Buying real estate in Antigua?

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What are the best areas for real estate in Antigua? (2026)

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Guatemala Property Pack

property investment Antigua

Yes, the analysis of Antigua's property market is included in our pack

Antigua's property market in early 2026 is shaped by strong tourism numbers, foreign buyer frameworks, and very different dynamics between coastal and inland areas.

Whether you want rental income or long-term appreciation, knowing which neighborhoods actually perform matters more than general advice.

This guide breaks down every key area in Antigua with real data, so you can make an informed decision.

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.

What's the Current Real Estate Market Situation by Area in Antigua?

Which areas in Antigua have the highest property prices per square meter in 2026?

As of early 2026, Jumby Bay (a private island off the north coast), Mill Reef Club near Fitches Creek, and Pearns Point on the west coast are the three most expensive areas in Antigua for residential property.

In these ultra-prime Antigua locations, prices typically range from $8,000 to over $15,000 per square meter for beachfront villas, while premium condos in resort nodes like Hodges Bay or English Harbour sit between $3,500 and $7,500 per square meter.

Each of these high-priced Antigua neighborhoods commands premium prices for specific reasons:

  • Jumby Bay: Extreme scarcity as a private island with trophy positioning and almost no turnover.
  • Mill Reef Club: Gated, low-inventory enclave with direct access to V.C. Bird International Airport.
  • Pearns Point: Highly supply-constrained coastal frontage on the desirable west coast.
  • English Harbour hillsides: Marina and yachting ecosystem drives consistent winter season demand.
Sources and methodology: we cross-referenced the Antigua Land Registry, pricing patterns from established brokerage networks, and the IMF's 2025 Article IV Report on Antigua's economy. We also validated locations against V.C. Bird International Airport statistics to confirm accessibility factors. Our own market tracking adds granularity to these institutional sources.

Which areas in Antigua have the most affordable property prices in 2026?

As of early 2026, the most affordable areas in Antigua for residential property are All Saints, Liberta, Potters, and Buckleys, all of which are inland and away from the main tourist corridors.

In these more affordable Antigua neighborhoods, prices typically range from $900 to $1,600 per square meter for starter homes, while mid-market inland family homes sit between $1,200 and $2,200 per square meter.

The main trade-off in these lower-priced Antigua areas is weaker rental demand and longer resale times, since they attract mostly local buyers rather than foreign investors or tourists, plus some have less reliable road connections to St. John's.

You can also read our latest analysis regarding housing prices in Antigua.

Sources and methodology: we analyzed settlement patterns from the Antigua Statistics Division data portal and validated real community locations via the Land Registry. We also reviewed credit conditions from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank affecting locally financed markets. Our proprietary analysis adds context to official data.
infographics map property prices Antigua

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.

Which Areas in Antigua Offer the Best Rental Yields?

Which neighborhoods in Antigua have the highest gross rental yields in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Antigua neighborhoods with the highest gross rental yields are Crosbies (7 to 9%), Hodges Bay fringe areas (6 to 8%), Cedar Valley (6 to 8%), and the back streets of Dickenson Bay (7 to 9%).

Across Antigua as a whole, typical gross rental yields for investment properties range from about 5% in premium beachfront locations to around 9% in well-located but more affordable neighborhoods with strong tenant demand.

These top-yielding Antigua neighborhoods deliver higher returns because they balance reasonable purchase prices with consistent rental demand:

  • Crosbies: Close to St. John's offices and the airport, attracting steady expat professional tenants.
  • Cedar Valley: Central location with family-friendly housing stock and good commute access.
  • Dickenson Bay back streets: Walk-to-beach convenience without frontline premium pricing.
  • Hodges Bay fringe: Airport proximity and growing hospitality sector employment nearby.

Finally, please note that we cover the rental yields in Antigua here.

Sources and methodology: we built yield estimates using purchase price bands from brokerage data and rent ranges validated against the IMF economic assessment of Antigua's tourism-led income structure. We cross-referenced with Inland Revenue Department property tax data for holding cost context. Our proprietary yield models add neighborhood-level precision.

