Government of Jamaica

How do I submit my bid to NHT?

Sealed bids (in envelopes) should be given to the Receptionist at any of the NHT’s Branch Offices/Service Centres, between the following hours each day: Mondays to Thursdays - 7:30 a.m to 3:00p.m. Fridays - 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You must ensure that all the requirements outlined for purchasing a property are strictly followed in submitting your bid.

What will cause my bid to be rejected?

Your bid will be rejected if: you do not state your name, and did not sign the letter (if your bid was typed); you do not state the exact address of the property you wish to purchase; you state a range of figures ( e.g $1m to $ 2m) for your bid sum instead of one amount; the property is not on the list of properties which the Trust is selling by Private Treaty; words and figures in your bid letter do not agree; Real Estate Agents who are making bids on behalf of bidders, do not attach a signed copy of the bid from the bidders; when the bid/letter is opened, the information does not cl

How soon after I have sent in my Bid can I expect to receive a response from the Trust?

If the bid is considered to be acceptable, and the Private Treaty Committee has approved sale of the property to a successful bidder, the successful bidder will receive a telephone call to firstly indicate the success of his/her bid, and advised that the letter of approval and other offer conditions should be collected from the NHT's office within two (2) working days of receipt of the approval. The unsuccessful bidder will be sent a letter, by mail, advising of the status of his/her bid, within five (5) working days of receipt of approval.

Am I guaranteed to get the property once I have been selected as the successful bidder?

We reserve the right to withdraw the offer of sale of a property to a successful bidder if:- the defaulting mortgagor makes acceptable arrangements to settle the outstanding payments on his/her account, before the successful bidder pays the required deposit; the successful bidder fails to provide required documents within the established time-lines, or the information and contents provided in the documents presented do not meet established standards. the successful bidder is unable to satisfy payment of all costs to complete the sale; N.B.

What will happen if the property in which I am interested does not have a Registered Title?

We will give priority to “Cash purchase” for these properties; however, mortgage loans will be provided to qualified contributors provided that when the bids/ letters are being submitted, the persons who are interested in purchasing the properties do the following: indicate that they agree to purchase the property even though there is no Registered Title; provide proof of how the property will be purchased ( i.e by cash, or by getting a loan from a financial/mortgage institution).

Can I inspect the inside of the Unit before I make an offer to purchase the property?

We cannot give you permission to access the property, however, if the occupant(s) is/are willing to allow you access to any area of the property, this is done at his/her own discretion. The properties are sold on an “as is” basis, therefore if upon inspection, any damage is identified, we do not accept responsibility for same.

Will NHT give me vacant possession of the property ( i.e. will the house be empty when the sale is completed)?

Vacant possession is not guaranteed. If the unit is still occupied by the previous owner(s) or is tenanted, upon receipt of Letters of Possession from the Trust, you will be responsible for ensuring that the property becomes vacant by serving a notice to quit on the occupants, and pursuing Court action for recovery of possession.