You do not have to be a resident to purchase real estate on the Dutch side of the Sint Maarten.
Buying property on the Dutch side is simple and makes use of a Civil Law Notary who is responsible to both parties and obliged to undertake a title search in order to ensure clear transfer of the title. The Notary represents federal laws when they transfer properties from seller to buyer. The buyer is made aware of the type of deed. The Notary also ensures free and clear title. If a mortgage is involved the Notary will register mortgage as well as the deed with Kadaster (Land Registry office). It is unnecessary to hire a separate attorney and the property sale agreements are written in English.
Closing costs in St. Maarten are minimal and the purchase of a property will normally be completed within the time frame agreed in the purchase agreement. There is a one-time transfer tax of approximately 4%, plus civil law notary fee (total fees around 6%), but there are no property or land taxes and, further, there are no capital gains taxes paid on profits made from the sale of properties, here to the local government.
There are no property taxes in St. Maarten and obtaining building permits and planning permission is straightforward.
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