For many Jamaicans, owning a home isn’t just about shelter—it’s about legacy. And for decades, we’ve been finding strategic ways to build that legacy, even when the odds were stacked against us.
Whether it was boarding a ship to England in the 1950s, flying out to “foreign” in the 1980s, or doing back-to-back jobs in New York and Miami today—Jamaicans have a long history of going abroad, building up strategically, and returning to invest.
That mindset still matters. And if you’re renting in Jamaica now or living overseas dreaming of buying back home, this blog will show you how to flip the script—from paying someone else’s mortgage to holding your own title.
A Legacy of Strategy: Jamaicans Abroad and Homeownership
Back in 1948, a ship called the Empire Windrush docked in England carrying hopeful Caribbean passengers—including many Jamaicans. They answered Britain’s post-war call for workers, leaving behind families and comfort in search of opportunity.
Though many faced racism, low wages, and poor housing, they saved, they bought property, and—importantly—they sent money back home. That generation helped build two countries: Britain and Jamaica. Many returned home to build houses, support relatives, or retire in dignity.
The same pattern happened in the U.S. and Canada. Throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Jamaicans went abroad, often working multiple jobs—nursing, construction, security, hospitality—sending remittances, investing in land, and gradually building homes “piece by piece.”
To this day, the Jamaican diaspora continues to play a major role in:
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Buying and developing family land
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Sending remittances for construction
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Purchasing retirement homes
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Investing in Airbnb rentals and long-term property
We’ve been turning migration into ownership for generations. Now it’s your turn.
So, What About FHA Loans? Can They Be Used in Jamaica?
Let’s bust this myth: FHA loans are only for properties within the United States. They’re government-backed mortgages designed to help people—often first-time buyers—buy U.S. real estate.
But here’s the deeper story: Many Jamaicans in the U.S. use FHA loans to get a foothold in the American property market. They then use the equity from that home to:
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Invest in Jamaica
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Build a family house
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Retire or start a rental income stream
So, while FHA loans won’t help you buy in Jamaica, they can help you build a foundation abroad that leads to property ownership back home.
Jamaica Has Its Own Tools for Homeownership
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to live abroad to make homeownership a reality.
Jamaica has its own tools—similar in spirit to FHA loans—that are designed to support working-class and middle-income buyers.
1. National Housing Trust (NHT)
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Low interest (as low as 0% based on income)
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Ideal for first-time buyers
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Options to buy, build, improve, or team up with others
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Diaspora contributors can also access benefits after 12 months of contributions
Many Jamaicans abroad are now contributing voluntarily to the NHT in preparation to return and build.
2. Building Societies & Banks
Institutions like JN Bank, VMBS, FirstCaribbean, and Sagicor offer:
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Mortgages in JMD or USD
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Loans for construction, purchase, or improvement
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Flexible joint mortgage options
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Use of foreign income and guarantors
Many have diaspora-specific products that allow you to apply while living overseas.
3. Stage Payment Plans from Developers
If you're working on your credit or waiting on funds, some developers now allow:
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10–15% deposit
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Monthly or stage payments while construction is ongoing
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Final mortgage drawdown on completion
This gives you time to get your paperwork and finances lined up.
Renting Now? Owning Soon.
You might be renting today, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be planning for tomorrow.
Many who own homes in Jamaica now—including returning residents—started by:
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Saving small but steadily
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Registering with NHT early
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Buying land first, then building later
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Teaming up with a partner or family member
This is the real-life Jamaican way: strategy, sacrifice, and slow build.
A Word from Dean Jones, Founder of Jamaica Homes
“When mi madda lef Jamaica inna di 70s, she never have nutten. But she sent home every dollar she could, and now we own the family yard. That spirit of investment—build abroad and return to build up yard—still strong today.”
“We don't need to wait on big inheritance or trust funds. What we need is strategy, community, and the right mortgage advice.”
Why Choosing the Right Loan Matters
Let’s look at a basic example:
| Mortgage Type | Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Monthly Payment (30 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHT | $8 million | 4% | ~$38,160 |
| Commercial Bank | $8 million | 9% | ~$64,292 |
That’s a difference of over $9 million over the life of your mortgage.
Whether You're Abroad or A Yard: Here’s the Blueprint
If You’re Abroad (UK, US, Canada):
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Start NHT voluntary contributions (just 1 year required for access)
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Get prequalified through a Jamaican bank
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Use your foreign income to strengthen your mortgage application
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Explore remittance-to-mortgage services
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Consider buying land first, then building later
If You’re in Jamaica:
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Team up with a spouse or sibling for joint mortgage
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Explore NHT’s construction loan if you own land
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Build credit by keeping debts low and paying bills on time
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Talk to a mortgage broker or advisor—not just your bank
Your Story, Your Land
Jamaicans have been turning struggle into strategy for generations. From Windrush to Washington DC, from Clarendon to Queens, we’ve learned to:
Go abroad. Build up. Return home. Invest.
It’s your time now.
Whether you're in Kingston renting a flat, in New York working doubles, or in Mandeville helping your parents finish the family house—you can build your path to homeownership.
And when you do, you're not just buying a house. You're continuing a legacy.
“You don’t have to come from wealth to build it. All you need is a key—and the courage to turn it.”
— Dean Jones, Jamaica Homes
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please note: Jamaica Homes is not authorized to offer financial advice. The information provided is not financial advice and should not be relied upon for financial decisions. Consult a regulated mortgage adviser for guidance.