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
If you're wondering what it costs to rent a home in Antigua in 2026, this article gives you the real numbers.
We cover current rent levels for studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms, plus which neighborhoods command the highest prices.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions in Antigua.
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.
Insights
- Studios in Antigua average around US$1,050 per month in 2026, but furnished units in expat areas like Hodges Bay can exceed US$1,300.
- The rent gap between Jolly Harbour and inland areas like Cassada Gardens exceeds 40% for comparable 2-bedroom homes.
- Antigua's vacancy rate sits at roughly 6% islandwide, but drops to 3% to 5% in premium zones like Cedar Grove and Hodges Bay.
- Furnished rentals command a clear premium because importing furniture to the island is expensive and slow.
- Backup power systems are among the top rent-boosting amenities in Antigua due to occasional electricity supply issues.
- Peak tenant demand runs from November to April, driven by winter-season arrivals and lifestyle renters.
- Non-resident landlords face a 12.5% withholding tax on rental income, while residents benefit from abolished personal income tax.
- Properties near the American University of Antigua corridor rent faster, often within 10 to 25 days when priced correctly.

What are typical rents in Antigua as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Antigua is approximately XCD 2,800 (around US$1,050 or EUR 970).
Most studios fall within XCD 2,300 to XCD 3,500 per month (US$850 to US$1,300, or EUR 785 to EUR 1,200), depending on location and furnishing.
Studio rents vary based on proximity to the north-coast beach corridor, whether utilities and A/C are included, and building condition.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Antigua is approximately XCD 3,900 (around US$1,450 or EUR 1,340).
Most 1-bedrooms fall within XCD 3,000 to XCD 5,100 per month (US$1,100 to US$1,900, or EUR 1,015 to EUR 1,755), with furnished units at the higher end.
Cassada Gardens and central St. John's offer the most affordable 1-bedroom rents, while Cedar Grove, Crosbies, Jolly Harbour, and Dickenson Bay command the highest prices.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Antigua is approximately XCD 6,100 (around US$2,250 or EUR 2,080).
Most 2-bedrooms fall within XCD 4,050 to XCD 7,800 per month (US$1,500 to US$2,900, or EUR 1,385 to EUR 2,680), with significant variation by location.
Coolidge, Fitches Creek, and central St. John's offer the most affordable options, while Jolly Harbour, Hodges Bay, and Cedar Grove rank as the most expensive.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Antigua.
What's the average rent per square meter in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Antigua is approximately XCD 59 per month (around US$22 or EUR 20).
Rent per square meter ranges from XCD 40 to XCD 95 per month (US$15 to US$35, or EUR 14 to EUR 32), with inland rentals lower and beach-adjacent furnished units higher.
Compared to other Eastern Caribbean destinations, Antigua sits in the mid-to-upper range, reflecting strong tourism and expat demand, though below luxury markets like St. Barts.
Properties above average typically feature backup power, modern A/C, gated security, and sea views or beach access.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Antigua in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical long-term rents in Antigua have increased by approximately 4% compared to January 2025.
Main drivers include continued tourism-led economic growth, steady expat and remote-worker demand, and limited new rental supply in popular neighborhoods.
This year's increase is similar to last year's trend, though the pace has moderated as post-pandemic demand has stabilized.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Antigua in 2026?
As of early 2026, projected rent growth for Antigua is 3% to 6%, with the strongest increases in high-demand coastal areas.
Key factors include tourism sector strength, ongoing expat and digital nomad demand, and limited quality rental supply.
Hodges Bay, Dickenson Bay corridor, and Jolly Harbour are expected to see the strongest growth due to expat concentration and modern housing.
Risks include potential hurricane damage, shifts in global tourism, and Caribbean economic slowdowns that could reduce expat relocations.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Antigua
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Which neighborhoods rent best in Antigua as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three highest-rent neighborhoods in Antigua are Jolly Harbour (averaging XCD 7,000 or US$2,600/month for a 2-bedroom), Hodges Bay (XCD 6,500 or US$2,400), and Cedar Grove/Crosbies (XCD 5,400 or US$2,000).
These areas command premiums due to gated security, marina or beach access, modern housing, and convenient north-coast lifestyle amenities.
Typical tenants include expat professionals, relocating North American and European families, remote workers, and seasonal lifestyle renters connected to yachting or tourism.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Antigua.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Antigua right now?
Young professionals in Antigua prefer central St. John's for walkability, Crosbies/Cedar Grove for modern apartments with north-coast access, and Dickenson Bay corridor for beach lifestyle.
They typically pay XCD 3,000 to XCD 5,400 per month (US$1,100 to US$2,000, or EUR 1,015 to EUR 1,850) for 1-bedroom and small 2-bedroom apartments.
Key attractions include reliable internet for remote work, proximity to cafes and social venues, modern A/C apartments, and reasonable commutes to St. John's.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Antigua.
