Caribbean Real Estate Market Update – Week of Dec 9–15, 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, Caribbean real estate markets continue to exhibit robust activity and resilience. The week of December 9–15, 2025 saw significant developments across the region – from the launch of ultra-luxury resort residences in Antigua to major redevelopment plans in The Bahamas. Investor confidence remains high, bolstered by strong tourism recovery and sustained foreign interest. Overall transaction volumes have rebounded (up roughly 15% year-on-year)[1], and key islands like Barbados are leading with steady growth and global investor appeal[2]. This update provides a comprehensive summary of the week’s notable trends, news, and data shaping Caribbean real estate.

Market Overview and Key Trends

Continued Growth: The Caribbean residential real estate market is projected to reach about $1.87 trillion by the end of 2025[3], underscoring its status as a dynamic investment destination. Demand remains broad-based, with a particular surge in interest for high-end and sustainable properties. For example, luxury real estate demand has risen ~20% in 2025[4], fueled by remote work trends and buyers seeking second homes in tropical locales. Overall property transaction volumes are up about 15% year-over-year[1], reflecting a strong post-pandemic rebound in activity.

Rental and Tourism Boost: The ongoing tourism recovery is significantly impacting real estate. Rental property demand in the Caribbean jumped roughly 22% in the past year[5], driven largely by digital nomads and extended-stay visitors drawn to the region’s work-life balance. In markets like Puerto Rico, the winter high season is bringing near-full occupancy in vacation rentals; for instance, one San Juan luxury rental portfolio reported 100% of its properties earned top traveler ratings going into the 2024–25 winter season[6]. Strong airlift resumption and “work-from-paradise” trends are sustaining this rental boom, which in turn supports investment in condos and villas catering to short-term guests.

Market Resilience: Even in the face of challenges such as natural disasters, Caribbean real estate has proven resilient. Local analysts note that limited supply, steady diaspora demand, and inflation-driven cost pressures continue to put upward pressure on prices despite temporary disruptions[7]. Investors remain attracted by favorable tax regimes (many islands have no property or capital gains tax) and citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs that link real estate purchases with second passports. Notably, several Caribbean nations offer CBI options starting around $200K investment, allowing qualifying buyers to obtain citizenship after a holding period, which further stimulates real estate interest[8][9].

Caribbean Real Estate by the Numbers (2025)

To put the market in perspective, here are a few key metrics for 2025:

Table: Select indicators of Caribbean real estate market performance in 2025.

These figures highlight a region in expansion mode – bolstered by returning international buyers, thriving luxury developments, and strong rental yields. Next, we delve into specific highlights from the week of Dec 9–15, 2025 across different islands.

