A US-dollar economy with international airport access, no annual property tax, and a tourism market that has rebuilt stronger since 2017. Here's why serious allocators are looking at SXM.
*Based on current local practice. Subject to change. Transfer tax (4%) applies at acquisition.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) has direct service from Miami, New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Toronto, Amsterdam, Paris, and dozens of regional carriers. For clients who want to visit their properties — or who want guests to arrive easily — airlift matters.
The Dutch side uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder, pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate. In practice, the dollar is the de facto transaction currency. This eliminates the currency risk that complicates ownership in many other Caribbean markets.
Sint Maarten does not currently impose annual property tax on residential real estate. This is a meaningful cost advantage over jurisdictions that levy 1–3% annually. However, this is subject to change at any time and should not be relied upon as a permanent condition.
Hurricane Irma (2017) was a defining moment. Since then, Sint Maarten has rebuilt with upgraded infrastructure, stronger building codes, and better disaster preparedness. Many developments have been designed or retrofitted to modern wind-load specifications. The airport terminal has been fully reconstructed.
This is not to minimize hurricane risk. It is to acknowledge that the market has priced, adapted to, and built around that risk. Insurance, construction standards, and emergency protocols are all part of our diligence process.
Sint Maarten consistently ranks among the top cruise and stay-over destinations in the Caribbean. The dual-nation structure (Dutch and French sides) offers unusual density of restaurants, beaches, and attractions. Philipsburg receives over a million cruise passengers annually. Stay-over tourism supports strong occupancy in the November–April high season.
Sint Maarten's size is its advantage. The entire Dutch side can be operationally covered from a single base. A maintenance team in Simpson Bay can be in Cupecoy in ten minutes and Mullet Bay in five.
A client holding units across two or three developments has meaningful segment diversification — beachfront vs. hillside, resort vs. residential — all within a management radius that allows direct oversight.
Land is finite, construction costs are significant, and permitting constrains new supply. Assembling a well-positioned multi-unit portfolio today becomes increasingly difficult to replicate tomorrow.
Lower entry price per unit. Superior airlift from more US cities. No annual property tax vs. TCI's stamp duty and levies.
Easier ownership structure for non-residents. Compact geography for management efficiency. More favorable unit economics on smaller formats.
No US federal tax obligations on SXM-sourced income for non-residents (consult your tax advisor). Simpler regulatory environment. Lower property tax burden.
Dollar economy eliminates currency risk. Higher tourism spend per visitor. More established luxury segment.
General comparisons, not comprehensive. Market conditions change. Consult qualified advisors.