A major reason buyers choose the Dutch side of Sint Maarten is its light tax treatment of property. Here is the straight answer on what you pay, and, more importantly, what you do not.
Quick answer: The Dutch side of Sint Maarten has no annual property tax and no capital gains tax. The only significant tax when buying is a one-time transfer tax of about 4% of the price, paid at closing. Ongoing costs are limited to insurance, utilities, and any HOA fees. (The French side, Saint Martin, is different: it has an annual property tax and a 33% capital gains tax.)
What Sint Maarten does NOT tax
On the Dutch side there is:
- No annual property tax on your home.
- No capital gains tax when you sell.
- No wealth tax.
- No foreign-buyer surcharge. Foreign owners are treated exactly like locals.
That combination is unusual in the Caribbean and is one of the island’s biggest draws for international buyers.
The one tax you do pay: transfer tax at purchase
The single significant property tax on the Dutch side is a one-time transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting) of about 4% of the purchase price, collected by the notary at closing. It is a purchase cost, not a recurring one. See the full closing-cost breakdown for how it fits into the roughly 6-7% total closing costs.
What it actually costs to own each year
Because there is no annual property tax, recurring ownership costs are limited to a few predictable items:
- Insurance, including hurricane cover, typically about 0.6-1.2% of rebuild value per year.
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet).
- HOA or condo fees, which range widely by building, roughly US$200 to US$1,000+ per month.
Dutch side vs French side
The two halves of the island are taxed very differently. The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) has no annual property tax and no capital gains tax. The French side (Saint Martin) levies an annual property tax and a capital gains tax of up to 33% on a sale. Full breakdown in our Dutch side vs French side comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is there annual property tax in Sint Maarten?
No. The Dutch side of Sint Maarten has no annual property tax and no capital gains tax. The only significant property tax is a one-time transfer tax of about 4% paid when you buy.
Do foreigners pay extra property tax in Sint Maarten?
No. There is no foreign-owner surcharge on the Dutch side. Non-residents are treated the same as local owners.
Does the French side have property tax?
Yes. The French side (Saint Martin) has an annual property tax and a capital gains tax of up to 33%, unlike the Dutch side.
Thinking about the Dutch side’s tax advantages? Browse every property for sale, start with our complete buyer’s guide, or contact Island Dream Realty.
