For some who prefer the sleepy life, it might be intimidating. But if you are the kind who enjoys diversity in culture and lifestyle: superb shopping, fine international dining, gustling beaches, combined with secluded hideaways, lavishly decorated private villas, secret sandy shorelines, and breathtaking views, St. Martin is a delicious ripe investment opportunity.

Only on Dutch Saint Martin, for exemple, from Copecoy through Simpson Bay and into Cole Bay alone, there are over US $800 million dollars in development currently underway: a new airport and extended runway, numerous new condominium complexes with pre-sales so good, some have sold two and three times over before ground was even broken, mega yachts marinas and expanded facilities, new retail strip malls, restaurants and even a new putt-putt mini-golf. On the French side, the development is more moderate but precise, with extraordinary houses and apartments situated in the nicest areas of the land, overlooking the sea, often sold far before the grounds are broken. Why such a boom on this, "The Friendly Island", of 70,000 people and only 37 square miles? Perhaps it might just be the right combination of infrastructure growth, increase in tourisme, duty-free status, accessibility by air from major cities around the world (New York, Paris, Amsterdam), accessibility to surrounding islands, as well as its open door policies for investors from anywhere.

This being said, it is no wonder, so many people are investing in second and third homes in Saint Martin. With sofisticated and well established management companies at hand, a villa is a fine way to enjoy the lifestyle of either location part-time whilst reaping a return on your investment by renting to visitors short-term when you are absent.

If you have even thought about purchasing a piece of Cariibbean paradise, Saint Martin has much to offer. There are very few restrictions when investing: you do not need to become a resident to own real estate on the island, real estate closings are in English and within the time frame set by the purchase agreement, real estate transactions are always closed using the Europpean system where the Civil Law Notary is responsible, by law, to both parties and is obligated to do a proper title search to insure a clear title transfer. A personal attorney is not necessary.