A quick answer for international buyers
Yes, foreigners can buy property in St. Maarten and St. Martin. The island welcomes international buyers who want a home, a vacation base, or a rental investment. English is widely spoken across both sides, which makes the search, purchase, and ownership experience straightforward for North American and European buyers. If you are exploring how to buy property in St. Maarten, you are not starting from zero. You have a clear path and a team ready to guide you.
Why St. Maarten and St. Martin attract global investors
Investors love the island for a few simple reasons that matter in real life. There is a rare dual-nation setup that lets you move across the French and Dutch sides freely. Infrastructure has been rebuilt with modern standards after Irma, the climate is consistently warm around 27°C with trade winds for natural comfort, and demand from the U.S. and Canada stays strong. Current market notes include steady 7–10 percent annual appreciation in recent years and solid rental occupancy. There is no annual property tax, which helps improve long-term returns for owners focused on income and appreciation.
Where to start your search for St. Maarten property
Begin with a curated browse of St. Maarten real estate for sale. If you are hunting for a beachfront property for sale in St. Maarten, a penthouse, or a villa with panoramic views, you will find a spread of options that match different goals. Save a few listings, then book a private consultation to talk strategy and timing. A quick Zoom call can often save you weeks of guesswork.
A story from the island: how one couple bought with confidence
Stories beat checklists because they show you what actually happens. Here is a composite narrative based on real client journeys. It will give you an honest sense of what the process looks like from the first click to the first sunset on your own terrace.
Meet Elena and Marc
Elena is from Toronto. Marc is from Paris. They came to the island on separate vacations, met through mutual friends, and started dreaming about a shared place by the water. They were clear on two priorities. First, mornings with coffee and sea light. Second, a property that could pull its weight with rental income when they were away.
They typed “Buying Property in St. Maarten” into search and found glossy photos everywhere. Pretty, but not practical. What they wanted was a straight conversation about neighborhoods, budgets, returns, and what would actually work once they owned it.
The early research phase
They made the same moves most people make. They searched “St. Maarten property for sale,” compared condos and villas, and messaged a few agents. Some answers felt generic. Distance made things worse. Was a unit really beachfront or just beach-adjacent. What would maintenance look like. Who would deal with guests at 11 p.m. in peak season.
The turning point: finding a trusted local guide
They landed on Andreu Realty and booked a Zoom consult. Two things stood out immediately. The team was independent, which meant advice felt aligned and personal. And the guidance came in clear, multilingual communication, which made them comfortable enough to ask the simple questions people are often afraid to ask.
Elena and Marc left the call with a shortlist, a plan, and a promise. “We will guide you through each step, from the first viewing to rental setup.” That kind of clarity changes the tone of the entire purchase.
Understanding the market
Two flags, one island: Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin
The island has two sides that share one heartbeat. On the Dutch side, you will find a lively marina feel, a strong service economy, and a range of resort-style zones. On the French side, there is a dose of European flair and long lunches with seaside views. The border is open, so daily life flows easily between both.
A key takeaway for investors is flexibility. Many buyers live and play across the line, and that variety lets you tailor your search for lifestyle or rental goals.
What “beachfront property for sale in St. Maarten” really looks like
“Beachfront” can mean a penthouse with waves below the balcony, a villa opening to a private cove, or a ground-floor condo steps from the sand. Inventory changes quickly. This is why a local team matters. Andreu Realty’s portfolio includes exclusive villas, penthouses, and development opportunities across both sides of the island. You can explore current St. Maarten Real Estate for Sale and save favorites for a deeper chat.
Appreciation, rental demand, and climate advantages
Recent Caribbean market notes signal 7–10 percent annual appreciation, average rental occupancy around half the year, and healthy demand from North American buyers. The climate is the island’s quiet superpower. With an average of 27°C, trade winds, and predictable patterns, the weather supports year-round living and tourism. All of that sits on top of modernized infrastructure and an investor-friendly environment with no annual property tax.
