The Covid-19 pandemic skyrocketed the growth of Netflix in 2020 (no surprise there). Many of us were escaping lockdowns and travel restrictions by binge-watching Bridgerton (i.e swooning over the Duke of Hastings) or Googling houses for sale in the Caribbean and buying a home in Barbados (Hey Siri call Island Villas).
Fast forward to July 2021, the pandemic appears to be receding in many countries, people are cautiously optimistic and Netflix recorded the worst first quarter in eight years (Business Standard).
What does this mean? Well…
- I wouldn’t rush to cancel my Netflix subscription just yet and
- Working from home (WFH), Zoom meetings and remote learning are quite possibly here to stay. Now more than ever people are looking for the ideal work-life environment for themselves and their families and with that, there has been a sharp increase in enquiries related to Barbados homes for sale and investing in real estate in the Caribbean.
The question is, “Why should you buy?” Below are our Top 5 reasons why now is the time to look at Barbados homes for sale.
1) Working from home = Working from the beach in Barbados (plus more than enough space for work and play)
It doesn’t get much better than this. Buying a home in Barbados means automatically being steps away from some of the best beaches in the world. Add in the vibrant culture and fantastic restaurants and guarantee you will never want to leave!
Work and Play in Barbados at luxury holiday villa, Idyll Moments in the Royal Westmoreland Golf Resort
Houses for sale like Idyll Moments in Royal Westmoreland offers more than 7000 sq ft of floor space and over 29,000 sq ft of land. Work while relaxing in a hammock under palm trees or lounging by the 70’ infinity pool enjoying unobstructed, 180-degree views of the fairway and the ocean. The open plan foyer, living room and study flow seamlessly on to the expansive patio and pool deck, allowing for more than enough space for WFP (working from paradise).
Work from Paradise (WFP) at Idyll Moments in Barbados
Take a 3D walk-through of Idyll Moments, Royal Westmoreland or arrange a viewing with one of our expert real estate agents.
2) Holiday in Barbados AND make money
A gift that has the potential to keep giving. Investing in real estate and buying a home in Barbados means that not only do you have a dream island getaway for family vacations, you also have the opportunity to generate rental income throughout the year.
With changes in travel associated with the pandemic, many visitors to Barbados who typically rent for a 2 week period are now looking at extended stays spanning months. Barbados homes for sale like Waterfalls in Royal Westmoreland are designed for family or group getaways and could be your home away from home as well as a potential rental investment.
Enjoy a group getaway at Waterfalls Villa, Royal Westmoreland
Waterfalls is ideally located within the grounds of the Royal Westmoreland golf resort, very close to the clubhouse and fitness centre. The four renovated ground floor guest suites and the two master bedroom suites on the first floor open on to private terraces and the heated infinity pool is surrounded by a 170ft hardwood deck.
Book a Barbados family holiday at Waterfalls
Speak with one of the Island Villas qualified real estate agents to learn more about the rental potential of Waterfalls.
3) Sun, sea, sand…and social distancing?
Like most of us, we are thrilled at the prospect of being able to hug loved ones, watch a concert or attend a sporting event. It was heartening to see crowds at Wimbledon and to hear the cheers of support for England’s Three Lions at the Euros.
Even with Covid restrictions lifting, predictions suggest that some people will continue with health promoting behaviours encouraged throughout the pandemic. Gatherings, when and where allowed, may be modified and people may be more inclined to socialize in safe, open-air settings. In addition, after a year of ‘stay in place’ orders and being confined, people are anxious to be outside or bring a bit of the outdoors in.
Bring the outside in at Olivewood villa on the Sandy Lane Estate
Many of the Barbados homes for sale in the Island Villas portfolio feature landscaped gardens and spaces for outdoor dining. The 6 bedroom Olivewood villa, located on the Sandy Lane Estate, has been designed based on Balinese principles, with a collection of connected pavilions and intertwined garden courtyards. The dining pavilion has been uniquely designed to resemble a ruin, constructed using reclaimed coral stone from a demolished sugar factory and featuring broken away areas that allow the garden in. For an added bit of outdoor fun Olivewood also boasts a custom designed Ian Woosnam putting and chipping practice green.
Discover the unique design of the dining pavilion at Olivewood villa
Book a tour with one of our real estate agents and meet us on the green!
4) Get it before it’s gone
At the height of the pandemic many cities saw a rush of people leaving densely populated areas. With people able to now work from anywhere and many schools shifting to a fully online or a hybrid system, interest in Caribbean real estate grew, with buyers even willing to purchase sight unseen.
With projections of a buoyant season, it’s best to strike now. Island Villas has an extensive portfolio of houses for sale or rent in Barbados. Families seeking a community feel can tour properties in the prestigious Royal Westmoreland golf, beach and spa resort or the Sandy Lane resort.
Not sure what you want or looking to design your own dream home? The 1 acre elevated beachfront site at Morgan’s Cove is suitable for either a luxury villa or condominium development. Ideally located in close proximity to Sandy Lane Hotel, Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill Polo Club, Morgan’s Cove is a prime location for building.
Build your dream home at Morgan’s Cove, Barbados
Hoping to strike while the iron is hot but have not yet booked your ticket to Barbados? Arrange a Zoom consultation and virtual tour of properties you want to see with an Island Villas real estate agent.
5) Tax free ‘Workation’ in Barbados
BBC, CNN, NBC – major networks around the world carried the news of the Barbados Welcome Stamp Visa. Who could turn down the offer of making a beautiful island your home and work base?
Allowing remote workers the opportunity to live and work from Barbados for a period of 12 months, the Welcome Stamp garnered interest from around the globe. During the 12 month period you can travel in and out of the country without being liable for local income tax.
Announcing the introduction of the Welcome Stamp in 2020, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said, “We recognise more people are working remotely, sometimes in very stressful conditions, with little option for vacation. Our new 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp is a visa that allows you to relocate and work from one of the world’s most beloved tourism destinations. We believe we have something very special to offer on this little rock we call Barbados. Our friendly people, professional services, commitment to education and importantly safety and security, all make Barbados an ideal place to live for both singles and families. Thank you for considering making Barbados your new home.”
The introduction of the Welcome Stamp led to an uptick in interest in Barbados homes for sale and rent. Its ongoing success has reinforced Barbados’ position as a robust real estate investment for the future.
The Time is Now
So, the time has come for us to say goodbye to the past (and goodbye to the Duke of Hastings who will not be returning for Bridgerton Season 2), embrace the present (the UK will be celebrating ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19), and make plans for the future –Barbados here we come!
