A Bermuda Phenomenon: Cocktail Party Real Estate

The Chelston Estate on Grape Bay Beach is a shining example of distinguished living and hosting, Bermuda style, for more than half a century. Price On Request
The Chelston Estate on Grape Bay Beach is a shining example of distinguished living and hosting, Bermuda style. Price On Request

One of the most endearing aspects of life in  Bermuda is the sociability and hospitality of its residents. Whether it’s on the boat, in celebration of Cup Match or the America’s Cup, in black tie, or at a cocktail gathering overlooking the sea, we love to entertain and to be entertained. Of course, like in any small community,  a good party includes at least a little gossip.  And given that a love of real estate is written into the Bermudian DNA ( … remember that for decades Bermudians could only invest in real estate because of foreign  exchange controls …) at any party,  in any corner of the room,  somebody will be talking about recent property sales, prices, and generally ‘who’s doing what’. Interesting? Certainly!  You might even come away from the evening with some genuine gems of inside market knowledge.  But more probably, what you experienced at that party the other night was a grown-up version of Chinese Whispers.

Here at Sinclair Realty LLC, we really do enjoy a good party as much as anyone.  But we also devote an enormous amount of time to the collection and careful analysis of the facts, trends and factors influencing Bermuda’s luxury real estate market.  We do this because we know that quality information is paramount to successful decision-making about sale and purchase.    Many buyers and sellers — Bermudians, PRC holders and Non-Bermudians alike — are unaware that Bermuda does not currently have a central source of real estate sales information and statistics.  While all sales must be registered in the Bermuda Government Land Transfer Records, these are basic paper records that omit key information.  Unless one is highly familiar with the property and the transaction,  the Government records are, in our opinion, of only limited value.  Also, by virtue of the timeframe permitted for registration, these records are always approximately six months out of date. So, unless you are relying on the Bermuda grapevine (ripe with misinformation), it’s likely that a real estate agent will be your primary source of market data,  the quality of which will only be as professional, complete, and truthful as the agent who provides it to you.

Sinclair Realty’s luxury market research and analysis is original, thorough,  surprising at times, and beyond anything you may read in the local press.  If you are a serious buyer or seller of Bermuda luxury real estate, and you would like to gain a more accurate understanding of how this market sector is truly performing in real time, we welcome your call at +1-441-296-0278.  (Cheers!)

The scene of many fabulous Bermuda Events
Bellevue Beach House: the scene of many fabulous Bermuda gatherings. Offered at US $8.75 million