Emancipation Park came alive as the National Housing Trust (NHT) hosted the Kingston leg of its third Home It! Expo, drawing thousands of Jamaicans eager to take charge of their homeownership journey.
Now in its second year, the 2025 staging built on the momentum of the inaugural series, offering a dynamic, one-stop hub for mortgage readiness and housing-related services. From 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., more than 2,700 registered attendees benefited from a wide range of NHT services, including personalised consultations, prequalification assessments, eligibility letters, and access to free building plans for those interested in construction.
Participants also engaged in interactive workshops led by NHT experts and had the opportunity to connect directly with key industry stakeholders across various stages of the homeownership process.
According to Sabrena McDonald-Radcliffe, Assistant General Manager, Advertising, Marketing and After Sales at the NHT, the initiative is part of a broader effort to demystify the homeownership process.
“Home It! is designed to support contributors at every stage of the homeownership journey — from planning and preparation to execution. We call it the ‘GPS’ — the Get-Home Planning System — and it’s intended to provide clear, actionable guidance. It’s our way of equipping contributors with the tools, support, and confidence to become mortgage-ready.”
The NHT’s next Home It! Expo takes place on Friday, July 11, at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay. According to McDonald-Radcliffe, contributors in the second city can expect an experience that is equally informative, immersive, and engaging — advancing the NHT’s mission to make homeownership more accessible to Jamaicans across the island.
On-stage sessions were complemented by the presence of over 20 event partners, including major mortgage institutions such as Victoria Mutual Building Society, Scotiabank, Sagicor Bank, CIBC, JPS & Partners Credit Union, and NCB.
Other participating exhibitors included Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), Claudia Davis Realty, Paula Sells Jamaica, and Remax Realty. Legal and technical service providers such as HJL Legal Firm, Wiltech Limited, Draughtsman-Inc Geomatics, and K-Ban Hardware were also on site, alongside lifestyle brands like PriceSmart, Cals Foods, Honey Bun, and Pure Water Jamaica.
A vibrant kids’ village kept younger attendees entertained while their parents accessed valuable information and resources.
For 34-year-old Anita Johnson-Sutherland, the expo helped bring clarity to what can often be an overwhelming process.
“I think this initiative is great. I was able to get all the information I needed, and the process is much clearer,” she shared. “The fact that so many people turned out shows how many of us are serious about owning a home.”
Jumping into Homeownership: A young attendee enjoys an activity in the Home It! Expo children’s village
Attendees gather at the NHT’s Homebuilder booth to access free building plans and guidance on the construction process. Attendees were also able to access information from other booths catered toward purchasing and improving property as well as other services.
Team NHT breaks down the NHT’s products, policies and services for the audience while event hosts Owen Ellis (left) and Christopher “Johnny” Daley (right) moderate the conversation.
Team NHT (from left): Petula Fearon, Senior Loan Officer; Connie Dennis. Marketing Officer and Sabrena McDonald-Radcliffe, Assistant General Manager, Advertising, Marketing and After Sales.
