Real Estate in Jamaica

"We wanted to be close to the Montego Bay airport so we looked at a few parishes on the west half of the island. Falmouth is up and coming so we selected Falmouth. My husband and I are real estate agents in the US, so we just felt comfortable contacting a real estate agent to find our current house," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Falmouth.

"I am living in a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom furnished townhouse in a gated community. It's brand new and beautiful," remarked one member in Montego Bay.

"3 bdrm - 2 bth cement block in small village - elec most of the time - have to fill water tank on roof for home water - no hot water. no other ex-pats for miles that I knew of," explained one expat living in Calabar, 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," said one person in Jamaica.

"I am renting an apartment in a house to try out the community before making a commitment to live here permanently. Now that I am here I don't think this will be my final stop," said one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"I live in a community in Kingston called Long Mountain Country Club. It is a gated community with 24-hour security in the Liguanea area. The community has apartments and two/three-bedroom townhouses for sale and rent. It also has a pool and a store on the premises. The community also has ex-pats from the USA, Canada, Germany, Isreal, South Africa, Romania, India, China and South America. Great community that is close to the US Embassy, shopping and entertainment," explained one foreigner living in Jamaica.

"Our housing costs are much lower than in the US. My husband and I live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath furnished home for 60,000 Jamaican dollars (about $480 US dollars a month). Yard maintenance and water is included in the rent. It is a newer house with an open floorplan. Electricity is about $4,000 JMD (about $31 USD). Cable (Westar) is $2,700JMD a month (about $21 USD) and we get tons of good channels. Unfurnished houses here can be found for about $45,000JMD ($352 USD). Ofcourse, if you want to go really budget and talk to the right people, you can find a place for about $250 USD a month," remarked one member in Falmouth.

"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.

"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," said one person 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," wrote one expat who made the move to Montego Bay.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Jamaica. The Jamaican government has implemented a number of measures to make it easier for non-residents to purchase property in the country. Foreigners can purchase property in Jamaica through a registered attorney or real estate agent, and they are also allowed to own land and buildings. However, they are not allowed to own more than five acres of land without a special permit from the government. Additionally, foreigners are not allowed to own property in certain areas, such as military bases or areas designated for public use," said one expat in Jamaica.

"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," said one expat in Jamaica.

"Expats can search for homes in Jamaica by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who have already settled in Jamaica. Additionally, expats can look for rental listings in newspapers, online classifieds, and on social media. It is also helpful to research the local neighborhoods and communities to find the best fit for their lifestyle," explained one expat in Jamaica.