Why work with Andreu Realty
Independent boutique strength and multilingual team
Andreu Realty is an agent-owned, independent brokerage focused on luxury sales, vacation rentals, and property management in St. Maarten and St. Martin. Independence matters. It means the team is free to design a client journey around your needs, not a franchise playbook. The team serves clients in English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, and Italian, which smooths every step for international buyers.
Global reach with partners in 43 countries
The firm’s partnerships with international brokers across 43 countries bring global attention to island listings and give buyers access to off-market opportunities. Andreu Realty also affiliates with a respected Miami-based development firm. For you, that means a wider lens on value and timing, plus a network that can open doors at the right moment.
Proof in management and service
Management is where promises are tested. The company manages prestigious communities like Cupecoy Beach Club Residence and delivers both long-term and vacation rental management. That mix of service and accountability builds trust. It also makes life easier when you are buying with an income strategy in mind.
How to buy property in St. Maarten: a practical road map
This is the high-level playbook clients follow with the Andreu Realty team. It is designed for clarity. Your specific steps will be tailored to your goals, budget, and preferred side of the island.
Step 1: Clarify goals, budget, and timeline
Decide what you want the property to do for you. Pure lifestyle. Lifestyle with rental income. Pure investment. That answer shapes everything else, from neighborhoods to property type.
Book a private consult via Andreu Realty’s website to align on budget, time frame, and deal criteria. You can do this on Zoom or in person at 36 Airport Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten. A clear brief saves you time and brings stronger options to the table.
Step 2: Shortlist properties and neighborhoods
Once your brief is set, the team curates options. If you are searching “Buy Property in St. Martin” for the French side, you will see listings that match that vibe. If your heart is set on “St. Maarten Property for Sale” on the Dutch side with resort amenities, your shortlist will look different. This is also when you learn the nuances that photos miss, like morning shade for balconies, beach access patterns, and traffic flow in peak weeks.
Step 3: Viewings, due diligence, and offer strategy
You can tour in person or remotely. Private showings are arranged on your schedule. You will get guidance on comparable sales, pricing, and offer structure. During due diligence, your agent will coordinate local closing professionals and ensure you have what you need to make a confident decision. Expect straight talk about the property’s rental potential, maintenance profile, and resale outlook.
Step 4: Agreements, closing coordination, and handover
Once terms are agreed, your team helps coordinate the paperwork and timelines required by local processes. You will know what to sign, where to send funds, and who handles each part of the transaction. Transparency is the point. Clear steps, regular updates, and a smooth handover set you up for ownership without drama.
Step 5: Ownership, rental setup, and ongoing care
If you plan to rent, Andreu Realty’s vacation rental management can handle listing optimization, pricing strategy, guest communications, check-ins and check-outs, housekeeping, maintenance, and 24/7 guest support. If your plan is long-term tenancy, the team screens tenants, manages leases, handles rent collection and reporting, and coordinates inspections and maintenance. Either way, you get a professional structure that protects the property and your time.
Key questions foreign buyers ask
Can non-residents purchase on either side of the island
International buyers purchase on both the Dutch and French sides. Daily movement between the two is seamless, so many owners live and play across the line. The right side for you depends on lifestyle and investment goals. Your agent will walk you through the pros of each option.
How languages, culture, and lifestyle shape daily living
Dutch and French are official, but English is widely spoken across the island, which makes day-to-day living simple for many international owners. The culture is an easy blend of European and Caribbean influences. You can expect relaxed service, outdoor living, and a strong dining scene.
What about property taxes and costs
One of the draws for investors is that there is no annual property tax, which can improve net returns. You will still account for ownership costs like HOA fees where applicable, utilities, maintenance, insurance, and management. During your consult, you will get a tailored cost picture for specific properties you are considering.
Financing and currency tips for overseas buyers
Many buyers purchase in cash or through financing options that fit their profile and country of origin. If you want financing, start the conversation early with your agent so you can plan timelines. Currency considerations are simple for most buyers, and your team will outline payment logistics for each step.