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Which Areas in Antigua Are Best for Short-Term Vacation Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Antigua perform best on Airbnb in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Antigua neighborhoods that perform best on Airbnb are Dickenson Bay (strong occupancy around 65%), English Harbour (higher average nightly rates of $180 to $300), Jolly Harbour (broad family demand), and Nonsuch Bay (premium positioning).

In these top-performing Antigua short-term rental areas, well-managed properties typically generate between $2,500 and $6,000 per month in gross revenue, with English Harbour and Nonsuch Bay reaching the higher end during peak winter season.

Each of these Antigua neighborhoods outperforms for short-term rentals due to specific advantages:

  • Dickenson Bay: First-time visitor favorite with beach access and proximity to St. John's amenities.
  • English Harbour: Marina dining scene and yacht week events drive premium seasonal rates.
  • Jolly Harbour: Family-friendly masterplanned community with marina and consistent year-round appeal.
  • Nonsuch Bay: East coast resort positioning attracts higher-end guests willing to pay more.

By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Antigua.

Sources and methodology: we anchored STR performance using Airbtics occupancy and revenue data for Antigua and Barbuda. We validated demand drivers with Antigua Tourism Authority arrival statistics. Our STR tracking adds micro-area detail beyond published aggregates.

Which tourist areas in Antigua are becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals?

The three Antigua tourist areas showing signs of short-term rental oversaturation are parts of Jolly Harbour, the broader Dickenson Bay corridor, and some new-build resort clusters on the east coast.

In the most saturated Antigua areas like Jolly Harbour, there are now hundreds of similar mid-spec units competing for the same guest segment, pushing occupancy rates down for properties without clear differentiators.

The clearest sign of oversaturation in these Antigua markets is that older, mid-spec units are increasingly competing on price alone rather than quality, which compresses margins and extends the time needed to book out a property.

Sources and methodology: we identified oversupply signals by comparing new listing growth to Ministry of Tourism quarterly arrival reports. We analyzed unit similarity patterns using Airbtics supply data. Our field observations confirm the competitive dynamics in these areas.
statistics infographics real estate market Antigua

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.

Which Areas in Antigua Are Best for Long-Term Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Antigua have the strongest demand for long-term tenants?

The Antigua neighborhoods with the strongest long-term tenant demand are Crosbies, Cedar Valley, Marble Hill, and Jolly Harbour, all of which offer practical daily-life convenience combined with good housing stock.

In these high-demand Antigua rental areas, well-maintained properties typically rent within two to four weeks, with vacancy rates staying below 8% for properly priced units.

Different tenant profiles drive demand in each of these Antigua neighborhoods:

  • Crosbies: Expat professionals working in St. John's offices and tourism management roles.
  • Cedar Valley: Families seeking schools, supermarkets, and central commute access.
  • Marble Hill: Higher-income locals and expats wanting cooler hillside living near the capital.
  • Jolly Harbour: Yacht crews, hospitality managers, and expats preferring contained community life.

What makes these Antigua neighborhoods especially attractive to long-term tenants is reliable infrastructure like backup generators, water storage, and paved road access, which significantly reduces daily-life friction in a small island environment.

Finally, please note that we provide a very granular rental analysis in our property pack about Antigua.

Sources and methodology: we mapped tenant demand using commute patterns from V.C. Bird Airport statistics and employment data from the Antigua Statistics Division. We validated rental liquidity through professional property management contacts. Our tenant profile analysis reflects years of market observation.

What are the average long-term monthly rents by neighborhood in Antigua in 2026?

As of early 2026, average monthly rents in Antigua vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from about $1,600 for a two-bedroom in Cedar Valley to over $5,000 for furnished units in English Harbour.

For entry-level apartments in Antigua's most affordable neighborhoods like All Saints or Liberta, typical monthly rents range from $800 to $1,400 for a basic two-bedroom unit.

In mid-range Antigua neighborhoods like Crosbies or Cedar Valley, a decent two-bedroom apartment typically rents for $1,600 to $2,800 per month, depending on condition and amenities.

In premium Antigua neighborhoods like English Harbour, Dickenson Bay, or Jolly Harbour, high-end two-bedroom apartments and townhouses command $2,500 to $5,000 or more per month, often furnished for seasonal professionals.

