Buying property in St Barts
Few destinations offer the ultimate in luxury living intermingled with stunning beaches in the way French-speaking St Barthélemy does.
The small volcanic island boasts an undulating topography that provides peerless locations for property in St Barts, from hilltops to beach fronts.
The capital Gustavia hosts one of the world's most prestigious superyacht harbours, while its fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, top boutique designer shops and charismatic, modern five-star hotels help cement its position as one of the most exclusive Caribbean islands.
Away from the city, the island’s 14 pristine beaches can be enjoyed year-round as the cool winds temper the warm temperatures.
St Barts is surrounded by shallow reefs and waters designated as a nature reserve and marine park, perfect for outdoor explorers.
Buying, owning or selling property in St Barts
Prospective homebuyers do not face any restrictions on St Barts but must apply for an Alien Land Holding Licence (ALHL).
This fee is 10 per cent of the purchase price and takes between 1-6 months for approval.
Once a buyer’s offer is accepted, a notary must be instructed to complete the necessary paperwork and set a completion date. At this point, a deposit of 10 per cent must be paid into an escrow account held by the notary.
Transactions, which also include the buyer paying a one-time transfer tax of approximately 5 per cent of the purchase price, usually complete within three months.
Education
Two private primary schools and one college for secondary education welcome overseas residents on the small island.
There is no higher education on St Barts, with families sending their children outside the island for university.
Activities
St Barts is a watersports haven with surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing among the popular activities off its beaches.
With the capital Gustavia hosting some of the world’s most exclusive yachts in its harbour, sailing is well catered for on St Barts through various charter services.
Style and fashion play a central role on sophisticated St Barts, with more than 200 boutiques offering everything from world-renowned designer labels through to high-end locally produced beauty products by Ligne St Barth.
The laid-back island also excels in luxury, with the flagship hotel Eden Rock St Barths offering true escapism at its spa built into the rocks and outstanding food at its Sand Bar restaurant.
Several of the island’s other hotels offer iconic spots for a relaxed drink, with Le Sereno Hotel and Hotel Le Toiny serving inventive cuisine.
Explorers can get their fix by trekking along the coastline to get unrivalled views of the Caribbean sea and the island’s volcanic rocks.
Popular hikes include an upper and lower trail that ends at secluded Colombier beach and trails beginning at Toiny beach and Grand Fond beach.
Culture
The island possesses a handful of fantastic historical sites, including St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, where renowned local choir La Chorale de Bons Choeurs can be heard, and Fort Gustave, built during Sweden’s colonial rule of the island and which offers panoramic views of the capital.
Numerous gourmet restaurants mean diners can indulge in top-quality cuisine, which usually draws its inspiration from classic French cooking and lively Creole fare.
For a truly distinct dining experience, islanders frequent Le Ti St Barth supper club cabaret – a melding of Moulin Rouge and Cirque du Soleil.
Accessibility
Flights from the UK usually have one stop at either St Martin or Antigua.
On the island, car hire is virtually essential, especially given taxi fares are unregulated. A ferry service (between 30 mins-1 hour crossing) is available to nearby St Martin.