Find out how this international industry leader is driving the growth of the Caribbean luxury real estate market while “setting new standards of achievement for the industry.”
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Indie boutique real estate brokerage One Caribbean Estates bills itself as “the only authentic Caribbean brand in the market,” specializing in luxury property sales, exclusive villa rentals, concierge services and property management. President and CEO Chris Parra purchased the brokerage following a successful career with stints at Hamptons International, Savills International and Chestertons International.
Parra’s brokerage leverages a “vast network of international brokers” through an affiliation with Luxury Portfolio International and partnerships with independent agencies around the world, allowing it to “deliver personalized service to global markets” in the U.S., Canada and the UK.
Find out how this international industry leader is living out his commitment to driving the growth of the Caribbean luxury real estate market while “setting new standards of achievement for the industry.”
Name: Chris Parra
Title: President and CEO
Experience: 24 years
Location: The Beach House, Holetown, St James, Barbados
Brokerage name: One Caribbean Estates
Team size: Eight to 12 people
Transaction sides: North of 60 transactions in the last 12 months in Barbados alone
Sales volume: In recent years, the brokerage has achieved significant gross sales values close to USD $2 billion
How did you get your start in real estate?
Before founding One Caribbean Estates, I spent 17 years building a vast global network of contacts at well-known international real estate firms. This experience gave me a strong foundation in servicing high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and handling prime international property transactions.
How did you choose your brokerage?
I purchased One Caribbean Estates with a mission to provide the ultimate luxury living experience, while cultivating relationships that position us as the preferred choice for vendors, developers, purchasers, brokers, and other key industry players.
Tell us about a high point in your brokerage career
I brokered one of the top five most expensive home sales in Barbados in the past four years, valued at $32 million and also brokered the landmark sale of Treasure Beach Hotel.
What’s your top prediction for the next year?
The demand for luxury real estate in the Caribbean will continue to grow, driven by increased interest from North American and European buyers, as well as the region’s appeal as a safe investment haven. Many Caribbean countries offer attractive tax incentives, including residency programs with benefits such as no inheritance taxes, low property taxes and favourable capital gains tax rates, making it a tax-efficient option for second-home owners.
I expect prime properties in Barbados and the wider Caribbean to see continued appreciation, particularly in exclusive beachfront and gated communities.
What makes a good leader?
A good leader in real estate must have vision, integrity and the ability to inspire a team. Success in this industry is built on strong relationships, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to delivering results. Integrity and trust are the core values by which we cultivate and maintain relationships with some of the world’s wealthiest individuals counted among our clients.
Email Christy Murdock
