Why are affluent Americans suddenly snapping up luxury homes in the Eastern Caribbean?
According to Realtor.com, a growing wave of U.S. buyers is flocking to countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia, drawn by Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs that offer a second passport alongside high-end real estate.
These programs, long established in places like St. Kitts since the late 1980s, are now seeing unprecedented interest. Awareness has surged, and with it, a desire for global mobility and a financial safety net.
Amid rising political and cultural tensions in the U.S., many are seeking a “Plan B.” Data from Henley & Partners shows a 64% jump in applications for investment migration programs in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year. Inquiries also spiked by 53% in the same period.
The appeal is clear: a Caribbean passport grants visa-free access to up to 150 countries, including most of Europe and the U.K. Dual citizenship is allowed, offering flexibility for those wary of domestic uncertainty.
CBI programs in these five nations provide streamlined applications and minimal residency rules. Investors can qualify through real estate purchases, contributions to national funds, or business investments. Family members can often be included, sweetening the deal.
Real estate is the most popular route, with qualifying properties starting at $300,000. However, most sales hover closer to $1 million, targeting wealthy buyers over residents. These homes—often new builds with pools and premium amenities—are government-approved developments.
“Most of the qualifying homes are brand-new construction,” says Nadia Dyson, an Antigua-based real estate agent with Luxury Locations. “Everything has to meet the $300,000 minimum for CBI, but most of our sales are closer to a million dollars.”
The buyer profile is shifting, too. Once dominated by retirees, the market now attracts younger families and remote workers. As Dyson notes, “COVID really opened people’s eyes to location independence.”
About 30% of recent buyers are relocating full-time, exploring schools and healthcare options. Others see these properties as dual-purpose investments. “They want the freedom to leave if they need to—and a house that earns rental income in the meantime,” Dyson explains.
In Antigua, for instance, permanent residency isn’t required for citizenship, yet more buyers are choosing to settle. Developments like Jolly Harbour are booming with projects such as Nicky Beach Resort and a new Marriott Courtyard. These projects stabilize surrounding property values, but there’s a catch. As Dyson points out, “If a property isn’t CBI-approved, it’s definitely harder to sell right now.”
Not everyone cheers the trend—some argue that selling citizenship cheapens national identity. Yet demand shows no sign of slowing. For many, a Caribbean home tied to a passport is becoming a cornerstone of wealth-building strategy.
For investors skeptical of overreliance on a single nation’s stability, CBI offers a hedge. It’s a way to diversify not just assets, but personal freedom. If you’re considering this path, start by researching each country’s eligibility rules—flexibility varies.
Ultimately, this isn’t just about a vacation home; it’s about securing options in an uncertain world. As Dyson puts it, “A Caribbean home with a passport is the new insurance policy.” Weigh the costs against the benefits, but don’t ignore the growing appeal of global mobility.