Forgotten ancestral lands in St Thomas are emerging as a hidden treasure, driving a surge in property activity as families rush to secure titles and unlock the value of plots left to them by their grandparents, Newton Johnson, former president of the Real Estate Association of Jamaica, has said.

This newfound interest is reshaping the real estate landscape in the parish that has long been overlooked but now primed for growth.

“St Thomas is on the brink of a major boom,” Johnson told the Jamaica Observer in a recent interview about the outlook of Jamaica’s real estate market in 2025.

“Many Jamaicans are now realising that lands passed down through generations are no longer dormant assets — they’re opportunities waiting to be unlocked.”

In recent months, land prices in the parish have skyrocketed. Plots that once sold for between $4 and $5 million now command as much as $14 million for 10,000 square feet. This price surge coincides with the completion of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, which has significantly improved access to the parish, making it a prime location for residential and commercial developments.

Johnson noted that many of these lands are ancestral properties, often neglected for decades.

“I would say to anyone who knows their family has land in St Thomas or other rural areas: go check back your granny. She may have left you a piece of land that could change your life. Get the title, survey the property, and see what value it holds. These opportunities don’t come around often, and the market in St Thomas is only heating up,” he said.

Sun Coast Beach Club, a multi-billion-dollar gated community in Bull Bay, is one of the most anticipated projects in the parish. Featuring townhouses, villas, and luxury condominiums, the development promises to bring a resort-style living experience to the area. The first phase was expected to be completed last year, with subsequent phases planned throughout 2025.

Luxury projects like those announced by FirstRock Capital Holdings also underline the growing demand in St Thomas, as investors flock to capitalise on the parish’s increasing appeal.

Broader Real Estate Trends

St Thomas is currently in the spotlight, but similar trends are emerging across other parishes. In St Mary, proximity to the Ian Fleming International Airport and road upgrades near Rio Nuevo are driving interest in both luxury and middle-income developments, Johnson said. Meanwhile, St Ann continues to attract a mix of high-end and affordable housing demand, largely due to its vibrant tourism infrastructure and accessibility.

Manchester is also set for significant developments in 2025, with the National Housing Trust preparing to launch major residential projects in Mount Nelson and Albion. These initiatives aim to address the growing demand for affordable housing as infrastructure improvements draw more residents to the parish.

In Kingston and St Andrew, luxury developments continue to cater to high-net-worth individuals, while in St Catherine, areas like Old Harbour are seeing a wave of gated communities designed for middle-income buyers.

The resurgence in interest in ancestral lands signals a broader shift in how Jamaicans view rural properties. Remote work, improved road networks, and rising urban property costs have made parishes like St Thomas, Manchester, and Portland attractive alternatives for homebuyers and investors alike.

“Gone are the days when people said these areas were too far,” Johnson explained. “Better infrastructure has made rural parishes viable options, whether you’re looking to settle down or invest.”