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It wouldn’t surprise most JamaicansJamaicans are a resilient and vibrant people with a deep-rooted history defined by courage, resistance, and cultural ric... to hear that a significant number of buyers pressed pause on their home search last year. The truth? Nearly 70% of would-be homeowners took a step back. And who could blame them?
The landscape was rough: prices were soaring like the Blue MountainsThe Blue Mountains are a famous mountain range in Jamaica, and they’re special for many reasons. The highest point in ..., mortgage rates played hopscotch, and property listingsProperty listings are like online ads or detailed descriptions for houses, apartments, or land that are available for sa... were as rare as ackeeAckee, Jamaica’s national fruit, holds a special place in the heart of Jamaican culture and language, with its name se... out of season. So, if you were one of those who hit the brakes—no shade at all. It just wasn’t the right time.
But things are changing. And fast.
We’re on the cusp of a shift in Jamaica’s housing market. Builders are finishing more homes, sellers are feeling more confident, and buyers—many of whom were once discouraged—are cautiously re-entering the market. In short, this might be your moment.
“The market never truly sleeps—it just waits for brave dreamers to wake it up.”
— Dean JonesDean Jones is a chartered builder, project manager, licensed real estate professional and the founder of Jamaica Homes, ..., Founder of Jamaica HomesJamaica Homes is a premier real estate company offering a comprehensive platform for buying, selling, and renting proper... & Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Jamaica RealtyJamaica Realty represents the broad and evolving landscape of real estate services in Jamaica, encompassing the buying, ...
The Inventory Shift: A Sweet Spot Worth Watching
One of the biggest game-changers right now is inventory. That’s real estateReal estate refers to property consisting of land and the structures on it, such as buildings and homes. It also include... talk for the number of homes available for sale.
In JamaicaJamaica, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has a unique position in the global real estate market. The i..., particularly in hotspots like KingstonKingston, the capital city of Jamaica, embodies a dynamic fusion of historical depth and contemporary vitality. Establis..., PortmorePortmore, located approximately 24 km from Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, is a major urban settlement in St. Catherine. ..., Montego BayMontego Bay, often referred to as MoBay, is one of Jamaica's most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning b..., and parts of St. CatherineSt. Catherine, established in 1664, is one of Jamaica’s seven oldest parishes. Spanning 459.7 square miles, it became ..., we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in listings. Developments once stalled due to supply chain issues and financing hiccups are now back on track. Whether it’s a modern townhouseIn Jamaica, a townhouse is a distinctive type of residential property that combines the convenience of urban living with... in Spanish TownSpanish Town is a historic town located in St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica, and was once the island's capital during the S... or a beachside villaIn Jamaica, a villa is a prestigious type of residence known for its spaciousness, elegant design, and luxurious feature... in Treasure BeachTreasure Beach is a beautiful, quiet area on the south coast of Jamaica, known for its calm, friendly vibe and lovely be..., the options are widening.
According to global trends mirrored locally, housing inventory is up by nearly 30% compared to last year. While we’re still not back to pre-pandemic levels, this boost is important. It gives buyers breathing roomIn Jamaican Patois, the term "room" is commonly used to describe individual spaces within a property, offering a practic... and sellers a window of opportunity.
This is what we call a “sweet spot” in real estateIn Jamaican real estate, an estate refers to the total collection of assets and property owned by an individual, especia...:
- Enough homes on the market that buyers have choice,
- But not so many that your own propertyProperty encompasses a wide range of tangible assets that individuals or entities can own, utilize, or invest in, includ... willIn Jamaica, a will is a legal document created by an individual to specify how their assets, including their belongings ... sit around unsold for months.
If you’ve got a home to sell and another to buy, this might be the most balanced time we’ve seen in a while.
“In a sweet market, timing isn’t just everything—it’s the one thing you can’t afford to ignore.”
— Dean Jones
Real Talk: Why More Inventory Matters in JA
You might be wondering, “How does this affect me in Jamaica?”
Here’s how:
- More Options, More Power
HouseA house serves as a fundamental structure designed for residential living, providing shelter and a place for individuals... hunting in a limited market often means compromise: settling for less yard spaceYard space refers to the open area surrounding a building or home, often used for gardening, recreation, parking, o..., giving up that dream kitchen, or outbidding five other peopleThe people of Jamaica embody a spirit that is at once richly diverse and unbreakably unified, as captured by the nationa.... More listings mean more power in your hands to choose what fits your needs—without desperation. - Less Time to Sell, Still Room to Shine
When inventory is too high, sellers get anxious—homes linger on the market and prices get slashed. But today? Homes in desirable areas like Manor Park or Harbour ViewHarbour View, a community in Kingston, Jamaica, is administered by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation and served by..., when priced and staged correctly, are still getting offers within weeks. Balance is key. - The Buyer-Seller Win-Win
It’s not every day the market tilts in favour of both sides. Right now, it’s doing just that. Buyers get more choice, and sellers still get strong offers. That’s the rare blend that makes this moment golden.
