Oceano Village Questions & Answers

Q: What is Oceano Village?

A: Oceano Village is the vision of renowned, award winning architect and planner, Dan Jenkins.  It is the Caribbean's first Net-Zero luxury seaside village. Set on 41 idyllic hectares (103 acres) of beachfront and oceanview hillside property, Oceano is thoughtfully designed to have a Net-Zero impact on the environment.  Planning on this landmark village has been ongoing for the past six years, infrastructure for Phase 1 is complete, and construction of dwellings began in fall 2007 with first owners moving in during the spring of 2009.

The project will consist of a variety of different styles and sizes of
housing units, each with its own unique character and appeal to the varied
lifestyle needs of owners, including detached estate homes, attached villas,
fourplexes, and apartment condominium styles of homes.

The first phase will consist of 28 beachfront condominium homes. This includes 12 art moderne fourplex units (South Beach Condos), 12 Colonial flavored fourplex units (White Sand Villas) and 4 Caribbean flavoured villa units (Cabana Beach Homes).  Additionally, there are 13 single family home lots in Phase 1.

Oceano Village will contain 686 units when completed and will include 80,000
sq. ft. of commercial development, a residents recreation club, and a marina.

Q: What makes Oceano a Luxury Seaside Village?

A: People make a village, we set the scene with natural and planned
amenities;

Value

  •   Soft white sand beaches
  •   Safe South facing bay with cooling breezes
  •   Exceptional value for Caribbean beachfront homes
  •   Verdant parks, botanical gardens and pathways
  •   Village commercial and shops
  •   Recreation areas such as the beach club and tennis centre
  •   The Caribbean's first Net-Zero village

Quality

Convenience
  •   Easy and frequent flights
  •   Easy island living
  •   Fully furnished and equipped homes
  •   Boutique hassle-free owner and rental management
  •   Discreet 24 hour security and self sufficiency

Q: How does Oceano Village pricing compare to other vacation destinations?

A: Very well! Below we compare Oceano beachfront real estate with several other Caribbean and regional destinations for master-planned vacation communities. These prices are for approximately 1000 sq. ft. beachfront units with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 

Location Avg. Price $/ft2
Oceano Village Resort $393,500 $320
Turks & Caicos $599,000 $611
Cayman Islands $599,000 $624
Maui $735,000 $666
Bahamas $690,000 $690
Kelowna $799,000 $710
Barbados $875,000 $1,000+


Q: Why is Oceano such good value?

A: Oceano is a welcoming and treasured place that will grow in value. Oceano
is designed for easy, enjoyable Net-Zero living.

A variety of desirable Caribbean beachfront and oceanview options in a real
village distinguish your Oceano home ­ all crafted to our exacting Oceano
Quality standards.

The village is South-facing, cooled by tradewind breezes, sheltered from
storms in a quiet middle-island bay location with magnificent views. Oceano
is the perfect haven on the easily accessible southwestern Caribbean island
of Roatan, just off the coast of Honduras.

Oceano is a luxury seaside village-in-the-making overlooking the warm azure
waters of Caribe Bight (bay) in a tranquil setting away from hustle and
bustle.

Quality and continuity of architectural design, professional landscaping and
durable construction for low maintenance, interspersed with community parks
- all pedestrian friendly.

Stroll to the expansive Oceano Club pool for a morning dip followed by a
latte on the veranda. Surrounded by tropical hillsides and silken white
sandy beaches of the Caribbean ~ an inclusive village for vacations and full
time living.

An ecologically sensitive space thoughtfully designed to minimize the
environmental footprint. All hallmarks of our Net-Zero approach.

Different from touristic rental projects - Oceano is a real village, owners
befriend locals, their neighbors and build lasting relationships and
memorable experiences year after year.

Q: Who is the typical Oceano owner?


A: Seasonal and year round families are buying at Oceano. Most buyers have scoured the Caribbean and States discovered Roatan recently. Warm weather enthusiasts have shown particular interest - those who enjoy easy access to boating, beaches, golf, bird watching, scuba, and fishing delight in the exceptional Caribbean climate.

Year round, being here is easy, so most of our owners are relaxed and welcoming folks from the same places you come from.

Q: Is Oceano hooked up to services?

A: All utilities, including water and eco-wastewater, as well as
electricity, satellite fibre optic telephone and internet are directly
connected to Oceano. Rainwater will be retained and together with carefully
bio-treated wastewater, will provide sufficient irrigation without using
potable water. Additionally, we aim to install wind and solar power with
any excess production supplementing the island's grid.

Q: Is there water access? Where will I store my boat and vehicle?

A: Oceano is located on the shores of the south Caribbean on Caribe Bight
(bay). The soft white sandy beaches, warm waters, wooded bluffs, rolling
hills and boat dock are conveniently located. We have set aside an area for
boat and vehicle storage for all residents. Local Guides are highly skilled
and exceptional value for divers, fisherman and explorers.

Q: If I buy a home in Oceano, can I import a car and furniture duty free?

A: Not unless you apply for residency as a retiree. Application is not recommended
unless you plan on residing Roatan for more than 6 months in a year. Import duties
and taxes on imported cars are approximately 37%.

Q: If I buy a lot and build a home in Oceano, can I bring in materials and furnishings tax and duty free.

A: No. Duties are estimated at 1% and sales taxes at 12%. However, Oceano has about 10 years remaining on its ZOLT exemption and if you choose to build and furnish your home through Oceano, some of these tax and duty savings will be passed on to you. 

Q: If I decide to live in Oceano, do I need to apply for residency?

A: Application is not recommended unless you plan on residing in Roatan for more than 6 months in a year. 

Q: How long can I stay in Roatan each year without residency?

A: Each time you enter Honduras you are automatically issued a 90 day visa. It can be extended if you wish to stay longer.

Q: If I start a business in Oceano, do I pay business income tax?  If so, what is the rate?  Do I pay duties and sales tax on products that I purchase for sale?

A: Business income tax rate is 25%. If your products are for sale in the tourism industry, you will purchase them tax and duty free and charge the consumer 12% sales tax.

Q: What are the income tax rates?

A: 15% to 25% for personal income (depends on taxable income amounts) and 25% for businesses. 

Q: What are the sales tax rates?

A: 12% 

Q: What are the import duty rates?

A: Varies according to product but is 0% if you have a business associated with tourism. 

Q: Is there a capital gains tax?

A: 4% for property or corporate asset sales. 

Q: Are there taxes when I buy or sell property?

A: Yes. The buyer pays 1.5% for registry fees and 1.0% for a municipal survey certificate.

Q: What is the mill rate for property taxes?

A: The calculations for property tax on a home, lot or condo within Oceano is based on a municipal formula that includes lot size, building size, building construction type, wall and floor finishes,, exterior buildings, door and window types, porch size and more. Each unit will have its own assessment based on the above formula. We suggest you estimate your annual property taxes in Oceano at 1.5% of your purchase price.