Are you and TSD a licensed real estate agency?

A: No. Tahiti Sun Development is not a real estate agency. We do not need to be licensed agents in order to help you purchase or lease property. Our legal working status in Polynesia as it applies to each individual real estate listing varies according to the specific listing. In some cases, we act as independant brokers, serving as a liason between you and the seller. In other cases, we may act as a representative of the property or seller, or merely research and gather information and refer you to others. The important thing to know is that in ALL CASES, OUR ROLES ARE LEGAL AND GOVERNMENT APPROVED. References are available upon specific request.

2) Q: How do you make your money and what do you make?

A: Our commission or rate varies depending on the roles we play. (see question #1). If we are earning a commission for the listing, we will ideally seek an industry standard, although this rate will always vary according to the circumstances. In cases where we act as researchers, we charge a competitive flat rate to the seller. The important thing to know is that in ALL CASES, OUR FEES AND/ OR COMMISSIONS ARE ALWAYS INCLUDED IN THE OVERALL ASKING PRICE FOR THE LISTING.

3) Q: Does TSD arrange loans or financing, furnish mortage insurance, or other necessary documents I may need before making a purchase?

A: As described in detail in our section "What we do, why, and how we do it", our roles will vary according to the listing you are interested in. No matter the specific role we play, OUR GOAL IS TO FURNISH YOU WITH THE THINGS YOU NEED IN ORDER TO MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A REALITY. Each listing and every buyer represents a unique set of hurdles and obstacles to overcome. Our services include evaluating these circumstances, then advising you of the simplest way to accomplish a legal and hassle free sale.

Note: although we determine, procure, and explain which French Polynesian paperwork is necessary, WE ARE NOT IN THE LOAN OR MORTGAGE FINANCING BUSINESS. Obtaining financing will be your own matter and is not something the banks of French Polynesia usually furnish to a foreigner wishing to buy in their country. No matter what we do, we will always attempt to do our work with quality, integrity and a friendly attitude.

4) Q: How can I get more pictures and information about the listings?

A: The photos and information on our listings pages are there to give you an idea of what's available. In some cases, we have lots more information and photos, and with other listings, hardly any or nothing... If you are seriously interested in a particular property and need to know and see more in order to make a decision to buy or lease, we will try our utmost to obtain everything we can on the particular listing. The other thing is we will always invite and encourage you to take a trip to French Polynesia and see and experience the property for yourself.

FINANCIAL RECOMMENDATION FOR FOREIGNERS PURCHASING REAL ESTATE IN FRENCH POLYNESIA:

WE RECOMMEND ALL FOREIGN INVESTORS HAVE A MINIMUM OF $ 750,000 DOLLARS TO INVEST IN A PROPERTY!

Although this may be a difficult sum to obtain for some people, the reality of the situation requires us to advise that without at least this minimum investment, obtaining the notary permit for foreigners is a nearly impossible feat, especially for most commercial properties or projects.

(There are a handful of residential listings that are exceptions to this general rule of thumb, and they are listed here.)

The French Polynesian government is not so anxious, it seems, to have Polynesia become a "vacation home" paradise for foreigners, but usually only issues its permits to those projects and property that are sure to bring money to the local economy. There are exceptions to this basic philosophy, but of course no clear answers to solving the mystery of what will or will not be approved.

Please understand that this "minimum investment recommendation" is not a set governmental rule or policy regarding the authorization process but rather a realistic recommendation for success we at Tahiti Sun Development have created based on our experience. We are not saying it's not POSSIBLE for you to get into a Polynesian property if you don't have 750,000 thousand dollars, only that your choices and chances of a successful purchase become much more limited if you don't...

Note: IF YOU ARE FRENCH, or have French family or a French investment partner willing to put their name on the deed, go here for details. For those having french connections, the investment minimums are lower and the chances for success at obtaining the permits are much higher!

SEE THE LISTINGS ON THESE ISLANDS: