Here are a series answers to commonly asked questions. If you require specific information or cannot find the answer to your query, please do not hesitate to contact us ...

 

Q: What are some notable features about Nevis?

Nevis is very rich in history and natural beauty. Visitors to the island will find miles of gorgeous, sandy beaches; sparkling seas and gentle breezes on the Atlantic side of the island – ideal conditions for windsurfing; calm, clear waters on the Caribbean Sea side – perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving; lush tropical rainforests; a number of natural hot springs, which have a reputation for healing ailments such as rheumatism and gout; genuinely friendly people; home to the Bath Hotel, the first resort hotel to be built in the western hemisphere. The hotel was built in 1778 and was recently restored to house a number of government offices; birthplace of Alexander Hamilton and home of the Alexander Hamilton museum. Hamilton, whose image graces the US$10 bill, was the first US Secretary of Treasury.

 

First settled by the British in 1623, St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla became an associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis is once more trying to separate from Saint Kitts.

 

Nevis has 93 sq km of land, is predominantly black in ethnicity with some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese, and is English speaking.

 

The Nevis legal system is based on English common law and the government consists of an Executive Branch and a Legislative Branch.  The non-elected Executive Branch consists of a chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Governor General, head of government: a Prime Minister and a Deputy Prime Minister and a cabinet which is appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister.

 

Legislative branch is a unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3 appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 6 March 2000 (next to be held by July 2005) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SKNLP 8, CCM 2, NRP 1.

 

Sugar was the traditional mainstay of the Saint Kitts & Nevis economy until the 1970s. Although the crop still dominates the agricultural sector, activities such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking have assumed larger roles in the economy. As tourism revenues are now the chief source of the islands foreign exchange, a decline in stopover tourist arrivals following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks has eroded government finances. The opening of a 1,000+ bed Marriott hotel in February 2003 has helped to bring in much-needed revenue.  Although this has hit the natural resources such as water with unexpected problems.

 

Currency in Nevis is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although the US dollar is accepted in many places. 

 

 

Q: Can a foreigner own property in Nevis?

Yes, a foreigner can own property in Nevis, but he or she would need to obtain an alien land holding license. The application is made through the ministry of Agriculture and if approved is typically 10% of the property value. However, the cost of the license has been waived for this project.

 

Nevis Alien Land Holders License

A foreign national who wishes to acquire Nevis property will need to apply for an alien land holding license, as stipulated by the Nevis Alien Land Holding Regulation Act Cap. 102.  If the person is seeking to become an economic citizen of St. Kitts & Nevis, the acquisition of property that qualifies for this purpose is limited to selected developments. See St. Kitts Economic Citizenship The alien licence would normally cost $35,000 but this has been waived for Royal Pelican Estates. The licence is required before an exchange can take place however and the application will have to go through the government formalities.

 

Nevis Property Title Deeds

There are two different systems of transferring and showing proof of ownership to property. Under the British deed system inherited from the colonial period, title to property can be transferred with a deed in accordance with the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, which requires a search at the Registry of Deeds for upwards of 35 years.

 

A second option is to acquire property by means of a Certificate of Title based on land surveying plans and subsequent entry in a title register on the basis of the Title by Registration Act. The acquisition of title to a property via a deed is less secure because the deed applies only to the seller and buyer and does not preclude a third party from asserting a better title. A valid property title can be acquired only if the basis of the current property title can be demonstrated to go back 35 years by submitting proof of an unbroken ownership chain. A Certificate of Title is preferable to a deed. A title certificate gives the buyer a government guarantee and also displays all encumbrances, such as mortgages, on the property. If a property is acquired by means of a deed, the buyer or owner may subsequently request registration under the Title by Registration Act at any time by applying to the Registrar of Titles. St. Kitts & Nevis is a small country in which lawsuits concerning disputes of ownership title to property are very rare. Before every acquisition, a lawyer will naturally check whether the ownership title is correct and unencumbered, and any problems will usually come to light in the course of these enquiries and resolved in advance.

 

Property Buying Costs

Various acquisition costs are payable when buying property. Whilst there is no purchase tax in Nevis, there is a 0.5 % contribution to the National Assurance Fund. These are contributions to a title assurance which is a legal requirement on St. Kitts & Nevis. The preparation of plans costs about another US$ 300 and the mandatory lawyer will charge a conveyance fee of about 2.5 % of the purchase price. Accordingly, the total real estate acquisition costs amount to approximately 3% of the purchase price.

 

All furniture and fittings can be imported duty-free.

