Barbados Property News - June / July 2024

Editor’s Comments

Cricket Fever is in the air! And wouldn’t you know it – the rains have arrived! Let’s just hope that they keep away for the crucial matches. So much preparation has gone into this International sporting event that it’s vital we capitalise on the positive publicity and show off this paradise island at its best! And of course, some of us are hoping we have the West Indies in the Final on 29th June at the mecca, Kensington Oval!

Sports tourism is important to this island. One of the best things about life on our 166 square miles is that there is so much to do and see – and that is besides sunbathing and the beach! The diversity in Barbados leaves you dizzy. Sometimes there is just not enough time to do it all. Whether it’s the party life you crave or a bit of sport/culture/art – you can find it all. You cannot go wrong with buying real estate here and this BPN June July is packed with properties to buy and rent.

.Next edition is our annual hurricane preparation reminder. Warm temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean are causing concern about an active hurricane season. It can all be a storm in a teacup or it can be something far more sinister. Whatever, we need to be prepared. Don’t wait until the alarm sounds!

So pack that picnic and get down to Kensington Oval, enjoy the fun! Remember, Barbados Property News is on line www.barbadospropertynews.com

Pamela.

Credits

Publisher – Hiltop Publications Ltd, 11 Gunsite Townhouses

Brittons Hill, St Michael

Barbados

Tel (246) 232 0692

Email: sportingb@caribsurf.com www.sportingbarbados.com www.barbadospropertynews.com

Editor/Advertising – Pamela L Hiles

Design and Art Direction – 809

Distribution – Hiltop Publications Ltd, Brian’s Print Brokerage

Printing – COT Printery

The Material and editorial contained in this publication have been deemed accurate at the time of going to print. The views expressed as editorial are those of the Editor unless stated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the permission of Hiltop Publications Ltd.

3 bed, 4 bath villa with lush gardens and pool adjacent to Apes Hill Golf Resort

bed, 2 bath charming South Coast beachfront

with an array of amenities nearby

The Mount #9 - The Mount, St. George

bed, 3.5 bath multi level home on elevated ridge with panoramic country views

(furnished)

-

bed, 2.5 bath modern home with magnificent country views, positioned within 4+ acres of land

bed, 3 bath traditional family home conveniently located on the South Coast

$187,500

Palm View - Gregg Farm, St. James

Maxwell Beach Villas 102 - Maxwell, Christ Church

Montview Terrace Lot 1 - Jordans, St. George

Sq.Ft centrally located hillside lot with sweeping panoramic views of the South Coast

Hillington - Golf Club Road, Christ Church

Cloudreach

St. Thomas

Easy Hall Lots 4 & 5 - St. Joseph

bed, 3.5 bath exquisite country home recently renovated, set in mature gardens

$837,500

Southern Comfort - St. Thomas

bed, 4 bath property with phenomenal sea views, pool and a distinctive architectural style

$947,500

Sweet Song - Inch Marlow, Christ Church

bed, 4.5 bath picturesque home with cottage, walking distance to Silver Sands Beach

$700,000 (furnished)

Announcing Standard’s New Loyalty Programme for Industry Professionals

Standard Distribution and Sales (Barbados) Ltd. has launched a new Loyalty Rewards Programme for interior designers, decorators, property managers, and developers. This initiative promises significant value to their industry partners, emphasizing a dedication to top-quality products and exceptional service.

Renatta Mohammed, General Manager of Standard Barbados, told guests at the Programme’s launch that “… your dedication to crafting extraordinary spaces deserves recognition, and our loyalty program is our way of saying thank you for choosing Standard as your preferred partner.”

Key Benefits of the Standard Loyalty Rewards Programme

• Personalized Support: Tailored assistance, including customized product sourcing, procurement services, and bespoke furniture design.

• Priority Service: Expedited services and priority support, with no additional cost for priority deliveries and free specialist assembly for designers and decorators.

• Exclusive Discounts: Special pricing on products, with discounts ranging from 10 to 15%.

• Rewards Points: Earn points with every purchase, receiving a commission on each dollar spent, valid for 12 months.

• Special Events, Previews, and Privileges: Early access to new

product launches, exclusive events, and the ability to place holds on products for future purchase. Complimentary staging and curated bundle packages for elite developers.

Standard celebrates its 65th year of serving generations in Barbados this year, and this Programme is an example of the company’s evolution. If you’re an industry professional seeking free Programme membership, email info@standard.bb . About Standard Distribution and Sales

Standard Distribution and Sales is a leading provider of highquality furniture, appliance and home décor, supporting the needs of interior designers, decorators, property managers, homeowners and developers in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

How to avoid rogue landlords….

