2026 Property Insights for Owners
June 29, 2026
Our Expertise
Savings to Be Made on Cayman Insurance Rates
With the recent ‘softening’ of the insurance market, there are generally insurance savings for strata corporations and property owners looking for alternative brokers and underwriters.
The hard market over the last 5-6 years was due to a smaller pool of underwriters willing to cover the Caribbean. With fewer options, rates had been less competitive.
In the last 18 months, there has been a clear growth in the number of underwriters willing to cover property on the island. This provides a broader spectrum of coverage, leading to insurance premiums coming down.
As property managers, with experience renewing insurance for your strata or property, we always recommend seeking out A-Rated and Seeded coverage from your insurance brokers. This avoids problems further down the line when markets change, or you need to make a claim.
When working with BCQS, your property manager acts as an intermediary between your interests, the brokers and the insurers. Our team provides you with the whole story- not just promises of savings. BCQS can be a reliable guide to the market whether you stick with your current broker and insurers or choose a new one. We always look out for trustworthy and reliable savings that work for you and your property.
White Fly Outbreaks Across the Cayman Islands
Prior to the most recent outbreak, the last large outbreak was 10 years ago. BCQS works with the Department of the Environment and each property’s landscapers to address the issue, ensuring the landscaping of each property remains healthy and vibrant.
What to Look out for in Termite Blooming Season
In summer, dry wood termites undergo a bloom, their breeding season hitting its height in May to July. Termites are a well-known pest that can cause damage to untreated wood that may be present on older properties.
However, dry wood termites, although more visible in their swarms, are a less invasive, less harmful termite species. Dry wood termites take years to chew through untreated wood, meaning that while they do need attention, they are less of a priority than more invasive species. If spotted, notify property managers to organise termite spraying to deal with infestations.
The species that you need to be concerned with are subterranean termites. These invasive pests can chew through untreated wood in weeks. Although subterranean termites require a more expensive removal system, it is absolutely vital to eliminate this incredibly invasive pest.
For more tips on dealing with termite blooming season, you can download our full PDF guide.
A Strong El Niño Impacts Potential Storms
El Niño, as most residents will know, is the cyclical meteorological process where changes in pressure and strong winds can cause extreme weather.
In 2026, a stronger-than-average El Niño predicted during Storm Season will produce wind shear that prevents the growth of significant cyclones and tropical storm conditions. Although the El Niño conditions may limit the expected risk of landfall for these storms, they can be unpredictable and therefore should always be prepared for. According to July forecasting, there is still the possibility of at least one major hurricane in the Caribbean region, which may make landfall in the Cayman Islands.
Read our Storm Season preparation guide for more information.
Water Authority and CUC Rates Increase
We may be preaching to the choir here if you are a Cayman resident, but it is important for new residents and offshore owners to know how changes in utility rates may impact budgets going forward.
As per their public service notices, the Cayman Water Authority and Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) are increasing their rates. The cost of this is being passed on to property owners and tenants.
BCQS property managers note these changes to the cost of operation in our transparent financial reporting. Advising you on any budget changes required, we keep you informed on important changes like this that may impact your investment decisions and may require changes to property budgets.
Property Rental Market
Average rental values have climbed roughly 5.5% to 9% compared to last year, building on historic multi-year surges. This, however, is not the case with all properties. With a surge of new inventory coming online in the last 12 months, the properties with older décor that have not been upgraded or refreshed are becoming less desirable. Many property owners are seeing rates flatten and even lower in Q1 and Q2, due to the plethora of new 1- and 2-bedroom condominiums on the market. BCQS can assist owners with a property refresh.
Contact us for a free property consultation.
Cayman’s Growth Sees Increased Focus on Safety
The face of the Cayman Islands has changed dramatically over recent years. Since COVID, the Cayman Islands has seen a rapid increase in population, with an average 2% year-on-year growth moving from 70,000 residents to now over 90,000. The change in the make-up of the community has also been impacted by a large transition of long-time residents who have aged out of the island lifestyle and returned to the mainland for retirement and a younger expat population, to include many young Caymanians coming home for robust opportunities after university abroad The Cayman Islands government provides tremendous support for young Caymanians educations both on and off the island.
With the population growth and added pressures from increased cost of living, many owners have implemented their own increased security measures, such as CCTV or door cameras. Strata Corporations, owners and tenants have also called for tighter security. On-site guarding, additional gates, added vendor due diligence and property-wide security cameras are becoming more frequently requested. As an RICS regulated firm, BCQS does not use any in house vendors for property management as this is a conflict of interest and not in the best interest of our clients. With 30 years of management on the island, BCQS have fostered strong relationships with vendors on the island. BCQS also follows a robust protocol to ensure all vendor are bonded and covered under their own liability insurance policies.
As property managers, BCQS work closely with individuals and communities to ensure safety and prevention where possible.
Get in Touch for More 2026 Property Insights and Personalised Advice on your Property
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