When to Arrive and Availability

When to Arrive

This may seem like a strange thing to consider, but when you do consider that most leases and availability commences on the first of the month, planning ahead makes sense. We usually recommend that new arrivals have temporary accommodation arranged for a week to 10 days when they first arrive. This is sufficient time to get a feel for the island, view properties with your agent and secure a place with all the necessary documentation needed to move into your new home. Many companies actually pay for this temporary accommodation so ask ahead.

Availability

In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan devastated the Cayman Islands and Grand Cayman in particular. It was a terrifying and harrowing time, with many people homeless, or living in cramped shared accommodation as homes and buildings across the island had to be rebuilt and renovated.  Prices also shot up due to the high demand and value for money was not key.

However, since that time there has been a global economic recession which eventually made it to the shores of the Cayman Islands, driving the rental prices downwards again for a variety of reasons.  New properties have continued to be built and many older properties have been completely renovated since ‘the storm’ providing a glut of properties for tenants at much lower and more affordable rates. Value for money is now key and Landlords have to provide a much higher standard of property at a competitive rate in order to attract tenants. Things seem to have levelled out and there is plenty to choose from.

The winter or “dry” season, which traditionally runs from December 15th through April 15th, has always been the busiest time of year with tourists, new residents and employees all descending in a short period of time.

Many new employees, especially seasonal workers, begin arriving in September. Accounting staff and bankers tend to come in October. Once into December it can get more difficult to find the right property especially family houses. Many seasonal staff and teachers begin to leave in May through July, with the next batch arriving in August. Many current residents use this time to look around for new accommodation or just to catch up with the market changes.  When planning your move bare these things in mind.