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Q1 2026 Jamaica Market Report

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67 Wentworth

Port Maria, St. Mary

$1.65M | 6 Bed | 5 Bath | 5,000 Sq Ft

Why this matters now: Wentworth occupies a rare position along Jamaica’s North Coast in the parish of Saint Mary, moments from the island’s new international gateway. Conceived for both private residence and boutique rental use, the six-bedroom villa unfolds across two levels of open living spaces that lead to a swimming pool and expansive coastal lawn. Wentworth offers a retreat defined by privacy, serenity, and the timeless pull of the sea

Opening Letter

Let’s be real.

Q1 2026 is testing assumptions across the Jamaica real estate market.

On the surface, activity appears strong. Transactions are up. Deals are happening. But beneath that surface, something more meaningful is taking place.

The data tells a clear story:

This is not a slowdown. This is a reset.

A reset in pricing. A reset in expectations. And most importantly – a reset in how buyers and sellers are engaging with the market.

What we are seeing now is a market that is becoming more active, but also more selective.

And in environments like this, strategy is outperforming pricing.

Ian Hurdle
The Agency Jamaica Managing Partner

Market Snapshot

Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025

Transactions↑ Significant increase

Total Sales Volume↑ Strong Growth

Average Sale Price↓ ~33%

Commercial Activity↑

From Minimal to Consistent

“More

deals are happening –but at lower price points.”

The Shift in Value

Volume Up. Value Down.

While transaction volume has increased meaningfully year-overyear, average sale prices have declined.

This divergence is critical.

It tells us that:

Liquidity is improving Price sensitivity has increased Buyers are becoming more disciplined in how they deploy capital

This is not a contraction in activity.

It is a recalibration in value.

“The market is expanding in volume, but contracting in value.”

A Market Dividing in Real Time

Two speeds of market activity.

Q1 2026 reveals a clear segmentation:

High-Velocity Market

Entry-level to mid-market residential segments are moving quickly, supported by increased transaction activity and stronger alignment between pricing and buyer expectations.

Selective Market

Luxury residential and commercial assets remain active but more deliberate, with longer decision cycles and heightened scrutiny around value and positioning.

“The market is not slowing — it is dividing.”

Salt Bay

Islington, St. Mary

$6M

| 208 Acres

| ~1 Mile of Coastline

Why this matters now: Large-scale coastal assets with development flexibility are becoming increasingly scarce as infrastructure expands along Jamaica’s north coast.

Salt Bay is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Jamaica’s last significant undeveloped coastal estates. Spanning 208 acres along the coveted St. Mary coastline, the property offers nearly one mile of uninterrupted beachfront and striking natural topography.

Framed by twin white and black sand beaches, rolling emerald hills, and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Salt Bay presents exceptional development potential — whether as a destination wellness resort or an ultra-exclusive luxury residential enclave.

Commercial Market

Reawakening

Early signals from strategic capital.

Commercial real estate activity has increased from a low base in Q1 2025 to consistent deal flow in Q1 2026.

Notably:

March 2025: Zero transactions recorded

March 2026: Active buyer participation returns

This shift suggests that:

Capital is beginning to reposition

Investors are identifying opportunities

Decisions remain measured and deliberate

money is moving — but carefully.”

The Confidence Factor

Markets move on more than data.

While the data shows a shift already underway, external events also play a role in shaping behavior.

Moments like Hurricane Melissa tend to:

• Sharpen buyer caution

• Accelerate seller decision-making

• Move pricing conversations forward

Markets don’t move on data alone. They move on confidence. And when confidence is tested, alignment between buyers and sellers tends to happen faster.

“Markets don’t move on numbers alone. They move on belief.”

Goblin Hill

Port Antonio, Portland

$11.5M | 28 Villas | 11 Acres | Boutique Villa Resort

Why this matters now: Set across 11 acres of lush tropical gardens overlooking San San Bay, Goblin Hill Villas is one of Jamaica’s most iconic boutique villa resorts. The property features 28 hillside villas including 16 two-bedroom residences and 12 one-bedroom villas each designed with expansive terraces and sweeping ocean views.

Originally designed in the 1970s by renowned architect Marvin Goodman, the resort sits within Portland’s celebrated natural landscape, moments from Frenchman’s Cove, the Blue Lagoon, and the pristine beaches of Jamaica’s north coast.

With commanding views of San San Bay and significant potential for repositioning through thoughtful renovation and expanded amenities, Goblin Hill presents a rare opportunity to reimagine a legendary Caribbean retreat

What’s Working in This Market

Strategy is outperforming pricing.

In this environment, success is no longer driven by exposure alone. Traction is emerging where:

• Pricing aligned with market reality

• Positioning that is clear and intentional

• Assets presented with a defined use case

The era of passive listings is behind us.

“In today’s market, pricing gets you seen — strategy gets you sold.”

Fort George

Annotto Bay, St. Mary

$2.25M | 6 Bed | 7 Bath | 11,000 Sq Ft

Why this matters now: Fort George is a distinguished 18th-century estate set across 33 acres in Camberwell, St. Mary along Jamaica’s northeast coast. Elevated above the valley with views of a winding river below, the property offers a rare sense of privacy, heritage, and natural beauty. The residence features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, complemented by a tranquil pond and a wrap-around veranda designed for quiet living and relaxed entertaining.

What This Means for the Market

For Sellers

Pricing must reflect current market conditions, not past expectations

Overpricing results in inactivity rather than negotiation

For Buyers

Increased choice emerging across mid-market price points

Greater negotiating leverage in higher-value transactions

For Developers & Investors

Entry opportunities are expanding Execution and positioning remain critical.

Forward Look

Where this is heading.

Looking ahead, we expect the following trends to define the next phase of the market:

• Continued transaction activity at accessible price points

• Ongoing selectivity at the top end of the market

• Increased importance of pricing discipline

• Greater emphasis on strategic positioning

This is not a temporary phase of the cycle.

It marks the transition to a more balanced and discerning market.

“This is a market that rewards clarity, not speculation.”

If you ’ re thinking about Jamaica — talk to me now.

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Q1 2026 Jamaica Market Report by Ian Hurdle - Issuu