Legal & Ownership Information

A few observations for Americans considering investing in the islands:

First, generally there is no financing available for foreigners.
If you have an established banking relationship on the French of the island with large deposits, loans are possible.
However the process is often lengthy and the interest rates are higher than in the United States.
Most Americans liquidate older property investments, shift assets, or simply refinance their homes to bring the cash to the island.
Talk to us about your plans. We can help guide you on the financing alternatives available for your Orient Beach vacation paradise.

Second, owning a vacation home in Orient Beach offers you the opportunity to earn income by using Cap Caraibes Real Estate's Villa Management service to rent your property by the week when you are not visiting.
Owners are not prohibited in any way from using the vacation home as they see fit. Paradise plus income.
Quite a nice combination!
Come and enjoy, and make money too.

Saint Martin is a department of France, therefore protected by strong European consumer protection laws. Americans and Canadians as foreign real estate buyers are legal and even encouraged in Saint Martin.

Property taxes, sensibly lower than U.S. taxes, are in the vigor in Saint Martin. All foreign or French owners need to pay tax on the island. As well, all income generated by your property is subject to tax minus maintenance cost or expenses.

Title insurance is not necessary, by the automatic Notary search the property is free and clear.
A lawyer, by French law, is not necessary. A French civil law notary, being neutral and representing both parties, is processing the documents and deed as a US attorney would do. Also, there is no need for the future owner to be present, a power of attorney is sufficient.

Financing or Mortgage can be obtained through local banks. For foreign investors they will generally finance up to 50% over 15 years with variable interest rates.

It is important to know that such requirements can take a long time on the island and it may be preferable to finalize your purchase here and organize the financing through your own bank at home.

Cap Caraibes offers French legal professional capacity and financial guaranties.
Its accounting department manages and secures all income, expenses and shares as well as statements to owners.

Instead of being an expense, your property can be a source of income, letting you enjoy only the benefits of ownership.
Because of the location the demand is out pacing the supply. We can provide rental clients, either yearly or only during the time you are not on the island. We will be responsible for the maintenance of the apartment on the weekly based vacation rentals, as well as the advertising and promotion of the property. Under the terms of the agreement with the owner, Cap Caraibes will handle all administrative duties and cover all aspects affiliated with property rentals. It is also reasonable to think that the value of this property will rise so that it can be sold in the future with a good profit margin. Owning in Orient Bay is a good investment.
Full coverage insurance is available, and the cost is approximately 1% of the value of the property insured.

We are in charge for the CO-ownership maintenance, which includes all the outside of the property. We will provide services to keep all building in perfect condition, including painting, pool, grounds, etc. If special services or interior maintenance are required all costs will be at the owner's expense.

Cap Caraibes offers the guarantees of security by being affiliated with the FNAIM (French Real Estate Agents National Federation)

For more information on investments in St. Martin, please contact us. We can furnish you with all the details you will need in order to make your investment dreams come true.