Buying for lifestyle vs buying for returns
There is no wrong answer. Some buyers want sea light and quiet mornings. Others want yield, occupancy, and a path to appreciation. Many aim for both. Your strategy shapes property type, amenities, and location. A clear goal at the start makes the rest of the journey easier.
Choosing your location like a local
Popular lifestyle zones on the Dutch side
On the Dutch side, you will find marinas, lively dining, and resort-style amenities. Many listings marketed as “St. Maarten Property” cluster near beaches with strong rental demand. Proximity to services and the airport matters for short-term rentals. The team will flag neighborhoods that align with your plan, whether you want a quiet cove or a place that performs during high season.
The French side feel
The French side carries a slower rhythm and European style. If your search begins with “Buy Property in St. Martin,” you might be drawn to long lunches, markets, and terrace life. The rental market has its own personality here. Your agent will help you weigh the lifestyle and investment trade-offs with real numbers for the homes on your shortlist.
Matching area to investment goals
If you aim at vacation rentals, look for walkability to a swimmable beach, reliable amenities, and easy parking or transport. If you want long-term tenants, focus on schools, everyday services, and community feel. This is where a local, independent team proves its value. The details you cannot see on a map decide performance.
From keys to cash flow: rental and property management
Vacation rental management that protects your brand
Vacation rentals need polish. Andreu Realty handles marketing and listing optimization with professional photography and accurate, compelling descriptions. Pricing strategy is tailored to seasonality and competition. The team manages guest communications around the clock, check-ins and check-outs, and coordinates cleaning and maintenance. That attention to detail protects reviews, which protects revenue.
Long-term rental management for steady income
If you prefer stability, long-term rentals can be a good match. Services include tenant screening, employment and history checks, lease preparation, compliance, rent collection, financial reporting, inspections, and maintenance. You get data you can use and a property that stays in good shape.
Reporting, maintenance, and guest experience
Reliable reporting helps you make decisions. Expect transparent statements and prompt updates. Maintenance is proactive, not reactive, which keeps costs predictable and guests happy. Whether it is a quick fix or a scheduled upgrade, you know what is happening and why.
What sets Andreu Realty apart for investors
Seamless client journey online and on-island
The relationship usually starts online. You browse St. Maarten real estate for sale, save listings, and book a Zoom consult. When you arrive on-island, your agenda is ready. Private showings, organized days, and clear follow-ups keep momentum. That rhythm comes from a team focused on your outcome, not volume.
Private showings, local insight, and discretion
You get one-on-one access to specialists who live the market every day. They flag the details that matter, like morning sun on the terrace, the way wind moves across a hillside, or which buildings have quietly upgraded infrastructure. Discretion is built into the process. You get privacy and a calm pace to make decisions.
After-sales support that actually continues
After the champagne and sunset photos, real life begins. Ownership questions pop up. Rental strategies evolve. The team stays with you. That can mean transportation, dining suggestions, or simply “who do I call for this.” Support is not an add-on. It is part of the service culture. It is also why so much of the firm’s business comes from referrals and repeat clients.
Your next steps
Browse listings and book a Zoom consult
Start at Andreu Realty | St. Maarten Premier Luxury Real Estate. Shortlist three properties. Then request a private consultation. You can meet on Zoom from anywhere or in person at 36 Airport Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten. Prefer WhatsApp. Reach the team at +1 721 550-0150 or +590 690 08-2220, or email contact@andreurealty.com.
Follow the team on social for market feel
Get a daily read on neighborhoods and listings on Instagram @andreurealty. For quick highlights and service updates, use Facebook. For long-form credibility and network reach, connect on LinkedIn. For inspiration boards and design ideas, check Pinterest. For property tours and launches, subscribe to YouTube.
Prepare a simple pre-trip checklist
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Define your goal: lifestyle, rental income, or both.
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Set a working budget and ideal closing window.
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Save listings from the site and share them ahead of your call.
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Block one to two days for showings if you are visiting.
