GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, Bahamas – This tropical island paradise barely 50 miles off the coast of South Florida has been a tourist mecca for years.
But not any more. Savvy property buyers are seeking permanent residences in this popular seashore venue. And so are Baby Boomers looking to plant their retirement roots in a comfortable climate.
Bahamas-based Shoreline Properties is catering to this burgeoning market. With homes ranging from the $650,000 to more than $2 million, Shoreline can accommodate the lifestyle, personal taste and pocketbooks of discerning Americans.
To showcase its vast array of richly appointed single-family homes abutting beaches, golfing, shopping and nightlife, Shoreline has just opened two new model homes.
“We use one as a show house, displaying the interior and exterior finishes available to interested buyers,” said Director of Sales Keith Jervis. “It is also a courtesy home that can be used as a guest house for prospective customers.”
The second model introduces home hunters to the community’s inviting architecture and characteristics. Styles range from picturesque New England seacoast homes to those reflecting the tropical nuances of the Caribbean and the Florida Keys.
Shoreline’s focus is clearly on the future. But the impact of changes in demographics and economics in the nearby US – particularly Florida – are clearly on the development’s radar screen.
“Home prices in coastal areas of the United States are skyrocketing,” he said. As a result, buyers looking for value are purchasing in the Bahamas, where shoreline homes are still available at a fraction of the cost of similarly sited homes in the United States.
That gives people in the market for a first, second or third home, a residence for business purposes or investment property, more bangs for their buck up front. Buyers can then enjoy freedom from taxes on income, capital gains, real estate, private property and most customs duties.
With amenities like this, Shoreline aims to catch the increasingly popular wave of Americans migrating from the United States to countries nearby. Demographers said many of the 70 million-plus Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 feel they can retire more comfortably outside the US borders. Modern communications and transportation make it easy to stay in touch and come home frequently for visits.
Like many developments in South Florida, Shoreline is a gated community with 76 homes on its own private beach. It offers 10 home styles based on five floor plans ranging from 2800 to 4500 square feet. Its modern version of “Key West” style houses are one, two or three -story homes with front and back porches graced with charming exterior features and expansive and luxurious interior spaces.
www.ShorelineBahamas.com
