Rockley Residences
Walking distance to beaches
Central leisurely swimming pool
Clubhouse with bar and restaurant
9-hole golf course
Contact Luxe for more information.
4 four-storey buildings
Elevators in each buildings
Furniture packages available Tennis Courts
Investment Opportunity
Ideally situated on Rockley Golf Resort, this exclusive new development features luxurious open plan condominiums in a great location. Offering comfortable living and excellent rental potential.
G r a n d
c e a n v i e w s , a p o o l , a n d f l e x i b l e l i v i n g w i t h a s e l fc o n t a i n e d s u i t e
Hillington - Golf Club Road, Christ Church
3 bed, 3 bath traditional family home conveniently located on the South Coast near many amenities US $625,000 (unfurnished)
Maxwell Beach Villas 103 - Christ Church
Port St. Charles 108 - St. Peter
1 bed, 1 bath luxury apartment with ocean views over a serene lagoon, complete with a 60 ft berth US $850,000 (furnished)
2 bed, 2 bath turn-key beachfront retreat with rental potential on Barbados’ vibrant south coast US $675,000 (furnished)
Mount Gardens Lot 16 - St.George
6,912 Sq. Ft. residential lot with country views in a peaceful cul-de-sac US $80,000
Hilbury Plantation House - St. George
3 bed, 2.5 bath well-maintained historical home sitting on four acres with views of the south coast US $1,497,500 (unfurnished)
Prior Park Lot 47 - St. James
13,700 Sq. Ft. beautiful lot in a highly sought-after neighbourhood with spectacular views US $170,000
Palm View 288 - Sunset Crest, St. James
4 bed, 4.5 bath tranquil retreat with a basement studio and adjacent apartment with rental potential US $850,000 (appliances only)
Mount Standfast 1 - St. James
4 bed, 4.5 bath contemporary 4,500 Sq.Ft. villa with pool, located steps away from the beach US $1,495,000 (unfurnished)
Long Bay 192 - St. Philip
14,939 Sq. Ft. corner lot with lovely ocean views and positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac US $124,998
Editor’s Comments
It’s that time of year
everyone! Tidy up, spruce up, paint up, out with the old in with the new and get ready for the holidays! Christmas music is playing on the radio and retailers islandwide have spent endless months shopping to bring you exciting new stock. The banks have some enticing offers if you need a little financial help. So what are you waiting for? Give the house a facelift after a long, hot, dry summer. Whether you like more muted colours like taupe or go for the primary bold look, there is something for everyone. Read on and get inspired! Congratulations to Wine World on the opening of their brand new store in Holetown. There is plenty of parking and the same great choice which Wine World is famous for. Remember they give a discount on Tuesdays for BARP members and usually a discount if you buy twelve bottles or more. With the season approaching they will also be having a wide selection of chocolates and biscuits which make great gifts.
We welcome back Royal Westmoreland with news of their enticing Fractional Ownership packages which include access to world class golf, spa, pools, dining – resort luxury at your fingertips for a reasonable price!
On the cautious side, don’t forget, we are only in October and the hurricane season is not over yet! Still keep those batteries, tinned foods, water on hand and keep abreast of any news of approaching systems. Never let your guard down!
Turn the pages for lots of properties to buy and rent! Barbados is a paradise! Be a part of it! Remember we are FREE and on line www.barbadospropertynews. com Best - Pamela x
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Credits
Publisher – Hiltop Publications Ltd, 11 Gunsite Townhouses
Brittons Hill, St Michael Barbados
Tel (246) 232 0692
Email: sportingb@caribsurf.com www.sportingbarbados.com www.barbadospropertynews.com
Editor/Advertising – Pamela L Hiles
Design and Art Direction – 809
Distribution – Hiltop Publications Ltd, Brian’s Print Brokerage Printing – COT Printery
The Material and editorial contained in this publication have been deemed accurate at the time of going to print. The views expressed as editorial are those of the Editor unless stated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the permission of Hiltop Publications Ltd.
Holders Hill - Bamboo Ridge
A Toast to New Beginnings: Wine World Opens at Sunset Crest
Wine lovers and discerning shoppers have something new to celebrate.
Wine World has unveiled its beautiful new store at Sunset Crest, St. James, a fresh, elegant space that perfectly blends sophistication with the relaxed charm of the West Coast.
More than just a move from its previous Holetown location, this opening marks an exciting new chapter for Wine World.
The spacious new store offers a brighter, more modern shopping environment with easy access and ample parking, making it even more convenient for customers to stop in and explore.
Inside, visitors and locals alike will discover an expanded selection of wines, spirits, and mixers from around the world, along with an exciting range of glassware, accessories, and gourmet nibbles, perfect for entertaining or gifting.
Located in the lively Sunset Crest Mall, the store reflects Wine World’s ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, from knowledgeable staff and personalized service to an inspiring, welcoming atmosphere.
“Sunset Crest has always been at the heart of our West Coast community,” says Retail Manager Poonam Millward.
“This new store gives us the opportunity to serve our customers in a more beautiful and engaging way, and we’re thrilled to finally open our doors.”
Whether picking up a favourite bottle, finding the perfect gift, or simply exploring something new, Wine World Sunset Crest invites you to Taste, Experience, and Enjoy.
Freshen up for the Season…without spending a fortune!
No time like the next two months to get organised for a spruce up. Maybe you have family coming over for the holidays? Maybe you just have a ‘tired’ looking living room or bedroom that needs a makeover. Is the outside of the house starting to look a bit faded and shabby from the relentless tropical sun? It’s time folks! And you don’t have to break the bank. Although as you will see, there are plenty offers of loans out there by the banks if you need it or want to do a bigger job.
