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Grand Turk
Explore Grand Turk
The historic island of Grand Turk, capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is almost seven miles long and just over a mile wide. Here one finds government ministries, the Supreme Court and the Governor’s iconic residence, Waterloo, built in 1815. With a wonderful selection of historical buildings and inns, reflecting the Bermudian architecture of the salt and colonial eras of the 18th and 19th centuries, it is also home to a multimillion dollar cruise port, which attracts nearly two million tourists a year.
Cruise ship passengers can select form an array of excursions from secluded island tours to horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and more. Grand Turk Gas for decades been known as top location for diving, and for its stunningly pristine beaches.
The relative underdevelopment of the island, compared to Providenciales, offers an excellent opportunity for investors who may be looking for a unique destination in which to develop a boutique hotel or create the perfect island getaway in a truly unique, historical setting.
Properties Grand Turk Listings
Grand Turk GRAND TURK REAL ESTATE
The influx of tourists to Grand Turk and the rest of Turks and Caicos has led many to consider purchasing homes and vacant lots for sale in the area. This growing demand is putting a strain on the local housing inventory; thus, leading to higher values for real estate here. In this kind of market climate, it pays to know how to best navigate the home-buying process to ensure success and minimize costly errors. Consulting with a reliable Turks and Caicos real estate specialist gets you to that comfortable place where you could confidently make decisions in this exciting yet challenging endeavor.
Grand Turk presents the opportunity of owning large swaths of land where one could build their dream tropical home from the ground up and make it their own parcel of paradise. A variety of properties are also present, from chic modern dwellings with pools and other special amenities and smart home technologies to sprawling villas with entertainment systems and opulent outdoor living spaces. Many of these live-in-ready homes appeal to high-net-worth individuals who want to make a wise investment in rentals in Grand Turk, as well as those who want to invest in a luxurious vacation retreat of their own. Many snowbirds – tired of the incessant snow shoveling they have to do every freezing winter season up north – are also willing to make warmer and snowless Grand Turk their new home.
Those interested in finding homes with an Old-World feel could look around in Cockburn Town, where many structures sport British-Bermudian architecture from the Colonial era. Along Duke, Queen, and Front Streets are villas and homes dating back to the 1800s, adorned with cut-stone block construction and the iconic stucco finish. Many of these buildings have been lovingly restored and transformed into charming inns and rentals.
Grand Turk’s West Coast, for its part, has developed a reputation among locals and visitors for its prime scuba diving and free diving and snorkeling hotspots, which is why the area is a popular site for owning beachfront vacation rentals.
Many homes and gated communities on Grand Turk could be found along Pillory Beach, English Point Beach, and Cockburn Town Beach – three of the most popular stretches of shoreline here. Apartments and other multi-family residences on Grand Turk, for their part, are usually found inland.
Grand Turk real estate market opportunities and considerations
Whether you desire ocean views, prime beachfront locations, or proximity to the urban centre, Grand Turk has real estate options to suit every preference. The good news is that foreigners wanting to invest in Grand Turk real estate could do so without restrictions. The opportunity is only available to individuals, though, not to foreign companies and trusts.
When deciding what property to purchase in Grand Turk, it’s crucial to consider factors such as location, lot size, construction costs, and tax implications. Beachfront and oceanfront lots command premium prices while inland properties may offer more affordable options. That’s why homes in Grand Turk located by the waterfront generally come with higher price tags.
Whether you’re planning to renovate an existing property or build from scratch, it’s essential to be financially prepared to absorb the steep construction costs on the island – typically starting at around $250 per square foot – due to the need to ship materials over from nearby Providenciales and other areas.
Even with the relatively high construction costs, home buyers will be glad to know that they don’t have to pay property taxes in Turks and Caicos. However, there’s a stamp duty (transfer tax) of up to 6.5%, depending on the value of your purchased real estate.
- Properties with prices below $25,000 – no stamp duty
- Properties with prices from $25,000 to $100,00 – 5% stamp duty
- Properties with prices above $100,000 – 6.5% stamp duty
This one-time payment is paid in addition to brokerage and legal fees.
As for applying for property loans from local banks, foreign investors may encounter limitations regarding ownership. It’s best to consult a Grand Turk real estate property expert specializing in Turks and Caicos properties for assistance.
