top of page
Financing · The Sint Maarten Real Estate Journal
The Journal
Make informed decisions about buying, investing and living on the island. Explore Andreu Realty’s guides to neighborhoods, the buying process, ownership costs, rental potential and relocation — with practical context for buyers from the United States, Canada and beyond.
US Mortgage Rates Fall to 7.18%, a Third Straight Drop, as the 10-Year Treasury Yield Slides to 4.84% After the Midterms
Freddie Mac's 30-year average fell to 7.18% on November 5 as Treasury yields and oil dropped after the US midterms. Purchase applications are still down 19% from a year ago, and markets price a December Fed hike.
8 hours ago3 min read
Bank of England Hikes to 4% and Sees Inflation Near 5%, as US Mortgage Rates Fall to 7.18%
The Bank of England raised rates for the first time since 2023 on November 5, voting 8-1. The same day, Freddie Mac's 30-year rate fell for a third week. Rates are splitting by currency, and that matters for buyers.
8 hours ago3 min read
Bank of Canada Hikes to 2.5% as the Fed and ECB Hold: Three Rate Decisions in Two Days (October 2026)
The Bank of Canada raised its policy rate to 2.5% on October 28. The Fed held at 3.75%–4% the same day with two votes for a hike, and the ECB held at 2.5% on October 29. Here is what it means for buyers in Sint Maarten.
Oct 303 min read
Canada Inflation Hits 3.1% in September 2026; Markets Price a Bank of Canada Rate Hike on October 28
Canadian inflation rose to 3.1% in September on a 27.8% jump in gasoline prices. Swap markets now put the odds of a Bank of Canada hike to 2.50% next Wednesday near 80%, and the loonie is back around 71 US cents.
Oct 233 min read
US Mortgage Rates Fall to 7.32% in October 2026 as Existing-Home Sales Hold Near 4 Million
Freddie Mac's 30-year average slipped to 7.32% on October 22, off a three-year high. US home sales ran at a 3.99 million pace in September, and investors and second-home buyers took 20% of deals.
Oct 233 min read
US Inflation Hits 3.7% in September 2026, Doubling the Odds of an October Fed Hike
US consumer prices rose 3.7% in the year to September, above forecasts. Markets now see roughly a 42% chance the Fed hikes again on October 28, and 30-year mortgage rates are holding at 7.40%.
Oct 163 min read
US Mortgage Rates Hit 7.40%, Highest Since 2023, as Fed Minutes Signal Another Hike by Year End
Freddie Mac's 30-year average reached 7.40% on October 8, 2026, and the Fed's September minutes show most officials expect another increase this year. What it means for buyers and owners in Sint Maarten.
Oct 93 min read
Bond Selloff: 10-Year Treasury Yield Hits 5.34%, Highest Since 2002, as US Mortgage Rates Reach 7.28%
The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5.34% on October 1, its highest since 2002, and Freddie Mac's 30-year mortgage rate hit 7.28%. What the global bond selloff means for anyone financing Caribbean property.
Oct 23 min read
Sint Maarten Banking: CBCS Raises Rate to 4.50% as a Cg 50,000 Deposit Guarantee Takes Effect
A rate hike, a new central bank president and a deposit guarantee for Sint Maarten banks: what September's banking news means for buyers and owners on the island.
Sep 294 min read
Fed Hikes to 3.75%–4%, US Mortgage Rates Top 7%: What It Means for Caribbean Buyers
The Fed raised rates a quarter point on September 16 and the 30-year mortgage average passed 7%. What it means for US buyers of property in Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin: cash, financing and currency.
Sep 293 min read
Toronto Home Prices Down 4.5% and a 71-Cent Loonie: The Math for Canadian Buyers in Sint Maarten
GTA prices slipped again in August, the Bank of Canada held at 2.25% and the loonie fell to about 71 US cents. Here is what that means for Canadians buying in the Caribbean.
Sep 293 min read
Dutch Side or French Side? Where to Buy Property in Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin
One island, two countries. How buying compares on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint-Martin): currency, notary, closing costs, taxes, financing and the areas on each.
Sep 283 min read
Financing Property in Sint Maarten as a Non-Resident: What Lenders Ask For
Most of our international buyers pay cash, but local banks on both sides of the island do lend to non-residents. Here is who lends, what they ask for, and how a mortgage fits into the notary process.
Sep 285 min read
PROPERTY ALERTS · NEW LISTINGS FIRST
See new listings before they are public
Tell us the neighborhoods, property types and budget you have in mind. You receive matching listings and off-market opportunities the moment they come to us — in English or French.
FREE · PRIVATE · UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME
bottom of page