How to build a home in Cayman, environmentally friendly options, suggestions on selecting a team, architects, land surveyors, general contractors and structural engineers.
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Construction in the Cayman Islands continues apace, but with our ever-rising population, demand continues to outweigh supply, especially in the West Bay to Grand Harbour areas.
This lack of supply – of both inventory and development land – is also steadily increasing value. Build costs also continue to increase, affecting the viability of new developments. In May 2024, BCQS reported a circa 8.5% annual increase in the cost of construction for Cayman, with developers pulling out of projects due to these rapidly increasing costs.
Local banks are generally reporting an overall slowdown in construction finance, especially for larger projects over CI$1 million, since the end of 2023. However, due to the relatively low number of purchasers requiring financing to buy property in Cayman, when compared to the global average, the effect of the economic downturn does not affect the real estate market as much as other markets. And despite the current high costs of development, we are still seeing the introduction of new, largescale projects.
West Bay has seen a boom in construction in recent years due to high demand for areas close to town without the traffic of areas such as Prospect and Savannah.
This boom in construction is, however, met with real concern about our growing population and the correlating rise in demand for new developments, and what impact these developments will have on traffic and the environment. The existing development plan has recently been judged as outdated and in serious need of revision, so a new plan is currently in progress. A careful approach to planning policy is required to ensure the islands can sustain their recent growth.
Advice on Building Your Homekeyboard_arrow_right
Find detailed information on the various approaches one can follow when building in the Cayman Islands, including the associated things that need to be considered.
Planning Permission & BCU Processkeyboard_arrow_right
Before you undertake any construction, do any major alterations, change the use of a property, perform an excavation or do any substantial site works, you must get planning permission.
Read MoreBuilding Optionskeyboard_arrow_right
There are several general models of how construction contracts are structured and there are good reasons to recommend one over another in particular situations.
Read MoreBuilding Professionalskeyboard_arrow_right
The Cayman Islands has a whole host of building professionals to choose from whether you’re seeking an architect, a general contractor, a quantity surveyor or otherwise.
Architects
The Cayman Islands has a wonderful selection of qualified and experienced architects, and the quality of the islands' architecture stands testimony to that.
Construction Managers
A construction manager or quantity surveyor is used when setting up construction contracts. Here is a list of recommended construction managers.
General Contractors
Local Cayman construction companies, contractors and builders for commercial and residential building projects and renovation jobs in the Cayman Islands.
Land Surveyors
Find licensed land surveyors in the Cayman Islands for professional surveying services such as boundary surveys, subdivision mapping and topographical surveys.
Chartered Quantity Surveyors
Need help with a building budget in the Cayman Islands? A chartered quantity surveyor in Cayman is essential for accurate cost planning and management.
Project Managers
Building seem overwhelming? Find top project managers in Cayman who can oversee your building or renovation projects, while keeping the team on track!
Civil & Structural Engineers
You guide to civil engineers in Cayman who provide consulting services, geotechnical and foundation engineering, soil/piling tests plus structural reports.
Roofing Contractors
Roofing contractors in the Cayman Islands who install standing seam metal roofs, shingles, installations and repairs for residential and commercial projects.
Building Materials, Tools & Specialistskeyboard_arrow_right
Find primary building materials and contractors in the Cayman Islands, including concrete blocks, driveway and walkway surfacing, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and more.
Concrete Blocks & Pavers
Need durable building materials? Concrete blocks are used for solid construction in Cayman. Find a company that sells blocks, pavers and other materials.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Cayman is hot! Luckily insulated concrete forms helps to keep the cool air in your home. Find out why this building material is a must plus where to buy it.
Driveway & Walkway Surfacing
Driveway surfacing plus walkway resurfacing can transform the outside of your residential or commercial property.
Desalination Systems
A desalination system will help you secure water resources in the event of a hurricane or another emergency.
Spray Foam Insulation
Using spray foam insulation when building in the Cayman Islands will reduce air leakage which can help keep those A/C costs down.
