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
Rental yields in Antigua typically range from 4-10% gross annually, with the highest returns coming from well-managed vacation rentals in prime tourist areas.
This Caribbean destination offers some of the most attractive rental yields in the region, particularly for properties in Jolly Harbour, English Harbour, and the Historic Center. Short-term vacation rentals consistently outperform long-term rentals, with professional management being crucial for maximizing returns. As of September 2025, the Antigua property market continues to benefit from strong tourist demand and growing interest from digital nomads and expatriates.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Guatemala, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Antigua's rental yields range from 4-10% gross annually, with prime vacation rental properties achieving the highest returns.
Well-located properties in tourist hotspots like Jolly Harbour and English Harbour can deliver 6-8% net yields when professionally managed.
| Property Type | Average Gross Yield | Prime Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | 4-6% | St. John's, Historic Center |
| Standard Condos/Villas | 6-10% | Jolly Harbour, English Harbour |
| Luxury Homes | 5-8% net | Beachfront, Five Islands |
| Hotel-Condo Shares | 2-5% | Resort developments |
| 2-3 Bedroom Homes | 5-8% | Hodges Bay, Dickenson Bay |
| Beach Condos | 6-8% | Long Bay, Falmouth |
What are the current average rental yields in Antigua by property type?
Rental yields in Antigua range from 4-10% gross annually, with significant variation based on property type and management strategy.
Studio apartments typically generate 4-6% gross yields, making them entry-level investment options for first-time buyers. Standard condos and villas deliver the strongest performance at 6-10% gross yields, particularly when positioned for vacation rental markets.
Luxury homes settle in the 5-8% net yield range after accounting for higher maintenance and management costs. These properties appeal to high-end tourists and expatriates willing to pay premium rates for exceptional amenities and locations.
Hotel-condo shares offer lower yields of 2-5% but provide passive income with guaranteed occupancy through managed programs. This option suits investors seeking hands-off investment approaches with predictable returns.
As of September 2025, well-located properties managed professionally for short-term vacation rentals consistently achieve the highest yields in the Antigua market.
How do yields vary across different neighborhoods in Antigua?
Jolly Harbour delivers 6-8% net yields as a gated marina community with strong short-term rental demand from yacht owners and tourists.
English Harbour and Falmouth generate similar 6-8% net yields, benefiting from their status as prime yacht hubs with strong seasonal rates during peak tourism months. The luxury demand in these areas supports premium rental pricing throughout the year.
The Historic Center of Antigua achieves 6-10% gross yields, attracting both tourists seeking authentic colonial experiences and expatriates looking for central locations. Properties here benefit from steady year-round demand from diverse renter profiles.
Hodges Bay and Dickenson Bay areas yield 5-8% net, capitalizing on airport proximity that attracts digital nomads and frequent travelers. These locations maintain high occupancy rates due to convenience factors.
Five Islands and Long Bay present emerging opportunities with yields reaching up to 8%, driven by new luxury developments and urban regeneration projects that are increasing demand in these previously overlooked areas.
What are the typical yields for different property sizes?
Property size significantly impacts yield potential, with 2-3 bedroom homes representing the sweet spot for rental returns in Antigua.
| Property Size | Typical Yield Range | Target Market |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-Bedroom | 4-6% | Digital nomads, solo travelers |
| 2-Bedroom Units | 6-8% | Couples, small families |
| 3-Bedroom Homes | 5-8% | Families, expatriate professionals |
| 4+ Bedroom Villas | 5-7% | Luxury vacation groups |
| Beachfront Estates | 5-8% net | High-end tourists, celebrities |
| Historic Properties | 6-10% | Cultural tourists, long-term expats |
What is the average total purchase price including fees for properties in Antigua?
The average price for prime properties in Antigua is $5,640 per square meter, with total transaction costs adding 7-10% to the purchase price.
