Downsizing, cutbacks, call it what you will but, every year after the dreaded Annual Budget, we all try to find ways of ‘affordable living’.
One thing remains constant; When it comes to Jamaican real estate (like most property in the Caribbean), it has its value and if you can keep it, then do so! This is true even in the most difficult of times and despite the occasional political unrest along with a fairly constant high crime rate, simply because Jamaica is such a beautiful land with idyllic weather. The tourism industry, despite everything, not only remains afloat but remains relatively strong. So if you are doing everything you can to survive; struggling to keep your head above water, don’t sell that lovely property, yet! Jamaican real estate will continue to rise in value and be sought after for years to come, especially as beachfront and island homes are becoming harder to find.
With all the gloom, doom and global recession, Jamaica has still managed to make great strides in creating an environment conducive to business 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. All of this bodes well for those who have invested in local property and real estate. Hold on to your land, it can only be appreciated.
Now, apart from Jamaica Real Estate, we believe that affordable living exists in everyday life and we base that statement on the following facts. Grab your typical Jamaican lunch, still remarkably cheap, especially if you convert it to US dollars or British pounds. The ubiquitous box lunch costs, on average, around US$4.00 or £2.70p! And, the Jamaican box lunch is a life saver – good Jamaican cuisine and extremely filling. When our local vegetables are in season, they are a bargain – literally! Local lettuce is J$50-J$60 for 2 nice ‘heads’ in a pack, for example, and we can all find and head to a free beach on a sunny day; all we need is our bus fare/gas money and enough for, you guessed it, a box lunch! And then, a day in the magnificent Gardens of Hope is still completely free! Let’s not forget a good friend somewhere cooking up a huge pot of ‘Saturday soup’ which is invariably delicious and accompanied by lively discussion, on the veranda of course.
Beyond the image of a tropical paradise, the people of the country have a solid reputation as innovators (especially when money is tight) and trendsetters. Jamaicans are ordinary people who often ascend 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 not least, sport.