Real Estate in Jamaica

Last updated on Aug 09, 2023

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Jamaica should start by researching the different areas of the country and deciding which one best suits their needs. They should then contact a local real estate agent to help them find a suitable property. Homes in Jamaica typically include amenities such as air conditioning, a pool, and a garden. Some may also include a garage, a patio, and a balcony. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Jamaica, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Land and Environment before they can purchase land. Additionally, foreigners are not allowed to own more than five acres of land.

How do I find a place to live in Jamaica?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We wanted to be close to the Montego Bay airport so we looked at a few parishes on the west half of the island. Falmouth is up and coming so we selected Falmouth. My husband and I are real estate agents in the US, so we just felt comfortable contacting a real estate agent to find our current house," explained one person living in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"I chose my community by asking friends and family for references. I wanted to reside near the airport but not in a commercial zone. I chose Retreat Heights which is located outside of the town of Falmouth but close enough to hotels, airport and entertainment," said one expat in Falmouth.

"I made some friends here in Negril and found a place via referral from a friend. You can contact me at http://www.jamaicamax.com and I can help anyone find rental rooms or homes for sale in Jamaica," remarked one member in Negril.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.