Real Estate Talk | St Ann a prime real estate investment destination

I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most beautiful and promising areas for investment. One place that continually impresses me is St Ann, often referred to as Jamaica's Garden Parish. Nestled on the highly coveted north coast, St Ann is a treasure trove of lush flora, diverse fauna, and breathtaking natural beauty. This vibrant parish draws tourists from around the globe who come to experience its iconic local gems, such as Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole, and Dolphin Cove.

In recent years, I've noticed significant expansion in St Ann's real estate market, both residential and commercial. This growth is fuelled by the area’s appeal, combining natural splendour with modern conveniences, making it an increasingly attractive destination for investors.

Here are four compelling reasons why I believe St Ann stands out as an ideal location for real estate investment, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, infrastructure improvements, tourism appeal, and property appreciation:

REAL ESTATE EXPANSION AND SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY APPRECIATION

St Ann's real estate market has seen remarkable growth, particularly in areas like Ocho Rios, which offers everything from pristine beaches and rivers to vibrant nightlife, fine dining, and major shopping and business centres. As Ocho Rios becomes increasingly popular, neighbouring towns like Drax Hall have experienced a surge in development. This growth is evidenced by the influx of new businesses, including medical centres, car dealerships, and restaurants.

A notable addition is Starbucks, which recently invested $60 million to launch the Caribbean’s first drive-through coffee store in Drax Hall, marking a significant milestone for the area.

This business boom has been accompanied by a substantial rise in modern residential developments. The demand for housing has driven property values in areas such as Priory and Drax Hall to increase by up to 60 per cent over the past eight years. This rapid appreciation in property values underscores the robust investment potential of St Ann’s real estate market, making it an attractive prospect for both residential and commercial investors looking to capitalise on the region's growing popularity and economic vitality.

IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE AND CENTRAL LOCATION

The completion of the Jamaica North-South Highway in 2016 has dramatically enhanced accessibility to St Ann. This crucial infrastructure project has transformed what was once a two-hour, often challenging drive between Kingston and Ocho Rios into a safe, efficient, and scenic journey. St Ann's strategic position at the heart of Jamaica’s north coast means it is easily reachable from all major cities and airports across the country. Travel time from Ocho Rios to both Montego Bay and Kingston airports has been reduced to just an hour and 35 minutes.

The ongoing investment of approximately $124 billion (US$800 million) to construct a new four-lane highway from Rose Hall in Montego Bay to Mammee Bay in St Ann promises to further streamline travel and alleviate congestion in key areas.

Additionally, the Ian Fleming International Airport has expanded its services to include international flights, significantly enhancing travel convenience for both tourists and investors. This development not only increases the ease of reaching St Ann from various global destinations but also positions the area as a more attractive option for international buyers. The airport's strategic location, just 20 minutes from Ocho Rios, makes it exceptionally accessible, ensuring that visitors can quickly and comfortably reach the heart of this vibrant parish.

WORLD-RENOWNED TRAVEL DESTINATION

Jamaica is one of the world’s premier cruise destinations, offering a diverse array of tourism products and experiences, alongside some of the most impressive ports. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has highlighted Ocho Rios as Jamaica’s leading port, contributing 40 per cent of the country's total visitor arrivals in 2019. In January 2020 alone, 22 per cent of Jamaica's 227,200 stopover arrivals chose to stay in Ocho Rios, second only to Montego Bay, which welcomed 37 per cent of the tourists.

Visitors frequently opt for gated apartments and homes over traditional hotel stays, driving demand for short-term rentals at rates exceeding US$100 per night. This influx of tourists, particularly during major events like Easter and Jamaican Independence, fuels the vibrant local economy and bolsters the real estate rental market.

BEACHES, NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND BEAUTY

The allure of St Ann lies in its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment. This parish is a harmonious blend of majestic waterfalls, tranquil rivers, and sparkling turquoise waters that meet lush mountainous rainforests. Its charm extends to its luxurious resorts and scenic landscapes, providing a peaceful yet lively retreat for visitors. Home buyers are consistently drawn to St Ann for its secure, picturesque communities, making it a top choice for those seeking a slice of paradise.

With its unique combination of natural beauty, improved infrastructure, and a thriving real estate market, St Ann stands out as an exceptional location for real estate investment. The parish's ongoing growth and development further solidify its status as one of Jamaica’s most desirable investment destinations.

But St Ann isn't just about stunning landscapes and booming real estate. One of the key factors making it an ideal investment destination, in my opinion, is its top-notch educational institutions and robust infrastructure. The parish is home to some of Jamaica's best schools, offering quality education from primary to tertiary levels, institutions such as York Castle High School, Ferncourt High School, and Moneague College. This strong educational foundation makes St Ann an attractive option for families looking to settle in a community that prioritises learning and development.

Moreover, St Ann boasts modern healthcare facilities, shopping centres, and recreational amenities that cater to the needs of its residents. The availability of these essential services adds to the appeal of the area, ensuring that residents enjoy a high quality of life.

With its unique combination of natural beauty, improved infrastructure, thriving real estate market, and excellent educational institutions, St Ann stands out as an exceptional location for real estate investment. The parish's ongoing growth and development further solidify its status as one of Jamaica’s most desirable investment destinations.

Whether you are looking to invest in residential properties, commercial enterprises, or vacation rentals, St Ann offers a promising landscape that blends the best of Jamaica’s cultural and natural allure. As the area continues to develop and attract both local and international interest, now is the ideal time to consider St Ann for your next real estate investment.

Tianna Porter is a marketing and sales officer at Proven Properties. Email feedback to realtalk@weareproven.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.