There are no restrictions against foreigners owning property in St. Maarten/St. Martin, and the easy accessibility from many major cities in the United States, Canada and Europe has helped to make this island a preferred destination for second homebuyers.

Yes, a U.S. citizen can absolutely buy property in St. Maarten in 2026, and the process is quite straightforward. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership on either the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) or the French side (Saint Martin). On the Dutch side, you can own property "Fee Simple" (full ownership) or via a "Government Long Lease." One of the biggest draws for U.S. investors is that the Dutch side has no annual property taxes and no capital gains tax. While you don't need residency to buy a house, owning a home can help fast-track a residency permit under the "Penshonado" regime or through the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty. You will need to account for "closing costs," which are typically about 5–6% of the purchase price, covering the transfer tax and notary fees. It is a highly popular "second home" market due to the island's stable economy and direct flight links to the U.S.