There’s no mystery to the Caribbean’s year-round appeal. Endless sunshine, clear blue seas and a laid-back beachfront vibe provide a lifestyle that’s hard to beat, especially on islands that benefit from easy access, a reliable high-speed internet connection and an array of leisure options. And while well-equipped marinas and scenic golf courses still attract property buyers, increasing numbers are targeting the islands for their compelling investment opportunities and the variety of homes on offer, according to Tom Vickery, head of Savills Caribbean desk.
“The Caribbean has always been a desirably scenic location for a second home, but now several islands are making it an easier place to conduct business, rolling out fibre networks and improving infrastructure,” he says. “Most Caribbean governments are doing their utmost to attract foreign investment, and real estate forms a strong part of that push. In the past year, with the changing tax environment and new rules for non-doms in the UK, we’ve seen a notable uptick in interest. People are looking at the region as a tangible alternative.”
As the Savills Caribbean Islands 2024/25 report highlights, upcoming developments and branded residences, and new flight connections from North America and Europe, are key factors driving interest. Tourism numbers have been building for a decade: the Caribbean as a whole has seen an increase in arrivals of more than 40% between 2013 and 2023, coming second only to Europe globally for the scale of growth. The post-Covid longing for a healthy outdoor lifestyle has amplified the desire for a Caribbean foothold, Vickery observes.
