Analysis of the latest MLS real estate sales figures in the Turks & Caicos for the years 2005 and 2006 shows strong increases across the board in 2006, particularly in higher-value transactions. In broad terms the 2006 figures indicate a percentage increase of more than 70% in gross sales figures and a 44% increase in the gross number of closed sales over the preceding year. Presumably that margin will increase significantly by the end of the year as we get back into the main tourist season.
The strength in the Turks & Caicos real estate market is particularly noteworthy in a global environment of increasing interest rates and concerns about slowing real estate sales. There are too many variables to say with certainty why the Turks & Caicos is bucking the larger trend, but we expect the reasons include:
the limited supply of (and steady demand for) quality beach, oceanfront and oceanview property;
increased awareness driven by the international marketing initiatives of the Government and the main players in the development and tourist industries;
expenditure on infrastructure - most notably the Leeward Highway, the Lower Bight road and the Grace Bay road which have pedestrian friendly sidewalks, street lighting and roundabouts which keep traffic moving. 2006 has also seen the opening of the US$10 mil. Gustavus Lighbourne Sports Centre, the opening of the Carnival Cruise Port on Grand Turk and international announcements from a number of high-profile developers relating to pending projects in the Turks & Caicos.
The continuing benefit of the commitment of successive Governments in the Turks & Caicos to control development so as to foster higher end development catering to a wealthier clientele.
The following figures set out below have been extracted from the TCREA database.
2006
2005
Total # of Closed Sales [Month]
14
10
Total # of Closed Sales YTD
157
109
Total Dollar Volume of Closing Sales YTD
$83,690,052
$48,305,500
SALES BY PRICE
2006 (so far)
2005
Under 30,000
5
9
30,000 - 39,999
2
2
40,000 - 49,999
2
7
50,000 - 59,999
7
10
60,000 - 69,999
2
2
70,000 - 79,999
10
4
80,000 - 89,999
4
3
90,000 - 99,999
7
2
100,000 - 119,999
13
4
120,000 - 139,999
10
3
140,000 - 159,999
7
2
160,000 - 179,999
2
2
180,000 - 199,999
1
1
200,000 - 219,999
1
3
220,000 - 239,999
1
3
240,000 - 259,999
4
4
260,000 - 349,999
19
24
350,000 - 399,999
6
5
400,000 - 499,999
7
10
500,000 - 749,999
13
8
750,000 - 999,999
7
9
1,000,000 +
22
23
It appears that the Turks & Caicos is one of those fortunate pockets of real estate activity which is insulated from negative broader market trends and should continue to enjoy positive momentum going forward.
Bernadette Hunt is a sales agent for and principal of Turks and Caicos Property, Ltd. She qualified to practice law in Ireland, was admitted to the Bar of the Turks & Caicos Islands in 1997 and has continued to practice law in TCI since that date with the associated law offices of Finbar F. Dempsey & Company (Grand Turk) and Dempsey & Company (Provo).
Bernadette has an in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and the legal framework it is built upon. She is a Rotarian a founder member of TCI Kidney Foundation and was granted Belonger status (Turks & Caicos Citizenship) in 2004.
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