The first year of short-term rentals at The Gardens delivered strong results, reinforcing demand for well-designed villas within a professionally managed residential community.
the first villa to enter the rental pool achieved an average annual occupancy of 45.2%, outperforming comparable properties in the local market by 27.8%. The villa was booked in every month of the year except a low in September, which falls within the peak of hurricane season.
This is particularly notable in the Antigua context. Historically, the late summer and early autumn months represent a slower period for tourism. Strong performance across most of the year reflects a broader shift toward year-round travel to the island, driven by longer stays, remote work flexibility, and increased demand for high-quality residential accommodation rather than traditional hotel stays.
Guests typically booked five nights or more, indicating preference for space, comfort, and a home-style experience.
Consistently high guest satisfaction
The villa achieved a 4.9-star rating across booking platforms, with guest reviews frequently highlighting the modern design, thoughtful layouts, and the balance of privacy with easy access to Jolly Harbour’s amenities.
This level of feedback reinforces the importance of quality design and consistency in driving repeat bookings and longer stays.
Professional management supporting performance
Short-term rentals at The Gardens are managed by Third Shore Property Management, providing end-to-end oversight across marketing, guest experience, maintenance, and property care. This structured approach ensures reliable performance while protecting the long-term condition of both the home and the wider community.
Rental income from this villa was distributed to owners on a biannual basis, offering a clear and predictable return cycle without day-to-day involvement.
Flexible ownership within a strong rental market
While rental demand benefits all ownership types, this particular villa was purchased through the community’s shared ownership model.
Under this structure, buyers acquire a fractional interest in a fully furnished villa and may choose between personal use weeks or placing those weeks into the rental pool. In this case, all owners elected to rent their allocated weeks during the first year, allowing the villa to operate as a full-time short-term rental.
The results demonstrate that flexible ownership structures can participate fully in Antigua’s evolving rental market without compromising performance.
Added optionality through citizenship by investment
Both whole and shared ownership at The Gardens qualify for citizenship by investment in Antigua and Barbuda, with the real estate investment threshold currently set at USD $300,000.
For many buyers, this adds an additional layer of long-term value. Citizenship offers greater global mobility, planning flexibility, and a strategic Plan B alongside a tangible real estate investment in a stable Caribbean jurisdiction.
A flexible model built into Elmsbridge communities
Rental participation is an option available to all homeowners at The Gardens, whether through whole or shared ownership. Owners can choose how they use their home over time, balancing personal enjoyment with the opportunity to generate rental income, supported by professional management.
This flexibility is central to Elmsbridge’s approach to development. Communities are designed to support long-term living while allowing owners to participate in the rental market if and when it suits their needs. Similar ownership structures and rental options are expected to form part of future Elmsbridge developments, reflecting evolving lifestyles and travel patterns.
For those interested in learning more about ownership, rental participation, or upcoming opportunities, we invite you to get in touch with our team.
