The last several years have pushed the Cayman property market to an entirely new level. What has become very apparent is that the majority of investors want to be on the water, in some shape or form, so they can enjoy the views and our glorious environment.

The added benefit of going with this trend is that their property investment will appreciate more than their in-land counterparts. It's a fact that water and beachfront properties are easier to rent and sell so that's where the appreciation is going to be. Furthermore, local real estate has evolved enough for buyer's to demand elevation and protection from Mother Nature.

The traditional locations have in the past been Seven Mile Beach and Cayman Kai. And, whilst these are still absolutely superb options in many ways, there is now a greater selection, which offers tailor-made opportunities elsewhere on Grand Cayman.

Simply put, there's more choice, potentially better choice and in entirely new locations.

New construction techniques and innovations are being implemented more than ever in most of the newer developments. These include raising the finished floor levels to above sea level than before, using insulating concrete foam construction, or even using structurally-preferred concrete pouring techniques. Other ways newer techniques are being used also include insulating roofs and walls, installing hurricane impact windows and doors and using intermittent soffit vents to protect ceilings from wind driven rain.

Such developments have a knock on effect. Developers find it easier to sell a better product, insurance companies are more willing to offer discounted rates on such properties and buyer's have a wider range of choice, cheaper electricity bills and ultimately a better product.

There are several new waterfront projects that are catering to the new market demands, all of which offer up-scale waterfront or beachfront locations, high elevations above sea level, the storm windows, the privacy, the insulation and space.

These new high-end developments include luxurious Residences at Beach Bay just passed Lower Valley on Beach Bay itself, the innovative Island's Resort and Residences in Colliers, East End, the private villas at Orchid Cove in South Sound on South Church Street, with the neighbouring Kisha and Seaview developments.

Other outstanding developments are The Bluffs at Pedro's in the district of Savannah, The Point at Paradise Cove in Red Bay, and Ivory Sands on Water Cay in Cayman Kai.

What they all have in common is that they are meeting the demand of what investors and buyers want Solid construction, safe elevation above sea level and high quality finishes. In many respects, they are already competing with the usual and traditional locations. This is, in most part, due to the new by-passes and the Government backed, 'Go East Initiative', which is pumping energy into the eastern districts.

The new roads, shopping centres, restaurants and amenities are now easier to reach from these new waterside and beachfront locations whilst maintaining your tranquillity and space. It should be mentioned that the new property market doesn't just cater to the island's visitors but also to residents.

Your property investment will appreciate more if it shares some of these evolved construction techniques and innovations. There are undiscovered areas in the Cayman Islands and developments that boast the best in design, construction and more importantly, a renewed commitment to what the market wants.

In what ever form, if you can capture a piece of these beloved islands then you will reap the benefits of our rare commodity for many years to come. Discover this new property market.