Requirements

• Valid Identification (Passport, ID, Driver’s License)
• Current job letter and recent pay slips/ Audited (Management)
• Financial statements for last 3 years
• Agreement for Sale
• Deed for property
• Current Valuation Report
• Certificate of admeasurements

A: Yes. Anyone can own property on either side of the island. Buyers are protected by both French and Dutch Law.

Q: What about title search, closings, etc.?

A: All European Notaries are of legal background. They must first be lawyers. They are representing federal laws when they transfer properties from seller to buyer. The buyer is made aware of the type of deed. The Notary also ensures free and clear title. If a mortgage is involved the Notary will register mortgage as well as the deed with Kadaster (Land Registry office). Closing costs on the Dutch side are around 5.2%. On the French side they vary from 9 to 11 %. On the Dutch side there is a one-time payment covering the government taxes and notary fees.

Q: What type of deed does the buyer receive?

A: There are three types of deeds

• fee simple – land is owned by the seller. A notarial deed only is passed.
• government long lease – normally 50 years
• private lease – can also be 50 years

For leased land the buyer is protected if the lease is terminated. Then the person holding the lease has to give the buyer the full market value of the improvements to the property.

Q: What kind of tax would I pay as a property owner?

A: Transfer tax is included in the closing costs. On Dutch St Maarten there are no annual property taxes. On French St Martin there are assessed annual taxes. If you own a property that you use as short term rental property you are responsible for income and profit tax. You can deduct a lot of expenses such as maintenance, insurance, improvements, etc. There are no capital gain taxes in Sint Maarten.

Q: What about ownership in another name?

A: If there is a question from the IRS or another country’s tax system, on the Dutch side there is a non-disclosure law.It is more complicated on the French side. It is part of the European Community so those rules and regulations apply. This includes annual living taxes and real estate taxes. We recommend that foreign investors do so through a private real estate holding company, Societe Civile Immobiliere. This will make the estate secure.

Q: We would like to use the property part time or longer after retirement.

You can have added income as a holiday rental. High season rentals run from $1,500 to $25,000 a week, depending on the property. Low season rates are 30% lower.

Q: Tell me more about property management.

A: We, as property managers, become your owner representatives. We look after the payments of bills and all matters pertaining to the maintenance of your property. Because of our years of experience, we have a vast network of service agencies at our disposal to ensure that your investment is adequately protected. We tailor our management program according to your specific needs.

Q: What is the investment climate like in St Maarten?

A: St. Maarten’s Government is friendly and helpful for anyone wanting to invest and be active in Industry and the Tourism Sector. For more information inquire at Sunshine Properties or directly with the Commerce Department of St. Maarten.

Building Size – 850m2

When sellers are preparing to list their home they may be considering updating or renovating the spaces that are old fashioned or outdated. Selling your house can be quite a process if not approached in a right way. Here are a few tips while you are trying to sell your house.

Putting the best face on your house is more important than ever, “curb appeal” is critical since sales have cooled and the inventory on the market is high. If there’s something they don’t like about the house, they are more likely to just move on to the next one.

Excellent First Impression: Making a positive first impression on prospective buyers is necessary.

Minimize personal items: Buyers cannot picture themselves in your home you need to remove photos and personal items that represent you.

Clutter: De clutter your home, cluttered homes don’t show well.

 Basic Updates

Doing the basic updates to my house keeps it in tip top condition, so when I decide to sell again, the new buyers can see that this is a well cared home. Buyers are looking for a healthy and safe home as well as a welcoming home here are a few basic updates that add most value to your home.

Basic updates add the most value to your home.

• Keep the paint fresh
• Get rid of any mold
• Fix the roof when it leaks
• Replace wood that rots

 Here are a few other exterior improvements you might want to consider:

• fresh paint
• a new front door
• or a new walkway
• Keep the sidewalks cleared.
• Mow the lawn.

 Instead of renovating an outdated kitchen/bathroom I advise my clients to do the following:

• Remove all clutter from the kitchen
• Clean the stove, refrigerator and oven
• Remove items from the refrigerator
• Check all your bulbs
• Clean all drawers
• Add new knobs to the drawers and doors
• Repair anything that is broken
• Paint it with a neutral colour

Bathrooms

• Replace worn rugs.
• Hang up fresh towels.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors
• Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
• Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

I do not recommend my clients to spend invest a lot of money on renovations unless you are a professional. I personally feel that de cluttering and getting the house in a good shape by doing the tips mentioned above are extremely helpful.

Buyers like to add their own personal touch by adding new appliances flooring etc. Most importantly from my experience buyers like bright kitchens, open up your kitchen windows and let the sun shine in.

Bayview offers a tranquil, island atmosphere. With high, airy ceilings, relaxing furnishings and outdoor living areas this spacious deluxe one bedroom condo is a peaceful escape.

Location: This deluxe one bedroom condo is located in a gated community called Bayview.

Kitchen: The kitchen is modern with granite counter top and stainless steel appliances.

Outdoor Living: Enjoy breathtaking views of the beach and   the Caribbean Ocean.

 Home features

• Balcony
• Beach access
• Cable/Satellite TV
• Dishwasher
• Fully furnished
• Gated
• Hurricane Shutters
• Patio/Deck
• Terrace
• Washer/Dryer
• Wheelchair Access
• Gated Community

This sensational 2 bedroom beachfront villa is beautifully presented and fully furnished to perfection. It is located directly on the beach and

Located within a quiet gated residence, the villa is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. Enjoying total privacy, the property has its own communal swimming pool and several areas in which to relax and soak up the sun.

