The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A realtor is describing Spanish Wells as “a new discovery”, with property values rising and increased interest in Airbnb accommodations.

Adell Farquharson told Tribune Business that Spanish Wells, which has a long history as a prominent fishing community, was now increasingly emerging as a tourist destination.

“Spanish Wells is what I call a new discovery,” she said. “For a long time Spanish Wells was a dry island; they didn’t have alcohol. Now they do, and they have some great places to eat.

“Now the property value there has gone up, as has the interest in rentals via Airbnb. There are a lot more people looking to rent their homes out to guests there.”

Ms Farquharson added that Harbour Island’s real estate market has been strong. “The real estate market in Harbour Island is hot,” she said.

“We are a little bubble here. When the rest of the world and the economy was in a slump, a lot of people took that opportunity to invest in Harbor Island. The market just shot up.”

She continued: “We have an active market. It’s a different type of market because properties start at around $1 million. It’s high end, it’s a luxury market, but at the same time the people who come to Harbour Island have to love Harbour Island and Eleuthera with a different kind of love.”