Renting property in the BVI

Residential properties in the British Virgin Islands can be rented as short-term or long-term leases. Short-term leases are generally for people who are staying for a stay shorter than six months. Long-term leases typically are for one-year cycles though some landlords will offer longer contracts. The advantage of renting in the BVI before committing to buy is that you have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the different parts of the island and truly get a flavor for the different areas. Virgin Islands Collection can advise you on how to determine what is best for you.

For a long-term rental, speak to a real estate agent about your definite requirements–such as parking or a garden–your preferences–such as a generator or beach access–and your wish list–such as a pool or laundry facilities, and they will help you find a home within your budget. Once you’ve found the rental property that ticks most of your boxes, you will need to pay a security deposit (usually the same amount as a month’s rent) and the first month’s rent when you sign the lease. Take pictures and videos of anything that you want to document at move-in time. Send these to the real estate agent so that you have a record of them. If your property is equipped with extras, be sure to do a careful inventory that is signed by the real estate agent or landlord.

Many homes in the BVI are fully furnished and move-in ready with all the trimmings—appliances, televisions, cutlery, kitchen gadgets, lamps, fans, cushions, and rugs. Others are fully furnished without the trimmings, so they’ll have major appliances, beds, tables, chests, chairs, and ceiling fans. Other properties are semi-furnished with only the major appliances (refrigerator, oven, stove), and a few houses are completely unfurnished. Rent prices will reflect these differences.

Most standalone homes and villas start above $2,000/month in Tortola. In Virgin Gorda, expect to pay more as the demand always seems to be higher than the supply. For Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, or the smaller islands, prices vary on a property-by-property basis.

Short term rentals are also available in the BVI for visitors who plan to stay fewer than six months. These properties tend to cost more as they are geared for tourists, but some landlords prefer to offer short-term leases to transient professionals on secondment or a temporary contract. Real estate agents will also know about property owners who might have a guest house that they rent out for a few months out of the year. Short-term rental apartments or villas in the British Virgin Islands tend to be more than fully furnished and move-in ready, as they will typically also have bed linens, towels, and other white goods, equivalent to a vacation rental.

If you’re new to the islands, a short-term rental provides a great way to get your bearings without a long-term commitment. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about buying housewares right away, so you have more time to explore and enjoy the island lifestyle. Once you have a temporary place to sleep, you can ask around to see where like-minded people live. Belmont residents might claim that ‘West is best,’ while other long-term residents adore Little Bay in the northeastern part of the island. I don’t know many residents of Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke who would ever want the bustle of Tortola, and Anegada residents all look like they’ve figured out the secret to life.

Maybe you’ll try a few short-term rentals until you decide where you want to perch for a year. But then again, the years fly by in the BVI, so a long-term lease doesn’t feel like it’s that long at all.