Jamaica - Community Living

What exactly does that title mean - ‘community living’? In Jamaica today, community living is just another catch phrase for being resident within a ‘gated community’. Gated communities are thriving, not only in Kingston but throughout the island and are surely today’s prime real estate in Jamaica. Drive around any of the upscale residential areas of Kingston: Norbrook, Liguanea (especially Millsborough Avenue, Paddington Terrace) Russell Heights, Long Lane, Old Stony Hill Road and the roads leading off and a proliferation of well-established gated communities and many others in various stages of completion can be seen. Gated communities got their start in the 70’s and have flourished ever since. So, it’s safe to assume that developers would not be building these enclaves at such a rate if they were not in such demand. A recent visit to a development in progress in Millsborough Avenue and interview with developer, Michael Millwood. Mr. Millwood is building 18 spacious homes where, not long ago, there was only one large, single residence. He said that nearly all of the homes under construction had been sold already and from his years of experience in constructing such communities, this is and has been the norm. The homes are often sold well before they are finished. Corporations buy them not only as sound investments but as suitable residences for their top management and in particular, for expatriate residents in Jamaica who come to fulfill 2 or 3 year contracts and sometimes, opt to make their home in Jamaica even when their contract is finished. Of course, Jamaicans want to own their own home as well and the trend is, to make it one within a gated community – their current popularity knows no bounds! The big attraction for homeowners to live in and form part of, a gated community is security. The ready-made, built-in security is a huge pull for the homeowner. The idea of entering and leaving one’s place of abode without any fear of being held up either at the gate or possibly alighting from one’s vehicle or even at the front door, cannot be emphasised enough and this goes for Jamaicans and ex-pats alike. As well, those dwelling within feel they can rest assured that the constant monitoring of all those who enter and depart the community is another reason to feel safe, secure and at peace. So although outsiders might think that their absolute privacy may be compromised in such a setting, insiders benefit from ‘quiet enjoyment’ of their property with all the security they need in place and this factor alone acts like a magnet; to be part of such a community in a country like Jamaica which does have a serious crime problem. Security is the most salient factor in the Jamaica’s ever expanding gated communities but it’s not the only plus. There are other features of the gated community which are attractive – the maintenance of the grounds and the privacy when one enters one’s own home. There is usually communal land within the community as well for entertainment purposes, often with a well-kept swimming pool. The houses (and apartments) themselves may sometimes look fairly small from the outside but inside they are remarkably spacious and well laid out. Homes in such developments are not cheap, however, and can cost anywhere from J$15-30 million plus depending greatly on the size and location of the community. It’s safe to assume that these properties will certainly continue to appreciate as, even the most casual observer cannot fail to notice the speed at which these developments are springing up in Jamaica. Their popularity does not look like diminishing any time soon and, the gated community under construction visited recently was the fourth such development in Millsborough Avenue.

Affordable Living? Affordable Real Estate? Is there such thing?

Downsizing, cutting corners, call it what you will but, every year after the dreaded Annual Budget, we all try and find ways of ‘affordable living’. One thing remains constant; when it comes to Jamaica real estate (like most Caribbean property) it holds its value and if you can hang onto it, do! This is true even in the hardest of times and despite occasional political unrest together with a fairly constant high crime rate, simply because Jamaica is such a beautiful land with an idyllic climate. The tourism industry, through it all, not only stays afloat but keeps relatively strong. So if you’re trying your utmost to survive; struggling to keep your head above water – don’t sell that gorgeous property – yet! Real Estate in Jamaica will continue to increase in value and be sought after for years to come, especially as waterfront and island homes are becoming harder to find.

With all the gloom, doom and worldwide recession, Jamaica has still managed to make tremendous strides in creating an environment conducive to enterprise development and as such, has maintained a strong international profile so, the secret is out, Jamaica is a destination for trade and investment in all sectors and some of the world’s leading companies have made Jamaica their home. This all bodes well for those who have invested in local properties and real estate. Hang on to your land – it can only appreciate. Now, away and apart from Jamaica real estate, we think there is indeed such a thing as affordable living on a day to day basis and we base such a claim on the following facts. Take your average Jamaican box lunch, still remarkably cheap especially if you convert it into US$ or sterling. The ubiquitous box lunch is going, on average, for about US$4.00 or £2.70p!! And, the Jamaican box lunch is a life saver: good Jamaican cooking and extremely filling. When our local vegetables are in season, they are a steal – literally! Local lettuce is going for J$50 to J$60 for 2 nice ‘heads’ in a pack as one example and, we can all still find and head off to a free beach on a sunny day; all we need is our bus fare/gas money and enough for a, you’ve guessed it, box lunch! And then a day out in magnificent Hope Gardens is still entirely free! Let us not forget a good friend somewhere cooking a huge pot of ‘Saturday soup’ which is invariably delicious and is accompanied by plenty of lively debate thrown in, on the verandah, of course. Beyond the image of a tropical paradise, the country’s people have a solid reputation as innovators (especially when “money tight”) and trend setters. Jamaicans are ordinary folk who often rise to great heights; their vibrant energy and indomitable spirit set them up for achievement in all spheres of life, be it culture, commerce, politics, public service and last, but by no means least, sport. So, whether its real estate or living life, Jamaica, still great value for money! Food, still cheap…