The Insider's Guide to Buying Property in St Vincent & the Grenadines
Welcome to the 7th Heaven Properties guide to buying property in St Vincent & the Grenadines, your essential companion for navigating the enchanting appeal of this spectacularly beautiful archipelago.
Offering some of the world’s best beaches and world-class sailing waters, St Vincent & the Grenadines has a small but highly exclusive property market ideal for buyers looking for a tranquil escape.
Discover the charm of this extraordinary island chain, find out why property buyers are investing in real estate in St Vincent & the Grenadines and delve into the real estate market with a showcase of property listings and blog posts highlighting the country’s unique qualities and advantages.
From the ins and outs of buying property in St Vincent & the Grenadines to an essential overview of relevant taxes, this is your ultimate go-to resource.
Overview - The St Vincent & the Grenadines Real Estate Market
With pristine beaches, turquoise sea and lush, green mountains, the 32 unspoiled islands of the Grenadines have long been a favorite of royalty and well-known personalities, most famously Princess Margaret, Mick Jagger, and Bob Dylan.
While St Vincent is well known for its green landscape, waterfalls and volcanic black sands, the islands of the Grenadines are famed for their platinum white sand beaches and crystal clear sea which offers some of the best diving and sailing in the Caribbean.
The islands are tranquil and secluded – perfect for truly getting away from it all. Enjoy the quiet island life on postcard-perfect beaches or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, enjoy all kinds of water sports, dolphin and whale watching, island hopping or exploring the awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Less crowded than some of their Caribbean neighbors, the islands of St Vincent & the Grenadines have developed a relatively small but high end property market with luxurious villas nestled into hillsides boasting breathtaking views of neighboring islands surrounded by sparkling water.
Areas of particular interest to international buyers include Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique and Union Island.
“Less crowded than some of their Caribbean neighbors, the islands of St Vincent & the Grenadines have developed a relatively small but high end property market with luxurious villas nestled into hillsides boasting breathtaking views of neighboring islands surrounded by sparkling water”
Buying Process, Fees & Taxes
- Can foreigners buy property in St Vincent & the Grenadines?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in St Vincent & the Grenadines and the Government welcomes investment from overseas buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers. In order to purchase real estate in St Vincent & the Grenadines (except for Canouan and Mustique), non-citizens need to apply for an Alien Land Holding Licence (ALHL) for which there is a non-refundable application fee of EC $2,500. Licenses are typically approved within 3 to 4 months. The ALHL is specific to the property and does not require annual renewal.
- Buying process
Buying property in St Vincent & the Grenadines is a relatively simple process, which typically involves the following steps:
- Begin your property search.
- Find your perfect property and make an offer.
- You will need to pay a deposit of 10% upon exchanging contracts.
- Make payment of the balance once the License has been awarded.
- Pay all required taxes and fees.
- Fees & taxes
Stamp Duty
Buyers are required to pay 5% stamp duty.
Legal Fees
We would advise you to seek the advice of a local attorney. Legal fees typically amount to 1 to 2% of the purchase price.
Property Tax
There is also a low annual property tax.
Residency & Citizenship
- How long can a foreign citizen stay in St Vincent & the Grenadines?
Citizens of the USA, Canada and the UK are permitted to remain in St Vincent & the Grenadines on holiday without a visa for up to 30 days. Citizens of other member countries of the EU are permitted to remain in St Vincent & the Grenadines on holiday without a visa for up to 90 days.
- How do you become a resident of St Vincent & the Grenadines?
Individuals who would like to remain in St Vincent & the Grenadines longer than 30 days (or 90 days in the case of EU citizens) can apply to the Immigration Department for an extension or temporary residency.
Individuals who have lawfully resided in St Vincent & the Grenadines for 5 years can apply for permanent residency in St Vincent & the Grenadines.
- How do you become a citizen of St Vincent & the Grenadines?
Individuals who have lawfully resided in St Vincent & the Grenadines for 7 years can apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Mortgages in St Vincent & the Grenadines
Looking for financing to fund the purchase of property in the Caribbean?
Contrary to popular misconception, it is possible for foreign nationals looking to invest in St Vincent & the Grenadines real estate to apply for a mortgage.
Our partner – a very well respected international financial organization – offers mortgages for qualifying non-residents buying, building or improving a second home in St Vincent & the Grenadines.
For more information, see our page on: Caribbean mortgages.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights to the Grenadines from the USA, Canada or Europe.
From North America or Europe, fly to Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, San Juan or St Lucia and transfer to St Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan or Union Island via regional carriers LIAT, SVG Air or Mustique Airways.
St Vincent’s recently opened Argyle International Airport has made the archipelago more accessible than ever.
- St Lucia to St Vincent 20m
- Barbados to St Vincent 40m
- Puerto Rico to St Vincent 2h 20m