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Caribbean: The Caribbean

Guide to the Risk and Opportunity Ratings

At the end of each country profile, we have given a risk rating and an opportunity rating. These ratings are a summary of our analysis indicating the levels of risk when investing in a market and the level of opportunity to profit from it.

The ratings themselves are simple. Both work on a scale of one to five. The opportunity rating is indicated by the $ symbol. A single $ equals a low opportunity whilst 5 of them ($ $ $ $ $) equals the highest opportunity ranking.

For risk we have used the * symbol. A ranking of * equals a low risk rating whilst * * * * * equals a high risk rating.

Introduction

The Caribbean, though a small area, shows amazing diversity – in climate and landscape, in language, religion and customs, in the history showcased, and proud achievements in areas like music, sport and art, medicine and education. But there are common strands that run through the region, and the laid-back lifestyle, stunning scenery and friendly people combine with the incredible weather that the region is so famous for to make it no surprise that the Caribbean has taken off as one of the ultimate places to own property abroad.

The islands of the Caribbean Sea are divided into three main groups – the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles. The Bahamas comprise an archipelago of 700 islands, of which only about 30 are inhabited, north of the Caribbean Sea. South of the Bahamas are the largest islands of the Caribbean, the Greater Antilles. These include Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Hispañola, home to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Most of the rest of the Caribbean islands form an arc that stretches from Puerto Rico to the coast of South America – the Lesser Antilles. With such a large number of individual nations to consider, it is difficult to make any general statements about economic performance or the property market, although the desirability of this area and its popularity as a tourist destination are good indicators for potential profit.

Is this a good place to buy?

There are plenty of options for investment in the Caribbean, with more than 100 islands or regions to choose from and reasonable properties for sale on many. Buyers here will be able to take advantage of a massive tourist economy with good holiday rental opportunities, while those looking to relocate or to buy a holiday home will gain access to year-round crystal-clear seas and balmy temperatures, an extremely rich cultural heritage, incredible cuisine and a lifestyle that is second to none. Property taxes are low on most islands, as is the cost of living, and properties can cost as little as £25,000 ($44,000) in some areas.

Price history

Prices in the Caribbean vary hugely, accompanying the diversity in legal regimes, cultural themes, popularity and tourist appeal. The area has a reputation for being an exclusive, pricey holiday destination, and is therefore most popular with the wealthier investor. Areas such as St Lucia, Barbados, St Kitts, Antigua and Nevis reflect this, with prices that would generally be beyond the budget of all but the most moneyed, but other areas offer alternatives which are much easier on the pocket. Past performance is also very varied, and it is wise to conduct individual research to find out which areas are performing well or otherwise.

More pages

Page 1: Guide to the Risk and Opportunity Ratings
Page 2: Which type of property should you go for?
Page 3: Key risks and opportunities

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