Where do families prefer to rent in Antigua right now?
Families in Antigua prefer Cedar Grove/Crosbies/Marble Hill for larger homes with St. John's convenience, Coolidge/Fitches Creek for more space at lower prices, and Jolly Harbour for its gated community feel.
Families pay XCD 4,050 to XCD 8,100 per month (US$1,500 to US$3,000, or EUR 1,385 to EUR 2,770) for 2-3 bedroom homes, depending on location.
These neighborhoods offer larger lots, quieter streets, proximity to schools, and in Jolly Harbour's case, pools, playgrounds, and enclosed security.
Top schools nearby include Island Academy (international school), Antigua Grammar School, and several well-regarded primary schools in Cedar Grove.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Antigua in 2026?
As of early 2026, the fastest-renting areas in Antigua are Coolidge/Osbourn/Fitches Creek (near the AUA corridor), St. John's North (Cedar Grove/Crosbies), and central St. John's.
Correctly priced rentals in these areas typically stay listed just 10 to 25 days, versus the islandwide average of 35 days.
The rent premium near AUA or St. John's transport hubs is XCD 270 to XCD 540 per month (US$100 to US$200, or EUR 92 to EUR 185) above comparable units elsewhere.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Antigua right now?
The most expat-popular neighborhoods in Antigua are Jolly Harbour for marina lifestyle and established expat community, Hodges Bay/Dickenson Bay for north-coast beach living, and English Harbour/Falmouth for yachting and historic charm.
Expats typically pay XCD 4,050 to XCD 10,800 per month (US$1,500 to US$4,000, or EUR 1,385 to EUR 3,700), depending on size and furnishing level.
Key attractions include English-speaking communities, established expat infrastructure, beach and restaurant proximity, and easy marina access.
The most represented nationalities are British, Canadian, and American retirees and remote workers, plus European seasonal residents connected to yachting and hospitality.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Antigua.
Get to know the market before buying a property in Antigua
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Antigua right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Antigua?
The three dominant tenant profiles in Antigua are local working households seeking value-for-money homes, expat professionals looking for quality furnished units, and seasonal renters connected to tourism or yachting.
Local households represent roughly 50% of long-term rentals, expat professionals about 35%, and seasonal or student renters the remaining 15%.
Locals typically seek unfurnished 1-3 bedroom homes in practical locations, expats prefer furnished 1-2 bedrooms in north-coast or gated communities, and students near AUA want small furnished units.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Antigua.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Antigua?
In Antigua, approximately 60% of long-term tenants prefer furnished or semi-furnished units, while 40% opt for unfurnished, with furnished demand strongest in expat segments.
The furnished premium is typically XCD 400 to XCD 800 per month (US$150 to US$300, or EUR 140 to EUR 275), reflecting the high cost of importing furniture.
Tenants preferring furnished rentals include expats on work assignments, seasonal renters, AUA students, and remote workers wanting move-in-ready Caribbean living.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Antigua?
The top five rent-boosting amenities in Antigua are reliable A/C throughout, backup power systems, water storage and pressure systems, gated parking with security, and high-speed fiber internet.
Reliable A/C adds XCD 270 to XCD 400 per month (US$100 to US$150), backup power adds XCD 200 to XCD 540 (US$75 to US$200), and water resilience, gated security, and fiber internet each add XCD 135 to XCD 270 (US$50 to US$100).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Antigua, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Antigua?
The top five ROI renovations in Antigua are backup power systems, water storage upgrades, efficient split A/C, kitchen/bathroom refreshes, and hurricane shutters.
Backup power costs XCD 5,400 to XCD 13,500 (US$2,000 to US$5,000) and justifies XCD 270 to XCD 540 (US$100 to US$200) higher rent; kitchen/bathroom refresh at XCD 4,000 to XCD 10,800 (US$1,500 to US$4,000) adds XCD 200 to XCD 400 (US$75 to US$150) monthly.
Poor-ROI renovations include high-end luxury finishes, swimming pools (expensive to maintain with limited premium), and overly customized designs.
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How strong is rental demand in Antigua as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for long-term rentals in Antigua is approximately 6% islandwide.
Vacancy ranges from 3% to 5% in premium expat zones like Jolly Harbour, Hodges Bay, and Cedar Grove, up to 7% to 10% in inland areas.
Current vacancy is roughly in line with historical averages, though tighter in coastal and gated communities than before the post-pandemic tourism recovery.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Antigua.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term rentals in Antigua stay listed approximately 35 days when correctly priced.
Days on market ranges from 10 to 25 days for furnished 1-2 bedrooms in high-demand areas like AUA corridor and north coast, up to 60+ days for overpriced or niche properties.
Current days-on-market is similar to one year ago, reflecting stable demand as the market has settled into a steady post-pandemic rhythm.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Antigua?
Peak tenant demand in Antigua runs November through April during winter tourist season, with a secondary spike in August-September from student arrivals and relocations.
