Jamaica’s electronic land titling project is expected to lift annual title output from about 8,000 to as many as 25,000, while speeding up property transactions.

Thousands of Jamaicans have received titles since a startling 2021 estimate revealed that nearly four in every 10 land parcels were unregistered. But behind the paperwork lies a much bigger question about wealth, informal settlements and who can realistically afford a legal home.

As defence lawyers withdraw services over Jamaica’s 15-year mandatory firearm sentences, the argument reaches far beyond the courtroom. For returning residents, homeowners and investors, perceptions of safety can influence where people buy, what they are prepared to pay and whether they invest at all.

The US dollar edged up to $159.49 on Monday, September 28, and the British pound firmed, while the Canadian dollar eased slightly against the Jamaican dollar.

New homes, contested land, rising rents and billions in pension savings made this a revealing week for Jamaican property. Beneath the individual headlines was one persistent problem: demand for secure, affordable housing is running considerably faster than the country can supply it.

Bank of Jamaica has raised its policy rate by 50 basis points to 6.0 per cent, with potential implications for mortgages and property finance.