Welcome This is Garfield Law Office, in Jamaica
876-926-5407 or email: garfield@garfieldlawoffice.com
Garfield Law Office is open for service
Welcome
Practice Areas
Useful Tips
I am GARFIELD WHYTE and at Garfield Law Office we never take any of our clients for granted, as there are so many other firms at your disposal, so I consider you being my client a privilege.
We are not only interested in fees… we build lasting relationships as our client base is built on trust, a valued belief in relationships and of co
I am GARFIELD WHYTE and at Garfield Law Office we never take any of our clients for granted, as there are so many other firms at your disposal, so I consider you being my client a privilege.
We are not only interested in fees… we build lasting relationships as our client base is built on trust, a valued belief in relationships and of course service which is the pillar on which this practice rests. We know that satisfied clients will return and undoubtedly send referrals.
I am not only a lawyer by training, as prior to being called to the bar in 2000 I have over 16 illustrious years in the banking sector where I worked in retail & commercial loans, marketing and communications with Blue Chip Jamaican banks. My last banking position was senior marketing manager with Scotiabank.
This background has provided me with invaluable experience which allows me to provide guidance for my clients not just about law, but on a much broader scope during our consultation sessions.
Useful Tips
Practice Areas
Useful Tips
Useful Tips when purchasing or selling real estate in Jamaica.
Government Taxes are paid on real estate sales. Usually on the selling price HOWEVER the Stamp Commissioner’s office where all sale agreements are assessed, may assess on a higher value than the selling price if that office believes the selling price is lower than it should b
Useful Tips when purchasing or selling real estate in Jamaica.
Government Taxes are paid on real estate sales. Usually on the selling price HOWEVER the Stamp Commissioner’s office where all sale agreements are assessed, may assess on a higher value than the selling price if that office believes the selling price is lower than it should be. If this happens and the parties decide to still go ahead for their agreed price then the Stamp office would only require the additional transfer tax on the price they think it should be sold for, usually the purchaser pays that additional amount depending on what the parties agreed to in their agreement for sale
For example, if a property is being sold for $2 million, the transfer tax is $40,000.00, if the Stamp office asses it at $3M then the additional transfer tax is $20,000.00 even though the parties still agree for the sale to continue at $2m.
Government Taxes for a Vendor (subject to change by Government of Jamaica)
- 2% for Transfer Tax
- $2,500.00 for Stamp duty
- 0.25% for Registration fee at the titles office
Government Taxes for a Purchaser (subject to change by government of Jamaica)
- 2% for Stamp duty
- 0.25% for Registration fee at the titles office
For purchasers taking a mortgage you must check with your loan officer about applicable fees.
Government fees for a purchaser
- $2,500.00 for Stamp Duty
- 0.25% registration fee at the Titles Office
Ownership of Real Estate
When more than one person is purchasing real estate it is important to have a lawyer discuss with you whether you should own the property as (a) Joint Tenants, or (b) Tenants in common. This importance cannot be overemphasized.
What Happens with Your Deposit
When a buyer signs and a sale agreement, a (10) percent deposit is payable. This is the legal minimum to start the sale.
This deposit does not belong to the vendor, nor the lawyer for the vendor nor the lawyer for the purchaser. It is held by the lawyer for the vendor in their client account (in trust) and is used to pay the government duties as outlined above. The sale cannot continue unless those important fees are paid and the Stamp Office issues a TRANSFER TAX CERTIFICATE.
All lawyers who do real estate transactions are required to have a Client Account. The lawyer should not be the sole signatory to his Client Account. It is recommended to have someone else authorized to sign as well, in the event that one person is either overseas, sick, incapacitated or has died. The client funds would not be in jeopardy when the time comes for it to be paid over.
Anyone having integrity issues with their lawyer should contact the General Legal Council at www.generallegalcouncil.org
Practice Areas
Practice Areas
Practice Areas
Our services are:
~ Real Estate Law:
Whether you are buying or selling,
Replacing lost title,
Modification of restrictive covenants,
Obtaining title for land that is unregistered (some properties in Jamaica don’t have registered titles),
Sub divisions,
Developments
~ Probate and Administration of Estates:
Whether the deceased had a Will or die
Our services are:
~ Real Estate Law:
Whether you are buying or selling,
Replacing lost title,
Modification of restrictive covenants,
Obtaining title for land that is unregistered (some properties in Jamaica don’t have registered titles),
Sub divisions,
Developments
~ Probate and Administration of Estates:
Whether the deceased had a Will or died without one. Garfield Law Office has the expertise.
You may need to have a Will of your own, we can help as well. It is always important to have a Will of your own. If you love your family, never leave them in limbo.
~ Contracts: it’s always important to put your agreements and arrangements in writing – never leave it to chance by having verbal agreements,
~ Preparing and registering Power of Attorney (POA)
~ Company Formation
~ Intellectual Property
~ Written Opinions: there are times when you will need to know what you are up against or what your options are within the confines of the law. So, it is always important to have proper legal guidance to decide how to move forward.
Never leave your affairs to chance, speak with us today.
This practice is built on -
Service… Service… Service...