5 Ways to Get a Starter Home in Jamaica
by Nasheva
(Jamaica)
Hey Sir G, hope that all is well with you. My question is my spouse and I are looking for a starter home, something that young people can afford, I don't know if you have any ideas can help us with. I have search online realtors, but the prices are too expensive for us. So if you know of any could you kindly let me know. Nasheva
RESPONSE: by Deon ClarkeHi Nasheva,
Thank you so much for your question. Persons have various dreams and home ownership is definitely one of them - a very important one at that. It brings a sense of achievement or accomplishment, especially when you are young. Today I will be happy to provide you with some options in achieving your goal of a starter home for you and your spouse.
You have mentioned that you have researched realtors online but the prices are too expensive. It would have been good to get an idea of the budget you are working with but that information is not available. Nevertheless, I will try to provide you with some viable options using the National Housing Trust (NHT) as a benchmark where prices are concerned. So here goes:
The National Housing Trust (NHT)
The National Housing Trust is a good option to find starter homes. They usually include these in new developments and you can also find them in existing developments where in some cases, some of these units may have been repossessed. You will also find that the prices here are more reasonable than on the real estate agencies. For more details, you can call them or visit their website at: https://www.nht.gov.jm/
The Housing agency of Jamaica Limited (HAJL)
This is another great option to find starter homes. Like the NHT, the HAJ does a number of reasonable priced housing developments including starter homes. You might also be able to find other options for sale that fit within your budget. These units or houses are also available island wide. You can call or visit their website at: https://www.hajl.gov.jm/
The Jamaican Redevelopment Foundation Inc. (JRF)
Here is another great option to get you on your way to owning a starter home. The Jamaican Redevelopment Foundation Inc. is one of the largest real estate holders in Jamaica. They have acquired the largest portfolio of what you can call “distressed debt” including properties that were being sold by the Jamaican Government in an attempt to revamp the financial sector. As a result, the properties that they sell are usually reasonably priced and are also available island wide. They also offer significantly reduced prices at times as some sort of promotional offer. You can call them or visit their website at: https://www.jrfi.com/.
Bank Foreclosures or Repossessed Properties
Bank foreclosures are usually another great way of acquiring a property that you could use for your starter home. These homes or properties are usually sold below market value to recover the cost of outstanding balances. As such, you might find some great deals that could just work for you. You could visit the property listings on the banks’ websites and do your research. Some of these include:
- VMBS - https://vmpsrealestate.com/
- JN Bank - https://www.jngroup.com/group-services/property-services/
- NCB - https://www.jncb.com/Support/Help-Resources/Reclaimed-Listings
- Sagicor Bank - https://www.sagicor.com/en-jm/personal-solution/banking/-/media/9694b4c4a1ae42cea23e4a8f8fb4d5e9.ashx
- Sagicor Bank - https://www.sagicorproperties.com/
- SoctiaBank - https://jm.scotiabank.com/personal/borrowing/mortgage-solutions.html
Purchase Land and Build
A final option I have for you would be to purchase land and build on it. Depending on where you decide to build, this might be a very feasible economic alternative if you are up to it. Not only that, you get the opportunity to build exactly what you want and you can do so overtime based on your budget. You could also get affordable lands from the options provided above and the rest would really be up to you.
So Nasheva, I certainly do hope that the information provided will prove useful to you and also beneficial to other readers. I wish you all the best in your searching endeavors as you aim to acquire your piece of the Jamaican rock we call home. God Bless!
I also recommend you read Jamaica Real Estate
The Caribbean's Jewel At Bargain Prices.
Regards,
DC
References:
- National Housing Trust(NHT), https://www.nht.gov.jm/
- Housing Agency of Jamaica Limited (HAJL), https://www.hajl.gov.jm/
- Jamaican Redevelopment Foundation, Inc.(JRFI), https://www.jrfi.com/
- Victoria Mutual Property Services(VMPS) https://vmpsrealestate.com/
- Scotiabank, https://jm.scotiabank.com/personal/borrowing/mortgage-solutions.html
- “Property Services”, Jamaica National Group, https://www.jngroup.com/group-services/property-services/ https://www.jncb.com/Support/Help-Resources/Reclaimed-Listings
- “Private Treaty Listing (2020)”, Sagicor Bank Jamaica Limited,
https://www.sagicor.com/en-jm/personal-solution/banking/-/media/9694b4c4a1ae42cea23e4a8f8fb4d5e9.ashx
- “Sagicor Property Listings”, Sagicor Property Services, https://www.sagicorproperties.com/
Editor's Note
And you? What's on your mind? Submit your question here! With well over 2000 questions already answered, chances are we assist :-)
Click here to post comments
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to JamaicaQuestions.
Other Great Articles You Might Have Missed
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.