Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Guatemala Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Antigua's property market is included in our pack
Antigua's real estate market is shaped by tourism, second-home buyers, and its Citizenship by Investment Programme, making it different from most mainland markets.
This article breaks down whether January 2026 is a good time to buy property in Antigua, using official data, IMF reports, and on-the-ground market signals.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest housing prices in Antigua and fresh market analysis.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Antigua.
So, is now a good time?
As of early 2026, our conclusion is "rather yes" for buying property in Antigua, but only if you buy selectively and negotiate hard on price.
The strongest signal supporting this is that tourism in Antigua surged 15% in stayover arrivals during 2025, with record-breaking visitor numbers exceeding one million, which directly supports rental demand and property values in coastal areas.
Another strong signal is that the IMF confirmed Antigua's economy grew 4.3% in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with public debt falling from 100% of GDP in 2020 to 67% in 2024, showing solid macro fundamentals.
However, there is a near-term risk: U.S. travel restrictions targeting Antigua's CIP took effect January 1, 2026, creating headline uncertainty that may soften buyer sentiment and improve negotiating leverage for those ready to purchase.
The best investment strategy in Antigua right now is to target well-located condos or villas in prime areas like Jolly Harbour, Hodges Bay, English Harbour, or Dickenson Bay, focus on properties with proven rental track records, and plan to hold for at least five years.
This is not financial or investment advice; we do not know your personal situation, so please do your own research and consult professionals before making any property purchase decision.
Is it smart to buy now in Antigua, or should I wait as of 2026?
Do real estate prices look too high in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, property prices in Antigua are not uniformly overpriced, but prime coastal and CIP-approved areas like Dickenson Bay, Hodges Bay, and English Harbour are priced to perfection because they attract international buyers rather than local incomes alone.
One clear signal is that listings in tourist-heavy zones often sit longer on market when priced aggressively, which suggests sellers are testing upper limits while buyers hold out for better deals amid the U.S. travel restriction headlines.
Another indicator is that inland homes and non-frontline condos in Antigua are more realistically priced, as they compete on rentability and maintenance fees rather than pure lifestyle appeal, making them less stretched than premium beachfront stock.
You can also read our latest update regarding the housing prices in Antigua.
Does a property price drop look likely in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of a meaningful property price decline in Antigua over the next 12 months is low to medium, mainly because the market tends toward illiquidity rather than forced selling when sentiment cools.
A plausible price change range for Antigua property in the next 12 months would be flat to down 5% for overpriced listings, while well-located properties in prime areas may hold steady or see modest gains of 2% to 4%.
The single most important macro factor that would increase the odds of a price drop in Antigua is a sustained decline in U.S. and U.K. tourism arrivals, since tourism drives over 60% of the economy and directly supports rental and second-home demand.
Given that Antigua just posted record tourism numbers and airlines are expanding routes, a major tourism collapse appears unlikely, though the new U.S. travel restrictions could create some softness in buyer confidence in early 2026.
Finally, please note that we cover the price trends for next year in our pack about the property market in Antigua.
Could property prices jump again in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of a renewed price surge in Antigua within the next 12 months is medium, concentrated in prime areas where truly beachfront or marina-front inventory is scarce and cannot be easily replicated.
A plausible upside price change range for Antigua over the next 12 months would be 3% to 8% for top-tier villas and condos in English Harbour, Hodges Bay, or Jolly Harbour, assuming tourism momentum continues and no major shocks occur.
The single biggest demand-side trigger that could drive prices to jump again in Antigua is a continuation of the tourism boom combined with new luxury hotel openings like the One-and-Only at Half Moon Bay, which can lift the entire prime market.
Please also note that we regularly publish and update real estate price forecasts for Antigua here.
Are we in a buyer or a seller market in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Antigua's residential property market leans slightly toward buyers overall, not because demand disappeared, but because U.S. travel restriction headlines have given purchasers more negotiating leverage and reduced urgency.
Antigua does not publish an official months-of-inventory figure, but market practitioners report that well-priced properties in prime areas can sell within three to six months, while overpriced listings can sit for a year or more, indicating a market where pricing discipline matters enormously.
