The Caribbean

Consisting of the small islands dotted around the Caribbean sea as well as the surrounding coastlines of Central and South America, the Caribbean has for years been considered one of THE luxury holiday destinations in the world. Barbados, the Bahamas, Antigua, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St Lucia... the list of idyllic tropical nirvanas goes on and on. Although all the islands are at different points of progress in their property markets, many are starting to attract more and more attention each year from buyers and developers rather than pure tourists, and as such are starting to reap the rewards the investments afford them.

Jamaica, the third largest island in the Caribbean and the birthplace of Bob Marley, has played second fiddle for years to Antigua and St Lucia in terms of foreign property investment. However, while the area is traditionally a sunny retreat for Americans, Brits are starting to make a move thanks to recent developments, particularly in the north, which boasts gated communities in prosperous areas including indulgent spa complexes and top notch restaurants.

Areas such as the Bahamas (consisting of over 700 islands, and traditionally a tax haven and retreat for A-list celebrities), Barbados (technologically superior to its neighbours, and attracting big businesses as a result) and St Lucia (an unspoilt island paradise particularly popular with honeymooners) have conventionally been known as markets for only the rich and the famous, but increasingly there are more bargains to be found as the islands develop and lower-cost developments spring up. Today there is a huge diversity in the property markets of the Caribbean, meaning that condominiums, cottages and holiday apartments are now very much a realistic possibility and a huge attraction for investors without the benefit of infinite wealth, but still want a taste of their own island paradise.