Notable Developments This Week

• Antigua & Barbuda – Ultra-Luxury Resort Launch: A headline announcement this week was the unveiling of the Nikki Beach Resort & Residences Antigua, a US$400 million luxury development slated to open in early 2026[10]. This project – the first Nikki Beach-branded resort in the Caribbean – will feature an 84-room hotel and 134 private residences (ranging from condos starting at ~$1.2 million to beachfront villas at ~$5.5 million)[10]. The high-end enclave comes packed with amenities: an 11,000 sq. ft. spa, beach club, pools, private yacht dock, and upscale dining. Notably, buyers of these residences will qualify for Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program[11], adding an extra incentive for global high-net-worth investors seeking both a luxury vacation home and a second passport. Antigua’s strong air connections (direct flights from New York, Miami, London, Toronto, etc.) and tax incentives further boost the project’s appeal, positioning it as a potential “billionaire playground” in the region.
• Cayman Islands – Branded Residence Boom: The Cayman Islands continues to reinforce its reputation as a nexus for luxury resort-residences. Industry observers note that Cayman had already laid the groundwork for the now-booming branded residential resort trend, thanks to its stable investment climate and sophisticated financial sector attracting global buyers[12]. This week highlighted ongoing progress on flagship developments. For example, Grand Cayman’s tallest building, ONE|GT, is on track to open by late 2025 in George Town. The 11-story tower will host a 95-suite hotel plus 82 luxury residences, and at 144 feet tall it represents Grand Cayman’s first true high-rise resort complex[13]. ONE|GT will debut as part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (and integrated with Hilton’s network), signaling Grand Cayman’s elevated status on the international luxury travel map[14][15]. Beyond ONE|GT, Cayman is seeing multiple branded projects (from Mandarin Oriental Residences to Ritz-Carlton expansions), underscoring a regional trend: demand is high for branded luxury living, where buyers get both a residence and access to five-star hotel services.
• The Bahamas – Major Resort Redevelopment: In The Bahamas, efforts to revitalize Grand Bahama Island’s tourism and real estate received a boost. The government has hailed the planned transformation of the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport as the “beginning of renewal” for the island. A Miami developer, Concord Wilshire Capital (CWC), recently acquired the large but struggling beachfront resort (and adjacent golf course) from the government for $120 million, and is moving forward with an ambitious $827 million redevelopment[16]. Plans call for converting the 56-acre site into a modern, integrated resort village and cruise destination – including a new 350-room hotel, 120 residential and timeshare villas, an indoor-outdoor casino, a mega-yacht marina, and a redesigned 18-hole golf course[17][18]. The redevelopment aims to accommodate up to 10,000 cruise passengers daily and inject substantial jobs and economic activity into Freeport[19]. Government officials and the developer see this as a catalyst to “reignite tourism” on Grand Bahama[20], with construction slated to commence imminently. This week’s updates suggest the Grand Lucayan overhaul is on track, reflecting confidence in The Bahamas’ market rebound and its strategy of attracting large-scale investment to reinvent key resorts.
• Belize – Private Island for Sale: The niche market for private islands remains lively. A noteworthy listing making waves in early December is a Caribbean private island in Belize hitting the market for just $4 million (complete with its own helipad)[21]. The pandemic era saw heightened interest in private islands as ultimate socially-distanced retreats, and Belize stands out with one of the region’s largest selections of private isles. While ultra-premium islands in the Bahamas or Turks & Caicos can fetch far higher sums, this Belize offering illustrates that opportunities still exist at relatively accessible price points. It highlights the continued demand for exclusive off-shore properties – a trend that has been “heating up since the pandemic,” according to Caribbean brokers[22]. Such opportunities appeal to boutique hospitality developers and adventure-seeking individuals alike, and the buzz around this listing underscores the diverse range of real estate investment options in the Caribbean today.

(Other islands also saw routine market activity during the week. Notably, Barbados and St. Kitts & Nevis continue to enjoy steady interest with new luxury villas and steady sales, though no singular headline dominated in those markets this week. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos remain attractive for their growth and accessibility respectively, sustaining the regional momentum.)

Regional Spotlight: Jamaica’s Resilient Recovery

Jamaica – Post-Hurricane Resilience: After being struck by Hurricane Melissa earlier in the season, Jamaica’s real estate market is demonstrating remarkable resilience. Recovery efforts are well underway – roofs repaired, debris cleared – and rather than halting activity, the rebuilding phase has opened some unexpected opportunities for buyers[23][7]. Market analysts observe that Jamaica’s property values historically hold firm even after crises, thanks to factors like limited land supply, constant demand from returning diaspora, and rising construction costs (which discourage any price dips)[24]. Prices thus remain on an upward trajectory overall. However, the post-storm climate has resulted in a temporary lull in buyer competition for certain properties, especially those that weathered the hurricane intact. Listings that have sat on the market for 6+ months – once overlooked – are now the ones to watch. Jamaican sellers rarely slash asking prices publicly due to cultural norms, but “private concessions happen frequently” behind the scenes[25]. According to local realtors, many owners of long-listed homes (some pre-dating the hurricane) have quietly become more flexible on price and terms. Savvy buyers are finding that a home unsold for, say, 9 months might now entertain offers below asking or throw in incentives like closing cost help or included furnishings[26]. In short, Jamaica’s market remains fundamentally strong (no post-storm fire sales), but negotiators willing to “read the room” can secure deals in this moment of transition[27]. The consensus among Jamaican real estate professionals is that patience and persistence pay off** – the island’s property sector is defined by long-term resilience, and those who look beyond the immediately glossy listings can find value even as overall growth continues[28].

