A Conversation with: Kim Goddard

Kim Goddard, the Real Estate Development and Sales Director, Apes Hill Barbados

What makes Barbados the ideal location for property investors?

There are quality of life and economic reasons that make Barbados an ideal place to invest.

Importantly, non-resident ownership is permitted, and properties can be owned out right. For those investors that want to rent out their home, they can also achieve good year-round rental income as the tourism market is strong. 

Investors can have confidence investing here as Barbados has a stable social and political environment, and it is the most developed country in the Eastern Caribbean. The people of Barbados are very warm, friendly, well- educated, and welcoming. There is also a rich cultural heritage side to the island, which is often referred to as “The Gem of The Caribbean Sea.”

And let’s not forget the most popular asset - the climate! Being 13 degrees off the equator means consistently great, year – round weather. What truly sets Barbados apart is its most easterly geographical location, which puts it in direct line of the trade winds which blow off the Atlantic Ocean creating cooling conditions and some of the purest air to be found anywhere in the world. These elements combine to create a fabulous outdoor lifestyle which is celebrated at Apes Hill.

There is easy accessibility with daily direct flights from Miami, New York, Canada, and London, with Barbados serving as a hub for the Islands located in the Eastern Caribbean.

What makes golf homes in Barbados so alluring?

Most buyers like the resort lifestyle that comes with a golf property; the community atmosphere, access to a game they love, a natural environment and quiet surrounds– often with beautiful views of immaculate greens, well-kept fairways and intriguing topography and exotic landscape. Owners also know that their views are protected from development, which is very important. We are fortunate at Apes Hill to have a unique location, at one of the highest points on the island. Apes Hill is located at 1000ft above sea level and overlooks the geologically and historically significant Scotland District. At this elevation, homeowners not only have spectacular golf course views, but also panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea.

For those also seeking investment returns, a golf property can be an attractive option, with the ability to rent it out year-round to holiday makers and golfers.

What budget is required to purchase a golf property?

Apes Hill properties start at $1,675,000 for a fully furnished three bedroom villa with an attractive lease back option.  

What amenities can property investors expect to receive when investing in a lifestyle property?

The location of a lifestyle resort is everything and Apes Hill is lucky to have one of the most captivating and enchanting locations in Barbados for golf and luxury lifestyle living. At 1000ft above sea level and just a few metres below the island’s highest point, it features panoramic views of the east and west coasts and indigenous tropical gullies which carve through the golf course. It is a nature wonderland that enables a range of soft adventure experiences that the whole family can enjoy.

The hub of the community is the Club House, bar and restaurant, which operates a concierge service for owners and their guests. Golfers are well looked after, as you can imagine, with an 18th hole Championship Golf Course recently renovated by Ron Kirby; a 9-hole Par 3 golf course; a floodlit driving range, short game practise area, and golf performance and teaching centre. Other leisure facilities include a luxury spa; a fitness and sports centre, pool, floodlit tennis and floodlit padel-tennis courts; nature and gully trails for hiking as well as fresh water fishing.

What about golf villa rentals? How strong is the market in Barbados?

The rental market is very strong due to strong tourism and a great climate all year round. Golfers and non-golfers alike love the leisure facilities, the feeling of space, the natural environment and quiet surrounds, as well as the beautiful views of distant horizons, lush tropical landscape, immaculate greens and well-kept fairways.

Apes Hill is building 33 three and four bedroom villas opening Nov 2023 for rental.

Can you suggest a few activities/restaurants etc that potential property investors can enjoy if they choose to purchase a property in Barbados…

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Barbados’ west coast is to see it from the water. There are several operators that offer relaxing catamaran rides with lunch and snorkelling - it’s a fun day out. Island adventures by land are also a must! Barbados is a fully immersive and diverse destination, with each of its 11 parishes possessing its own unique charm.

The island has the most attractions per square mile in the Caribbean, many of which are concentrated in the easterly parishes, which feature botanical gardens, hiking, and nature trails. The interior of the island is reminiscent of its hilly neighbouring islands, and Harrison’s Cave, in the parish of St. Thomas, is the island’s premier attraction. Additionally, there are National Trust properties across the island along with several museums, historic houses, churches and other built and natural heritage landmarks on and off the beaten path.

The restaurants and beach bars in Barbados are also very good. Staggeringly beautiful top-notch restaurants perched on clifftops and at the water’s edge include, Quattro Passi, Tides and The Fish Pot on the west coast and Primo, Champers and Apsara on the south. Beachfront shacks where the dress code is swimsuits and bare feet include La Cabane, Seashed and Surfside.

And let’s not forget about the beaches. We have more than 80 beaches, including many that are recognised as the most beautiful beaches in the world. Some with pristine white sand and others with wild, rugged terrain- and several more in between- all beautiful in their own special way.

There is also a busy calendar of events and sports fixtures, from weekly fish festivals, to street carnivals, music festivals, horse racing, polo matches, sailing regattas, rally car races, cricket and surfing contests.

What are the future prospects for golf properties and property prices in Barbados?

As visitors to Barbados are looking for longer stays and more of a residential experience where they can entertain friends and family, they make the move off the beach to a resort community, that has more space, cooler temperatures and more privacy. Being an island, no beach is very far. These factors all help to command premium pricing on resort-based golf communities in Barbados. 

People coming here want to meet new friends in a secure community and have a healthy outdoor lifestyle. The days of sitting on the beach are still there but more often it is a hike through a gully, a wine tasting or epicurean event with new friends, or a lesson at the biometrics training facility to improve the golf swing. 

New three and four-bedroom villas are available to purchase starting from £1.15 million, and there is also a turn-key land and build service available throughout the resort with stunning golf and sea views. The resort is due to open in November 2022, and it will feature a world-class golf course, spa, and restaurants.