Own your own piece of paradise...
A selection of luxury detached villas with panoramic views in a tropical setting.
Welcome to St. Lucia Located between Martinique and St. Vincent, St. Lucia covers 238 square miles. This is a physically dramatic Caribbean island, with dense tropical forests, the towering peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, a volcano, sulphur springs, mineral baths and secluded beaches. St. Lucia presents what by most opinions is now a rarity in the Caribbean: a natural wonderland of lush, mountainous topography and a mostly undeveloped island. Currently, St. Lucia’s commodities are simple: coconut palms, banana plantations, and tourism. Development is certainly occurring, but the island will continue offering raw beauty for many years to come. St. Lucia is very warm all year round with very little variation in temperature.
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
History
Climate
St. Lucia’s early history is sketchy, as to whether the island was discovered by Columbus in 1503, or by his map maker Juan de la Cosa in 1499. The French eventually settled on the island in 1650, but were constantly challenged by the British which meant that St. Lucia changed flags 14 times before the British finally triumphed in 1803.
St. Lucia is very warm all year round with very little variation in temperature. It is one of the Windward Islands, so there is always a cooling, temperate breeze. The dry season is from January to April and September to December. The rainy season is from May to August.
The French influence is still very evident in the culture, the language spoken (Patois, a Creole-like dialect) and local cooking which still has French derivations. St. Lucia still remained British through to 1979, when it became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Caribbean Islands
Travel St. Lucia is served by two airports: Hewanorra International Airport located on the south side of the island at Vieux Fort and George F.L. Charles (Vigie) Airport located near Castries. International flights land at Hewanorra, while flights from within the Caribbean generally land at Vigie. Flights are available direct to St. Lucia through British Airways, Excel and Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick and American Airlines fly from most major Eastern US cities.
St. Lucia | The Island
Atlantic Ocean
Anguilla St. Christopher & Nevis
Barbuda Antigua
Basseterre
St. Johns
Monserrat
Guadaloupe
Dominica
Roseau
Caribbean Sea
Fort-deFrance
Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Kingstown
Saint George's Grenada
Martinique (FR.)
Castries Barbados
Bridgetown
Ocean Breeze Villas
Why Invest in St. Lucia Why Invest in St. Lucia? The Caribbean is an established investment market demanding the highest standards in build quality. It benefits from a stable government and economy and with tourism set to boom investment potential is excellent. The United Kingdom and St. Lucia share an excellent bilateral relationship. Historical links are strong; many St. Lucian’s have lived in the UK or have relatives there and 80,000 British visitors holiday in St. Lucia each year. The two governments work closely together in a number of areas. St. Lucia is already making a name for itself as a new property investment hotspot. St. Lucia boasts the highest quality property in 5-star luxury locations for a fraction of the price of property on neighbouring Islands offering similar Caribbean beauty. In fact, you have many of the same advantages of Barbados but the property prices in St. Lucia are currently 35%-40% lower than Barbados. This gap is likely to narrow in the next few years.
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
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Property prices in St. Lucia are currently 35%-40% lower than those in Barbados. Economy
Historically, St. Lucia’s economy was based on export of bananas to Europe. When the European Union phased out the preferential access of former colonies to the EU market, St. Lucia’s government promoted diversified agricultural production, tourism and off-shore financial services. The economy grew an average of 1.3% p.a. from 2000 to 2005 and growth in 2006 stood at 5.4%, primarily led by robust activity in the construction sector. Following growth of 4.6% in 2005, St. Lucia recorded its fifth consecutive year of real growth driven by increased value-added in the construction, road transport, electricity and banking sectors.* The construction sector remained a major impetus of the overall economic growth observed in 2006. Building on the momentum in 2005, the sector recorded robust growth, estimated at 13.2% in the review period. As a result, its share of real GDP increased from 8.1% in 2005 to 8.7%. This was fuelled by both significant public investments in infrastructure and buoyant private sector spending on hotel and residential construction. These, to some extent, were undertaken in preparation for the joint hosting of the Cricket World Cup 2007.* *Source: Saint Lucia 2006 Economic and Social Review.
