Renting a Property

step of the way when buying or selling your property. Let her experience and proven track record work for you. SEE AD PAGE 155

Kristina King - ERA Cayman Tel: (345) 916 7988 Email: kristina.king@eracayman.com Kristina grew up on Grand Cayman after her parents moved here in the early 70’s. She puts building customer relationships first, utilising her vast knowledge and experience gained over many years of living and working in the Cayman Islands to offer her clients guidance. If you are looking to sell your property or find the perfect home or investment, and ensure every transaction is a successful experience - call

Kristina today! SEE AD PAGE 160

Melisa McTaggart - Diamond Properties Agent Tel: (345) 916 8925 Email: Melisa@diamondproperties.ky www.diamondproperties.ky As a generational Caymanian, Melisa has unsurpassed local knowledge and an expansive network. With a background in the legal and financial services industry, Melisa has absolutely found her calling as a real estate agent with Diamond Properties. Sharing her warm smile, big personality, and enthusiastic nature, Melisa is ready while helping her clients with all their real estate needs.

SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE

Morgan McCartney - Diamond Properties Agent Tel: (345) 517 0840 Email: Morgan@diamondproperties.ky www.diamondproperties.ky A recent graduate of The University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, Morgan is excited to be back in her favourite place on earth. Born and raised in Grand Cayman, into a family with a history of real estate development, she is proud to begin her career in the family path. Morgan is friendly, professional, and dedicated to providing her clients with a #CaymanKind service that goes above and beyond. SEE AD THIS PAGE Email: admin@propertycayman.com www.propertycayman.com Specialising in matter-of-fact advice, recognised internationally for sales and marketing, and donating a portion of every sale to affordable housing in Cayman – this team does more than say they do things differently. They have transformed the way real estate is bought, sold, and marketed. But beyond that, it’s their welcoming energy, mirroring that of the island, that will make you feel like a local even if you’re not one — yet.

Provenance Properties Cayman Islands Tel: (345) 640 7000 Email: info@provenanceproperties.com www.provenanceproperties.com Provenance Properties is the Cayman Islands affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, a global leader in luxury real estate. Provenance Properties specialises in representing luxury Grand Cayman real estate, including the exclusive listing for The Residences at Seafire. This boutique brokerage provides exceptional service and valuable market insights.

SEE AD PAGE 153

Rhulens Cayman Tel: (345) 938 1000 New York Tel: 1 (917) 836 9108 Email: sloane@rhulens.com www.rhulens.com Rhulens is your trusted advisor when it comes to purchasing, selling, or renting residential real estate in Cayman. Their extensive experience, market knowledge and strong negotiation skills enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. They offer unbiased research, analysis, and advice, and provide exceptional customer service.

SEE AD PAGE 81

THPM Real Estate 201, Owen Roberts Drive Tel: (345) 949 5134 Email: hello.thpmsales@gmail.com www.thpm.ky A leading real estate agency offering a bespoke sales service with reduced sales commission, excellent attention to detail and top customer service. THPM offers a wide selection of properties for sale and specialises in matching the perfect people to their dream home, as well as helping vendors get the best value from their property. SEE AD PAGE 174

1503 Property Group Tel: (345) 525 1503 Email: hello@1503propertygroup.com www.1503propertygroup.com 1503 Property Group is a leading real estate brokerage in the Cayman Islands that is committed to providing outstanding service. Founders Jill and Ruth are go-getters who leverage the most emergent marketing strategies and technology to ensure their clients and customers benefit from the impressive network the company has established.

SEE AD PAGE 161

RENTING A PROPERTY

Starting Your Search There is no central portal so the best place to start your search is by contacting a realtor who specialises in rentals. They will give you a list of what they have

available, arrange viewings and even drive you around to see properties. This is also free of charge. Alternatively, you can look on ecaytrade.com and see what rentals are listed there; as of August 2021, ecaytrade.com listed 941 available rentals. As expected, rent along the Seven Mile Beach corridor and in the South Sound area is generally higher than units in West Bay or Savannah. To manage your expectations, communicate your wish list to a realtor prior to your arrival. Have the following in mind when you contact an agent:

> Time-frame: The majority of tenancies commence on the first of the month. Landlords can be flexible if you ask and put a security deposit down (typically one months’ rent). Most rentals will not begin to be advertised until 4 - 6 weeks prior to the start of the lease and the rates will fluctuate throughout the year so wait until your permit has been approved before you start your search. The current market moves very quickly. Most realtors are willing to give

you a tour by FaceTime or send additional photos if you have yet to arrive on-Island. > Price range: Rent in Cayman is not as affordable as you may be used to and you may have to forgo that beachfront condo or extra bedroom to stay within budget. > Deposit: The industry standard for a rental security deposit is equivalent to a full month’s rent. E.g. if you lease a property for CI$1,500/month, your deposit will be

CI$1,500. In addition to this, the first month’s rent will be required to be paid in full on or before you take occupancy. > Location: Again, be realistic, not everyone lives within walking distance to the beach or a shopping centre. A reduction in the commuting time is often one of the top priorities for people moving to the Cayman

Islands, so you may want to make sure you choose a property which factors in journey times to the office and schools. > Size: How many bedrooms do you need or want? Many people like to have an extra bedroom for visitors, or even a home office. > Lifestyle: You will likely have to compromise

Centre Island Properties

Leasing • Apartments • Commercial

Centre Island Properties is your 1-stop shop for long-term residential and commercial leasing complete with a professional property management team on Grand Cayman

Long Term Leasing: • Residential (apartments and condos) on 7 Mile Beach, George Town, West Bay, Snug Harbour and Palm Heights Drive.

