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Antigua and Barbuda / Real Estate

By James Henderson, Judith Baker

Antigua has been known and loved by foreign home-owners since the very early days of Caribbean tourism, before most other islands in the area. The first houses appeared just after the Second World War. The Mill Reef Club, once one of the most prestigious places to own a home in the whole Caribbean, was the first development, and it spawned a number of private homes and developments in the south-east of the island.

The island's profile rose in the mid 1980's with the development at the St James's Club backed by Briton Peter de Savary and a steady stream of building - retirement and holiday homes as well as homes constructed by wealthy Antiguans (which tend to be in the north of the island) - has continued since then. The main tourist areas, in the south-east and in the north-west around Dickenson Bay still see their share of the development, but private homes, villa resorts and apartment complexes have now appeared in bays all around the coastline

Although famous for its beautiful coastline and beaches, Antigua and Barbuda has a wealth of property away from the shore and villas such as those at the exclusive Sugar Ridge on the west coast,  nestled into a natural hillside bordered with sugar cane attract high end  buyers including many celebrities.

The popularity of Antigua Sailing Week which attracts yachters from all over the world means that properties in the English Harbour area can command premium rental prices in peak periods and the buy to let market here is buoyant

In South East Antigua there are several locations available for sale in Mamora Bay and Falmouth Harbour, and comprise of villas of all sizes overlooking the ocean.

Property prices have risen considerably at the Jolly Harbor Marina and Jumby Bay. which, set on its own 300-acre island  has witnessed a price increase from 60-100 percent in a period of just two years.  In comparison to the supply, the demand for beachfront homes has led to a large increase in the price of such properties.

The government is keen to assure investors that their investments are secure and well protected. Therefore, Investment Protection Agreements have been signed with the Federal Republic of Germany and with the United Kingdom

Investment incentives include a tax holiday of 5 to 15 years, with a 5-year extension under certain circumstances.

Besides the ongoing developments there is plenty of land on which houses can be built. The government of Antigua & Barbuda owns 55% of the land in Antigua. The remaining 45% is privately owned. Currently, land ownership is prohibited on the island of Barbuda. The Land Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Marine Resources is the main governing body.

Prices for undeveloped parcels (between a half and one acre in the south-east) range from under US$100,000 for an ocean view plot with inland plots close to the capital often starting for less than $75,000 through to US$800,000 on the waterfront. A good quality three bedroom house can vary from US$600,000 up to well over US$4 million.

Regulations are not too strict on Antigua. In order to purchase property in the island a non-citizen must have a land-holding licence, which costs 5% of the purchase price, on top of which must be added a 2.5% transfer tax.

This review on Antigua Real Estate was updated in April 2012.

See below for recommendations and listings of Antigua Real Estate agents.

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Looking for inspiration?

  1. Visit Nelson's Dockyard, the oldest functioning naval facility in the world
  2. Party at Shirley Heights Lookout on Sunday at sunset followed by barbecue and live music
  3. Stay at the spectacular Jumby Bay
  4. Hop over to Barbuda for stunning beaches and excellent birdwatching
  5. Race a yacht to nearby Montserrat for the day

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