Ocean Breeze | The Villas Ocean Breeze is a hillside development of luxury detached villas that offer spectacular views, peace and tranquillity in a secure gated community all within a glorious tropical setting. Each detached villa is designed in a distinctive Caribbean style with great emphasis put on quality, elegance and finish. The villa plots are typically sized between one quarter and a third of an acre in size and provide adequate privacy. The development will feature landscaped verges, common open spaces and pedestrian walkways and all homes will include a luxury fitted-kitchen, stylish bathrooms, air-conditioning and the option of a private pool and spa.
Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to the Ocean Breeze resort facilities that will feature a communal swimming pool and private clubhouse. These on-site facilities will not only enhance your holiday experience but will add to the value of your home and provide high levels of rental income if required. Careful attention has been paid ensuring that these villas are designed to take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings creating a harmonious and peaceful environment that will offer some of the best value properties currently available in St. Lucia.
Ocean Breeze S t . L u c i a , Ca r i bb e a n
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
Ocean Breeze Villas | The Site The Ocean Breeze development site is approximately 600 feet above sea level and overlooks the panoramic scenery of Rodney Bay, Pigeon Point and Martinique to the north and lush tropical mountains and valleys to the south. Located just an 8-minute drive to the marina and sandy beaches of Rodney Bay this development is the perfect location for your new home, whether for holidays or investment.
Villa Features
Resort Facilities
• Optional private pool and spa • Generous covered terraces • Privacy and seclusion • Wonderful views • High specification • Air-conditioning in master bedroom and living area • Quarter to a third of an acre plots • Parking
• Clubhouse • Tennis court • Communal swimming pool • Landscaped gardens • Terrace areas • Secure entry • Reception • Rental office
Ocean Breeze | Investment Potential The weakness of the US dollar has drawn an increasing amount of foreign property investors to the Caribbean countries such as St. Lucia. As properties are bought and sold using US dollars demand for real estate is on the up. In addition, a whole spate of infrastructure improvements are planned for the island. The capital, Castries, is set to change dramatically: the container port is being moved away from the city, seafront properties are being removed to allow cruise ships to sail further in, and an efficient new railway system is planned.
Other improvements include the development of both of the island’s airports to cater for more charter flights and private jet arrivals, the construction of a new campus on the island by the University of Nevada’s tourism school, and the development of Rodney Bay Marina to accommodate super-yachts and three further golf courses are also under construction. In 2007, CondÊ Nast Traveller magazine voted Jade Mountain hotel as the best in the world and Oprah Winfrey has named St. Lucia as one of the top five places in the world that you simply must visit before you die!
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
Ocean Breeze | Villa Specifications All villas are constructed to the highest standards and include a custom fitted kitchen, stylish bathrooms, top-quality fittings, partial air-conditioning and the option of a private pool and spa. Outside, generous covered terraces, landscaped gardens and parking are all included in the price.
strictest seismic design requirements. In addition to building to withstand hurricane force winds, the entire site has been graded and planned to mitigate water and wind damage. As the project is positioned as luxury resort, careful attention to detail is essential in order to establish and maintain a high standard.
There is a choice of villa styles to choose from and in addition we can also design a custom villa for those with their own design concept.
Interior and exterior finishes are being selected for their durability, sophistication and lasting beauty. High quality stone, porcelain ceramics, fine hardwoods and quality craftsmanship will be the norm throughout the resort.
