Housing and rental costs in Antigua and Barbuda continued their downward trend in February, offering some relief to tenants struggling with affordability concerns.
According to Antigua News Room, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that actual rentals for housing fell by 3.9 percent over the 12-month period ending February 2026. On a monthly basis, rents declined by 1.6 percent compared with January, extending a sustained downward movement in housing costs.
The broader housing category — which includes water, electricity, gas and other fuels — also recorded a 2.8 percent year-on-year decline, reinforcing housing's role in easing overall inflation. Overall inflation fell by 0.8 percent during the same period, with housing among several key sectors driving that reduction.
The figures arrive as Antigua and Barbuda continues to grapple with longstanding concerns over housing access and affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income households. While declining rental costs may provide short-term relief, questions remain about whether the trend reflects improved housing supply, shifting demand, or broader economic conditions.
Despite the easing in rental prices, housing remains one of the largest components of household spending, meaning shifts in this category continue to carry significant weight on the overall cost of living.
The February data also revealed mixed price movements across the wider economy, suggesting that while housing costs are declining, other sectors may continue to place pressure on household budgets.
