Kingston, Jamaica — As Jamaica experiences a wave of foreign investment in real estate, a powerful message is being issued to Jamaicans both locally and abroad: reclaim what is rightfully yours before it's too late.
Dean Jones, founder of the property development platform Jamaica Homes, is making an impassioned call for Jamaicans to recognize the economic and historical value of land ownership, especially as more foreign entities move into the island’s real estate market.
“Nanny didn’t just fight for freedom. She fought for land. And to this day, we dishonour that legacy when we let that land go to waste,” said Jones in a recent statement.
With property prices soaring and infrastructure rapidly expanding, Jamaica is attracting large-scale international investors from China, the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe. Experts say the country is on track to double its real estate market value by 2030—making land one of the most valuable and contested assets on the island.
But while investment is booming, thousands of Jamaicans are unknowingly or unintentionally sitting on dormant or underutilized land, often inherited through family lines, some with decades-old titles tucked away in safes, others left unmanaged for years.
A Silent Loss of Generational Wealth
“We’re sitting on gold mines, and yet we behave like it’s garbage heap,” Jones explained. “It’s time to dust off the title deeds and wake up.”
Many Jamaicans, particularly those from rural communities, have inherited family land but fail to maintain it, leaving it open to squatters and at risk of loss through adverse possession laws. Under Jamaican law, if an individual occupies land undisturbed for 12 years, they can legally claim ownership—a process now increasingly being utilized in both urban and rural areas.
Property disputes and inaction have led to lost wealth, broken family ties, and missed opportunities—especially among descendants of the Windrush Generation, whose parents or grandparents migrated to build lives abroad while retaining land back home.
Market Trends: A Nation in High Demand
The real estate sector in Jamaica is one of the fastest-growing in the region. According to market data:
- Land prices in parishes like St. Thomas, St. Catherine, and Portland have increased by 40–80% in the last five years.
- Projects like the Southern Coastal Highway and Montego Bay Perimeter Road are opening up new corridors for housing and commercial development.
- Diaspora demand for retirement and vacation homes has led to competitive bidding in both rural and beachfront areas.
- Foreign interest in Jamaican land continues to grow, including developers, resort investors, and short-term rental operators.\
Government Welcomes Investment—but Calls for Balance
Jamaica’s government continues to welcome outside investment, recognizing its critical role in national development. Infrastructure upgrades, job creation, and increased tourism revenue have been major benefits of foreign capital inflows. However, concerns are rising that local participation in land ownership is not keeping pace.
Industry professionals are urging policymakers to prioritize awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and legal aid services to help Jamaicans formalize ownership, resolve family disputes, and capitalize on opportunities.
Solutions: Collaborate, Reclaim, and Build
Jones emphasizes that Jamaicans don’t need millions of dollars to get involved in the property market. Instead, he advocates for collaborative purchasing and family trusts that allow multiple individuals to pool resources and acquire land together.
“Five people each put in $5 million, and suddenly you have $25 million to purchase land in the countryside,” he explained. “Develop it over time, and that parcel can become worth $100 million or more.”
Other recommended steps include:
- Visiting the National Land Agency (NLA) to verify ownership or begin the title process
- Paying outstanding property taxes to protect against legal complications
- Hiring licensed surveyors to establish clear boundaries
- Installing signage or fencing to demonstrate possession and deter squatting
- Consulting attorneys about setting up family trusts or shared investment groups
Diaspora Ties: “Jamaica is Still Yours”
The message is also directed at Jamaicans abroad, many of whom remain unaware of what they stand to lose—or gain.
“I believe our strength lies not just in the beauty of Jamaica’s shores—but in the hands of Jamaicans around the world who dare to return, invest, and rebuild,” said Jones.
He emphasized that being born outside the island does not reduce one's connection to it.
“If your parents or grandparents are Jamaican and you still have ties to the island, you are Jamaican. This is your home too. You have a right to invest, protect, and benefit from the land your family helped build.”
Call to Action: Before It’s Gone
Jones is calling on all Jamaicans—at home and abroad—to take action. Whether it means reclaiming ancestral land, purchasing a first property, or forming a collective investment group, the key is not to wait.
“The best time to buy land in Jamaica was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now,” Jones concluded.
As Jamaica continues to attract global interest, this moment may represent a final window for many Jamaicans to secure their piece of the island’s future.
For information on securing or reclaiming land in Jamaica, visit 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.