Downsizing, cutbacks, call it what you want but, every year after the dreaded Annual Budget, we all try to find ways to ‘affordable living’.

One thing remains constant; When it comes to real estate in Jamaica (like most properties in the Caribbean), it has its value and if you can keep it, do it! This is true even in the toughest of times and despite the occasional political unrest coupled with a fairly constant high crime rate, simply because Jamaica is such a beautiful land with such an idyllic climate. The tourism industry, despite everything, not only remains afloat but remains relatively strong. So if you are doing everything you can to survive; struggling to keep your head above water, don’t sell that beautiful property, yet! Real estate in Jamaica will continue to increase in value and be sought after for years to come, especially as beachfront and island homes are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

With all the doom and gloom and global recession, Jamaica has still managed to make great strides in creating an environment conducive to business development and as such has maintained a strong international profile, so the secret is out. , Jamaica is a destination for trade and investment in all sectors and some of the world’s leading companies have made Jamaica their home. All of this bodes well for those who have invested in local property and real estate. Hold on to your land, it can only be appreciated.

Now, outside of and apart from Jamaica Real Estate, we believe that there is such a thing as affordable living in everyday life and we base that claim on the following facts. Take your average still remarkably cheap Jamaican box lunch, especially if you convert it to US dollars or British pounds. The ubiquitous box lunch costs, on average, around US$4.00 or £2.70p! And, the Jamaican box lunch is a lifesaver: good Jamaican cuisine and extremely filling. When our local vegetables are in season, they are a bargain, literally! Local lettuce is J$50 to J$60 for 2 cute ‘heads’ in a pack as an example and, we can all find and head to a free beach on a sunny day; all we need is our bus fare/gas money and enough for, you guessed it, a box lunch! And then a day in the magnificent Gardens of Hope is still completely free! Let’s not forget a good friend somewhere who cooks up a big pot of ‘Saturday soup’ which is invariably delicious and accompanied by lively discussion – on the verandah of course.

Beyond the image of a tropical paradise, the country’s people have a solid reputation as innovators (especially when money is tight) and trendsetters. Jamaicans are ordinary people who often climb to great heights; their vibrant energy and indomitable spirit prepared them for achievement in all spheres of life, be it in culture, commerce, politics, public service, and last but not least, sports.