The buildings will be constructed to comply with or in many cases exceed applicable international building codes. All buildings are designed to comply with the Uniform Building Code which has the
Ocean Breeze | Villa Bequia Villa Bequia Specifications: Living area:
1,095 ft2
Covered terrace:
200 ft2
Open terrace:
100 ft2
Total:
Ground floor
1,395 ft2
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
Ocean Breeze | Villa Carriacou Villa Carriacou Specifications: Living area:
1,583 ft2
Covered terrace:
155 ft2
Open terrace:
367 ft2
Total:
Ground floor
First floor
2,105 ft2
Ocean Breeze | Villa Aruba Villa Aruba Specifications: Living area:
1,597 ft2
Covered terrace:
247 ft2
Open terrace:
300 ft2
Total:
Ground floor
First floor
2,144 ft2
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
Ocean Breeze | Villa Canouan Villa Canouan Specifications: Living area:
1,386 ft2
Covered terrace:
300 ft2
Open terrace:
320 ft2
Total:
Ground floor
First floor
2,006 ft2
Ocean Breeze | Villa Barbuda Villa Barbuda Specifications: Living area: Covered terrace: Open terrace: Total:
Aerial view
Side elevation
Ground floor
Front elevation
Aerial view
First floor
1,795 ft2 60 ft2 960 ft2 2,815 ft2
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
Ocean Breeze | Villa Christina Villa Christina Specifications: Living area:
1,710 ft2
Covered terrace:
320 ft2
Open terrace:
300 ft2
Total:
2,330 ft2
Front elevation Lower ground floor
First floor
Ground floor
Ocean Breeze | Villa Grenada Villa Grenada Specifications: Living area: Covered terrace:
350 ft2
Open terrace:
300 ft2
Total:
Front elevation
Site plan
2,097 ft2
Ground floor
First floor
2,747 ft2
Ocean Breeze | St. Lucia
Mortgages
Taxation
All payments are made in US dollars. Financing is available locally and general terms are up to 70% LTV (loan to value). Mortgage terms are between 15 and 25 years (no age limit) and rates are linked to either Libor or US Prime. The mortgage types available are standard repayment mortgages at fixed or variable rates. It is possible to get interest-only mortgages depending on personal circumstances, but at a lower LTV.
There is a 2% stamp duty and an Aliens Landholding Licence of EC$5000 or US$1,850 involved with a purchase at Ocean Breeze Villas. There is no VAT payable on property and no capital gains tax in St. Lucia. Once your property is completed and handed over, you can sell at any time thereafter. A Vendors Tax is payable at the rate of 5% for locals and 10% for foreigners. However, if the property is originally purchased by a corporation (which is recommended) and is the only asset belonging to the corporation, there is a share transfer tax of 0.5% at the time of sale.
US$1,700. Your lawyer in St. Lucia can form the company on your behalf and their premises can be used as the registered office. The annual running costs for the company which includes annual returns and preparation and filing of accounts is between £500 - £600 or US$1,000- US$1,200. There are no estate duties in St. Lucia and if you die your property passes to your heirs as it would in the UK or North America or as instructed in your will. Whilst you do not need to make a will, it is always advisable. The will from the Owners’ country of domicile would be recognised in St. Lucia.
To form a local company, you are required to provide three names in priority sequence, and it will cost approximately £900 or
There is an annual property tax of 5% of the annual unfurnished rental value of the property. For example, if a three bed unit
Draw down mortgages are an option for properties under construction, such as Ocean Breeze and the mortgage will start during construction.
would rent for US$5,000 per month; the tax would be US$250 per month or US$3,000 per annum. This Tax is not included in the Villa dues and is the responsibility of each individual Owner. For the Owners at Ocean Breeze there is a 10 year period of tax exemption on all rental income.* * Personal taxation issues should be discussed with your accountants or tax advisor.
Lawyers It is essential that you appoint an established and reputable lawyer to take you through the processes of buying a property abroad and protect your interests with a guarantee that the purchase of your property will be carried out satisfactorily and within the law.
Rental market Rental income from St. Lucia based property is of great interest to investors as good rental yields are achievable from property in the new luxury resorts currently under construction. It is expected that mortgage payments and bills can be covered for the year from the rental income achieved from peak season months alone (November to May) although the season is growing rapidly and now includes July and August. With the current statistic of 90% rental occupancy during high season and the number of tourists set to grow faster than the amount of available accommodation, this figure is expected to grow to create even higher demand for property.
Management services With this will be an increase in rental prices. The huge increase in tourism that is currently underway is set to grow as a result of the 5 year vision of development project that requires vast volumes of residential accommodation. The government is encouraging luxury developments in the major resort areas which international property investors will seek to purchase at low prices and then use their investment to supply the ever growing demand for accommodation which in turn will generate solid rental yields for the investor.
To ensure that owning an overseas property is not a stressful experience when you’re not there to look after it, we offer a full range of management services from pool cleaning to gardening, housekeeping and overall general maintenance. In addition, we also provide revenue generating rental services for owners looking to use their property as an investment. When your property is not being used by yourself, your family or friends, we can provide excellent levels of income through generating rentals. We also ensure that the property is maintained in tip-top condition, ready for use by yourself and your clients at any time.
O CEAN BREEZE S T. LUCIA, CARI BB E AN
APPROV ED AGENT