I believe when you are decorating you should have fun! Take painting an interior room. We live in the tropics and many of us opt for cool beige or white walls throughout, choosing some pretty art or prints, a few plants to add colour and liven up the living spaces. Why not paint one wall a jazzy colour? Live a little dangerously. Harris paints and Kooyman have a wide selection of colours and you can go in with a particular colour to their stores or Carters and they will mix it for you. This small change could make the whole room look different! Compliment the change in the living room or bedroom with some cushions or lamps and
suddenly it looks like you have a whole new space. Throw in a rug and with only minimal expense you have created a fresh, modern revamp! Fantastic!
I’m a huge fan of lamps and subtle lighting! If you have only ceiling fixtures that are harsh when turned on flooding the room with intense brightness, invest in a few lamps for the bedside, or in the living room on side tables. This lends a softer, more romantic feel to any room. A house should also be a home with memories and personal keepsakes but sometimes, a fun accessory can add that little pop of colour which updates the dated room and makes everything look new. If you want to splurge, a nice signature chair or side table is also a good addition. A visit to Gajah Home in The Avenue, Designer Décor in the Pine and Archers Hall in Speightstown is a must! You will be spoilt for choice when you see all their new stock.
In the kitchen, you can spend and spend – the world is your oyster. However, if you’re on a budget…Get the knobs changed on the unit doors! You can paint a panel on the doors a bright colour or repaint the whole kitchen unit. You can change the worktop! Fiberpol is there to help you and they have all the modern materials! Struggling with that rusted and old kitchen tap fitting? Visit Platinum Imports, Carters, Kooyman, Blue Print Imports – the choice is endless and some of these very modern fittings are not expensive. You can also make this change in your shower – If you have been putting up with a drip drip fitting, treat yourself to a power or rain shower. You will not regret it.
Whatever it is you do this season, go shopping, take a look around. Freshen up and spruce up and make that change. Your property is your investment and money spent in maintenance and keeping it looking great NEVER goes to waste. When you are finished, send us some pictures! Happy Decorating!!!
To AirBNB or Not To Be, that is the question....
Making the choice between listing your property for short-term rentals (like Airbnb) or for a long-term lease in Barbados is a critical decision for any property owner. While the potential for high seasonal income from tourism is enticing, the landscape is quickly changing, particularly with the proposed introduction of the Tourist Accommodation Bill, 2025. Understanding the financial, operational, and regulatory implications of each model is essential for a sustainable investment.
Financial and Operational Trade-Offs
The primary draw of the short-term rental market is the higher income potential, especially during peak season (typically December to April). In prime areas, monthly revenues for top-tier properties can far exceed typical long-term rental rates. This model also offers greater flexibility to use the property yourself or adjust pricing based on demand.
However, this higher revenue is coupled with significantly higher operating costs and workload. Short-term rentals require constant cleaning, utility payments, regular restocking of essentials, more frequent maintenance due to high turnover, and often the expense of professional property management. Furthermore, the income at times can be unstable and highly seasonal, with low-season occupancy rates and average daily rates dropping considerably in the summer months.
In contrast, long-term rentals offer steady, predictable cash flow. While the monthly income is lower, the expenses are dramatically reduced. Tenants typically cover utilities and are responsible for basic upkeep. The management is simpler, requiring less active host involvement. The primary trade-off is the loss of personal access to the property and the commitment of a longer lease.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
The introduction of the proposed Tourist Accommodation Bill, 2025 is the single most important factor reshaping the decision for short-term rental operators. This legislation aims to bring all tourist accommodation, including platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, under a strict licensing and inspection framework to protect the Barbados tourism brand.
The core provisions that impact short-term operators include:
• Mandatory Licensing and Registration: All operators must be licensed,
registered, and inspected by the government.
• Stiff Penalties: Operating an unlicensed short-term rental is presently proposed as a criminal offense with possible fines.
• Compliance with New Standards: New facilities must meet universal accessibility standards, and existing properties will be given time to comply or apply for exemptions. There is also a requirement to maintain detailed records for review.
For a property owner, this new regulatory environment shifts the balance. The increased cost and complexity of compliance, including retrofitting for accessibility standards and managing administrative burdens, may make the higher revenue potential of short-term rentals less attractive for small-scale, home-based operators. Many stakeholders have voiced concerns that the stringent requirements are tailored for large hotels, not individual homeowners, potentially driving small operators out of the market.
The Final Decision: A Holistic View
To make an informed choice, property owners should consider a holistic view:
1. Risk Tolerance and Work Ethic: If you value stability and minimal administrative work, long-term rental is the clear winner. If you are willing to manage the demanding, high-turnover hospitality business for potentially higher, but variable, returns, short-term is an option.
2. Property Type and Location: Properties in prime tourist locations (e.g., West or South Coast) will still command high short-term rates, making the investment in compliance potentially worthwhile. Less-prime areas may find their rental arbitrage diminished by the new costs.
3. Local Housing Market Consideration: Choosing long-term rentals also helps address the social issue of housing affordability for locals, as the shift of properties to short-term rentals has tightened the long-term housing stock in Barbados.
Ultimately, the proposed Tourist Accommodation Bill potentially may dissuade some homeowners from entry into the short-term rental market in Barbados, forcing a recalculation. The higher revenue from Airbnb now comes with potentially a much higher regulatory consideration and operational commitment. We remain confident the entrepreneurial spirit of Barbadians will prevail, and a suitable middle ground will be achieved through additional National discourse on the Bill.
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