Sint Maarten real estate FAQ · Buying, costs, taxes & rentals

Costs, taxes, both sides of the island, rentals and financing. What buyers and owners ask us every week.

Buying in Sint Maarten

No permits. No residency. A notary protects both sides of every sale.

Can foreigners buy property in Sint Maarten?

Yes, with no restrictions. No permit, no residency and no local partner needed. You can own in your own name or through a company, on the Dutch and the French side.

How does the buying process work?

Five steps. Choose the property. Sign an offer. Sign the purchase agreement and pay a deposit, often around 10%, held in escrow. The notary checks the title. You close at the notary, who registers the deed in your name. Read the buyer’s guide

How long does it take to close?

30 to 60 days, depending on financing and the complexity of the parties involved.

Do I need to be on the island to buy?

No. Most of our clients buy from abroad. You can sign through a power of attorney, and funds go by international wire to the notary.

Do I need a lawyer?

It is not required. An independent civil-law notary verifies the title and registers the transfer for both buyer and seller.

What types of property can I buy?

Beachfront condos, villas, lagoon-front homes, land and new developments, on both sides of the island. See condos for sale

Can I buy pre-construction?

Yes. Several new developments are selling now. Ocean Blue, for example, is scheduled to complete at the end of 2027. We take you through payment schedules and builder guarantees before you sign. See properties for sale

Costs & taxes

The numbers buyers ask about first. Short and exact.

What are the closing costs on the Dutch side?

About 5.5% of the purchase price. That includes the 4% transfer tax plus notary and registration fees.

Is there capital gains tax in Sint Maarten?

No capital gains tax on the Dutch side. On the French side, a sale can be taxed — ask us before you buy.

Is there an annual property tax?

On the Dutch side it is limited and depends on the assessed value. On the French side, annual property taxes apply.

Do I need a local bank account to buy?

No. You pay by international wire to the notary. Many owners open a local account later for running costs and rental income.

Dutch side vs French side

One island, two countries, two sets of rules. Here is what changes.

What changes between the Dutch and the French side?

The law, the costs and the taxes. The Dutch side follows Dutch civil law, with lower closing costs and no capital gains tax. The French side follows French law, with higher purchase costs and property taxes — and some of the island’s most exclusive estates, like Terres Basses.

What are the closing costs on the French side?

Around 10% in notary fees and transfer duties. The notary confirms the exact amount for each sale.

Do you sell on both sides?

Yes. Andreu Realty is licensed on the Dutch and the French side, and our listings show both together. View all properties

Rentals & investment

Tourism fills the island all year. Here is how owners earn from it.

Can I rent my property out?

Yes. Short-term rentals are well established on the Dutch side. On the French side they are allowed, with stricter registration.

What rental return can I expect?

It depends on the location, the season and how the property is run. Before you buy, we give you a realistic rental projection for that specific property.

Can Andreu Realty manage my property?

Yes. We handle bookings, guests and maintenance while you are away. Our management fee is 20%. HOA fees, insurance and utilities vary by building. See rental management

Is Sint Maarten a good place to invest?

Strong tourism, direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe, no capital gains tax on the Dutch side and the security of Dutch law.

Financing

Cash or mortgage — both work. Here is what lenders ask for.

Can foreigners get a mortgage in Sint Maarten?

Yes. Some local banks lend to non-residents, with terms that vary by bank and profile. Many international buyers pay cash.

How much down payment do I need?

Usually 20% to 40% with local lenders, plus proof of income. We introduce you to the right lenders.

Selling your property

The right price, the right buyers, a clean closing.

How long does it take to sell?

It depends on price and demand. Well-priced condos move faster. Luxury villas take longer and need the right international exposure.

Do I need an agent to sell?

Not legally. But an agency brings the valuation, the international marketing, the qualified buyers and the negotiation. Get a free valuation

Can you rent my property while it is for sale?

Yes. We can keep it rented and maintained until closing.

Living in SXM

Neighborhoods, prices, language and residency.

Where are the best areas to buy?

Dutch side: Cupecoy, Maho, Simpson Bay, Pelican Key, Indigo Bay and Dawn Beach. French side: Terres Basses, Orient Bay and Oyster Pond. Each fits a different lifestyle and budget. Explore the island

How much does property cost in Sint Maarten?

Condos start around $300,000. In Indigo Bay, condos start around $900,000 and villas around $1.5 million. Waterfront estates go well beyond. See villas for sale

Does buying property give me residency?

Not by itself. The Dutch side offers an investor residence permit tied to a qualifying investment. Rules change, so we connect you with a local immigration advisor.

What language is spoken?

English on the Dutch side, French on the French side. Spanish and Dutch are widely spoken too.

Working with Andreu Realty

Six advisors. One office. Both sides of the island.

Why choose Andreu Realty?

We are licensed on both sides of the island, we speak English, French and Spanish, and we handle the whole journey — search, purchase, rental management and resale. Read our client reviews

How do I get started?

Send us a message or a WhatsApp with what you are looking for. An advisor gets back to you with matching properties — including ones not yet public. Create a property alert