Conclusion and Outlook

Outlook: The events of mid-December 2025 underscore that Caribbean real estate is entering 2026 with substantial momentum. Investor appetite – domestic and international – remains robust across residential, hospitality, and mixed-use segments. The convergence of factors like recovering tourism, remote-work migration, and strategic government incentives (tax breaks, residency/citizenship programs) is driving a virtuous cycle of investment in the region. We see ultra-luxury projects (e.g. Antigua, Cayman) catering to the highest end of the market, while broad-based trends (like sustainable development and resort refurbishments) enhance overall appeal.

Going forward, market watchers anticipate continued price growth in established prime markets (think Barbados, Cayman, Bahamas), albeit at a moderated pace as interest rates and global economic conditions normalize. Emerging destinations (Belize, Grenada, smaller islands) are poised to capture more attention, especially where unique offerings (eco-tourism, new infrastructure) exist. Risks such as climate events remain, but the Jamaica case this week shows how quickly markets adapt and rebuild, often without significant long-term value loss.

In summary, the Caribbean real estate market as of December 2025 is vibrant and resilient. The week’s developments – from big-ticket investments to niche opportunities – highlight a region balancing high-end luxury growth with enduring fundamentals. Investors and stakeholders can proceed into the new year with cautious optimism, as the Caribbean continues to solidify its status as a sought-after haven for property investment, lifestyle purchases, and development ventures.

[1] [2] [4] 2025 Caribbean Real Estate Trends: Buying & Investment Tips – Caribbean Real Estate MLS

https://caribbeanrealestatemls.com/blog/caribbean-real-estate-market-trends/

[3] [8] [9] Caribbean Real Estate Market in 2025: Top Investment Opportunities and Buying Trends

https://www.astons.com/blog/caribbean-real-estate-market-trends/

[5] How Caribbean Real Estate Markets Are Rebounding in 2025!

https://globalvaluation.com/post-pandemic-recovery-how-caribbean-real-estate-markets-are-rebounding-in-2025/

[6] Award-Winning KTJ Krug LLC Opens Premium Condado Properties for Peak Winter Season – World News Report – EIN Presswire

https://world.einnews.com/pr_news/874046119/award-winning-ktj-krug-llc-opens-premium-condado-properties-for-peak-winter-season

[7] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] Housing Market Adapts as Jamaica Rebuilds Post–Hurricane Melissa

https://news.jamaica-homes.com/2025/12/housing-market-adapts-as-jamaica.html

[10] [11] Antigua Welcomes $400 Million Nikki Beach Residences: The Caribbean’s Next Billionaire Playground – The Gaming Boardroom

https://thegamingboardroom.com/2025/12/09/antigua-welcomes-400-million-nikki-beach-residences-the-caribbeans-next-billionaire-playground/

[12] Caribbean Journal – The Cayman Islands Is in the Middle of a Branded Residential Resort Boom

https://www.caribjournal.com/2025/12/09/cayman-islands-residential-resorts/

[13] [14] [15] Grand Cayman’s Tallest Building and Hotel to Open Late 2025

https://www.globaltravelerusa.com/grand-caymans-tallest-building-and-hotel-to-open-late-2025/

[16] [17] [18] [19] [20] costar.com

https://www.costar.com/article/271174414/developer-snags-bahamian-resort-plans-827-million-renovation

[21] [22] Caribbean Journal – A New Caribbean Private Island Just Hit the Market for $4M — With Its Own Helipad

https://www.caribjournal.com/2025/12/05/belize-private-island-caribbean/