Last Updated:
Feb 22, 2008
St. Martin: Overview
Saint Martin is the smallest island in the world shared by two sovereign governments. The northern half of the island, the Collectivity St. Martin became a French overseas collectivity in December 2007 after it seceded from Guadeloupe. The southern side, Sint Maarten, will be an overseas country within the Kingdom of Netherlands beginning December 15, 2008, after the dissolution of Netherlands Antilles.
Aside from beaches and water related activities, Sint Maarten, the Dutch side, is known for its festive nightlife, jewelry, exotic drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and plentiful casinos. On the other hand, St. Martin, the French side, is known more for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping, and rich French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. The island is served by large jets carrying tourists on a daily basis. About a million tourists visit the island annually.
Although the US dollar is widely accepted in both sides, the French side uses the euro as its main currency while the Dutch side uses Antillean guilder,
As in France and Netherlands, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of properties in St. Martin and Sint Maarten.
Aside from beaches and water related activities, Sint Maarten, the Dutch side, is known for its festive nightlife, jewelry, exotic drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and plentiful casinos. On the other hand, St. Martin, the French side, is known more for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping, and rich French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. The island is served by large jets carrying tourists on a daily basis. About a million tourists visit the island annually.
Although the US dollar is widely accepted in both sides, the French side uses the euro as its main currency while the Dutch side uses Antillean guilder,
As in France and Netherlands, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership of properties in St. Martin and Sint Maarten.
RENTAL YIELDS
Last Updated: Jan 01, 1970
Expensive high-end properties
With its popularity, properties in Saint Martin are expensive. A three bedroom house in Sint Maarten is around US$1 million, while a 3BR house is worth around US$1.5 million. Apartments are slightly cheaper than houses; a one bedroom unit can be bought at around US$330,000 while a three bedroom apartment is priced at around US$700,000.
TAXES AND COSTS
Last Updated: Jan 01, 1970
Taxes and Cost
For the French side, see France: Taxes and Costs
For the Dutch side, see Netherlands Antilles: Taxes and Costs
For the Dutch side, see Netherlands Antilles: Taxes and Costs
BUYING GUIDE
Last Updated: Jan 01, 1970
Buying Guide
For the French side, see France: Buying Guide
For the Dutch side, see Netherlands Antilles: Buying Guide
For the Dutch side, see Netherlands Antilles: Buying Guide
LANDLORD AND TENANT
Last Updated: Jan 01, 1970
Landlord and Tenant
For the French side, see France: Landlord and Tenant
For the Dutch side, see Netherlands Antilles: Buying Guide
For the Dutch side, see Netherlands Antilles: Buying Guide
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Last Updated: Feb 22, 2008
World-class accommodations
The island of Saint Martin is home to several world-class accommodations, including world-renowned hotels, luxurious villas, and time share properties. Some properties have over 200 rooms, while others have fewer than twenty. Many are located directly on beaches and in upscale shopping districts. Villas pepper the coast, boasting exclusive beaches. Some are private residences, while others are available to affluent renters.
