Could the Caribbean become the 'new Dubai' for UK property buyers?

The British Foreign Office is currently advising against all but essential travel to relocation hotspots like Dubai because of the Iran war - meaning destinations like St Lucia are set to become even more in demand.

Our firm is well placed to respond to this new surge in interest with a property office situated on the Caribbean island since 2005.

We are experts in the St Lucia market - which can be more tax efficient and investor friendly than buying property in the UK, says Asnia Ste Marie, our St Lucia office manager.

Then there is the pleasing climate of St Lucia, its relatively short flight time compared to other long-haul destinations, with a direct route, and no language barrier.

Already, because of the escalating Middle East conflict, as reported in the UK national press, there’s been a spike in interest in the Caribbean for holidays.

Searches made between March 2-15 rose by 81% compared to the previous fortnight with St Lucia one of top destinations after the Dominican Republic and Tobago, states UK-based price comparison website TravelSupermarket.

Asnia Ste Marie, Manager, Brown&Co St Lucia, said: “If you are thinking of selling your home, now is a really good time because of the current new interest in the Caribbean generally.

“Many people who come to St Lucia for a holiday go on to buy on the island - they fall in love with it. Property is seen as good value in St Lucia.

"St Lucia is also popular because of its pleasing climate, the relatively short flight time and direct route compared to other long-haul destinations, the fact there is no language barrier, you can easily work here with the time difference and people even drive on the same side of the roads as in the UK.

"It's an ideal place for people wanting a holiday home to escape to or as an investment, for business/job purposes or to retire to."