“Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” – Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s words hold special meaning in Jamaica, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and boundless opportunities. Real estate is not just an investment here—it’s a legacy. In Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki tells a powerful story of how real estate and financial education can transform lives. For Jamaicans, these lessons are particularly valuable in today’s market, where land and property offer one of the most stable and profitable paths to wealth creation.
A Tale of Two Perspectives: What Shapes Success?
Kiyosaki contrasts his “Poor Dad,” who works hard but focuses on saving, with his “Rich Dad,” who emphasizes building assets and making money work for you. The key takeaway is that wealth is built, not earned—a lesson Jamaicans can apply to real estate.
Owning property in Jamaica is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Whether it’s a family plot in rural St. Elizabeth, an investment property in booming Montego Bay, or beachfront land in Negril, real estate consistently grows in value. As Warren Buffett wisely said, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Real estate is that tree, offering shelter, income, and security for generations.
Lesson 1: Make Your Money Work for You
Kiyosaki stresses the importance of acquiring assets that generate income, and real estate in Jamaica does just that. A rental property in Kingston can provide a steady stream of income, while land in tourism hotspots like Ocho Rios or Negril can appreciate significantly over time.
For Jamaicans, this is a practical strategy. Buying property today ensures financial stability tomorrow, as land and homes remain valuable even during economic shifts. Whether you’re starting small or making a larger investment, real estate transforms hard-earned money into lasting wealth.
Lesson 2: Use Leverage Wisely
One of the most powerful tools in real estate is leveraging other people’s money. Kiyosaki explains that strategic borrowing can help investors acquire properties that pay for themselves over time.
In Jamaica, this might mean securing a loan to purchase a rental home, then using the rental income to cover mortgage payments. For example, upcoming developments like the new international airport in Negril or the expanded Ian Fleming Airport in Ocho Rios are expected to boost property values in these regions. Investing early allows you to take advantage of this growth. As Kiyosaki says, “It’s not about how much money you make but how much money you keep.”
Lesson 3: Always Be Learning
Real estate markets change, and staying informed is key. Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad emphasizes the importance of financial education, a lesson Jamaicans can embrace by keeping up with trends like zoning regulations, property taxes, and infrastructure projects.
For instance, developments in the Jamaican market, such as new highways and planned housing schemes, create opportunities for those who understand how these changes impact land and property values. The more you know, the better your chances of making smart investments.
Lesson 4: Start Small and Build Big
One of the most encouraging lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad is that you don’t need to start with millions to build a real estate empire. Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad advises starting small and reinvesting profits into bigger opportunities.
In Jamaica, this could mean buying a modest piece of land in Clarendon or Portland, developing it over time, and using its value to finance larger investments. As the saying goes, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
Lesson 5: Create Generational Wealth
Real estate is more than just an investment—it’s a legacy. In Jamaica, family land often represents generational wealth, passed down and nurtured over decades. By investing wisely, you’re not just securing your future but also creating opportunities for your children and grandchildren.
As Dean Jones of Jamaica Homes, I often say, “Real estate in Jamaica is more than an asset; it’s a piece of history that connects families to the land and to each other.”
Jamaica: The Land of Opportunity
Jamaica’s real estate market is ripe with potential. The island’s vibrant tourism industry, coupled with infrastructure developments like new airports and expanding roadways, makes it a prime location for investment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, the lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad can guide you toward financial freedom through real estate.
As the legendary Mark Twain said, “Invest in land, because they’re not making any more of it.” In Jamaica, this advice rings true. Start small, dream big, and build a future rooted in the enduring value of real estate.
Dean Jones is the founder of Jamaica Homes, dedicated to helping individuals build wealth and create legacies through smart real estate investments.