For those who need the meat...here it is....The recent actions of the Honduran Government to implement some needed development strategies have caused a stir in the Real Estate industry here on the Islands.
Many changes to the building setbacks on the beachfront, height restrictions, land use, and density issues have been clarified and guidelines are now available for would-be developers and landowners.
Much anticipated and needed, these new guidelines will be used by the officials responsible for issuing building permits and environmental licenses. Gone is the “guesswork” and interpretations that we’ve been accustomed to here. We see this positive step towards sustainable growth in the Bay Islands as the first in many to come. Speculators need to be aware of these rules and govern themselves accordingly. Chosing a REALTOR who is familiar with these changes and well versed in the workings of both the local and federal Governments, is the most important decision you’ll make here.
In other aspects of our local Real Estate market, the Roatan Realtor’s Association is growing with now more than 12 Agencies cooperating in a Multiple Listing Service in addition to publishing Roatan’s first MLS Real Estate Guide this past month. This free publication is intended to showcase all properties for sale on Roatan, from all the agencies in the Association, in one, easy to read booklet. Copies of the Bay Islands Real Estate Guide are available at most hotels, gas stations, restaurants and Real Estate offices.
Hurricane season is now over and hopefully next year, like last,
will be uneventful in the Bay Islands. Although we sure sympathize
with our sister islands throughout the eastern Caribbean. Places like
Granada, Cayman Islands and Jamaica were hit hard last year…and believe
it or not, we are experiencing some of the after effects.
For one thing, construction materials like concrete and lumber have
gone up over 20% as a result of the heavy exportation of these goods to
the countries rebuilding around the Caribbean. Even Laborers, sensing
higher wages abroad, are rushing to get passports to go work on
neighboring islands…and builders here are starting to experience some
holes in the skilled labor force.
The good news is that Investors are looking harder than ever at our
paradise here, unaffected by Mother Nature’s wrath last year, as a safe
place to put there money, and an even better place to retire. Our
inquires from the Cayman’s alone have gone up 600% over the past few
months.
Roatan presents a Cornucopia of delights for those looking at investing
in the warm tropical climates of the Caribbean. From white sandy
beaches to majestic mountain peaks overlooking the turquoise waters of
the western Caribbean, Roatan is fast becoming both home to thousands
of ex-pats, and those looking for a great place to vacation. So there
you have it...
