2025 Stamp Duty Revenue Hits Record CI$130.3 Million

The Lands and Survey Department under the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI) has released its 2025 fiscal data for real estate stamp duty collections, confirming a record-breaking year for the Cayman Islands property market. 

Total stamp duty revenue in 2025 was CI$130.3 million, marking the highest annual collection in the jurisdiction's history. The result underscores the sustained strength, resilience, and premium positioning of the Cayman Islands real estate sector within the global investment landscape.

The 2025 figure represents: 

* A 23% increase over the CI$106.1 million collected in 2024
* A 41% increase over the CI$92.7 million collected in 2023
* A performance that exceeded the government's 2025 budget projection of CI$79.5 million by
CI$50.8 million, or 64% 

This marks the third consecutive year in which stamp duty collections have significantly outperformed budget expectations. 

A key driver of the record-setting year was an unprecedented surge in December 2025. Stamp duty collections for the month totaled CI$29.2 million -the highest single-month revenue figure ever recorded in the Cayman Islands. 

The spike was largely attributed to investors accelerating the completion of high-value transactions ahead of the 1st January 2026 adjustment to stamp duty rates. Under the revised structure, stamp duty increased from 7.5% to 10% on property transactions valued at CI$2 million or more. 

This forward momentum reflects both market responsiveness to policy changes and sustained investor confidence in Cayman's high-end property sector.

Mr. Uche Obi, Director of Lands and Survey, stated "The unprecedented CI$130.3 million in revenue collected for 2025 is a testament to the enduring confidence in the Cayman Islands real estate market. This trend confirms that the real estate sector remains a resilient
cornerstone of the national economy and continues to play a vital role in supporting public finances."

Stamp Duty Collections: Year-by-Year Performance

About the Lands and Survey Department
The Lands and Survey Department is responsible for the administration of land, as well as the assessment and collection of stamp duties on real estate transactions in the Cayman Islands. The Department remains committed to transparency, accuracy in reporting, and the delivery of efficient services that support the islands' dynamic and evolving real estate market.

About the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI)
The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI) is responsible for advancing national priorities across planning, lands, agriculture, housing, and infrastructure in the Cayman Islands.

Mission
To develop and implement integrated policies, programmes, and infrastructure solutions that enhance land use, strengthen food security, improve housing access, and support climate-resilient development, guided by innovation, equity, connection, and integrity.

Through strategic leadership and collaboration, the Ministry works to deliver sustainable outcomes that support economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and long-term prosperity for the people of the Cayman Islands.