Selling luxury Cayman real estate

In September 2019, Sue Nickason, VP of Sales and Marketing with Dart Real Estate and Provenance Properties, was part of a delegation at the Monaco Yacht Show introducing the Cayman Islands as an option for discerning high-net-worth individuals who may be seeking a safe and sophisticated tax-neutral jurisdiction in which they could purchase and own real estate. We sat down to talk with Sue about the trip and what some of its highlights and key takeaways were for the Cayman Islands real estate industry as a whole.

What made you decide that the Monaco Yacht Show was the right for Provenance Properties to attend?

We knew the show presented the right venue to meet those discerning individuals who may be looking to own real estate in a sophisticated and tax-neutral jurisdiction such as the Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Islands brand is already highly recognisable in Monaco through the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands. We built on that brand recognition and the relationship that has formed between our Honourable Premier Alden McLaughlin and His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to introduce another facet of the Cayman Islands – the exceptional lifestyle opportunities that are available.

Can you share some highlights from the trip?

There were three highlights that really stood out:

The first was the Team Cayman charity bike ride, which raised funds for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and concluded with the presentation of a cheque for US$40,000 to Prince Albert at a private event. The leadership of our respective countries share a commitment to preserving our marine environment so the donation was based on a genuine shared interest and cause. We were of course delighted to learn that Prince Albert now plans to visit Grand Cayman next year, too.

Secondly, our team performed exceptionally well. Given the flat terrain in Cayman, our team fearlessly met the challenge of cycling up exceptionally steep and winding roads without complaint. They were our version of the Jamaican bobsled team – I doubt anyone could have imagined a team without any prior alpine cycling practice coming from such a flat island would perform so well!

Third, we had the pleasure of attending a private event with Ulysse Nardin, an important brand sold in the Cayman Islands through another Dart company, Island Jewellers, and a brand with which we share a passionate commitment to producing quality products that are timeless and delivering exceptional customer service. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with them in the future.

What was the main message you wished to share with those in attendance?

We were part of a greater Team Cayman delegation in Monaco that included government, other real estate companies and developers, law firms and accountancy firms, boating companies and more, all from our island, who came together to share the story of what makes the Cayman Islands so special.

We did a great job as a team representing the Cayman Islands on a very impressive global stage and we came away satisfied that the part we played contributed to the overall Team Cayman accomplishments in Monaco.

What did it mean to you to have such a strong representation of the Cayman Islands at the show?

The people we met were truly interested and fascinated to learn about all that the Cayman Islands has to offer in terms of infrastructure, stable government, strong economy, ease of access, a pro-business environment, natural beauty, a kind and welcoming culture and so much more.

We expect this to be the beginning of bourgeoning interest in the jurisdiction from markets such as Monaco.

What was the biggest surprise to those you talked with when it came to discussing the Cayman Islands?

Most people were surprised to learn about our tax neutrality, the ease of doing business in the Cayman Islands and the ease of buying real estate here.

To explore just how easy it is to buy real estate in the Cayman Islands, contact our team today.

About the author

Anna Wootton is the Digital Marketing & PR Manager for Dart’s real estate companies and assets, including Dart Real Estate, Provenance Properties, Camana Bay and The Residences at Seafire. Born in the Cayman Islands, with British heritage and a Canadian passport, Anna is multinational with a Caymankind heart. Anna has a background in journalism and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from University of British Columbia. She has worked for Dart for the past five years.