In an age where stock market, money market, trading in foreign currency and other assets vulnerable to outside forces make and break fortunes, one constant remains – the solid strength and value of real estate.


That is why Money magazine devoted its entire cover story to it ( HOW REAL ESTATE REALLY BUILDS WEALTH, June 2003) and introduced the article with these words to the wise reader:

“Prices have soared on the home front in recent years, buttressing real estate’s reputation as a cornerstone of financial security…”

---- Money magazine


If real estate is a stalwart investment in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe, with values increasing by 25% and 35% even as tech stocks fell and rebounding markets remained tremulous, real estate in The Bahamas has shown even greater returns.

And nowhere in The Bahamas have those returns skyrocketed faster than they have in Exuma, the new mecca of discretionary income real estate investment where a luxury condo villa that sold for $900,000 less than a year ago is valued at $1.3 million today and beachfront lots are commanding prices that are more closely associated with property in places like Provence, Hong Kong and Monaco. Yet, good property is available but those who act quickly will find the best investments.

Understanding why the appeal for property in The Bahamas, and especially in Exuma, is so great is simple.

Warmth: Sunny days, balmy nights year-round in an island nation that lies between the hot and steamy tropics and the cold of North America where a single sweater is all the ‘winter’ wardrobe you are ever likely to need

Lack of taxation: No income tax, no capital gains, estate, sales or other taxes and only a nominal real estate property tax. The government raises the money it needs through Customs duties on imported items, business licenses and other fees.

Accessibility: Commercial, scheduled charter and private charter flights land and depart from Nassau, Grand Bahama and Exuma all day and evening long from every destination imaginable through busy international airports with the added convenience of US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance. Award-winning fixed base operations accommodate the most luxurious private jets and planes. Every major commercial airline in the world serves the island nation.

Currency: With the Bahamian dollar on par with the US dollar, and with the ability to repatriate funds should a purchaser ever wish to sell, funds are safe and the system, monitored by a very strict Central Bank, is solid and sound.

Political stability: The Bahamas is often cited for being the longest-reigning stable political system in the Western Hemisphere. With more than 250 years of parliamentary government behind it, the country has enjoyed peace through its entire history and has never suffered political upheaval.

Communications & Technology: Because the financial services industry constitutes the second-largest sector of the economy, telecommunications and other technology-related facilities are state-of-the-art.

Language: Although The Bahamas is an English-speaking country, many residents speak several languages and a surprising number of professionals in banking and hospitality, including dive companies, speak Italian, German, Swiss, Japanese, Spanish and other languages. The attempt to please when it comes to language is so great that most offshore financial institutions make concerted efforts to hire those who are multi-lingual. And Dillycrab Realty, through its affiliate arrangement with Bahamas Realty Ltd., has agents who speak more than eight languages, including Portuguese.

Yachting capital: Year-round warmth with crystal clear waters and so many inviting anchorages have made Exuma the yachting capital of the region for years. Hundreds of small islands, many uninhabited with virgin beaches to stroll and explore, offer constant variety. Sailing events draw hundreds of boats a few times a year – a contrast between the quiet, secluded and remote coves and the lively picturesque harbours.

Today, Exuma, long known as the yachtsman’s paradise, is the land of luxurious gated communities, island cottages and magnificent residences. If practical matters alone did not drive up the cost of property, the brilliance of the clear, sparkling waters and marine life would be enough to make any investor want to sigh the sigh of Paradise Found, drop anchor, unpack bags and call it home.