Foreign buyers face specific additional costs including a 5% Alien Landholding License fee and 2.5% stamp duty. Legal fees typically range from 1-3.5% of the purchase price, while agent commissions add another 5-7%.
Insurance costs approximately 2% of the property value, bringing total transaction fees to a substantial portion of the purchase price. For a $400,000 villa, buyers should budget $428,000-$440,000 to cover all expenses.
These higher transaction costs compared to some markets are offset by the potential for strong rental yields and capital appreciation in Antigua's growing tourism market.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
What are the applicable taxes and ongoing costs for property owners?
Annual property taxes in Antigua range from 0.1-0.5% of market value, making them relatively affordable compared to many developed markets.
Non-resident land taxes apply to undeveloped properties at rates of 10-20% depending on holding duration, encouraging development and investment. Rental income tax stands at 25% for non-residents on net rental income after allowable deductions.
Utility costs include electricity at $0.15 per kWh and water at $8-18 per 1,000 gallons. Property management fees range from 10-20% of rental income, with professional management being essential for maximizing short-term rental returns.
Mortgage conditions favor cash purchases, as local loans charge approximately 3% government tax on borrowed amounts. Many foreign buyers utilize international financing or purchase properties outright to avoid these additional costs.
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What is the typical rental income for short-term versus long-term rentals?
Short-term vacation rentals significantly outperform long-term rentals in Antigua, with nightly rates ranging from $80 for studios to $950 for luxury 4-bedroom villas.
Annual short-term rental revenue averages $21,000-$23,000, with luxury and vacation market properties achieving much higher returns. Professional management and strategic pricing during peak seasons maximize these returns throughout the year.
Long-term rentals offer more predictable income streams, with 1-bedroom apartments renting for $900-$1,500 monthly and 2-3 bedroom villas commanding $1,500-$3,000 monthly. Luxury villas can achieve $3,500+ monthly for long-term leases.
While gross yields appear higher for short-term rentals, investors must account for higher management costs, vacancy periods, and operational expenses. The choice between strategies depends on investment goals and management capacity.
As of September 2025, the strong tourism recovery continues to favor short-term rental strategies in prime tourist locations.
Can you provide example rental yields for various property types and locations?
A 2-bedroom colonial property in the Historic Center purchased for $200,000 generates $15,000-$20,000 annually, delivering 7.5-10% gross yields.
| Property Example | Purchase Price | Annual Rental Income | Gross Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Center 2-bed Colonial | $200,000 | $15,000-$20,000 | 7.5-10% |
| Beachfront Condo | $400,000 | $25,000 | 6.2% |
| Luxury 4-bedroom Villa | $1,200,000 | $60,000 | 5% |
| Hotel Share Investment | $300,000 | $12,500 | 4.2% |
| Jolly Harbour Marina Home | $500,000 | $35,000 | 7% |
| English Harbour Townhouse | $350,000 | $24,000 | 6.9% |
What are the main renter profiles in Antigua and how do they differ by area?
Antigua attracts diverse renter profiles, with vacationers comprising 40% of short-term renters, followed by language students at 30% and digital nomads at 30%.
The yachting crowd concentrates in English Harbour and Falmouth, seeking luxury accommodations with marina access and premium amenities. These renters typically stay for extended periods during sailing seasons and pay premium rates.
Expatriate families and professionals gravitate toward Jolly Harbour and San Pedro, preferring gated communities with security, schools, and family-friendly amenities. Long-term rental agreements with these groups provide stable income streams.
Digital nomads and remote workers favor St. John's and Hodges Bay for high-speed internet, airport proximity, and urban conveniences. This growing segment values flexible lease terms and modern workspace amenities.
NGO workers, aid professionals, and teachers represent a significant long-term rental market, particularly attracted to central locations with good transportation links and community services.
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 is the current breakdown of vacancy rates by property type and area?
Luxury villas and properties in prime areas maintain 70-85% annual occupancy rates when professionally managed, with peak seasons reaching 95% occupancy.
