The Tribune

A Bahamian realtor says he has handled more than $40m in real estate sales within western New Providence’s Old Fort Bay community for 2026 to-date with properties snapped up almost as fast as they hit the market.

Matt Marco, of Bond Bahamas, disclosed that Old Fort Bay has accounted for around 40 percent of the $100m worth of real estate deals he has brokered during the first three quarters of 2026.

The realtor, who specialises in the Old Fort Bay community, said the demand for prime waterfront property in a jurisdiction that offers a sense of security is driving real estate values to record levels and putting pressure on the limited inventory of multi-million dollar turnkey residential offerings.

“In a world where there is so much uncertainty, The Bahamas shines as a destination that offers political stability, peace, tranquility and security,” said Mr Marco. “‘It’s better in The Bahamas’ no longer applies just to vacationing; it’s better in The Bahamas in every way, including as a place to call home.” 

Mr Marco has this year closed on five high-end residential properties in Old Fort Bay, each one with seven to eight figure price tags. One of those sold in five days, another in seven. 

“The world of real estate has changed dramatically,” said Mr Marco, who spent nearly a decade in Exuma before relocating to Nassau to head up sales and marketing for Aristo, developers of condominium properties including One Cable Beach and Aqualina I and II. 

“Buyers are no longer just looking for a good home. They are looking for solutions. Where will they and their family be safe from war or unrest? Where will they enjoy the lifestyle their financial status allows with peace of mind, yet within easy reach of major metropolitan areas? Where will their children be welcome in whatever school they enter?

“The Bahamas meets the criteria for the buyer who wants the beauty, the waters, the lifestyle and all the conveniences of a sophisticated environment in a jurisdiction that is not just tax friendly, but has a stable, democratically elected government and offers peace and security. In the past few years alone, the country has become that much more attractive”.

Mr Marco said there was a feeling among many in the industry that once the COVID-19 pandemic passed, the rush to relocate to The Bahamas would subside. 

“I always believed that once that door was opened and people realised they could work from anywhere, once they discovered that they did not have to sit in snarling traffic during a gruelling daily commute or struggle through snowstorms and blizzards to get to the office, the demand for high-end property in The Bahamas would remain strong,” he added. “So long as the appetite is there, we just need to find ways to satisfy it.”

When the conflict with Iran broke out, Mr Marco was quick to remind persons in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that The Bahamas was a safe and welcoming haven.

“We had a lot of positive response, so we will see where that leads, but I am certain of one thing – The Bahamas remains one of the most desirable places in the world to live,” he said.