Sint Maarten Real Estate: The Complete Buyer's Guide for Foreigners
Published on November 15, 2024 • The Sint Maarten Editorial Team
Sint Maarten’s real estate market offers unique advantages for international buyers: no property taxes, no capital gains tax, and no restrictions on foreign ownership. These factors, combined with the island’s dual French-Dutch infrastructure, make it a compelling investment destination.
Tax Benefits (Dutch Side)
Sint Maarten (Country Sint Maarten, post-2010 constitution) offers:
- Zero annual property tax for residential properties
- No capital gains tax on property sales
- No inheritance tax between spouses
- Transfer tax: 4% on purchase price
Popular Areas by Price
| Area | Property Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pelican Key | Waterfront villas | $1.5M – $5M |
| Pointe Blanche | Condos & hillside villas | $400K – $2M |
| Maho/Mullet Bay | Beach condos | $350K – $1.2M |
| Cole Bay | Residential homes | $280K – $800K |
The Buying Process
- Offer & Letter of Intent: Non-binding offer with 10% deposit in escrow
- Title Search: Conducted by notary (civil law notary, “notaris”)
- Deed of Sale: Signed before notary, transfer registered with Cadastre
- Timeline: 60–90 days for a standard transaction
Legal Framework
Sint Maarten follows Dutch civil law. Foreign buyers face no restrictions. A local attorney (advocaat) or notary can handle the complete transaction.