LongTerm Anguilla Apartment Rentals

by Norm
(Akron, Ohio USA)

My wife and I are nearing retirement from our civil service jobs. We have a part-time travel agency that is growing. We love the Caribbean and see ourselves in ecommerce someplace lovely and warm in our retirement years.

Not so interested in owning property anymore, like the idea of coming and going as we please. What are we looking at for long term apartment rentals?


Dad's Reply: Norm, I believe this is one of the big trends to come over the next 10 years, not just the baby boomer retirees but also the mobile laptop workers who work on the Net, not in an office.

For a variety of reasons (weather, loss of freedom and true democracy, taxation, etc.), many people are actively considering living in free, tropical countries like Anguilla.

The good news is that there are lots of apartments in Anguilla available during this recession (too much Supply, not enough Demand due to stalled developments). We have friends with nice places available in the $1000-$2,000 range. And you'll find more in the Classified Ads of The Anguillian.

Suggestion? Come down in November when it's still off-season (but likely getting cold in Akron), stay at Carimar, a terrific mid-range priced hotel right on one of Anguilla's nicest beaches, rent a car, pick up a copy of the Anguillian newspaper and start your hunt.

You'll accomplish two goals...

1) Find out if Anguilla is right for you.

2) Get the most up-to-date scoop on the status of Anguilla apartments.

Before coming down, make an appointment with our Anguilla attorney, Eustella Fontaine. She can advise you further regarding long-term living here.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Anguilla apartments 6-14month lease?

by Dustin
(NY, NY, USA)

I am moving to Anguilla August 24th and have been having trouble finding an apartment in Anguilla.

I am a US resident and wanted to know where or who should I contact to find a studio or 1 bedroom apartment.

Reply by Ken (AKA "Dad") Dustin, you should NOT have any problems finding empty apartments in Anguilla. After the recession hit, many projects wound down and ex-pats left for home.

(Perhaps your employer can help. If you are self-employed, I assume you have all the necessary paperwork to stay longer than 1 month, or that you know what needs to be done.)

Here is some info on Anguilla apartments that I have toured personally and am comfortable renting. They are larger than you want, but you might be pleasantly surprised at the rent. Let them know what you are looking for and are willing to pay.

If they can't help you, come down before you start work. Stay for a few days at a cheap hotel or Lloyd's or Sydans Apartments and Villas.

Get a copy of the Anguillian newspaper, and see what's available once you are on-island. Craigslist might also be able to help, as can a local real estate agent.

However you do it, do not make the mistake of renting anything "sight unseen."

While I can vouch for the two apartments above, but I would not rent ANY apartment (anywhere, not just Anguilla) without touring it personally.

It's pretty easy to recognize what you like in a place, so I'll skip that. But here are a few "negatives" (that many forget to check) to look for while checking out apartments...

1) Noise -- come back at night and see if the area is quiet.

2) Air Conditioning -- make sure it's working.

3) Bugs -- it's a tropical country.

4) Water pressure -- it's generally lower here in Anguilla to conserve water. But make sure it's enough for you.

5) Plumbing and electrical in general -- try all taps and switches.

6) Overall cleanliness of apartment and yard

7) Locks -- Anguilla is safe, but that does not mean it's crime-free.

8) Pool -- Believe me, it's great to have a pool.

9) Open the windows -- do you have a breeze or is it airless? A breezy area cuts down on air con bills.

10) Oceanview -- there are some reasonable apartments overlooking the sea.

Get a copy of the Anguillian newspaper and start calling! If you know someone locally, that would also be a huge help.

Hope this helps out.