Real Estate in Jamaica

How do I find a place to live in Jamaica?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"When we first moved to Ochi, we were staying in an apartment that was rented out by my husband's company. Since the apartment was a bit far from downtown and also very dark, we started looking around for a new place. Our lease was almost up, so we were actively on the lookout. A friend of ours saw a sign right outside a nice looking complex advertising a real estate agency and we called right away. Now we live in an ocean front apt and couldn't be happier," said one person in Ocho Rios.

"i find my neighborhood by looking around when we came out on holidays. we had a house built in Manchester," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Manchester.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Jamaica?

"A typical expat home or apartment in Jamaica is usually a luxury apartment or villa with modern furnishings and modern amenities, such as air conditioning and fast internet. Expat living in Jamaica typically enjoys a generous living space, with bright and airy rooms and large balconies with a view of the ocean. Expats may also have access to a private swimming pool and patio area, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Jamaican countryside," explained one person living in Jamaica.

"I live in a scheme in Falmouth 2bd, 2bath, furnished & washing machine. Love it," said one expat in Jamaica.

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What is the average cost of housing in Jamaica?

If you are thinking about moving to Jamaica, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"I think the housing costs are about the same, since we lived in a very expensive area in the US. That being said, I think that the cost of living here may be higher than in the US. Our supermarket runs are much pricier than back home, and electricity alone is more than triple down here," said one person in Ocho Rios.

"the house i have here i would never be able to have built that in the UK. i not sure how much it would cost now our house was built 10 years ago. if you are thinking about building ask around first about builders, we had plenty of people from the UK that had built so we asked them what problems they had. it can be difficult when you have no idea about building. you just need to be there when you are building. i heard about a lot things going wrong with people building, but we had no problems," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Manchester.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Jamaica?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Jamaica, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Jamaica depends on a variety of factors, such as your long-term plans, budget and lifestyle. Before making the decision to buy, it can be helpful to research the local real estate market, the types of properties available and the general cost of living in the country. You should also consider the financial commitment associated with buying a home and whether you are in a position to make such a commitment. If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, renting may be the better choice, as it gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of different areas before committing to buying a home. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Jamaica will depend on your individual circumstances," said one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Jamaica?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Jamaica, they said:

"1. Before buying property in Jamaica, it is important to research the laws governing real estate and property transactions in the country. 2. Familiarize yourself with the various types of property available and how to purchase it, such as through a real estate agent or by directly purchasing from an owner. 3. Decide whether you want to buy a single-family home, an apartment, a condo, land, or something else. 4. Research the title history and determine the current zoning for any property you are interested in buying. 5. Consider seeking advice from a local real estate attorney to properly navigate legal issues, such as for the due diligence process, title transfer, and contract reviews. 6. Budget for additional taxes and fees associated with the purchase of a property. 7. Obtain an inspection from a qualified professional to determine the condition and structural integrity of the building. 8. Have proof of funds available to demonstrate your ability to obtain financing if needed. 9. Be prepared to negotiate the price and other details of the purchase to come to an agreement," explained one person living in Jamaica.

"Buying a home here is a process, and you do not want to leave that home empty six months out of the year… It will be vandalized, burglarized, and taken over by squatters… Depending of course, where are you buy a house," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Montego Bay.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in Jamaica?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Jamaica, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to purchase property in Jamaica. Foreigners are allowed to own freehold, leasehold and non-freehold property subject to compliance with the Foreign Investment Act that provides exemption from certain restrictions on foreign ownership. The Foreign Investment Act outlines the guidelines and restrictions for foreign investment in Jamaica, including the foreign ownership of real property. In order to purchase property in Jamaica, foreign investors must first obtain an investor’s permit, which will allow access to the various property markets," explained one foreigner living in Jamaica.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Jamaica what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Most rental properties in Jamaica will come with kitchen and laundry appliances such as a refrigerator, oven, stove top, microwave, washing machine, and dryer. In addition, some rentals might also have items like air conditioners, ceiling fans, and televisions. Depending on the property, extra items such as furniture, dishware, and linens may also be provided," explained one person living in Jamaica.

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Jamaica:

We asked foreigners in Jamaica what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats looking for a home in Jamaica can often start by researching available real estate listings online. They can also search for Jamaican real estate agents or brokers who are familiar with the local area. Additionally, expats may want to explore classified advertisement websites or forums to find available accommodation listings as well as advice from other expats. Visiting the country and scheduling in-person meetings with realtors can also help expats get a feel for the different neighborhoods and different types of dwellings available in Jamaica," explained one person living in Jamaica.

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