The share of listings with price reductions in Antigua is not officially tracked, but anecdotal evidence from agents suggests that 15% to 25% of listings in the villa segment have seen price adjustments or incentives (like furnishing packages), which tells you sellers are having to work harder to close deals in January 2026.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Guatemala. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Are homes overpriced, or fairly priced in Antigua as of 2026?
Are homes overpriced versus rents or versus incomes in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, homes in prime Antigua locations can look overpriced compared to local incomes because pricing is driven by international lifestyle buyers and CIP investors rather than what Antiguans earn.
The price-to-rent ratio in Antigua varies widely: for well-located condos and villas with strong rental performance, gross yields of 3% to 5% are common, which is slightly below a balanced 5% to 6% benchmark but reasonable for a tourism-dependent second-home market where capital appreciation is part of the return.
The price-to-income multiple in Antigua is not directly comparable to mainland markets because foreign demand dominates the upper segments; however, for a local buyer looking at inland housing, prices remain more affordable, while beachfront villas can be 20 to 30 times median local household income.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Antigua.
Are home prices above the long-term average in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, prime coastal property prices in Antigua are likely above their pre-pandemic trend, consistent with the wider Caribbean second-home market pattern where luxury real estate has seen sustained multi-year growth.
Recent 12-month price appreciation in Antigua's luxury segment is estimated at 4% to 5%, which is above the long-run Caribbean average of around 2% to 3% but has moderated from the 5% to 10% annual gains seen in 2021 and 2022.
When adjusting for inflation, Antigua's prime property prices remain elevated versus their prior cycle peak (around 2019), though non-prime inland housing has seen more modest real gains and sits closer to historical norms.
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What local changes could move prices in Antigua as of 2026?
Are big infrastructure projects coming to Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the single biggest infrastructure project likely to impact Antigua property prices is the One-and-Only resort at Half Moon Bay, a $300 million luxury development expected to employ over 400 workers during construction and 550 to 600 staff when operational, which will lift demand in the southeast coast.
The timeline for the One-and-Only and other major projects is generally 2025 to 2027 for construction completion, with the Fifth Pier cruise terminal already operational and the Barbuda airport expansion underway, all of which support medium-term property demand.
For the latest updates on the local projects, you can read our property market analysis about Antigua here.
Are zoning or building rules changing in Antigua as of 2026?
The most important zoning and building rule change in Antigua is the 2024 Physical Planning Amendment Act, which tightens enforcement and compliance requirements for new construction and renovations, making permitting more rigorous.
As of early 2026, the net effect of these planning rule changes on property prices in Antigua is likely modestly positive for existing well-permitted stock, since stricter enforcement can slow new supply and protect neighborhood quality, but it may increase costs and timelines for buyers planning renovations or new builds.
The types of areas most affected by these rule changes are developing coastal corridors and inland zones where informal or semi-formal construction has been more common, meaning buyers in places like Valley Church or Cedar Valley should pay extra attention to permit status.
Are foreign-buyer or mortgage rules changing in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign-buyer rules in Antigua remain stable but meaningful: non-citizens must obtain a Non-Citizens Land Holding Licence (typically costing 5% to 7% of property value), and CIP buyers must purchase from government-approved projects, which channels demand into specific developments.
The most likely foreign-buyer rule change being discussed is not a new restriction but rather potential CIP reforms in response to U.S. travel restrictions, which could tighten due diligence or raise investment thresholds, though no concrete changes have been enacted yet.
For mortgage rules, the bigger issue in Antigua is cost and availability of credit rather than rapid rule changes; local financing is available but typically at higher rates than U.S. or U.K. markets, and many foreign buyers are cash purchasers, so mortgage rule shifts are less impactful than in other markets.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Guatemala.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Guatemala versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
Will it be easy to find tenants in Antigua as of 2026?
Is the renter pool growing faster than new supply in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the renter pool in Antigua is growing faster than new rental supply in prime areas, driven by a 15% surge in stayover arrivals and strong short-term rental demand, while new construction is concentrated in a few CIP-approved corridors.
The best signal of renter demand growth in Antigua is the record-breaking tourism numbers: over 330,000 stayover visitors in 2024, more than 823,000 cruise passengers, and continued momentum through late 2025, all of which translate into accommodation pressure.