 

Nevis Property Taxes

The Controller of Customs assesses the annual rental value of the property and a 5 % land tax is levied annually on this rental value. However, in most cases that tax does not amount to more than about US$ 1,000 per year. No other running taxes are due. If the property is rented, any rental income is tax-free for the owner. In the event of a sale, there is no capital gains tax to pay either. The tax system on St. Kitts & Nevis is also financially interesting to those who wish to become resident there. This is because income is not taxed and there are no wealth taxes either.

 

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Q: How secure is real estate purchase in Nevis?

Real estate purchase in Nevis is very secure. The country has a stable democratic government, a strong history in international business and a currency that is fixed to the US dollar (selling rate of EC$2.7169 per US$1.00, buying rate is EC$2.6882 for cheques and EC$2.67 for cash).

 

Q: What is the Capital Gains Tax?

There is no Capital Gains Tax on property sold in Nevis.

 

Q: How can I get financing in Nevis?

A number of local banks offer financing to clients who meet the banks’ borrowing requirements. The following financing plan is offered by a number of the banks:

 

 

Q: Will I be able to rent my villa when I am not occupying it?

Yes, owners can place their villa into a property rental program. Please see the 'Rentals' page within in the 'At your service' section of this website for more details.

 

Q: How do I get to Nevis?

Flying to Nevis is easy. Both Nevis and the sister island of St. Kitts have international airports.

Most visitors from North America usually fly from anywhere in the US to Puerto Rico then take a 1hr flight into St. Kitts or Nevis.

 

Others fly from Miami, Philadelphia or North Carolina directly into St. Kitts (via USAir or American Airlines) then take a 30-45 mins boat ride from St. Kitts to Nevis.

The flight from Miami to St. Kitts is approximately 3 hrs.

 

Visitors from Europe usually fly into the neighboring islands of St. Marten or Antigua then take a smaller plane into Nevis.

 

Q: What is the weather like year round?

Nevis is blessed with perfect year round weather. The average temperature is 79 degrees Fahrenheit with continuous cooling breezes. The average rainfall is 55 inches or 1,397mm.

 

Q: Is there a Good Healthcare System within driving distance?

The government of Nevis takes healthcare very seriously. More than 13% of the island’s budget is spent on healthcare. There are six community health clinics and one hospital on the island, serving a population of 10,000 people. The hospital, which is less than 15 minutes away from Royal Pelican Estates, offers a wide range of services including a 24-hr out-patient service.

 

Q: Is Internet access available on the island?

High speed Internet is available through the Cable TV company and Cable & Wireless, the telephone provider on the island. Cable & Wireless also offers a dial-up package.

 

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Q: What infrastructure is provided on the island?

The infrastructure in Nevis is probably one of the best in the Caribbean. The island has a newly renovated international airport, a wide range of local, regional and international banking facilities, and a state of the art telecommunications system. Mobile services are also available through a number of providers. Recently, the government completely resurfaced half of the island's main roads. The other half is currently in progress.

 

Q: How do i secure a property?

 

Q: What are the key features and benefits over the other islands and developments?

Asset Protection – There is no judgment enforcement act between Nevis and many of the countries where buyers reside. Therefore, a judgment against a purchaser in his/her home country has very little meaning in Nevis. Hence, buyers are protected from frivolous lawsuits, which are quite common in many developed countries.

 

Capital Appreciation – Nevis is one of most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean to live.

Income, social security, capital gains, with-holding, gift, estate and succession taxes exemption

Business confidentiality and access to a wide range of international financial services

Opportunity for freehold ownership

A stable secure economy with strong currency

Easy accessibility to Europe, United Kingdom and North America

Low crime rate

 

Serene country setting with continuous cooling breezes

Resort style living in your own backyard

Elaborate landscaped entryways

Breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, Nevis Peak and surrounding historical sites

Close proximity to the Botanical Gardens

 

Q: How much are the property taxes?

Property taxes are charged at 5% of the yearly rental value of the property. The value is determined by government based on factors such as location of the property and market rate. So, if a villa or townvilla has a rental value of US$1000 per month, then the yearly value is US$12,000 and the property tax would be $12,000 x 5% = $600.

 

Q: What are the taxes on sale of properties?

Whenever a property is sold, the seller pays a 12% tax on the sale price of the property.

 

Q: Do I require an Insurance policy to confirm completion?

At the start of construction of a villa/townvilla, an insurance policy will be provided to the purchaser to confirm completion of their home. Please note: The bank will not provide a mortgage to any builder unless the property is insured. So, it is understood that once the bank approves the loan, there is an insurance policy in place.

 

Q: Can you tell me more about the beach?

The Royal Pelican Estates Beach Club Bar and Grill will be a delightful club serving delicious food and drinks looking out across to St Kitts at Cotton Ground on the beautiful Pinneys Beach. Showers and unique pelican shades and loungers will be available. A jetty will provide convenient access for temporary mooring of yachts.

 

 

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