You may want to check our latest analysis about the rents in Antigua here.

Sources and methodology: we compiled rent ranges from professional brokerage listings and validated affordability against the IMF assessment of Antigua's income structure. We cross-referenced with ECCB credit data for local market context. Our proprietary rent tracking adds precision to these ranges.

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Which Are the Up-and-Coming Areas to Invest in Antigua?

Which neighborhoods in Antigua are gentrifying and attracting new investors in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Antigua neighborhoods attracting the most new investor interest are the Hodges Bay to Fitches Creek corridor, the northern fringe of St. John's near Crosbies, select east-coast bays around Nonsuch and Willoughby, and the hillsides surrounding English Harbour.

These gentrifying Antigua neighborhoods have experienced annual price appreciation of roughly 5% to 10% over the past two years, driven by tourism recovery, improved airlift, and spillover demand from fully-priced prime coastal strips.

Sources and methodology: we identified emerging investor interest by tracking where Citizenship by Investment Programme demand concentrates and where new hospitality development occurs. We validated momentum using Tourism Authority arrival growth data. Our investment tracking adds early-signal detection.

Which areas in Antigua have major infrastructure projects planned that will boost prices?

The Antigua areas most likely to benefit from infrastructure improvements are the north coast near V.C. Bird International Airport approaches, the St. John's commuter belt including Crosbies and Cedar Valley, and key tourism nodes like Dickenson Bay and English Harbour.

The most significant infrastructure driver in Antigua is expanded airlift capacity at V.C. Bird International Airport, with the government's 2025 tourism initiatives focusing on increased flight routes and airport throughput improvements to support record visitor arrivals.

Historically, Antigua neighborhoods that benefit from improved access or new resort development have seen price increases of 10% to 20% within two to three years of project completion, though results vary based on the specific improvement and starting price point.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Antigua here.

Sources and methodology: we tracked infrastructure impact using airport statistics and government tourism announcements from the Antigua Tourism Authority. We referenced the BCQS Construction Market Report for development context. Our historical analysis quantifies past infrastructure effects.
infographics rental yields citiesAntigua

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.

Which Areas in Antigua Should I Avoid as a Property Investor?

Which neighborhoods in Antigua with lots of problems I should avoid and why?

Rather than entire parishes, the Antigua property situations investors should generally avoid are isolated inland pockets far from St. John's, very exposed coastal positions without resilient construction, and older high-fee complexes with deferred maintenance.

Each problem type in Antigua carries specific risks:

  • Remote inland villages: Thin resale market and weak rental demand from limited buyer pool.
  • Exposed cliff-edge or low-lying beachfront: High insurance costs and hurricane damage risk.
  • Older resort complexes with deferred maintenance: Special assessments can destroy projected returns.
  • Properties without backup water or generator: Daily-life friction drives tenant turnover.

For any of these Antigua situations to become viable investments, you would need either significant infrastructure improvement for inland areas, resilient retrofits for exposed coastal properties, or transparent reserve funds and completed maintenance for older complexes.

Buying a property in the wrong neighborhood is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Antigua.

Sources and methodology: we identified problem areas using CAP 293 foreign ownership rules that affect resale friction and IRD transaction cost data. We reviewed construction standards from the BCQS regional report. Our risk framework reflects real investor experiences.

Which areas in Antigua have stagnant or declining property prices as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the Antigua areas most at risk for price stagnation are homogeneous mid-spec STR clusters in parts of Jolly Harbour, older resort-style enclaves with many similar units, and properties priced like ultra-luxury but located in mid-market positions.

These stagnating Antigua market segments have seen flat to slightly negative price movement over the past two years, with some older Jolly Harbour units sitting on market for six months or longer before selling at 5% to 10% below original asking prices.

The underlying causes of price stagnation differ by Antigua area:

  • Jolly Harbour mid-spec units: Too many similar apartments competing on price alone.
  • Older resort enclaves: Buyers can wait out sellers given abundant comparable inventory.
  • Mispriced luxury properties: Location does not justify premium, limiting buyer pool.
Sources and methodology: we identified stagnation by tracking time-on-market and price reductions in brokerage data, validated against new supply context from the BCQS Construction Report. We cross-referenced demand drivers with Airbtics STR analytics. Our stagnation signals come from active market monitoring.

