A common question from overseas buyers: do I have to fly to Sint Maarten to close? The answer is no. You can complete the entire purchase remotely, and it is routine. Quick answer: Yes, you can buy property in Sint Maarten without being on the island. The notary can create a power of attorney that...
Category: How to Buy on St. Maarten
How to Buy on St. Maarten
Articles on How to Buy on St. Maarten from Island Dream Realty.
The Sint Maarten Notary Process Explained (vs a US Closing Attorney)
If you are used to buying property in the United States, the biggest difference in Sint Maarten is the notary. On the Dutch side, a civil-law notary runs the whole transaction. Here is exactly what that means for you as a buyer. Quick answer: On the Dutch side a civil-law notary handles the transfer, filling...
Freehold vs Long-Lease Land in Sint Maarten: What Buyers Must Check
Before you buy on Sint Maarten, one question matters more than almost any other: is the property freehold, or does it sit on long-lease land? The answer changes what you actually own and how the sale is handled. Quick answer: Most Dutch-side property in Sint Maarten is freehold (fee simple), meaning you own the property...
Dutch Side vs French Side: The Complete Buyer’s Comparison
Sint Maarten and Saint Martin share one small island, but for a property buyer they are two very different markets, governed by different laws, currencies, and tax systems. Here is the complete side-by-side so you can choose with confidence. Quick answer: The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) offers USD pricing, no capital gains tax, no annual...
Renovating a Sint Maarten Villa: Costs and Contractors
TL;DR Renovating a villa in Sint Maarten typically costs $150 to $400 per square foot depending on scope, with full gut renovations of larger homes running into the high six figures. Budget 15 to 25 percent on top of estimates for contingencies, imported materials, and shipping. Success hinges on hiring a licensed, reputable contractor, getting...
New Condominium Developments in Sint Maarten 2026
TL;DR New condominium developments in Sint Maarten in 2026 cluster around Cupecoy, Maho, Simpson Bay, and the Lowlands, with entry-level studios from roughly $250,000 and beachfront penthouses well past $1.5 million. Post-2017 builds emphasize hurricane resilience, energy efficiency, and rental-ready management. Buyers benefit from early-release pricing, modern construction, and turnkey income potential, provided they vet...
Buying Off-Plan: Pre-Construction Property in Sint Maarten
TL;DR Buying off-plan in Sint Maarten means purchasing a condo or villa before it is finished, usually at a 5 to 15 percent discount to completed comparable units. You typically pay a 10 to 30 percent reservation deposit, then staged payments tied to construction milestones, with the balance due at handover. The model rewards patience...
Cryptocurrency Real Estate Purchases in Sint Maarten
TL;DR Yes, a crypto real estate purchase is possible in Sint Maarten, and a growing number of sellers will consider Bitcoin or stablecoins. In practice, most deals still close in US dollars: the crypto is converted to fiat through a licensed exchange or escrow before the notary records the transfer. Expect full KYC and anti-money-laundering...
Sint Maarten Bank Loans: Local Mortgage Options
TL;DR Yes, you can get a Sint Maarten mortgage, even as a foreign buyer, through local banks such as Windward Islands Bank, RBC Royal Bank, and Republic Bank. Plan for down payments of 20 to 30 percent for residents and 30 to 50 percent for non-residents, interest rates roughly in the 6 to 8 percent...
Currency Exchange Strategy for Sint Maarten Buyers
TL;DR A smart currency exchange real estate strategy can save Sint Maarten buyers thousands on a single purchase. The Dutch side prices most property in US dollars, which simplifies things for American buyers, while Canadian and European buyers face exchange-rate swings that can move a purchase price by 5 to 10 percent. The key moves:...

