Anguilla - Physical Characteristics

Anguilla is an island in the Eastern Caribbean that is (16) miles long and (3) miles wide and boasts (33) white sandy beaches and transparent turquoise waters. Its topography of copious reefs, white coral rock and stunning coastline entice visitors from around the world.  The unspoiled reefs make Anguilla a mecca for snorkeling and diving and its history as a British territory and spice island foster the exploration of numerous underwater wreck sties.   Anguilla’s tropical climate yields a year round average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit with approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually.  Water temperatures are in the upper 70ºs to lower 80ºs. Optimum diving conditions are in the summer months when visibility is at its highest and there are little or no ground seas. Anguilla has long been considered among the most exclusive islands in the Caribbean.  Famed for its fine sand beaches, the island has long attracted the rich and famous to its shores including Uma Thurman, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, Beyonce Knowles, beau Jay-Z and others. 

Anguilla - Economic Drivers

Due to its beautiful beaches, but lack of overall resources, tourism has long been the island’s dominant economic force.  In the early 1980s, the local government exercised a considerable amount of foresight and set regulations limiting development to boutique hotels and resorts. Nearly thirty years later, Anguilla continues to flourish as an inconspicuous retreat. Void of discos, casinos, duty-free shopping, or cruise liners, Anguilla offers discerning globetrotters a true escape, free of worldly diversions. Anguilla is home to world-class resorts including Cap Juluca, CuisinArt and Malliouhana – all recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Caribbean Resorts for years running. The island was also recently rated as the world’s 15^th Best Island by National Geographic Traveler for its “beaches of legendary beauty, friendly people, fine dining and art.”

Anguilla - History

Claimed by the British in 1650, this historic relationship remains in place today as it is a British dependent territory and it’s governed by a parliamentary representative system.  The island’s small population of 13,500 is predominately Christian and English speaking.  Driving is on the left as in the U.K., but Electricity is 110 AC voltages, the same as in the US.  Anguilla’s currency is the East Caribbean dollar; however the U.S. dollar is also widely accepted.

Anguilla - Critical Factor Analysis

When considering a real estate investment in Anguilla (or anywhere) many factors must be evaluated independently.  The first, of course is price.  As has been well-documented, real estate prices in much of the world have reached excessive levels.  As the real estate bubble has now popped, real estate prices (in general) are now much closer to their historical norms with relation to incomes, rents, and other measures.  Location in any real estate investment is another crucial factor.  It is here that Anguilla excels.  The island’s small size and population have allowed it to remain insulated from the mass construction and less affluent tourists (that eventually downgrade the exclusivity factor) that frequent many other desirable locales.  Anguilla has only a small airport, requiring most tourists to arrive via ferry or small plane from St. Maarten or Puerto Rico, ensuring that its beaches will remain some of the world’s most beautiful and private.Another critical factor is the rule of law.  Anguilla’s British background, use of English, and comfort level with American currency make it a safer investment than some other exotic locales that may not share similar traits.

Anguilla - Conclusion

In conclusion, Anguilla’s many positive attributes including beauty, affluence, exclusivity, climate, and government system, far outweigh its negative dependence on tourism and vulnerability to Mother Nature.  If one were interested in investing in Caribbean real estate, Anguilla should be at the top of your list.