New rental supply in Antigua is coming primarily from resort-style developments in Jolly Harbour, Hodges Bay, Nonsuch Bay, and Verandah Estates, but these projects take years to complete, meaning demand is currently outpacing deliveries in the most sought-after locations.
Are days-on-market for rentals falling in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there is no official days-on-market series for Antigua rentals, but market practitioners report that well-located properties in prime areas like Dickenson Bay or English Harbour are leasing within days during peak winter season, while shoulder season can stretch to weeks.
The difference in leasing speed between Antigua's best areas (Hodges Bay, Dickenson Bay, English Harbour, Jolly Harbour) and weaker areas (inland or less accessible coastal spots) can be dramatic: prime listings often book out months in advance, while secondary locations may take two to four times longer to fill.
One common reason days-on-market for rentals falls in Antigua during winter is the seasonal surge in North American and European visitors seeking to escape cold weather, combined with limited high-quality inventory, which creates genuine scarcity in December through April.
Are vacancies dropping in the best areas of Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, vacancy trends in Antigua's best-performing rental areas like Dickenson Bay, Hodges Bay, English Harbour, and Jolly Harbour are tight during peak season, with hotel occupancy reported above 2019 levels and short-term rental demand following suit.
While Antigua does not publish a formal vacancy rate, industry reports suggest that prime area occupancy during high season (December to April) can exceed 85% to 90%, compared to 60% to 70% average across the broader market, indicating that the best areas are noticeably tighter.
One practical sign that Antigua's best rental areas are tightening first is that landlords are increasingly able to demand advance bookings and longer minimum stays during winter, whereas a few years ago more flexibility was common, showing that supply is not keeping up with demand.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current rent levels in Antigua.
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An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Am I buying into a tightening market in Antigua as of 2026?
Is for-sale inventory shrinking in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, it is difficult to estimate precise for-sale inventory changes in Antigua because there is no public MLS-style database; however, agents report that truly prime beachfront and marina-front listings remain scarce, while mid-tier stock is more available.
We cannot provide an official months-of-supply figure for Antigua, but market feedback suggests that A-grade properties in English Harbour or Hodges Bay can move in under six months, while overpriced listings may sit for 12 to 18 months, which is consistent with a balanced-to-tight market for the best stock.
The single most likely reason inventory feels tight in Antigua's prime areas is that owners of great villas often have no urgency to sell; they hold for lifestyle use and wait for the right price, which keeps truly desirable listings off the market.
Are homes selling faster in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, we estimate that median time-to-sell for well-priced homes in Antigua's prime areas is around four to eight months, and this has likely stretched slightly compared to 2024 due to U.S. travel restriction headlines creating buyer hesitation.
Year-over-year, we estimate median days-on-market in Antigua has increased modestly (perhaps 10% to 20% longer) for the villa segment, as policy uncertainty gives buyers more negotiating room, though properties priced correctly are still transacting.
Are new listings slowing down in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, we are not confident in providing a precise year-over-year change in new for-sale listings in Antigua because no official listing database is published, but agent feedback suggests listing flow has been steady rather than declining.
Antigua's seasonal pattern for new listings typically sees more activity in late fall through early winter as sellers prepare for the high season, with fewer new listings appearing mid-summer; current levels appear roughly in line with seasonal norms rather than unusually low.
Is new construction failing to keep up in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, we estimate that new construction in Antigua is roughly keeping pace with overall demand, but it is not keeping up with demand for prime beachfront and marina-front locations, which are inherently limited by geography.
The trend in new development activity is positive: multiple CIP-approved projects are under construction in Jolly Harbour, Hodges Bay, Nonsuch Bay, and Verandah Estates, and government reporting indicates 2,000 new jobs expected in tourism and construction in 2025.
The single biggest bottleneck limiting new construction in Antigua is the combination of limited prime land, rising construction costs (materials often imported), and the recent tightening of planning rules under the 2024 Physical Planning Amendment Act, which adds compliance time.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Guatemala compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Will it be easy to sell later in Antigua as of 2026?
Is resale liquidity strong enough in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, resale liquidity in Antigua is moderate: well-located properties with clean permits and strong rental track records can sell within six to twelve months at realistic pricing, but the market is thin compared to larger jurisdictions.
