Quote:
Originally Posted by Jizar II
HI I'm looking for a nice vacation home somewhere Exotic, and it's a jungle out there, which Caribbean islands do you recommend? I'm also looking at other exotic places like Belize (because of the diving) so any input would be great! 
I'm looking for something nice and not a 100k metal shed or any plot of land 
Thanks! |
The islands generally are not "hot" on real estate. By it's nature, there is little space on the islands and land costs money. Unless you want to be stuck in a condo complex or "gated community" - the base entry level for a home you'd want to live in is around $500K upwards and fairly normal to be over a mill. These properties obviously appreciate, but have many variables and hard to say an average appreciation.
All the islands are kinda different geographically, but all have something to offer. Only my personal preference, but like St Maartin, it has no "jungle", but reasonable on infrastructure and services.
Belize is nice, but seriously needs cleaned up and decent infrastructure/comms in place - and the crime rate needs to be resolved.
You may want to look at both Pamana and Costa Rica for "hot" real estate, jungle and diving. Both these countries have plenty "real" jungle, and many beaches and also good for diving. Real estate prices have been rising substantially over the past.. approx five years, but there are plenty decent homes for under $400k ish. The average capital appreciation on them is around 25-60%/year, but really depends on the specific area.
PS And ServerGenius is right - the islands are OK for a few 'novelty hurricane' experiences - but it gets boring having to secure-up in hurricane season. That's the main reason we moved from there.