Jamaica Monthly Review

Pre-budget pressure mounts on Jamaica’s NHT loan limits as construction costs diverge from what the Trust will finance. BOJ rate trajectory and housing affordability in focus.

Bank of Jamaica moves toward monetary easing as oil-driven disinflation takes hold. Jamaica’s mortgage market anticipates rate softening in 2015 as construction costs improve.

Obama’s December 17 Cuba announcement reshapes Caribbean geopolitics as Jamaica watches with interest. Oil below US$60 brings real construction cost relief as 2015 begins.

Oil crashes below US$70/barrel after OPEC holds production. Jamaica stands to be a major beneficiary as construction costs, electricity bills and inflation all face downward pressure.

OPEC’s November 2014 decision to hold production as oil falls below US$85/barrel marks a potential turning point for Jamaica’s energy-heavy construction and housing costs.

IMF fiscal adjustment squeezes Jamaica’s housing budget as oil prices slide lower in September 2014, offering early signs of relief for construction costs and household energy bills.

Jamaica’s housing sector faces stiff headwinds as commercial mortgage rates hold above 10%, buyers lean on NHT, and IMF fiscal discipline constrains public investment.

As the hurricane season peaks and IMF talks intensify, Jamaica’s housing market absorbs fiscal pressure while NHT programmes sustain demand.