Best Caribbean Islands for Real Estate Investment

Caribbean countries offer a compelling mix of safety, affordability, and lifestyle benefits, making them attractive for a “plan B”. With real estate investments of $200,000 or more, investors can access Caribbean citizenship by investment programs.

Let’s explore the best Caribbean island states for investing in real estate.

1. St Kitts and Nevis

The country pioneered the world with a citizenship by investment program in 1984. Nowadays, investors can choose between purchasing shares in government-approved properties like 5-star hotels for $400,000 or investing at least $400,000 in an Approved Private Home.

The property holding period is 7 years. Investors can earn a 5% annual profit from property leasing. Unlike other Caribbean states, St Kitts and Nevis allows property purchase for personal use without rental obligations.

Property costs are relatively high, with a three-bedroom apartment averaging $4,300 per month. However, the country boasts a robust annual rental yield of 4–5% and property price growth of 4–5% per year.

Oceanfront villas start at $350,000, with prices per square metre averaging $190,000.?

2. Antigua and Barbuda

Investing in real estate in Antigua and Barbuda offers citizenship and rental income opportunities, with an annual yield of around 4%. Property prices grow by 3—5% annually, and citizenship allows resale after five years or rental income.

The average cost of renting a three-bedroom apartment is $4,000, and citizenship requires investments starting at $200,000. Property prices range from $5,000 to 8,000 per square metre, with options including small villas up to $2,000,000 and oceanfront apartments from $1,000,000.

Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship program limits property types to government-approved options, allowing two sales per property after five years.

3. Grenada

Grenada offers safety, beautiful beaches, and a Citizenship by Investment program. Investors can secure citizenship by buying real estate starting at $220,000, with an annual rental yield of 4.3%.

The CBI process is remote, allowing online property selection. Rental income is an option, though slightly less profitable than in other Caribbean countries.

Property prices for citizenship qualification range from $3,000 to 5,000 per square metre, with options to buy individual properties or shares in complexes starting at $220,000.

Grenada is home to St George's University, with a strong healthcare system boasting nine hospitals. Affordable living includes city centre two-bedroom apartment rentals starting at $600 per month.

4. Dominica

Dominica, known as the "pearl of the Caribbean," offers an affordable Citizenship by Investment program with real estate investments starting at $200,000. Investors can rent out properties or sell them after just 3 years.

Rental costs in Dominica are the lowest in the Caribbean, averaging $2,300 per month for a three-bedroom apartment. Approved properties for citizenship start at $3,000 per square metre, with resale options available.

Living in Dominica offers tranquillity amid lush landscapes and stunning sea views. The country boasts over 60 schools, including branches of prestigious universities. Healthcare is accessed through other Caribbean islands.

5. St Lucia

St Lucia offers Citizenship by Investment in real estate starting at $200,000, with a 5-year return period and an additional non-refundable state fee of $30,000. With over 1 million annual tourists, rental properties yield 3—5% annually.

Monthly rents for a three-bedroom apartment are the lowest in St Lucia at $2,300. Apartments range from $400,000 for one or two bedrooms to $3 million for seaside villas.

Living costs are affordable, with a single person spending $400 monthly, excluding rent, and a family of four expecting to spend $1,000 in St Lucia.

6. The Bahamas

Investing in the stable real estate market of the Bahamas offers significant potential profitability, with 9 million annual tourists driving demand. Rental properties yield approximately 8% annually, appealing to high-net-worth individuals.

While the Bahamas serves as a tax haven, real property tax rates vary based on property value.

Real estate prices start at $3 million, influenced by demand and location. For instance, Grand Bahama offers more affordable properties starting at $300,000.?

However, living costs in the Bahamas are approximately 30% higher than in the US, excluding rent.

7. The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are renowned as an international tax haven. The country offers a stable economy and luxury resort properties similar to the Bahamas. With annual rental yields reaching up to 8%, real estate investments provide profitable returns.

Property prices start at $400,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and $3,000,000 for a condominium, influenced by demand and proximity to beaches.

Residents enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, with a family of four typically spending no less than $5,000 per month, excluding rent.

8—11. Jamaica, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, and St Vincent and the Grenadines

Jamaica and Barbados boast some of the Caribbean's priciest real estate, starting at $2,000 per square metre, appealing to affluent tourists and offering lucrative investment opportunities.

While they lack Citizenship by Investment programs, Barbados requires permission for foreign property buyers, while Jamaica imposes no restrictions.

Alternatively, the Dominican Republic offers more affordable options, starting at $100,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, remaining popular despite its lower pricing compared to Jamaica and Barbados.

Lastly, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offer some of the Caribbean's most affordable real estate, with prices starting at $1,100 per square metre. However, while cheaper properties may be attractive, they may not offer the same benefits as those qualifying for citizenship by investment programs.

Lyle Julien is an investment migration expert. He helps to choose the best-suited country and programs and accompany investors through the process of getting second citizenship.

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