Owning property in the Caribbean is a benchmark of taste, style, status and wealth. With so many idyllic islands to choose from, each drenched in year-round sunshine and suffused with a luxurious laid-back lifestyle, property investors are spoilt for choice.

Whether you prefer the established destinations of The Bahamas, Barbados or St Lucia, or wish to branch out to one of the emerging islands such as Turks and Caicos or Nassau, the choice of top quality, luxurious villas and penthouses is abundant.

Ringed by virginal white sandy beaches, fringed by windswept palm trees and populated by warm and friendly locals, life in the Caribbean is as close to perfection as one can get, particularly if you snap up one of the spacious villas or state-of-the-art apartments that are so prevalent on the islands. With clear blue skies, crystal clear azure seas and a temperature that rarely drops below 20ºc, you really should need no more convincing that a property in the Caribbean is a winner.

Caribbean Profile

Popular Islands: Barbados, The Bahamas, Nassau, Jamaica, St Lucia
Area: Strecthing from the south east coast of the States down to Brazil
Currency: Many of the islands have their own currency, but the US Dollar is widely accepted.
Time Zone: Ranges from GMT -4 to -5 hours

Caribbean Climate

The climate is predominantely sub tropical, bringing warm weather throughout the year. However, the humidity and volatility of some parts of the region can be susceptible to strong winds and frequent hurricanes. Annual temperatures average 28ºc.

Caribbean Property

While purchasing property in The Caribbean is no longer the preserve of the fabulously wealthy, prices remain towards the higher end of the spectrum, even though some of the less popular islands have property which won’t break the bank.

Because there are over 30 different islands in The Caribbean, the legal requirements for buying property differ for each country, although, as a rule, most governments are keen to attract foreign invesment and so are making it easier for foreign buyers to own property. In general, provided you have the financial clout, can cover all legal fees and, in some instances, receive permission from the island’s national bank, you should encounter few problems.

Barbados is a traditional property hotspot, with exceptional quality homes built to attract the wealthy American market. Hence, standards are good and prices are reasonable – with the current strength of the Pound against the US Dollar, British buyers are snapping up unbelievable bargains, in Barbados and beyond. Expect to pay approximately £150,000 for a one bedroom apartment and anything up to £10 million for one of the lavish villas which dot the exquisite landscape.

Elsewhere, property on Turks & Caicos is slightly cheaper, although build quality is just as good, while St Lucia boasts a splendid array of new build, inexpensive property, although buyers need to obtain an Aliens Landholding Licence before purchasing.

With the demand from the American market waning, Caribbean governments and estate agents are looking to Brits instead, meaning there are bargains to be had – good news if you are building a property portfolio: prices will rarely fall and rental income can be accrued year-round.

Caribbean Flights

Flights to The Caribbean from the UK are readily available. British Airways flies direct to the larger destinations from Gatwick and Heathrow, while Virgin Atlantic flies from Manchester to Barbados on a regular basis. Flight prices fluctuate little throughout the year, but tend to be slightly higher during Christmas.