The Government has welcomed the Office of the Auditor General's (OAG) report, “The Government's approach to improving access to affordable housing”, released today (Monday, 31 August 2026). As the Auditor General noted, affordable housing is a global challenge and one of the most pressing issues facing the Cayman Islands.
The report highlighted that rising housing costs are the product of complex economic and demographic pressures with which many jurisdictions are grappling. Government recognises the seriousness of these challenges and has responded through the development of a comprehensive Public and Affordable Housing Policy and 10-Year Strategic Plan designed to deliver long-term reform and measurable improvements in housing outcomes.
The audit reviewed the period from 2019 to 2024. However, the Auditor General's report recognises that in 2025, the Government issued its housing policy and 10-year plan which represent a significant step forward in addressing those challenges within the Cayman Islands. The audit recognised the extensive stakeholder engagement that informed the Government's housing strategy, which included consultation with more than 1,000 residents and 120 key stakeholders, the strongest evidence base to date for understanding housing demand and identifying practical solutions to improve affordability.
The report also noted that implementation of the housing policy has already begun in several areas and recommends that Government continues to implement the framework.
In response to the report, Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Honourable Gloria McField-Nixon, stated, “The Auditor General's report rightly recognises that Cayman is not alone in facing housing affordability pressures. Governments around the world are grappling with similar challenges, which is why the development of a comprehensive Public and Affordable Housing Policy and 10-Year Strategic Plan was such an important step in establishing a clear framework for reform and implementation. We recognise that more remains to be done. That is why ministries and public bodies engaged openly and constructively throughout the audit process to identify practical, achievable ways to strengthen our approach and improve outcomes for those in need of housing support. I commend the Office of the Auditor General and senior public servants for their professionalism and commitment throughout this process. Our focus now is on implementation, accountability and ensuring that the reforms already underway translate into better housing outcomes for current and future generations.”
The report also found that Government has established important foundations. It noted that six of the nine pieces of legislation forming the affordable housing framework are up to date and that the Financial Assistance Act (2022) has strengthened support available to vulnerable persons, including those facing urgent circumstances.
In addition, the report highlighted the partnership between the National Housing Development Trust and the Cayman Islands Development Bank on affordable housing mortgage referrals as a positive example of collaboration between public bodies and recommended that similar approaches be considered elsewhere across the housing system.
On the Sister Islands, Chief Officer in the Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs, Michael Ebanks confirmed corrective work is already under way at the Sister Islands Affordable Housing Development Corporation, noting that the new homes in Cayman Brac are in the final stages of construction and that a suite of governance and operational reforms is being developed.
The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, which leads coordination of Government's housing strategy, welcomed the findings. “As the Ministry responsible for coordinating Government’s housing strategy, we recognise that the measure of this Plan will ultimately be in what it delivers for the Caymanian people,” said Eric Bush, Chief Officer, Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure.
“The 10-Year Plan gives us a clear framework for coordinating that work, strengthening accountability and measuring progress. Government has a significant responsibility in addressing Cayman’s housing needs, and we cannot achieve the scale of change required through Government action alone. The private sector has an equally important role to play, particularly in increasing housing supply and expanding opportunities for Caymanians to own or rent homes they can afford.
“Our responsibility is to keep the strategy moving forward, bring the right partners to the table and ensure that progress is measured against clear commitments. Addressing Cayman’s housing challenges will require sustained effort across Government and the private sector, with each of us playing our part in delivering better housing outcomes for Caymanians.”
The Office of the Auditor General's report can be found at www.auditorgeneral.gov.ky.