City apartments in well-located areas achieve 80-90% occupancy rates, benefiting from consistent demand from both tourists and long-term residents. Properties with modern amenities and reliable internet perform best in this segment.
The Antigua rental market faces an undersupply of quality, expat-standard homes that are pet-friendly and fully furnished, resulting in very low vacancy rates for properties meeting these criteria.
Seasonal variations affect short-term rentals, with December through April representing peak occupancy periods. Properties in hurricane-safe locations maintain better year-round occupancy compared to more exposed coastal areas.
Professional property management significantly impacts occupancy rates, with managed properties typically achieving 15-20% higher occupancy than self-managed units.
What is the breakdown of typical expenses from gross to net yield?
Property management and agent fees consume 10-20% of rental income for short-term vacation rentals, making professional management the largest expense category.
1. Property management/agent fees: 10-20% of rental income2. Repairs and maintenance: 5-10% annually3. Insurance, legal, and banking: 1-3% of property value4. Property taxes: 0.1-0.5% of market value5. Income tax for non-residents: 0-25% of net rental incomeUtilities are typically paid by guests in short-term rentals but become landlord expenses in long-term arrangements. This difference can significantly impact net yields depending on rental strategy.
Well-managed properties typically achieve net yields of 4-7% after all expenses, with the highest-performing properties maintaining tight cost control while maximizing occupancy rates.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
What are the smartest property investment choices in Antigua today?
Prime tourist locations including the Historic Center, Jolly Harbour, and English Harbour represent the strongest investment opportunities as of September 2025.
1. 2-3 bedroom homes targeting expatriate professionals and families2. Short-term vacation rentals with premium amenities like pools and workspace areas3. Properties in emerging areas like Five Islands and Long Bay with infrastructure upgrades planned4. Luxury condos near the airport in Hodges Bay and Dickenson Bay5. Historic properties in the center with authentic colonial characterProperties catering to the growing digital nomad market should prioritize high-speed internet, modern workspaces, and flexible living arrangements. These features command premium rents and maintain high occupancy rates.
Beachfront developments and luxury vacation rentals continue to attract international buyers seeking both lifestyle benefits and investment returns.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
How have rents and yields changed recently and what are the forecasts?
Rental yields and property values in Antigua have experienced 5-8% annual appreciation over the past five years, with pandemic recovery fueling accelerated demand since 2022.
The past year has shown particularly strong performance in prime and luxury segments, driven by global interest in lifestyle investment destinations and remote work trends. Caribbean properties have benefited from flight-to-quality investment flows.
Forecasts for the next 1-5 years indicate yields will remain steady at 6-8% gross for central and prime areas as tourism continues expanding. Infrastructure improvements and increased airline connectivity support optimistic medium-term projections.
Ten-year trends depend heavily on tourism sector development and infrastructure expansion, with government initiatives to position Antigua as a premium Caribbean destination. Climate resilience investments may also impact long-term property values.
Compared to other Caribbean markets, Antigua's 6-10% gross yields exceed mature destinations like the Bahamas and Barbados (typically 3-6%), while remaining competitive with trending colonial cities in Mexico and Central America.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Antigua offers some of the Caribbean's most robust rental yields, particularly for well-managed short-term rentals in key tourist and expatriate areas.
Strategic property selection and professional management are vital for maximizing returns, with net yields of 4-7% achievable for active investors in prime locations.
Sources
- TheLatinVestor - Antigua Price Forecasts
- Global Citizen Solutions - Antigua Real Estate
- TheLatinVestor - Antigua Property
- Mirabello Consultancy - Luxury Real Estate Antigua
- Migronis - Caribbean Real Estate Returns
- Moving Countries Guide - Buying Vacation Home Antigua
- JMVi Realty - Best Rental Properties Antigua
- Imin Caribbean - Antigua Real Estate
- Golden Harbors - Antigua Taxes
- Villa Coby Antigua - Essential Tips