Kingston, Jamaica – In a real estate market that’s becoming increasingly driven by aesthetics, narrative, and lifestyle, local property expert and design enthusiast Dean Jones is urging Jamaicans to take a more artistic approach when selling their homes. Inspired by the spirit of British TV show Grand Designs, Jones—founder of Jamaica Homes—is calling on sellers to view their homes not as mere listings, but as living legacies of Caribbean architecture and culture.
“Your home isn’t just a building—it’s a conversation between memory, material, and meaning,” says Jones, whose work bridges real estate strategy with heritage preservation.
In a country where design is both tropical and tectonic, and where each home bears the imprint of history—whether through Georgian symmetry, breeze block pragmatism, or verandah romanticism—Jones believes that architecture must be central to the selling process.
A New Chapter for Jamaican Real Estate
For Jones, preparing a home for sale in Jamaica isn’t about masking flaws with a fresh coat of paint; it’s about unearthing the story within the walls. He encourages sellers to begin with a simple but profound question: What is the soul of this house?
“Is it a Georgian townhouse with sash windows and raised foundations in Falmouth? Or a modernist villa in the hills of Mandeville with clean lines and reinforced concrete? Either way, buyers today are looking for character, not just square footage,” he notes.
Indeed, Jamaican architecture itself reads like a cultural palimpsest. From British-influenced Georgian structures of the 18th century—famed for their balanced façades and louvred shutters—to mid-century Caribbean modernism with its parapet roofs, jalousie windows, and open-plan courtyards, each style speaks to a particular era in the island’s evolving narrative.
Staging the Story
Jones advises that homeowners “stage it like it’s going on television.” This includes honouring the home’s architectural rhythm—allowing archways to guide the eye, letting exposed rafters shine, and showcasing historic elements like cut-stone walls or mahogany trims.
“Don’t sterilise your home. Let it whisper Jamaica,” he urges.
That whisper might be in the form of a hammock on a shaded verandah, a cluster of potted croton plants, or the smell of Blue Mountain coffee drifting through polished wooden jalousies. It’s about evoking possibility—selling not just a house, but a dream of life beneath the Caribbean sun.
And yes, even that ubiquitous breeze matters. Cross-ventilation, once a practical necessity, is now a coveted design feature. “Open the windows. Let the house breathe. Let buyers feel the air move the way it was meant to,” says Jones.
The Architecture of Imagination
Jones, often described by clients as the "Kevin McCloud of Jamaica," emphasises that buyers must be able to imagine their future within the home.
A three-bedroom home isn’t just a 3-2-1; it’s potentially a “remote-work sanctuary,” a “multi-generational retreat,” or a “tropical Airbnb investment.”
“Speak to the potential,” he explains. “If your house has vaulted ceilings, speak of light and air. If it has a veranda, sell the theatre of sunsets. In Jamaica, space is never just space—it’s memory made physical.”
Exterior Elegance: Curb Appeal with Caribbean Flair
With boundary walls, gates, and gardens forming the prelude to most Jamaican homes, Jones highlights the importance of making the entryway feel “welcoming, not defensive.”
Refreshing boundary walls with earthy tones, trimming overgrown hedges, and restoring original grillwork are all simple ways to enhance first impressions. “If your home has carved lintels, columned entrances, or decorative fretwork—don’t hide it. Frame it.”
Paperwork Still Matters
As poetic as Jones’s vision sounds, he is quick to ground sellers in the realities of the process. No amount of design flair will substitute for readiness.
Sellers must ensure they have their Certificate of Title (ideally registered), Surveyor’s ID Report, Property Tax receipts, and any approved building plans, especially if additions have been made.
“Design doesn’t close a deal—documents do,” he states.
A Call for Real Estate with Heart
Jones is also calling for a new breed of real estate professionals—agents who are part matchmaker, part curator.
“You need someone who understands layout, who gets materials, who can talk about a room’s light at 3 p.m. in July. Selling homes in Jamaica should be about more than just specs and comps.”
And when it comes to pricing? “Be smart, not sentimental. Let rare features—like courtyards, rooftop terraces, or rainwater systems—guide your valuation. But stay realistic. Buyers pay for condition and context, not just your memories.”
Hosting with Heart
In perhaps his most evocative suggestion, Jones advises sellers to turn property viewings into curated experiences.
“Host showings at golden hour. Light music. Fresh air. A scent of coconut bread or coffee in the air. Walk people through the moments—not just the rooms.”
After all, as he says, “This is Jamaica. People buy with heart as much as head.”
A Heritage, Not Just a Handshake
Ultimately, selling a home in Jamaica isn’t merely a financial exchange—it’s a cultural handover.
Whether a zinc-roof bungalow in Port Antonio or a six-storey modern marvel perched on concrete stilts with a parapet gable roof, every Jamaican house carries echoes of its era.
“A Jamaican house is never just a structure,” Jones concludes. “It’s a monument to family, to style, to struggle, and to sun. If you respect its history, the right buyer will see its future.”
Thinking of selling your Jamaican home?
Jones encourages homeowners to reflect deeply, present boldly, and sell with soul. After all, in a land of verandahs, breeze blocks, and sunrise views, every house deserves its grand moment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always consult with licensed professionals for your real estate transactions.