BARBADOS in context
OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK BUYERS
Increased confidence in the economy, rising incomes and appreciating house prices mean overseas property purchases are back on the agenda for UK buyers. According to the 2013–2014 survey of English housing, 32% of second homes abroad (116,000 properties) are located in non-European countries, up from 80,000 in 2012–2013, despite global financial conditions.
With fewer overnight and cruise visitors than other popular hotspots such as Mallorca, the Côte d’Azur, Tuscany and Miami, homeowners in Barbados find the beaches, golf courses and tourist attractions far less crowded and therefore much more tranquil and exclusive.
STRONG INVESTMENT RATIONALE
The appeal of owning a second home in a safe, long-haul beauty spot is growing. In fact, Rightmove reported an annual rise in the volume of searches for Caribbean homes in its overseas search report for August 2015. For homeowners seeking to let their properties, the attractive year-round climate and winter sunshine characteristic of Barbados ensure a constant flow of visitors, boosting rental occupancy.
Relatively long visitor stays compared to other destinations can mean reduced marketing costs, fewer void periods and higher net revenues. Over 31,500 visitors to Barbados in 2014 planned to stay more than one month on the island.
The prevalence of English speaking tourists means that marketing to prospective guests is straightforward, and with 39% repeat visits to the island there is a uniquely captive audience.
At present, Barbados waterfront condominium property prices are far more competitive than other popular UK second home destinations. Monaco is
almost six times more expensive than Barbados on the basis of £ per square foot values. A busy 2015–2016 winter season is likely to put upward pressure on prices for exclusive Barbados properties.
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