Each of these regions will be separately addressed below. The vast majority of land on North Caicos is privately owned, as opposed to Crown Land. Development to date focused along the coastlines, but interior subdivisions are growing in popularity as land costs are very reasonable. Processing of generational land in private family hands will bring more listings of clearly titled lots onto the market over the next year or so.
The past five years has been a roller-coaster for real estate activity in TCI overall. In 2006 and early 2007 land values rose abruptly, with a steady increase in enquiries and sales, and a major increase in construction noted. The big “boom” in real estate touted for North and Middle was a result of over-development in Provo, and the consequent rush to find all available beachfront and waterfront. Unrealistic prices were attained for about six months, as clear titled lots for sale are few, and the lack of available listings pushed interest and prices proportionate higher for a time. Since summer 2007 land values have drastically fallen, and sales a tiny trickle. Obviously, the global economic crunch of 2008, the hurricanes Hannah and Ike and the local political instability have all contributed - with the result that in 2009, no land sales were recorded on North Caicos by the MLS realtors, and to June 2010, two MLS sales closed this year. On a distinctly positive note, North Caicos has a well developed infrastructure with power, telecommunications, shopping and maintenance all convenient and reliable. For long time TCI residents, the quieter and less developed lifestyle of North Caicos is very welcome, and the trend is growing. The tourism market too shows signs of change, with villa and hotel rentals on North Caicos achieving greater occupancy rates these past few years. The completion of the causeway between the two islands has allowed for more convenience to Middle Caicos residents for shopping and travel to other islands, a great spot for line fishing, and easy access to the natural wonders of Middle Caicos for those on north!
At Bellefield Landing, there is access for large cargo and container delivery, with roll on/roll off capacity. Construction companies on North Caicos can handle residential projects competently, making the job quicker.
Nearly 30% of the island of North Caicos is dedicated to the International Ramsar Bio-diversity Wetland Reserve, a major treaty preserved site dedicated to protection of habitat for the local flora and fauna.The importance of eco-tourism, rather than mainstream tourism, will be crucial to the sustainable development of North Caicos.
SANDY POINT : This settlement is tucked into the northwest shore of North Caicos, and home to the main boat landing for the island. While the actual village is tiny, Sandy Point teems with life both from the regular ferries and visiting boats tying up in the snug and safe harbour completed in 2007. The North Caicos Yacht Club has a vast developed site, and sells lots with dock space – the first home is now completed (see photo below).
Nearby, very high end beach front development is underway, with single private homes, hotel, condos and and residential estate. This includes the Sandy Point estates, Seaside estates and Three Mary Cays developments. The road system along the north shore is very poor, (bumpy, rutted, often pooled with water), but it is the only access road for Three Mary Cays, a very beautiful spot. The Royal Reef resort is on the beach here in Sandy Point, and negotiations are underway with a new buyer. The staff buildings across the road have been purchased, upgraded and now sold as the Royal Caicos condominiums. At the junction, the main road runs from Kew to Whitby, setting this northern part of the island apart. Beachfront lots are available all along the north shore.
KEW : This village is renowned throughout the country as the garden village – and all the major farming efforts of TCI centre on Kew. It is one of the oldest villages in TCI, and the site of the famous Wades Green Plantation – an historic tourist site just outside the village. For even more activity and development advantage, the deep water port of Bellefield Landing is ten minutes down the road from Kew village. The village population is almost 400 people, with post office, primary school, churches, police station groceries, hairdressers and bars. Land here rolls with greenery, but few properties come available, Developments with lots available include Monkey Hill, the south edge of the NCYC, and a commercial plan near the landing.
WHITBY : The village of Whitby curves along the shores of Whitby and Pelican beaches, including many expatriate homes and villas alongside newer local residential homes. It is a prime tourist destination, with restaurants, bars, grocery store all within walking distance. To access the prestigious Pumpkin Bluff area on the north shore, it is best to proceed from the Whitby region. This area has developed quickly with side by side mansions along the sandy beach shore. The beach settlement by Whitby beach is one of the oldest expatriate developments in North Caicos. Including private homes and condos there are four streets of soft sand, lots of landscaped gardens and lovely snorkeling offshore.
Moving toward Pelican Beach, the development is more recent, homes and condominiums continue with the Pelican Beach Hotel a central heart. Shopping, both wholesale and retail includes a general store, liquor store, grocery store, furniture store and several small local restaurants are in the neighborhood. Heading east now, the main road continues past Flamingo Pond, home to TCI’s large flock of elegant pink birds. New subdivision areas have been built toward Major Hill, incorporating Stinky Creek and covering the area to Horsestable Beach. The St Charles Resort , now closed, is located at Horsestable beach and properties are available all along this shore, to the mouth of Bottle Creek. Many types of property available.
MAJOR HILL : This is the most active area of North Caicos, nearest the airport and hosting the local plaza with a myriad of shops and stores: hardware/appliances/construction supplies, liquor, electrical supplies, water plant, laundromat, propane refill, fishing, customs/immigration, restaurant, gas stations, mechanic, trucking, bars….plenty! The turnoff leads to an active boat landing just inside the Bottle Creek north mouth.. Homes are scattered throughout this area, predominantly near the Major Hill road. King’s Landing is a development zone along this stretch, and several subdivisions with parcel form .3 to one acre have been created both private and government. The islands of the East Bay Reserve glisten softly, long flat sandy bars, easy reach by kayak, home to iguanas, flotsam ands jetsam. The view into the creek and across to the reserve islands is splendid and peaceful. Waterfront and view lots are available.
BOTTLE CREEK : This is the main village of the island, with government offices ( environmental health, road traffic, land survey, treasury, district commissioner, national insurance), telephone/power company offices, the island high school, 3 grocery stores, gas station, beauty salons, bars, snack bars, bakery, 3 churches - and the largest village population at roughly 800 people. It is an extremely interesting village, with a core of four streets, lots of fruit trees overhanging the roads and people always on the move. A long lingering residential area runs both sides of the road through the old settlement/plantation areas of Kerrmount, Richmond, Laughland, Belmont, and Ready Money – finally leading to the causeway for Middle Caicos. The shoreline properties all face the beauty of the East Bay Islands Reserve, and the boat traffic channel hugs the shore the full length of the Bottle Creek peninsula. The lots on the south face the huge expanse of North Caicos and fade into the south banks and Ramsar reserve. Properties are abundantly available in all shapes and sizes - commercial, residential, vacant, large, small, waterfront, farm land, ridgetop…..come and make your choice!!
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