Has your home been sitting on the market longer than expected? Maybe you've had a few viewings, a handful of inquiries, and still—no sale. It’s understandable to feel disheartened and tempted to pull your listing and wait until 2025 to try again. But if you’re thinking about withdrawing your property from the market, now might be the worst time to do it—especially in Jamaica’s unique real estate climate.
Before you make that decision, it’s important to understand the current dynamics of the market, both locally and globally. In fact, staying the course could position you for better results than waiting would.
More Sellers Are Pulling Back—But Should You?
According to data from Altos Research, there's been a noticeable uptick in the number of property listings being withdrawn. In other words, more sellers are choosing to step back from the market for now, opting to relist later—perhaps early next year.
While this is common behavior in many parts of the world, including the U.S. and Canada, it’s starting to appear in Jamaica as well. Sellers, especially in areas like Kingston, Montego Bay, and parts of Portland and St. Mary, often expect quick sales. When that doesn’t happen, they assume it’s best to wait for “better timing.”
But is waiting really better?
“Jamaican sellers often underestimate how powerful a less crowded market can be,” says Dean Jones, Realtor-Associate® at Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty. “When others pull out, your property gets more visibility. That alone can be a game-changer.”
Let’s explore why sticking it out could give you a crucial advantage.
Understanding Jamaica’s Housing Market Seasonality
The Jamaican real estate market, like many others, experiences seasonal ebbs and flows. The mid-year months—particularly June through August—tend to be busy due to school holidays and returning members of the Jamaican diaspora. The months of September through November, however, can slow down as people begin preparing for the holidays or focus on other financial priorities.
But don’t let that lull fool you. This season attracts a very specific type of buyer: one who is serious, motivated, and often financially ready.
In many parishes across Jamaica—St. Ann, Manchester, Westmoreland, and even rural Clarendon—we’re seeing inventory drop just slightly. However, what remains on the market still commands interest from genuine buyers.
“We often get calls from Jamaicans living overseas, especially in the UK, Canada, and the US, who want to buy before the year ends,” explains Dean Jones. “They want to come down, finalize their purchase, and have something in place for their retirement or future return home.”
Today’s Buyers Are Serious and Ready to Act
Many Jamaicans and investors have been sitting on the sidelines for months—some even years—waiting for the right moment to buy. With high inflation and interest rate shifts around the globe, many were cautious. But as market stability slowly returns, buyers are making a comeback, especially those purchasing in JMD or with USD savings.
And it’s not just the returning residents. Locals, too, are watching for price drops or negotiating better deals in quieter seasons.
Here’s the thing: these buyers aren’t just browsing.
They’ve already done their homework. They’ve spoken to mortgage advisors, explored financing options with institutions like NCB, Sagicor Bank, JN Bank, or VMBS, and they’re looking to act now—before Christmas and New Year costs shift their budget.
“In this season, you’re not dealing with dreamers—you’re dealing with decision-makers,” says Jones. “A house that didn’t get attention three months ago could become a hot listing today.”
And with more listings being withdrawn, yours could stand out even more.
Lower Competition Means Greater Visibility
One often-overlooked benefit of keeping your house on the market is reduced competition. With more sellers taking a break, buyers have fewer options. That means more eyes on your property and a greater chance of serious offers—especially if your home is in a desirable area like Kingston 6, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Treasure Beach, or Montego Bay.
In essence, you're not just selling a house—you're presenting a solution to someone’s long-standing desire or urgent need.
Consider a returning resident from the UK who’s eager to buy in St. Elizabeth. They’ve seen five homes drop off the market recently. Yours is still available, reasonably priced, and well-photographed. Guess who’s now at the top of their list?
Reposition Instead of Retreating
Rather than delisting, consider repositioning your home. Here’s how:
1. Review Your Pricing Strategy
The market has shifted, and so should your price—but only if necessary. A slight reduction can spark new interest and even lead to multiple offers.
2. Refresh Your Listing
Update your photos or consider adding a video walkthrough. Drone shots, twilight photography, and even staging tips can breathe new life into your listing.
3. Promote on the Right Channels
Aside from standard MLS and broker platforms, consider listing on jamaica-homes.com, one of the island’s fastest-growing real estate directories dedicated to buyers home and abroad.
“Our platform is designed to showcase Jamaican properties to the world. We help sellers tap into a motivated and loyal diaspora,” says Dean Jones, Founder of Jamaica Homes.
The Holiday Buyer Advantage
Did you know that buyers during the holidays tend to make decisions faster?
They don’t want to start the new year with the same unresolved real estate goals. Whether they’re seeking to relocate, invest, or simply upgrade, these buyers are driven by personal milestones and financial goals.
Some want to close deals in 2024 for tax purposes. Others want to make use of year-end bonuses, remittances, or family gifts toward property investments.
“December is one of the most underestimated months for real estate in Jamaica,” says Jones. “People want to make life-changing moves, and owning a home here is often at the top of that list.”
Sellers Who Wait May Face More Competition in 2025
If you’re thinking of relisting in early 2025, you might find yourself among a flood of new listings. More sellers, more competition, and possibly a tougher market as interest rates fluctuate or more stringent government regulations on property taxes or development zones take effect.
There’s also the issue of valuation. If you wait, your home could be reassessed by potential buyers using newer comps that reflect lower market averages. That could hurt your negotiating power.
Don’t Let Fear or Frustration Steer You
We get it. Selling a home can be emotionally taxing. You’ve poured time, effort, and money into preparing your property. The idea of waiting another few months—or worse, a whole year—without any progress feels like failure.
But it isn’t.
You just need to re-strategize, not retreat.
“I always tell my clients: don’t pull back when you’re closest to the finish line,” shares Jones. “The right buyer could be one phone call or one viewing away.”
Real Results from Real Sellers
Take the case of a homeowner in Mandeville, who had their property on the market for six months without success. Instead of withdrawing the listing, they worked with Dean to adjust the presentation, refreshed the staging, and re-promoted it on niche platforms and WhatsApp real estate groups.
Result? An offer came through within three weeks—at 98% of the asking price.
This isn’t a one-off. Sellers across Portland, St. Thomas, and St. James are seeing similar results when they stick with the plan but fine-tune their execution.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Dream Home
Ready to make the most of your home equity and secure the best financial future for your next property purchase? Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, expert guidance can make all the difference.
Contact Dean Jones, a Realtor-Associate® at Coldwell Banker, Founder of Jamaica Homes, and a Chartered Builder & Project Manager with deep expertise in Jamaica’s North, East, and West Coast properties—but serving clients across the island. With a focus on wealth & income growth through real estate and technology, Dean is committed to helping you maximize your investment and find the perfect home.
Call or WhatsApp: 1-876-418-2524
Let’s turn your real estate goals into reality—reach out today!