Buying Property in the Caribbean - Antigua & Barbuda

The Country

For sun-lovers and swimmers, there is said to be a first-class beach for every day of the year. Most of them never get crowded, and all are protected by reefs. If you find yourself visiting the same beach twice, get a boat out to one of the 30 off-shore islets, where you’ll find even more.

Barbuda, too, has huge, magnificent white (and pink) sand beaches and thriving marine life. Divers can see forests of coral or visit some of the 200 wrecks in the waters around this idyllic isle, while nature lovers can take a boat out into the mangroves to see thousands of frigate birds.

Buying in Antigua

There are a variety of locations across the island, so you are sure to find the one, which matches your dream.

Residential – the main expatriate populations on the island are based in the South East around English Harbour and Falmouth, in the South West in and around Jolly Harbour, in the East at Half Moon Bay and Browns Bay, and in the North in Hodges Bay and Cedar Valley and surrounding areas. As with buying a property anywhere, there is excellent choice in price, style of building and proximity to services. Location is the key to your enjoyment and usually to the value of re-sale.

Rentals – can be found throughout the island from studio apartments to five bedroom executive villas with all the toys and wonderful ocean views, the key consideration is what is your budget – once you know that you should be able to find a property to suit you.

Life on Barbuda is quiet and accommodation is limited, but that’s just what makes the island so irresistibly charming.

Antigua Quick Facts:

• Capital: St John's, Antigua

• Population: 67,000

• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, US$1=EC2.68

• Language: English

• Political status: independent nation; member of the British Commonwealth

• Entry requirements: please refer to the official Antigua and Barbuda tourism site by clicking on this link http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Agtip01a.htm

• Area: 108 square miles (280 sq km)

• Political status: Independent state within the Commonwealth

• Religion: Anglican and other Protestant churches

• Business: Banks are open 8am-1pm, Monday to Thursday, and on Fridays, 8am-12 noon and 3-5pm. The main banks are Bank of Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays, Canadian Imperial and Royal Bank of Canada, Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank. Payment cards are widely accepted. Shops are open Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 4-5pm, with an hour for lunch from noon. Many stay open later if a cruise ship is in port.

• Electricity: 220 volts AC 60 cycles with 110 volts in some areas

• Telecommunications: the international dialling code for Antigua and Barbuda is +1 268 followed by a seven digit number. On the island, use the seven digits alone.

Top Tip use the free property finding service at www.homesgofast.com to find your dream home in the Caribbean. Go to www.caribbeanhomes4sale.com for buying tips in the Caribbean
Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com