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Which Areas in Antigua Have the Best Long-Term Appreciation Potential?

Which areas in Antigua have historically appreciated the most recently?

The Antigua areas that have likely appreciated most over the past five to ten years are ultra-scarce prime enclaves like Jumby Bay and Mill Reef, marina-adjacent micro-markets in English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, and the north-coast convenience corridor around Hodges Bay.

Approximate appreciation in these top-performing Antigua areas breaks down as follows:

  • Jumby Bay: Estimated 40% to 60% total appreciation over ten years due to extreme scarcity.
  • English Harbour hillsides: Roughly 25% to 40% over five years driven by marina ecosystem growth.
  • Hodges Bay corridor: About 20% to 35% over five years from improved accessibility.
  • Pearns Point: Estimated 30% to 50% over ten years from supply-constrained coastal positioning.

The main driver behind above-average appreciation in these Antigua areas was the post-pandemic tourism rebound combined with record visitor arrivals, which concentrated demand in supply-constrained coastal zones while airlift improvements boosted north-coast accessibility.

By the way, you will find much more detailed trends and forecasts in our pack covering there is to know about buying a property in Antigua.

Sources and methodology: we inferred appreciation leaders from demand intensity documented in the IMF 2025 Article IV Report and Tourism Authority arrival records. We validated supply constraints via the Land Registry. Our historical tracking supports these estimates.

Which neighborhoods in Antigua are expected to see price growth in coming years?

The Antigua neighborhoods expected to see the strongest price growth over the coming years are Crosbies, Cedar Valley, the Hodges Bay corridor, and English Harbour periphery hillsides.

Projected growth rates for these high-potential Antigua neighborhoods vary by positioning:

  • Crosbies and Cedar Valley: Steady 4% to 6% annual growth from deep long-term tenant demand.
  • Hodges Bay corridor: Potentially 6% to 8% annually from hospitality development spillover.
  • English Harbour periphery: Roughly 5% to 7% annually as marina ecosystem expands.

The single most important catalyst expected to drive future price growth in these Antigua neighborhoods is continued tourism expansion supported by increased airlift capacity, which strengthens both rental income potential and second-home buyer demand.

Sources and methodology: we projected growth using tourism momentum from Ministry of Tourism quarterly reports and construction cost trends from the BCQS regional report. We validated accessibility improvements via airport statistics. Our forecasting model synthesizes these demand drivers.
infographics comparison property prices Antigua

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.

What Do Locals and Expats Really Think About Different Areas in Antigua?

Which areas in Antigua do local residents consider the most desirable to live?

The Antigua areas that local residents consider most desirable to live are Cedar Valley, Marble Hill (including Paradise View and Bellevue), and Crosbies, all of which offer practical daily-life convenience without heavy tourist traffic.

What makes each of these areas most desirable to Antigua locals:

  • Cedar Valley: Central location, family-friendly, close to schools and supermarkets.
  • Marble Hill: Cooler hillside breezes with easy access to St. John's jobs and services.
  • Crosbies: Strong housing stock, north-side convenience, less tourist congestion.

These locally-preferred Antigua areas tend to attract middle-class and upper-middle-class Antiguan families, along with long-term expat professionals who prioritize practical living over beach lifestyle.

Local preferences in Antigua often differ from foreign investor targets because locals value commute convenience and community stability, while foreign buyers typically focus on beach access and short-term rental potential in tourism-heavy zones.

Sources and methodology: we mapped local preferences using settlement patterns from the Antigua Statistics Division and commute convenience relative to airport and St. John's employment centers. We validated through local professional contacts. Our local sentiment analysis adds qualitative depth.

Which neighborhoods in Antigua have the best reputation among expat communities?

The Antigua neighborhoods with the best reputation among expat communities are English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, Jolly Harbour, and the Dickenson Bay to Hodges Bay corridor.

Why expats prefer these Antigua neighborhoods over others:

  • English Harbour: Yachting culture, excellent dining, strong winter social scene.
  • Jolly Harbour: Contained marina community with broad services and easy lifestyle.
  • Dickenson Bay corridor: Beach access plus proximity to St. John's amenities and airport.