• The Residences at the Falls 48 luxurious condos in Seven Mile Beach across from the Westin Hotel. Available for long term leasing.

• Commercial (office, retail and large commercial warehouse spaces) on 7 Mile Beach and George Town

www.centreislandproperties.com Tel: (345) 326-4790 • Email: rge@bcqs.com

Related Costs In addition to the first month’s rent and deposit, you will have to pay associated start-up costs for your new accommodation:

> Utilities Deposit: Estimate approximately

CI$100 for water, CI$200-CI$500 for electricity and an estimated CI$150 for a landline, cable and/or internet package. See the Settling In chapter for more details. > Maintenance Costs: Most landlords will take care of maintenance costs associated with garden and pool care, pest control and servicing of general systems such as

A/C. If this is not specified within the lease agreement, enquire prior to signing. > Insurance: Insuring personal belongings is the responsibility of the tenant. The property owner will be responsible for any issues that are not the fault of the tenant i.e., inclement weather, a burst pipe or the A/C system failing. > Furnishings: Most units come furnished.

Prior to signing a lease, ask for an inventory list showing everything that comes with the unit. You will have to be prepared to supplement anything missing. > Pets: A large number of complexes or owners do not accept pets. Those that do will require an additional non-refundable security deposit, which can be as much as

CI$600 per pet to account for a specialised cleaning of the unit done once the tenant has left. > Monthly Costs: You will be expected to pay water and electricity which will be based on consumption, the size of the unit and the age of the build. Your realtor will be able to give you an estimate on the unit prior to signing an agreement. Cable and internet may or may not be included in the rental rate. If it is included, it is usually a basic package and you can pay to upgrade.

Realtors - Rentals For potential renters, the best approach is to email one of the realtors below, make a connection and have them guide you in your search. Please note that each agent

or company will have their own rental listings, but they will have access to each other’s, as well as properties listed on Ecaytrade.com.

BCQS Rentals 2nd Fl, Whitehall House, 238 North Church St. Tel: (345) 949 9300 Email: rentals@bcqs.com www.bcqsrentals.com If you’re looking for the ideal apartment or home to rent over the long-term, talk to the friendly professionals at BCQS Rentals. With full relocation and tenant placement services, BCQS can help you every step of the way. BCQS Rentals brings quality tenants and landlords together. Review their website today to see the latest rental listings.

SEE AD THIS PAGE

Centre Island Properties Tel: (345) 326 4790 Email: rge@bcqs.com www.centreislandproperties.com Centre Island Properties is a premier real estate company having residential and commercial properties available for rent in Grand Cayman.

SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE

REM Services Ltd. Locale, Unit C1, 455 West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 946 8664 Email: rent@remservices.ky www.remservices.ky REM Services Ltd. is a professional property management company in the Cayman Islands with over 35 years’ experience. Providing services to clients on Island and overseas, REM specialises in residential and commercial properties and beachside condos. Both shortterm and long-term rental options are available.

SEE AD PAGE 175

Ritch Realty Ltd. Cayman Tel: (345) 949 9838 / (345) 925 5653 Email: info@ritchrealty.ky www.ritchrealty.ky Ritch Realty Ltd. is a leading real estate agency in the Cayman Islands specialising in sales, property management and rental properties at premium locations in Grand Cayman. A family owned and operated business and

1991. SEE AD PAGE 164

THPM Real Estate 201 Owen Roberts Drive Tel: (345) 949 5134 Email: hello.thpmsales@gmail.com www.thpm.ky THPM is a leading real estate agency offering personalised services to clients. Whether new to the island or looking for a new home, a condo or corporate properties in the capital, THPM offers a comprehensive selection of properties to clients. THPM also provides full property management and sales. SEE AD PAGE 174

The Terraces at Camana Bay Dart Real Estate, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 640 4000 Email: info@camanabay.com www.camanabay.com An exclusive property in the heart of Camana Bay owned by Dart Real Estate, The Terraces offer residents the ‘work, live and play’ dream. There are one and two bedroom options available and they come with direct access to all of Camana Bay’s renowned amenities. SEE AD PAGE 158

Real Estate Photography Please refer to the Living in Cayman chapter.

Temporary Accommodation Many companies offer new employees two to four weeks of temporary accommodation to assist with relocation. Options include: Sunshine Suites (Tel: (345) 949 3000), Shangri-La bed and breakfast (Tel: (345) 526 1170), and The Locale Hotel (Tel: (345) 233 7829). There are also a growing number of property owners who are using Airbnb to advertise locally available condos and guest houses, or you could try one of the condominiums on Seven Mile Beach. Without tourists coming to Cayman, many are available for short-term rentals and staycations. THE Tell them you saw it in the