It’s just a few minutes’ walk will offer you the choice of many restaurants and cuisines.

This luxurious and secure condo is set in the gated community of Monte Vista and directly overlooks GreatBay, Philipsburg and the Caribbean Sea.

Interiors:  Your walk down the very wide flight of outside stairs excites with a hint of what’s to come!  The main living space features a large living room and dining area with a sliding glass wall that open to the deck and pool.  There is one spacious bedroom with an en suite bath, including a separate shower and a Jacuzzi tub which also opens to the bedroom.  There is a second room (bedroom/study/TV room) just off the living room with its own doorway to the deck and pool.  The condo is completely air conditioned.

 Kitchen:  The Gem boasts a fully equipped kitchen with a pantry and laundry.  The dining features a glass top table and seating for six.

 Terraces and Pool Area:  As you step outside onto the large terrace with its very large built-in charcoal grill and private elevated soaking pool, you are met with a dazzling panoramic view ofGreatBay, Philipsburg and theCaribbean Sea.  From the far edge of the pool, you will spend countless hours watching the activities of the harbor – cruise ships, jet skis, charter boats, etc.  At night, the view is equally spectacular.

Designed for indoor and outdoor living, this tastefully decorated property combines timeless Caribbean elegance with contemporary flair.

Gated Community:  The Gem is located in the gated community of Monte Vista.  Its isolated mountaintop location and 24/7 security gate guard offer unprecedented security.  Includes a designated parking space.

Rental History/Investment Opportunity:  This condo has enjoyed a very successful rental history over the past 5 years with many guests returning year after year.

Location:  The Gem features a combination of spectacular panoramic views, amenities and gated security that are unrivaled.

• Garage: No
• Parking: 2
• Driveway: No
• Hurricane Shutters: No
• Electricity: Yes
• Cable TV: Yes
• Satellite TV: No
• Phone: No
• City Water: Yes
• Fans: Yes
• Air Conditioning: Yes
• Lot Type: Hill
• Terraces : Yes
•  Balconies – No
• Generator: No
• Alarm System: No
• Security: Yes
• Construction: Concrete and Brick
• Roof: Tiles
• Fencing: Yes
• Cistern: No
• Garden : Common

This luxurious St Martin condo is set on the peaceful Monte Vista hill with expansive ocean views, and is perfection in every detail, that offers peace, privacy, serenity and beauty.

Interiors: Consisting of two spacious bedrooms with en suite bath, a very large living room Royal View is completely air-conditioned and offers all the expected top amenities and more.

Kitchen: Royal View boasts a fully equipped kitchen with dining area perfect for entertaining friends and family.

Terraces and Pool Area: As you step outside onto the large terrace which surrounds the pool you are met with the beauty of Great Bay in the distance. Large terraces surround the pool offering multiple areas for sunning and relaxing. During the day you can lounge around the crystal clear pool , and at night you will want to gaze at the stars.

Designed for indoor and outdoor living this tastefully decorated St Martin property combines timeless Caribbean elegance with contemporary flair.

Gated Community: A charming gated community provides all the security where you and your family need not worry about safety.

Rental History/ Investment Opportunity: This St Martin condo is the perfect place for vacation relaxation and has enjoyed a very successful rental history over the past 5 years.

Location: Royal View is located in one of the most spectacular locations on the island on, with ocean front breezes and constant whispers of sea waves.

Details:

• Garage: No
• Parking: 2
• Driveway: No
• Hurricane Shutters: No
• Electricity: Yes
• Cable TV: Yes
• Satellite TV: No
• Phone: No
• City Water: Yes
• Fans: Yes
• Air Conditioning: Yes
• Lot Type: Hill
• Terraces : Yes
•  Balconies – No
• Generator: No
• Alarm System: No
• Security: Yes
• Construction: Concrete and Brick
• Roof: Tiles
• Fencing: Yes
• Cistern: No
• Garden : Yes

• Garage: No
• Parking: 2
• Driveway: No
• Hurricane Shutters: No
• Electricity: Yes
• Cable TV: Yes
• Satellite TV: No
• Phone: No
• City Water: Yes
• Fans: Yes
• Air Conditioning: Yes
• Lot Type: Hill
• Terraces : Yes
•  Balconies – No
• Generator: No
• Alarm System: No
• Security: Yes
• Construction: Concrete and Brick
• Roof: Tiles
• Fencing: Yes
• Cistern: No
• Garden : Yes

Main House: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths St Martin villa with an independent large studio. There is more space for additional bedroom or for large storage room. The owner designed his house for open air- living – bringing in the outside to the inside. This St Martin villa is surrounded by vegetation with lots of space for private pool. The man-made pond with small fishes is a great place to unwind.

Studio: The studio (presently rented) has its own separate and private entrance.

Location Description:
Almond Grove St Martin  is a gated community with 24/7 security. 2 minutes away from French capital of St. Martin (French part of the island), 10 minutes away from Simpson Bay and Airport, 15 minutes away from Philipsburg.

There is so much potential in this St Martin property. There is still some work to be done- which will make this place an oasis, your oasis!!!!

DETAILS

• Garage: No
• Terraces: Yes
• Parking: Yes
• Balconies: Yes
• Driveway: Yes
• Generator: No
• Hurricane Shutters: Yes
• Alarm System: No
• Electricity: 110V
• Security: No
• Cable TV: Yes
• Construction: Concrete
• Satellite TV: No
• Roof: Galvanized
• Phone: Yes
• Gated Yes
• City Water: Yes
• Fencing: Yes
• Fans: Yes
• Cistern: Yes
• Air Conditioning:
• Yes Garden: Yes