Timing is Everything—But So Is Strategy
So what happens if you wait?
Well, inventory is projected to continue rising. That means more competition if you’re selling, and potentially more leverage if you’re buying—but only if your finances are in place.
In Jamaica, especially with limited housing developments and government policies still adjusting to demand, timing is even more critical. Don’t expect things to stay steady forever.
As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, put it:
“The fact that inventory is rising year-over-year strongly suggests that national active housing inventory for sale is likely to end the year higher.”
Translated for Jamaica? If you wait too long to sell, your property might get lost in the shuffle. If you wait too long to buy, you might get priced out—again.
“Real estate isn’t about bricks, it’s about belief. Believe in your timing, and you’ll build more than a house—you’ll build a future.”
— Dean Jones
What This Looks Like for Jamaican Buyers and Sellers
Let’s break it down a bit more with JamaicanThe term "Jamaican" encompasses the citizens of Jamaica and their descendants in the Jamaican diaspora, representing a d... examples:
For Buyers
- Kingston: Uptown apartments and townhouses are appearing more often, especially in areas like LiguaneaLiguanea is a prominent residential and commercial area situated in Kingston, Jamaica, known for its vibrant atmosphere ... and Constant SpringConstant Spring, Jamaica: A Comprehensive Overview Location & Overview Constant Spring is a well-known suburban neig.... Prices are still premium, but negotiation is on the table again.
- Portmore & SpanishThe Spanish first arrived in Jamaica in 1494, marking a significant European influence that shaped the island’s early ... Town: More 2- and 3-bedroom homes are coming to market. While still competitive, the urgency isn’t as frantic as last year.
- Rural Jamaica: Places like St. Elizabeth, ManchesterManchester is a parish located in central Jamaica, known for its cooler climate and picturesque landscapes. Renowned for..., and PortlandPortland is a parish located on Jamaica's northeastern coast, renowned for its lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, an... are seeing fresh interest. More listings are emerging, and infrastructure improvements are adding value.
For Sellers
- If your home is in good condition and priced right, you still have the edge. But don’t expect the frenzied bidding wars of 2022. Instead, be strategic:
- Get a valuationValuation involves assessing the worth of a property based on various factors such as its location, condition, size, and...
- Make cost-effective upgrades (like fresh paint or landscapingLandscaping involves the thoughtful arrangement and enhancement of outdoor spaces to improve their visual appeal and fun...)
- Stage your home to show off its best features
Witty Connotation Alert:
“Trying to sell your home without staging it is like showing up to Carnival in slippers. Sure, you’re present—but you’re missing the whole vibe.”
What Should You Do Now?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign from the Jamaican housing gods—here it is.
Whether you’re a first-time buyerA buyer is an individual or entity that acquires goods, services, or properties through a transaction, motivated by a ne... in MandevilleMandeville, the capital of Manchester parish in Jamaica, is the largest town in the region. As of 2005, it had a populat..., a returning residentA returning resident is someone who has lived in another country for a long time and is now coming back to their home co... eyeing NegrilNegril is a popular town on the western coast of Jamaica, known for its stunning white-sand beaches and laid-back vibe. ..., or an investor considering short-term rental hotspots like Ocho RiosOcho Rios is a popular resort town on Jamaica's north coast, known for its natural beauty, vibrant tourism industry, and... or Kingston Waterfront, this is your call to action.
Start by doing these three things:
- Talk to a Realtor
A licensed, experienced agentIn Jamaica, an agent is a real estate professional who handles various aspects of buying and selling properties. Their r... (like those at Coldwell Banker Jamaica RealtyRealty refers to the ownership, purchase, sale, and management of real estate, encompassing both land and any structures...) can guide you with updated market data, help price your home right, or find listings before they hit the wider market. - Get Prequalified
Connect with your bank or mortgage specialist. Know your budget before you go house-hunting. And yes, relationships still matter in Jamaica—especially when securing the best rates. - Make a Plan
Are you upsizing? Downsizing? Relocating for work? Knowing your “why” will help guide your “when” and “how.”
“Every home sold is more than a transaction—it’s a testimony. In Jamaica, we don’t just sell landIn real estate, land is a foundational element that significantly impacts the value and potential of a property. It enco.... We sell legacyLegacy, in the context of Jamaica, real estate, and the broader world, represents the enduring impact of past actions, a....”
— Dean Jones
Final Word: Don’t Let the Moment Pass You
This isn’t just another seasonal trend. Jamaica’s real estate market is warming up—not overheating—and the window for balanced opportunity is open.
If you’ve got dreams of ownership, expansion, or even retirement in your own piece of paradise, now’s not the time to stall. Hit play.
Ready to move forward?
Let’s talk. Because your next move might just be your best move yet.
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