It’s one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean: St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. And its location means that for U.S. citizens it’s a very convenient place to buy a vacation home or move. To learn more about St. Croix Real Estate and how to actually go about buying a home, we talked to St. Croix real estate expert Amy Land-de Wilde, owner/broker at Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty.
Why buy a home in the St. Croix?
St. Croix has many special attributes. Americans find comfort in the fact that it is a US territory and so much is familiar and easy to navigate because of that. It is also very beautiful, with crystal clear blue waters, a wide variety of flora and fauna and elevations. We have excellent restaurants and supermarkets. It’s a very warm and welcoming community and people find that it’s easy to get settled there.
What’s the real estate market like right now?
It is definitely a buyer’s market, but we are experiencing narrowing inventory in some sectors of our market.
What’s the average price for a beachfront/waterfront home?
They range as low as $649,900 up to $15,000,000 (Average is $2 million excluding the $15,000,000 property).
What about a condo?
As of this writing, there are 100 listed condos ranging from $48,000-$1.4 million. The average price is about $200,000.
Are there certain areas of St. Croix that are better for buyers right now?
Our prices are very reasonable and much lower than you will see in any resort area of the US on the water especially. Waterfront property is especially such a value right now.
How long does it typically take to purchase a home?
If you are paying cash, you can close your transaction in 30 days. If you are getting a mortgage. It could take up to 120 days.
What are the taxes like?
Our taxes are very reasonable. The mill rate for a residential purchase is .00377
Can I get a mortgage?
Yes, we have a number of mortgage options. You must get your mortgage locally, or you can refinance a property in the states and pay cash on St. Croix. Expect to put between 20% and 30% down for a conventional mortgage–the high side if it is an investment property. We also are able to do FHA and VA mortgages.
What do foreign buyers need to know about buying a home in the St. Croix?
There are no special taxes or fees for a foreign buyer. When the buyer is ready to sell, the government could temporarily withhold 10% of the purchase price until it is determined whether any taxes are owed. Sometimes this can be determined prior to the property closing
Where are you seeing the most interest right now?
We are seeing the most interest in our condominiums and homes priced between $350,000 and $800,000.
For more information, visit Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty.