The new wave of hi-end pleasure based investments has already started among those in the know. With Harbour Island grabbing the spotlight again in recent weeks as one of the most desirable places on earth to call home according to HGTV, America’s leading lifestyle programme, the tell tale signs that investor confidence is back are starting to show.

In recent weeks historic Strawberry House, Sandy Hill, a new site at Pink Sands and several apartments at both the Valentines and Pink Sands resorts have been snapped up. New refurbishment has started at Fort Point and La Tortuga, and a beautiful restoration project by its new owners is underway at Strawberry House. New build projects are well underway at Pink Sands and at a site overlooking Girls Bank. The Little Dock House project looks set to come to life too. All this on an Island that covers just 1.6 sq miles. Development activity has resumed on Little Harbour Island, just 1-mile west of Harbour Island, another clear sign that the wave is coming…

Several existing owners, close to the market, have reinvested up-market before the wave hits its peak and two previous long term owners who left the Island for some years have returned. Local realtor Robert Arthur reports that others are also looking. For those who fell in love with the place and invested in homes here the Island has been kind and continues to provide returns substantially, and sometimes dramatically, ahead of the market. Hi-end properties can rent for

$6,ooo – $10,000 per week when not in use by their owners – in some cases for up to 20 weeks.

A magnet for yacht enthusiasts, the newly completed Sunset Harbour Estate development with its own private deep water dock is potentially an investors dream.

Surprisingly, hi-end waterfront property on Harbour Island calls for lower investment than in Florida. The question is: ….but for how much longer?