Median days-on-market for resale homes in Antigua's prime areas is estimated at four to eight months for correctly priced stock, which is longer than a typical "healthy liquidity" benchmark of two to three months but normal for a small island second-home market.
The property characteristic that most improves resale liquidity in Antigua is location in a well-known demand node (English Harbour, Hodges Bay, Dickenson Bay, Jolly Harbour) combined with hurricane-resilient construction and documented rental income, which makes underwriting easier for buyers.
Is selling time getting longer in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, selling time in Antigua has likely stretched modestly compared to late 2024, primarily due to U.S. travel restriction headlines making buyers more cautious and willing to negotiate harder.
Current median days-on-market in Antigua is estimated at four to eight months for prime stock, with a realistic range of three months (for highly desirable, well-priced listings) to 18 months or more (for overpriced or less accessible properties).
One clear reason selling time can lengthen in Antigua is policy headline risk: when buyers see news about CIP-related restrictions or U.S. travel bans, they pause to assess implications, even if the fundamentals remain solid, which slows transaction velocity.
Is it realistic to exit with profit in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the likelihood of selling with a profit in Antigua after a typical holding period of five to seven years is medium to high, assuming you buy in a prime location at a fair price and control carrying costs like insurance and maintenance.
The minimum holding period in Antigua that most often makes exiting with profit realistic is five years, which aligns with CIP resale rules and allows time for capital appreciation (historically 4% to 5% annually for prime stock) to offset transaction costs.
The total round-trip cost drag in Antigua (buying plus selling) is significant: expect roughly 2.5% buyer stamp duty, 5% to 7% Non-Citizens Land Holding Licence fee, legal fees of 1% to 2%, and 7.5% seller stamp duty, totaling approximately 15% to 20% in transaction friction, or about $150,000 to $200,000 on a $1 million property (roughly 135,000 to 180,000 EUR).
The single factor that most increases profit odds in Antigua is buying below market value through negotiation or off-market deals, especially when headlines create temporary buyer hesitation, combined with targeting locations that have durable global demand and cannot be easily replicated.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Antigua, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| IMF Article IV Consultation 2025 | The IMF is the global standard for macro risk and economic outlooks. | We used it to anchor GDP growth, debt levels, and economic stability. We treat it as the baseline for demand-side pressure on housing. |
| Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority | Official government source for tourism statistics and arrivals data. | We used it to quantify tourism demand growth driving rentals. We also used arrival splits to gauge pressure on different submarkets. |
| CIP Approved Development Projects | Official government portal listing eligible real estate for citizenship investment. | We used it to map where foreign and CIP-led supply concentrates. We also flagged where CIP price floors affect condo and villa pricing. |
| Reuters | A highly reliable wire service with strong editorial standards. | We used it as a near-term risk factor for 2026 demand sentiment. We treat it as headline risk that can slow transactions. |
| Non-Citizens Land Holding Act (Cap. 293) | The governing law for non-citizens owning property in Antigua. | We used it to explain foreign-buyer licensing and obligations. We treat it as essential rules for anyone buying in Antigua. |
| Physical Planning Amendment Act 2024 | Official enacted legislation on planning and building rules. | We used it to identify planning enforcement changes affecting supply. We treat it as a supply-side constraint input. |
| Antigua Inland Revenue Department | Official tax authority for Antigua and Barbuda. | We used it to ground transaction cost discussions. We combined it with other summaries for complete rate schedules. |
| iGuides Antigua Tax Summary | Structured tax summary widely used by investors as a reference. | We used it to extract clear numeric rates for stamp duty and licence fees. We treat it as rate clarity, cross-checked against laws. |
| Savills Caribbean Report | Major global real estate consultancy with published research methodology. | We used it to benchmark Antigua against other Caribbean markets. We treat it as regional context, not a local price index. |
| Antigua Statistics Division | Official national statistics agency for standardized tourism data. | We used it to validate tourism measurement and support demand arguments. We treat it as a standards layer behind rental demand logic. |
| Antigua Observer | Major local newspaper reporting on policy and market developments. | We used it to confirm timing and local interpretation of restrictions. We treat it as context for buyer psychology shifts. |
| Antigua News Room | Local news source with government and ministry coverage. | We used it for infrastructure project updates and economic announcements. We treat it as directional input for development pipeline. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Guatemala. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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