Turks & Caicos Islands Island Location Map
Grand Turk Exquisite Beaches, Charming Historic Sites, and Endless Water Adventures
Historical Sites
One of the iconic landmarks on Grand Turk is the 60-foot-tall Grand Turk Lighthouse which was built in 1852. Prefabricated in England, the structure was then shipped to and assembled on the island. It had served as the only lighthouse in Turks and Caicos for years. While no longer operational, its grounds are open to the public.
Another must-visit is the Turks and Caicos National Museum, situated in the historic Guinep House along Front Street. Inside, marvel at priceless artefacts unearthed from the Molasses Reek Wreck, along with many other exhibits that showcase the island nation’s historical heritage.
Nature Parks
The 518-hectare Columbus Landfall National Park is the largest protected site on the island. it spans the entire west coast, from the shoreline to the west coast barrier reef. Within its borders include the Governor’s Beach, Pillory Beach, English Point, Cockburn Town Beach, and the Cruise Centre Beach. Light fishing is allowed in some recreational fishing zones in this park.
Meanwhile, Hawkes Nest Salina, Matersons Point, and the North Wells marshlands offer spectacular and up-close vistas of the lush vegetation, local wildlife, and thriving ecosystems of the island while exploring the trails, mangroves, ponds, and channels.
Hawkes Nest Salina and the Red Salina salt pond showcase the largest salt formations on the island. To delve into the history of the salt industry in Grand Turk, visit the Salt House – a local attraction that features a museum and a gift shop.
Water Activities
Grand Turk is renowned for its diving sites, boasting over 24 locations, some with awe-inspiring wall sites plunging to depths of 2,134 meters. Dive beneath the waves to discover vibrant reefs teeming with a diverse array of marine life, from octopuses and stingrays to parrotfish and turtles. Keep an eye out for nurse sharks and gray reef sharks. The island’s west shores welcome divers and snorkelers year-round, promising unparalleled underwater experiences.
For those seeking sun-soaked bliss and beachside relaxation, Grand Turk offers an array of renowned beaches:
- GOVERNOR’S BEACH. Just a stroll away from the Cruise Centre, this beach features powdery white sands and crystal-clear shallow waters, earning its reputation as the island’s finest. Here, you can dive down the “Wall,” deemed the biggest coral reef in the world, which drops 7,000 feet into the ocean’s depths. Another beach attraction is the Mega One Triton, a shipwreck that washed ashore in 2012.
- CRUISE CENTER BEACH. This bustling beach is a tourist favorite due to its proximity to the Cruise Centre where visitors could eat, shop, and swim some more! The 30-acre complex houses swimming pools, spas, restaurants, and an array of boutiques.
- BOABY ROCK POINT BEACH. Less than a kilometer from the Cruise Centre, this beach is ideal for snorkeling, beach combing, and leisurely exploration. Away from the crowds, Boaby Rock Point Beach lets you appreciate its serene waters, interesting topography, and casuarina trees.
- COCKBURN TOWN BEACH. Free to the public, this beach is popular among families and large groups as it’s situated near the town center, offering convenient access to numerous dining hotspots, shops, and historical sites.
- PILLORY BEACH. Known for its tranquil waters and secluded ambiance, this beach is perfect for a serene getaway with opportunities for snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot stingrays, eagle ray fish, and spotted drums just 300 yards from the shoreline. Access to the beach is free but there are charges for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Resorts and Amenities
Luxurious accommodations may be more abundant in Providenciales, but Grand Turk promises a priceless experience with its warm hospitality. Enjoy complimentary laid-back breakfasts at the local resorts and explore the island using free bikes, kayaks, and other aquatic gear. Rent a scooter, golf cart, or take a taxi to navigate the island with ease.
Check out the best places to stay in Grand Turk.
- SALT RAKER INN. A favorite among frequent travelers, this inn has 13 rooms and a restaurant.
- OSPREY BEACH HOTEL. Here, you’ll be a few steps away from the beach. The hotel offers diving packages, has various poolside and beach-facing suites, and a restaurant.
- BOHIO DIVE RESORT. Located at Pillory Beach, this resort has a dive school, restaurant, beach bar, and elegant suites.
- TURKS HEAD INNE. Situated near Front Street, this refurbished heritage home is well-loved for its romantic interiors and stunning suites.