Drivers include winter-season workers and lifestyle renters escaping cold climates, the AUA academic calendar, and the yachting season bringing temporary residents to English Harbour.
Lowest demand months are May through July and October, when tourism slows and seasonal workers depart before winter and academic cycles restart.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Antigua
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What will my monthly costs be in Antigua as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Antigua should expect 0.2% to 0.5% of assessed value yearly in property taxes, which for a XCD 1,080,000 (US$400,000) home means roughly XCD 175 to XCD 450 per month (US$65 to US$165, or EUR 60 to EUR 150).
Annual property taxes range from XCD 1,350 (US$500) for modest properties to XCD 8,100 (US$3,000) or more for premium homes in Jolly Harbour or Hodges Bay.
Taxes are calculated based on assessed land and improvement value under the Property Tax Act, with government valuations, so the actual tax depends on when your property was last assessed.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Antigua, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Antigua right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget in Antigua is 1% to 1.5% of property value, which for a XCD 1,080,000 (US$400,000) home means XCD 10,800 to XCD 16,200 per year (US$4,000 to US$6,000, or EUR 3,700 to EUR 5,550).
Maintenance ranges from XCD 8,100 (US$3,000) yearly for newer protected properties to XCD 21,600 (US$8,000) or more for older beachfront homes exposed to salt and hurricane winds.
Landlords typically set aside 10% to 15% of rental income for maintenance, covering paint/metal corrosion, A/C servicing, water pumps, and storm-related fixes.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Antigua right now?
Landlords in Antigua commonly cover water (often included or capped) and internet in furnished units targeting expats, while electricity is almost always the tenant's responsibility.
When landlords cover water and internet, typical monthly costs are XCD 270 to XCD 540 (US$100 to US$200) for water plus XCD 135 to XCD 270 (US$50 to US$100) for internet.
Common practice is for tenants to pay electricity directly to APUA since A/C usage varies significantly, while landlords may bundle water/internet in "furnished and ready" packages.
How is rental income taxed in Antigua as of 2026?
As of early 2026, resident landlords in Antigua generally pay no personal income tax on rental income because the country abolished it in April 2016, while non-residents face 12.5% withholding on all rental income.
For residents, common deductions include property expenses, maintenance, and professional fees, though the absence of income tax means deductions matter more for corporate or non-resident structures.
A common Antigua-specific mistake is non-residents failing to register with IRD and have property managers withhold the 12.5% tax, causing penalties when selling.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Antigua.

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.
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 how we used them.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| ECCB - Monthly CPI | The region's central bank publishing official inflation statistics. | We used the housing index to check rent and utility pressure. We triangulated with agency asking-rent snapshots. |
| ECCB - Annual CPI | Official time series for consistent multi-year comparisons. | We used it to anchor year-over-year housing-cost momentum. We cross-checked against tourism-led macro conditions. |
| Antigua and Barbuda National Bureau of Statistics | The country's official statistics agency. | We used it for national economic context and CPI releases. We avoided unofficial market facts where government data exists. |
| Government of Antigua - Tax Announcement | Primary government announcement about the tax system. | We explained why residents don't face income tax on rent. We layered in non-resident withholding rules from IRD. |
| Antigua IRD - Property Tax | The revenue authority explaining property tax legislation. | We grounded property tax in official material. We translated it into practical monthly cost ranges. |
| IRD - UBT FAQ | Official IRD document on rental income treatment for non-residents. | We used the 12.5% withholding rule. We compared with the "no income tax" policy to explain resident vs non-resident treatment. |
| APUA | Official utility provider for tariff and rate information. | We described utilities landlords may cover. We created realistic utilities budget ranges. |
| Sotheby's International Realty Antigua | Major international brokerage with transparent pricing. | We sampled asking rents in premium areas. We compared with local agencies to avoid luxury-only bias. |
| Stanley's Estate Agents | Long-standing local agency with multi-district rent levels. | We captured mid-market rent levels. We cross-referenced units across areas for neighborhood premiums. |
| Paradise Properties Antigua | Local agency with many listings, prices, and unit sizes. | We used it heavily for studios, 1-beds, and 2-beds. We calculated rent per square meter from listed footage. |
| Apex Realtors International | Established local brokerage with current priced listings. | We used it to avoid single-agency dependency. We validated pricing around St. John's suburbs. |
| Chestertons Antigua | Well-known international firm with broad inventory. | We mapped upper-end rents and premium areas. We excluded short-term outliers when computing typical rents. |
| Absolute Properties Antigua | Local firm with long-term availability, prices, and locations. | We widened the sample beyond north-coast corridor. We cross-checked 2-3 bedroom family rentals. |
| IMF - 2025 Article IV Report | Top-tier international institution with detailed macro analysis. | We informed the rent-growth outlook from tourism strength and risks. We translated macro drivers into demand and pricing expectations. |
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Antigua
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information.
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