A transformative economic shift is underway in Antigua as the proliferation of luxury villas and high-end residential tourism catalyzes a lucrative property management sector, creating unprecedented earning potential for local professionals. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during a recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne Show’, highlighted how this niche industry is generating premium salaries for Antiguans, with numerous individuals now commanding five-figure monthly incomes.
The Prime Minister revealed that several Antiguans are securing management contracts for multimillion-dollar estates owned by international investors, particularly in exclusive enclaves like Jumby Bay. He cited a compelling case study of one young Antiguan woman whose earnings trajectory exemplifies the sector’s potential. Having previously earned approximately $3,000 monthly, her income skyrocketed to a five-figure sum per month after securing a high-value property management contract.
This trend has precipitated a dramatic surge in the number of locals earning between $10,000 and $15,000 monthly. Prime Minister Browne quantified this growth, stating, ‘You’d have had a doubling, well almost… a quadrupling, of people making between 10 and 15,000,’ with a significant portion deriving their income from managing these luxury residences.
The discussion clarified that elite property management transcends basic maintenance, encompassing sophisticated revenue generation and meticulous expense management. The economic ripple effects extend widely, as these luxury villas necessitate comprehensive service teams. This creates additional high-wage employment opportunities for pool staff, landscapers, chefs, butlers, and housekeepers, all of whom benefit from the premium pay scale that caters to an ultra-wealthy clientele.
Drawing an international parallel, Prime Minister Browne referenced Cabo, Mexico, where property managers routinely earn between $5,000 and $6,000 monthly, often with additional housing benefits, underscoring the global standard of premium compensation in this thriving industry.