Property for sale in Saint Martin

Is the main town and capital on the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. As of 2006, it has 5,700 inhabitants.

Is an overseas collectivity of France located in the Caribbean. It came into being on February 22, 2007, encompassing the northern parts of the island of Saint Martin and neighboring islets, the largest of which is Île Tintamarre.

There are two ways to fully experience the St. Maarten/St. Martin lifestyle and feel just like a local. One is to rent a villa or condo for vacation. The other is to actually buy one a property for sale in Saint Martin. For most people, renting often leads to buying, just as staying in a hotel can lead to renting a vacation home!

It's easy to find a house to fall in love with, but the big question most people ask is, "How can you buy a house offshore?" Simple answer: Buying a house or condo in Dutch St. Maarten or French St. Martin is as easy as buying in the United States. There are no residency requirements or legal restrictions limiting foreign home ownership. If you are planning to reside on the island for an extended period, you will need to obtain the necessary legal status for long-term stays. You can obtain temporary resident status by applying to the lieutenant governor's office in Philipsburg. You must obtain a long-stay visa through the French consulate or embassy back home for visits extending past 90 days.

Most people who buy on the island pay cash or take out a mortgage with their bank back home, as loans on St. Maarten/St. Martin have higher interest rates than in the States. Condo projects offer financing to buyers, generally with 50 percent down.