O’Neal Webster’s Property and Business Law Department, led by Partner Jenelle Archer, is highly regarded for its ability to serve persons or companies wishing to purchase or sell property in the territory, such as commercial and residential real estate, or engage in business and/or employment in the BVI. The team counts among its successes major commercial transactions and public and private development projects in the BVI, including five-star resorts and the purchase and successful transference of businesses located in the BVI. 

Our lawyers guide clients through all phases of acquisition and development, including title verification, planning and design approval, and corporate structuring and financing to ensure that transactions are securely and legally completed. The department also acts in complex disputes involving insurance, leases, and construction.

Similar to the firm’s other practice areas, its Property & Business team has very well established relationships with the key Ministries responsible for approvals required in establishing a business or presence in the BVI. The Department is particularly recognized by leading legal directories for handling financial, banking, expansion, redevelopment and corporate issues, including mortgage work, tax issues, regulatory matters, succession planning-related ownership structures, and other exit strategies.

The group’s client base includes high-net-worth home purchasers and sellers, retailers, restaurants and bars, foreign investors, families, trusts, and BVI-registered companies.

Foreign Investment

Lawyers in the Property & Business Department frequently work with local real estate brokers, agents, and government agencies with respect to foreign investment transactions and the real estate aspects of business sales and acquisitions. Comprehensive expertise in real estate matters include the acquisition, leasing, and disposal of residential and commercial property by non-nationals; trade and business licensing for start-up and other continuing businesses; and related employment and immigration matters, such as obtaining the requisite work permit, visa, and other immigration approvals in respect of non-nationals that wish to work in the BVI. 

The team possess particular expertise in tourism projects from concept phase through financing, land use, construction, sales, and ongoing legal counsel.

Responsive client service is a hallmark of the group’s lawyers, who are highly regarded by clients for their ability to clearly explain the unique process of obtaining personal and commercial property or businesses in the BVI and navigate the course to completion.

Comprehensive Counsel

As real estate is often the primary source of collateral in BVI banking transactions, O’Neal Webster’s property lawyers draw on their considerable experience in land law, which can often present complex challenges. Combined with expert knowledge of the accompanying systems, our lawyers ensure that client needs are always met in a timely and accurate manner.