Keep up to date with the latest information about buying your new home in the Caribbean

Cuban law change

A change in the law last month means that the 11 million inhabitants of      Cuba will be allowed to buy and sell property for the first time since Fidel Castro took power in 1959. It will mean the creation of a housing market and an end to illegal back-street bartering and home swapping. Although foreigners will require Permanent Resident’s status on the island to enable to buy, they are expected to play a major role as investors, with more relaxation of laws expected in the future. Bowled over

England captain Andrew Strauss is setting up his own cricket academy as part of the Freedom Bay development on St Lucia, and has been so impressed with the properties there he’s bought himself a two-bed villa. The cricketer says: “I was looking for somewhere to unwind, relax and enjoy the sun, but I do also think of this as an investment, which I believe stacks up well. St Lucia is popular with the Brits and I believe from my travels that this location is simply one of the best in the world – it is definitely unique.” www.freedombaystlucia.com

Shaking up the property market

Colombian singer Shakira is hoping to become a Caribbean property tycoon, thanks to her part in a $16million investment on Bonds Cay, north of the Bahamas. The South American diva is part of an investment group with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, and the plan is to develop the private island into a playground for the super-rich. www.bahamas.co.uk

Little Cayman offer

Quieter but equally stunning, the junior sibling of Grand Cayman is home to some bargain plots on an exclusive villa development. Plot L42, for example, is selling 25% (£80,000 reduced to £60,000) below market value and comes with an interest-free payment plan because of its distressed status, reports TheMoveChannel.com. Contact www.themovechannel.com for more details.

Holiday alternative

Not ready to buy but want to try? The Hideaways Club property company offers the ideal solution and with record figures just announced, shows no signs of being affected by the global downturn. More members have joined this year than ever before, contributing to the exclusive club's best year to date. To view the properties available to members, go to www.thehideawaysclub.com