By Lesley Goodfellow

“The ground is my ocean, I’m the shark, and most people don’t even know how to swim.”

There are a world of renters in Barbados, all seeking a secure, wellmaintained and managed abode to enjoy this island paradise.

However, there are good landlords and some down right awful ones who simply don’t play by the rules. That old fashioned mentality of ‘renters don’t matter’ ‘fill up the place with old junk and these renters will cover my mortgage’ is still at large.

I speak from personal experience unfortunately. I had an ill-informed landlord. One dominant issue was the instance of sugar ants that occupied the property before I did. And boy did these ants multiply. Now in fairness, the landlord did appoint a Rentokil-type person to try and eradicate both the ants and some nuisance cockroaches. However, the ants would not leave and, as time went on, they increased in numbers. So I respectively requested that a further pest-control treatment was carried out. That was met with resistance and a line that will never leave me ‘that is at the tenant’s account’. I don’t even think that is proper English, however, they directed me to my unregistered tenancy agreement which did indeed support what they said. Now, some may be unaware but when pests are already in habitation prior to a tenant taking occupation, and assuming the tenant does nothing to encourage their occupation, the responsibility for eradication falls (under common law) to the landlord. That to me is logical but my scenario was denied any logic.

On deduction from my deposit, I was wrongfully charged for two repairs to toilets. I hasten to add old toilets and again, the necessity for their repair was not induced by me but rather as a result of old parts doing what they do. Failing. Now most people would be aware that such a repair would indeed be at the landlord’s account. Not my landlord!

Additionally, I was charged $600 for the replacement of four 1970’s-style cushion covers. I wonder which luxury store the new covers were being purchased from.

Now the point of my article, which is not to make a series of sarcastically ebbed remarks, but rather to draw to the general population’s attention that not all landlords are good. Be vigilant. Do your research on the landlord. Preferably seek properties that are professionally managed. Unfortunately, I found there was little recourse and, as it transpired, the same rogue landlord has form for behaving in this barbaric fashion and keeping more of the deposit than is rightfully theirs.

It leaves a souring taste. Tenants have rights and not every tenant is a bad one. I know I wasn’t.

Here is what equals a good landlord and of course, there are good landlords out there…

‘building and maintaining a good relationship with your tenants, and respecting all the legal requirements associated with the rental process’.

Discover Island Living at Rockley Residences

Welcome to Rockley Residences, where luxury meets tranquillity in the heart of Christ Church, Barbados. Nestled within the picturesque Rockley Golf & Country Club, this exclusive collection of two- and three-bedroom condominiums promises a lifestyle of comfort, style, and convenience. Spanning 3.25 acres of lush landscape, each residence offers single-level living with open-plan designs, ensuring a seamless blend of modernity and nature.

Your Serene Oasis Awaits

Imagine waking up to sweeping views of the communal pool or the pristine golf course, all framed by mature trees and vibrant gardens. Rockley Residences is designed to be your serene oasis amidst the bustling South Coast. The development features four four-storey buildings, each equipped with elevators for easy access. Choose from 16 three-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom units, all thoughtfully designed for your utmost comfort and convenience.

Unmatched Convenience and Connectivity

Location is everything, and Rockley Residences does not disappoint. Just a five-minute stroll from the renowned Worthing and Accra beaches, you can enjoy sun-soaked days and refreshing ocean breezes. Everyday essentials are within a twominute walk, with supermarkets, restaurants, banks, and more at your fingertips. For nightlife and entertainment, the vibrant St. Lawrence Gap is just a short walk away, offering a dynamic hub of cultural events, restaurants, and bars.

Exceptional Amenities for a Modern Lifestyle

Living at Rockley Residences means enjoying unparalleled amenities. From a centrally located communal swimming pool to Rockley Golf & Country Club’s amenities, including a 9-hole golf course, five tennis courts, and a clubhouse restaurant and bar, every day feels like a vacation. Each unit comes with central air-conditioning, a kitchen appliance package, and modern connectivity features, making move-in hassle-free and convenient.

Secure Your Slice of Paradise

With prices starting at US$442,500 for two-bedroom units and

US$565,000 for three-bedroom units, Rockley Residences offers an excellent investment opportunity with high rental potential. Secure your unit with a US$5,000 reservation deposit and take advantage of an exclusive limited time discount of US$5,000. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this sought-after community. Contact Luxe Caribbean Properties today to make Rockley Residences your new home. For more information, visit www.luxecaribbeanproperties.com, email info@luxecaribbeanproperties.com, or call +1 (246) 233-5893.