Real Estate & Second Homes

HVS sees room for more mid-market hotels in The Bahamas

HVS's Parris Jordan said The Bahamas has room for more mid-market hotels serving business travelers, beyond its mega resorts. He noted demand is outpacing supply in the Caribbean, though rising costs and new supply need monitoring.

Why it matters:Investors and developers may find an opening in limited-service business hotels, though returns depend on matching new supply to sustained demand and managing higher construction, insurance and utility costs. (Positive development)

This Bahamas Resort Starred in a James Bond Movie -- Now Its Original Rooms Are Getting a New Look

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, on Paradise Island has renovated 26 ocean-view guestrooms and two suites in its original Hartford Wing with brighter, beach-inspired interiors and new bathrooms. Nightly rates start from $1,350.

Why it matters:The room refresh shows continued reinvestment in luxury inventory on Paradise Island, with upcoming branded residences signalling further high-end development at the property. (Positive development)

Also reported by Travel + Leisure

Get Bahamians more involved to increase tourism's benefits

Central Bank Governor John Rolle said The Bahamas could raise measured GDP without more visitors by having Bahamian businesses supply more of the services tourists already buy. The Central Bank also reported stronger stopover earnings for the first nine months of 2026.

Why it matters:Greater local supply of tourist experiences could keep more existing visitor spending in the domestic economy, creating opportunities for Bahamian businesses in recreation, culture and entertainment. (Positive development)

IMF-beating 3% growth by Central Bank

The Central Bank expects Bahamian GDP growth above 3% in 2026, exceeding the IMF's 2.6% forecast, driven by tourism and foreign investment. Governor John Rolle cited energy costs, global conflicts and financing costs as downside risks.

Why it matters:Stronger growth, rising credit and adequate reserves support the outlook for banking, tourism and investment, while energy and financing costs could slow expansion and make some foreign projects unviable. (Positive development)

Also reported by The Nassau Guardian

Mortgage lending ‘on life support’ as approval rate dips below 50% in ‘26

Bahamian mortgage applications fell 5.9 percent in the first half of 2026 and the approval rate dropped 8.3 percentage points to 45.6 percent, while commercial loan applications rose 22.3 percent and overall loan approvals reached 85.3 percent.

Why it matters:Weaker mortgage approvals threaten to slow the housing market, affecting banks, realtors, attorneys and related service industries, while rising commercial loan demand and approvals signal improving business borrowing. (Negative development)

Real Estate Agent Loses Appeal in Multimillion-Dollar Commission Dispute

The Court of Appeal dismissed Diane Holowesko's claim for over $2.3 million plus VAT in commission on the $58 million sale of Harbour House in Lyford Cay, finding her agreement required a $57 million deal by April 8th, 2022. She must pay legal costs.

Why it matters:The ruling shows Bahamian courts will enforce the conditions and deadlines in commission agreements strictly, which matters for real estate agents and brokerages handling high-value property sales. (Neutral development)

Realtor handles $40m in Old Fort Bay sales

Realtor Matt Marco of Bond Bahamas has handled more than $40m in Old Fort Bay sales in 2026 to date, about 40 percent of his $100m in deals over three quarters. He closed five high-end homes, one selling in five days.

Why it matters:Strong demand for prime waterfront homes is pushing values to record levels and straining limited luxury inventory, signalling continued buyer appetite in the Bahamian high-end residential market. (Positive development)

Old Bahama Bay's battle reignites on condo rentals

IVRC's attorney demanded LRA-OBB and OBB Hospitality stop soliciting condo owners for a rival rental programme, citing a Supreme Court ruling recognising IVRC contracts with some owners. LRA-OBB's attorney rejected the demand as unsupported by the ruling.

Why it matters:The dispute over how to read the ruling leaves control of condo rental bookings, revenue and unit owner access at Old Bahama Bay unresolved, raising legal and operational uncertainty for resort stakeholders. (Negative development)

Housing not 'super volatile' despite Q3 sales softening

Home sales slowed in most major Bahamian islands in the third quarter, with New Providence contracted and completed sales down 6.3% and 16.4% from the second quarter. Sellers there still averaged 93.6% of asking price, and a Morley Realty agent expects stability in 2027.

Why it matters:Stable pricing, lower inventory and selective buyers shape expectations for Bahamian residential real estate heading into 2027, relevant to lenders, developers and property investors. (Neutral development)