The expat profiles in these popular Antigua neighborhoods include yacht owners and crew, retired couples from North America and Europe, hospitality professionals, and remote workers seeking Caribbean lifestyle with good internet and flight connections.

Sources and methodology: we identified expat preferences by mapping lifestyle clusters to airport accessibility from V.C. Bird Airport data and marina community patterns. We cross-referenced with CIP real estate investment patterns. Our expat network provides qualitative validation.

Which areas in Antigua do locals say are overhyped by foreign buyers?

The three Antigua areas that locals commonly say are overhyped by foreign buyers are frontline beach strips bought at trophy prices, highly seasonal east-coast postcard bays like Half Moon Bay, and new resort developments marketed heavily to overseas investors.

Why locals believe these Antigua areas are overvalued:

  • Trophy beachfront strips: Purchase prices assume rental income that rarely materializes after costs.
  • Seasonal east-coast bays: Beautiful but high vacancy and operating complexity surprise first-time owners.
  • Heavily-marketed new resorts: Developer pricing often exceeds realistic resale or rental value.

Foreign buyers typically value these Antigua areas for the lifestyle appeal and Instagram-worthy views that locals do not weight as heavily when calculating actual investment returns or year-round livability.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the experience of buying a property as a foreigner in Antigua.

Sources and methodology: we identified overhype patterns by comparing foreign buyer focus areas with local rental market realities from our own tracking and Airbtics STR data. We validated seasonality concerns using Ministry of Tourism arrival reports. Our local contacts confirm these sentiment patterns.

Which areas in Antigua are considered boring or undesirable by residents?

The Antigua areas that residents commonly consider boring or undesirable are remote inland villages like Buckleys and Bendals, places with poor road connectivity to St. John's, and Parham hinterland areas away from the beachfront strip.

Why Antigua residents find these areas boring or undesirable:

  • Remote inland villages: Limited nearby amenities and services, requiring long drives for basics.
  • Poorly connected areas: Difficult commutes to St. John's make daily life inconvenient.
  • Parham hinterland: Far from beaches and tourist amenities without local community appeal.
Sources and methodology: we identified less desirable areas using settlement pattern data from the Antigua Statistics Division and road connectivity relative to employment centers. We validated through the Land Registry transaction activity levels. Our local contacts confirm community sentiment.

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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
Antigua Land Registry Official government land records system for ownership and parcels. We used it to verify real, mappable locations rather than marketing labels. We also confirmed property transfer patterns.
Non-Citizens Land Holding Act (CAP 293) Primary legislation governing foreign property ownership in Antigua. We used it to explain licensing requirements affecting foreign buyers. We also described ownership constraints impacting resale timing.
Inland Revenue Department Official tax authority guidance for transaction and property taxes. We used it to reflect purchase costs and recurring holding expenses. We also explained how taxes affect net yields differently by area.
IMF 2025 Article IV Report Top-tier international assessment of Antigua's economic fundamentals. We used it to connect property demand to economic drivers like tourism. We also validated whether demand is likely to hold up.
Antigua Tourism Authority Official destination authority reporting visitor arrival performance. We used it to justify where short-term rental demand is strongest. We also verified STR strength aligns with real arrivals growth.
V.C. Bird International Airport Primary airport's official statistics on airlift capacity and passengers. We used it to connect accessibility to property performance in north-coast areas. We also explained why some neighborhoods benefit from flight capacity growth.
Antigua Statistics Division National statistics authority for population and economic data. We used it to ground analysis in verifiable country fundamentals. We also kept neighborhood recommendations consistent with real settlement patterns.
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Regional central bank with authoritative credit and rate data. We used it to explain how mortgage availability affects different market segments. We also described why coastal and inland markets respond differently to credit conditions.
Airbtics Specialized STR analytics provider with quantified market data. We used it to estimate island-wide short-term rental KPIs for 2026. We also triangulated neighborhood yield estimates against market baselines.
BCQS Construction Report Established regional cost reference used by developers and lenders. We used it to explain why replacement costs matter for price floors. We also identified where new supply may pressure resale prices.

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