Short-term rentals are the hottest segment in Sint Maarten. Here is what owners should know about licensing, operating, and getting help running a vacation rental.
Sint Maarten Real Estate News & Insights
Market updates, buyer guides, and Caribbean lifestyle stories to help you buy, sell, and live smarter on Sint Maarten (SXM).
US Buyers and Caribbean Property: Taxes, FATCA & FBAR Basics
A plain-English overview for US buyers of a Sint Maarten property: worldwide income, rental-income reporting, and when FATCA and FBAR come into play.
Capital Gains Tax on Sint Maarten Property (Dutch vs French Side)
There is no capital gains tax on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. The French side has up to 33%. Here is what sellers and investors need to know.
Why Sint Maarten Has No MLS (and How to See Every Listing Anyway)
Buyers from North America often expect a single MLS where every listing and price lives. Sint Maarten does not work that way, and understanding why will save you time and money. Quick answer: Sint Maarten has no MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or central pricing database. As a result, many island websites are out of date...
Sint Maarten Property Due-Diligence Checklist for Foreign Buyers
Buying on Sint Maarten is straightforward, but doing your due diligence protects you. Here is a clear checklist of what happens and what to confirm, from offer to closing. Quick answer: A typical Sint Maarten purchase runs: agree a price and sign a purchase agreement, pay a deposit of around 10% into the notary’s escrow,...
Buying Property in Sint Maarten Remotely: The Power-of-Attorney Guide
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...
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...
Sint Maarten vs Florida: Caribbean Home vs US Second Home
For many North American buyers, a Caribbean second home on Sint Maarten competes directly with a familiar option: a condo or house in Florida. Both offer sun and water, but the ownership economics and lifestyle differ. Here is the honest comparison. Quick answer: Florida is the easy, familiar choice with deep inventory and no language...
Sint Maarten vs Turks & Caicos vs the Dominican Republic: Caribbean Investment Compared
If you are shopping the wider Caribbean for a second home or investment, three markets come up again and again: Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic. Each has a different profile. Here is how they compare for a foreign buyer. Quick answer: Sint Maarten offers freehold foreign ownership, USD pricing, no capital...