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Barbados / Real Estate

By James Henderson, Judith Baker

There are some fantastic homes in Barbados and the West Coast of the island has some of the most valuable real estate in the Caribbean, worth tens of millions of US Dollars in some cases. Wealthy members of the British aristocracy and celebrities have used the island as a bolthole for decades and built their perfect home. In recent years the development has reached beyond the West Coast – there are more affordable homes in lovely locations inland, and on the South Coast, where there are some fabulous beaches.

Over the years Barbados has generally been a good investment and prices have risen steadily, with the exception of blips in the early 1990s and after September 11th 2001. In recent years the island has seen another building boom, but the current worldwide downturn has caused prices to stall in Barbados as they have around the Caribbean, and in some cases even to fall.

The West Coast of Barbados, often referred to as the “Platinum Coast”, and in particular the Parishes of St. James and St. Peter are the most popular areas amongst foreign buyers. Within these Parishes Sandy Lane, Westmoreland, Sunset Crest, Mullins, Gibbs and Prospect are the favourite resorts amongst the expat community.

Golf is a key attraction and there are three world-class golf courses at Sandy Lane, Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill. Sugar Hill, Sandy Lane and Sunset Crest also have tennis courts often used for competitions.

Polo has become extremely popular in Barbados and the West Coast has the major fields and clubs such as Apes Hill, Holders Hill and Waterhall. Prince Charles and sons Prince William and Harry are frequent visitors to Barbados and are often seen enjoying polo.

Property prices on the West Coast of Barbados are far higher than any other part of the island, however developers are now much more conscious about building properties to suit a range of budgets so there is now much more of a variety on offer with homes available from $215,000 to $20,000,000.

Typically an inland one bedroom apartment would tend to start at around $200,000, a two bedroom $275,000, a three bedroom $390,000 and a four bedroom in excess of $475,000.  By comparison, a three bedroom homes on a luxury resort like the Royal Westmoreland Golf Estate tend to start from around $1.2m and those on the exclusive Sandy Lane start at approximately $2.7m.

Values on the West Coast of Barbados have remained high and rental yields are approximately 7% gross per annum

The island remains popular with investors and expats as there no capital gains, inheritance tax or restrictions for foreign purchasers. Historically the island has offered huge capital appreciation.

In recent times, Barbados has seen several prestigious projects such as St Peters Bay located close to the St Peter’s coastline which offers fifty-seven desirable homes including six penthouse suites.  And Port St. Charles, which offers superb beach and waterfront villas – in the island’s only beachfront residential marina.

This review was updated in April 2012

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Looking for inspiration?

  1. Ride the waves at kitesurfing mecca Silver Point
  2. Drive along the breathtakingly beautiful East Coast
  3. Go underground at Harrison's Cave
  4. Hobnob with the stars watching a polo match
  5. Step back in time at the impressive Jacobean plantation house - St Nicholas Abbey

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