Tips to rent or buy a home on Curacao

Moving to Curacao is a bit different from moving to a village. Apart from finding out more, finding a house is also different.

Some people are not so familiar with Curacao. Just like us before we came to live here. We had been here for 2 weeks. So, it's hard to determine where you want to live on the island.

So I often get the question of people who want to move to Curacao, or I have tips on finding a home. And then especially what neighborhoods are recommendations.

Which neighborhoods on Curacao are nice to live?
I find this difficult to answer. Because that is so incredibly personal. I think, for example, Band Abou is just lovely to live. But many others act as if it is on the other side of the world. So that's quite a difference. I can give you some tips that you can take into account when buying or renting a house on Curacao.

In pictures, things can look very different. So I recommend checking out (or someone you know and trust) before signing a lease for a year. So go to Curacao for a week or longer, so you can visit houses beforehand. Or book a vacation home for the 1st month, and start looking for a longer term house.
Do you already have a job? Or children going to school? Then it might be useful to take into account the location of your children's work and / or schools if you do not want to drive for a long time. Curacao is not big, and the distances are small, but it is busy on the road.
Just a moment about the hustle and bustle on the road. The east side of Willemstad is very popular to live, especially among the Dutch. However, keep in mind that it is really busy on the road there. In a few kilometers, you can rest assured that you have an hour to go.
The Isla is also something to keep in mind. The stench that comes from there is incredibly rancid. And besides that, too bad for your health. In which neighborhoods do you suffer from the Isla? See the card below. The areas in the red are burdened by the Isla.
In which neighborhoods do you suffer from the Isla on Curacao | Map of the spread of the stink of the IslaPin IT!

Do you want to live in the city or more in the quieter part of Curacao? In the city you have all the facilities around the corner, and you are faster at Happy hours, many schools and most jobs are in town. But at Band Abou you are wonderfully quiet, prices are lower, and within minutes you can reach the most beautiful beaches. It's just what you think more importantly.

Resort or normal neighborhood? Also a thing to think about. There are quite some resorts in Curacao where you can live. It can give you a safer feeling, but keep in mind that it does not mean that nothing can happen if you live at a resort. Sometimes there is also a shared swimming pool, or other facilities. The disadvantages are that it's a bit more expensive, you have to pay a monthly fee, people can not get along more easily, and myself would also feel a little locked up.

Additional tips that you can keep in mind when looking for a property on Curacao:
Is the house on the wind? A cooling breeze is very nice, and it can also cost a lot of money.

What power does the house have. On Curacao you have 110V and 220V. If you come here with a container full of 220 equipment, it might be useful to have a 220V home. Although there are other solutions there too, but if you have the choice ...
Please note that the house has no termites. Those little beasts can eat your whole house, and fighting is pretty pricey
Does the house have hot water? On Curacao it is not self-evident, and it is not always necessary that a house has hot water facilities. So if you want hot water, take this into consideration.
Furnished or unfurnished. Furnished is obviously more expensive, but if you stay here for a while, it may be cheaper than anything else to buy.

What I found very important was that the house had a large porch. If you like to sit outside, this is important. For 2 reasons. In the middle of the day you really do not want to sit in the sun, then a shelter is very nice. And even though it's a lot sunny than in the Netherlands, it's raining here too. So it's nice that all your stuff just keeps dry.

Where do you find houses that are for sale or for rent on Curacao?

Amongst Realtors and on Facebook, but please read this article for a comprehensive overview: Search house on Curacao on Google