Russell Richards
Colchester, U.K.

I first visited Grand Bahama to view a plot at Shoreline. After discussions with the developers (KST) I agreed to buy one of their standard houses to be built on the plot.

Few if any changes to the standard design were required as I was able to view a similar house that had already been completed and was delighted with both the specification and the final result. My only real requirements were a modest adjustment in the aspect of the property and a change in the position of the steps down from the deck - KST agreed to my requests.

A holding deposit was paid and solicitors were instructed. I decided to utilise the offer of free legal costs by utilizing the vendor's lawyers for the purposes of the sale/purchase. I simultaneously took separate legal advice relating to the structure of the purchase and other issues from another partner in the same firm. The cost of this was about $3,000.

The terms of the transaction were clearly explained and/or set out in the documentation/brochures made available to me by KST including the impact of the various covenants to which all homeowners are obligated. The initial legal process, though slow, was completed to my satisfaction.

The house was completed 2 months earlier than expected and handed over by KST.

I declined the use of the recommended interior designers and chose to order the household furniture and contents via the Internet. All the goods were delivered and installed with minimal damage in early June supervised by myself - a somewhat stressful experience but considerable savings were achieved by following this route.

Following occupation a number of small issues arose which needed attention from KST. A list was established and worked on by KST. My experience has been that KST is committed to resolving all such snagging issues even those which arise some months even years after handover (this is almost inevitable as most houses are not in full time occupation).

One issue did arise following the completion of my house. The adjacent house was being developed and its proximity and bulk was giving me some cause for concern. The plans provided by KST at the time of purchase clearly indicated the intended position of the houses but the slight change in aspect of my unit had established a 'pinch point'.

In a short meeting with KST they showed understanding of my concern and it was verbally agreed to make certain changes, which eliminated such concerns. KST kept to their word and the completed unit fits in well with its surroundings.

The agreement to change the aspect of my property had also caused the driveway to be built on land outside my 'plot'. This issue was bought to the attention of KST whom without hesitation agreed to chart the land involved and make an additional transfer of the title thereto. Their lawyers at no cost to me are currently handling this.

KST have handled themselves in a professional manner throughout my dealings with them. Indeed they have gone above and beyond that which might be expected of a developer in order to ensure that I as a homeowner am completely satisfied with both the product and the community. Though the legal process is somewhat slow, this is not unique to the Bahamas, but many small arrangements have been informally agreed and completed by KST to my satisfaction.

KST show considerable concern with regard to homeowner issues and have always acted, in my experience, in the interests thereof. The actions taken by KST following the hurricanes were exceptional and what damage there was had been remedied within months whereas many individual homeowners elsewhere on the island are still carrying out repairs some nine months after the storm. On my return to the island it was difficult to see much difference other than to some of the gardens/plants, which were still recovering.

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