In common with much of the Caribbean, St Lucia’s economy is highly dependent on tourism. Launched in 2021, Saint Lucia’s ‘Live It’ programme allowed tourists to stay for a maximum of 6 weeks, however in a bid to appeal to digital nomads, the programme was extended in 2022 and now allows visitors to stay up to a year on a multi-entry visa.

The island’s prime residential market is highly undersupplied. At Sugar Beach, one of the most desirable areas of the island, there are only 23 homes, six of which changed hands in 2021. Prime residential prices range from $2.5 million for a one bedroom property up to $8.5 million for a beachfront residence. Most houses which have come to market are selling for the first time since they were built. As with many islands, location is key to the price, with ocean-front and beach-front properties commanding higher prices than other locations; an apartment on the waterfront can average $660 per square foot whilst a villa on the beach can command almost three times this value at $1890 per square foot.

St Lucia saw price falls during the pandemic, and subsequently saw a surge in activity when travel restrictions eased. The island saw renewed interest as buyers re-prioritised lifestyle, attracted to the quality of life on offer in the island. The British account for the majority of international buyers on the island, seeking second homes or a place to retire.