Construction of affordable homes in Cayman Brac has resumed after a five-year break.

The Sister Islands Affordable Housing Development Corporation (SIAHDC) had suspended new housing applications in Cayman Brac while it reviewed existing submissions, addressed an application backlog and reassessed applicants under the updated criteria. The project, at Spot Bay Bluff, is due to be completed before the end of 2026.

The first phase of work at The Highlands benefits Caymanian families who are most in need. It also marks a change in how the corporation allocates homes, with SIAHDC moving away from a first-come, first-served model and towards a needs-based assessment system.

Government procurement records show that two construction contracts, each worth CI $385,000, have been awarded to local firms Vander Built and Perfect Contractors, which are responsible for delivering the first phase of the development of three-bedroom homes.

SIAHDC said the project is part of an effort to improve fairness, transparency and the long-term sustainability of the affordable housing programme.

Under the revised system, applications are being assessed using factors such as housing need, urgency and vulnerability.

SIAHDC aims to construct at least four homes each year, with more to follow as funding and operational capacity allow. Additional phases are expected, subject to contractor availability and approved funding.

A spokesperson for SIAHDC said: "This measured approach supports the delivery of homes that remain affordable, hurricane-resilient, and built to a high standard, while maintaining the long-term viability of the programme".

SIAHDC's new Board Chair, Yvette Dilbert, said:

"The Highlands represents more than the construction of new homes; it reflects our commitment to creating a fairer and more sustainable pathway to homeownership for Caymanian families in the Sister Islands. As we continue this work, our focus remains ensuring that affordable housing is delivered responsibly, transparently, and in a way that supports families not just today, but for generations to come".

The new board and the revised allocation policy come as SIAHDC seeks to rebuild public confidence. By shifting to a needs-based assessment, SIAHDC said it hoped to make the process clearer and more equitable for applicants in Cayman Brac and the wider Sister Islands.

Resident and Member of Youth Parliament Taygan McFarlane welcomed the development, saying:

"For our community, this isn't just about building houses, it's about building opportunity. I'm hopeful the project will have a positive impact across the Sister Islands by helping more Caymanian families access stable, secure and affordable homes."

According to the Government's 2026/2027 Budget, SIAHDC has been allocated CI$1.13 million over the two-year period to support affordable housing construction.

The first homes at The Highlands are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with SIAHDC planning to build at least four affordable homes each year thereafter, subject to funding and contractor availability.