Property Rental & Acquisition
Saint-Barthélemy
Confidential document — Internal and client use
Introduction
Saint-Barthélemy is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean, renowned for its refined art of living, its exceptional landscapes and its favourable environment. Our agency guides you through the seasonal rental of luxury villas and the acquisition of properties on the island.
This guide details each of these processes step by step, in order to offer you a smooth, transparent and entirely serene experience.
Seasonal Villa Rentals
Our agency offers an exclusive selection of luxury villas for rent across the entire island. Each property is carefully selected to guarantee a level of comfort and service in line with the most demanding standards.
The Rental Process
- 1
Defining your stay
Our team takes the time to understand your expectations: stay dates, number of guests, preferred location on the island, budget, services required. On this basis, we put together a personalised selection of villas matching your profile.
- 2
Presentation & Selection of the villa
We present a selection of available properties with detailed descriptions and professional photographs. Our team remains available to answer all your questions and to advise you in your choice. On-site visits can also be arranged at your request.
- 3
Option & confirmation of the booking
Once your villa is selected, we place the property on option so that you can confirm your booking. The confirmation is formalised by signing the rental agreement and paying a deposit of 25% of the total amount of the stay.
- 4
Payment of the balance
The balance of the rental amount, i.e. the remaining 75%, is due 30 days before the arrival date. This transfer must be made within the agreed timeframe to maintain the booking.
- 5
Preparing your stay
As soon as full payment is received, our team coordinates every detail of your arrival: on-site welcome, transfer to the property, booking of the desired service providers (private chef, car rental, excursions, massage, etc.). We remain your dedicated point of contact throughout your stay.
- 6
Arrival & Stay
On your arrival, our team ensures that the villa is ready and meets your expectations. We remain reachable throughout your stay to handle any request or resolve any unforeseen issue as quickly as possible.
Financial Terms
25% of the total amount of the stay, paid on signing the rental agreement (including 10% administrative fees and 5% tourist tax).
75% of the total amount, payable 30 days before the arrival date.
5% on the rental amount (tourist tax in force in Saint-Barthélemy).
A security deposit may be required depending on the property. It is refunded after the check-out inventory.
It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance covering cancellation risks. Our team can direct you to specialised providers.
Acquiring a Property in Saint-Barthélemy
Saint-Barthélemy enjoys a particularly attractive tax framework for real estate investment. As a French overseas collectivity, the island has its own tax regime: no property tax, no local income tax, and full openness to foreign investment. These advantages, combined with the scarcity of land and strong international demand, make Saint-Barth one of the most dynamic and sought-after real estate markets in the Caribbean.
The Acquisition Process
- 1
Defining the project & Search
Our dedicated agent draws up a precise set of requirements with you: type of property sought (villa, apartment, land), location, budget, surface area, sea view, number of bedrooms, etc. On this basis, we submit a confidential selection of available properties.
- 2
Viewings and initial due diligence
Our team arranges viewings of the selected properties and provides you with all the necessary information: history of the property, characteristics of the neighbourhood, rental potential, general condition and any works required. We also coordinate, if needed, the involvement of architects or technical experts.
- 3
Submitting the purchase offer
Once your decision is made, our agent presents your purchase offer to the seller. This document specifies the proposed price, any conditions precedent (obtaining financing, results of the surveys, etc.) and the envisaged timeframe.
- 4
Signing the Preliminary Sale Agreement (Compromis de Vente)
As soon as the offer is accepted by the seller, the notaire (notary) is appointed and draws up the Preliminary Sale Agreement. This contract formalises the agreement between the parties and sets out the conditions of the sale. On signing this agreement, a deposit of 10% of the sale price is paid and held in escrow on the notary's account until the signing of the final deed. (A cooling-off period applies following the signing of the agreement.)
- 5
Due diligence phase & Surveys
During the period preceding the final signing of the authenticated deed (approximately 3 months), the notary carries out all the mandatory legal checks: mortgage status, pre-emption rights, title deeds, verification of the land registry. The mandatory technical surveys are also carried out.
- 6
Signing the Authenticated Deed of Sale
The final deed of sale is signed at the notary's office, in the presence of or by proxy for both parties. The balance of the price is paid, along with all fees and taxes. The notary registers the transfer and the change of ownership. You officially become a property owner in Saint-Barthélemy.
Documents & Translation
All deeds relating to the real estate transaction are drawn up in French. Our agency can direct you to sworn translators for any documents requiring legal certification (preliminary agreement, deed of sale, power of attorney). We handle in-house the translation or explanation of documents that do not require official certification.
We are your single point of contact throughout the process and coordinate all those involved: notary, surveyor, banker, architect, translator. Our aim is that you never feel "lost" when faced with local administrative and legal particularities.
Our Team at Your Service
Specialists in Saint-Barthélemy real estate, our team places its expertise, its knowledge of the local market and its exclusive network at your service. Whether it is an exceptional holiday rental or an acquisition project, we guarantee personalised and rigorous support at every step.
Do not hesitate to contact us for any question or to schedule an appointment with one of our advisors.
— Saint-Barthélemy, French West Indies —