St. John was purchased from Denmark in 1917 by the U.S. The news of the lovely American paradise had yet reached to mainland America by 1930 and this was just beginning which later grew into a robust business during an era in St. John tourism.
In 1956 park land was donated to the Federal Government by Laurence S. Rockefeller leading in part of a National Park establishment act. It is the twenty-ninth National Park in the country and consists of 5000 acres. To Fred Seaton, the Secretary of the Interior, that is until Jack Kerouac called him in 1956 — he told us to ensure ‘the entire planet weeps’ The land was given over and promised by Mr. Seaton as follows: ‘the government will take care of this sacred soil; these green hills and valleys -those flaming miles- Take good proper Christ care!’ There have since been other donations and now the Virgin Islands National Park consists of 7200 acres land as well as another underwater lands, totaling 56500 acre.
For U.S. citizens, no international passport required. All of the following accommodations from campgrounds to hotels and everything in between allow you enjoy all these natural wonders or put a luxurious spin on your romantic getaway. St John also has its own idea of paradise — St. John believes everyone should be able to enjoy as the island boasts several wheelchair accessible beaches including Trunk Bay, consistently rated most beautiful beach not just in Caribbean but even world-wide according to many magazines.
Today St. John is a popular tourist destination!
Ownership is “fee simple” being under the U.S. flag here. There are no restrictions against purchasing solely for investment, and no laws dictating when, if ever, you must build on undeveloped land.
Property taxes are relatively low compared to many stateside areas. The property tax is based on the purchase price multiplied by following mill rates:
Every real estate transaction is subject to a Government Transfer Tax (stamp tax) which can be paid for by either buyer or seller, although the government requires this payment from the seller at closing.
The banking institutions in the Virgin Islands and stateside mortgage lenders, including North Pointe, First Liberty Lending or Virgins Bay Mortgage all provide home financing. Buyer Pays for: Property appraisal (most of the time) Survey and surveyor’s certificate, title search, title insurance, and bank attorney fees
Hazard insurance — Protection against hurricanes and other natural disasters such as floods, storm damage or even sinkholes; it is mandatory for all home mortgage loans. The average expense is 3% of the worth in replacement. Cost changes depending on different construction types plus hurricane shutters and more.
VI building code requires that all new construction be engineered and built to withstand a minimum basic wind speed of 110 mph along with Zone 4 earthquakes.
Construction prices start at about $600.00 a square foot into the fate depending on touches that are preferred by you.
Residential Properties: Approximately 73 properties available ranging from a modest one bedroom cottage priced at $399,000. to a luxury villas listed for $12 Million +/-.
Condos: Roughly 14 listings at a median price of $525,000. to over 1 million.
Land: The MLS boasts over 180 +/- listings all unique parcels priced between $59,000. to 7.5 million for waterfront and or multiple acreage development parcels
Commercial: Most commercial real estate for sale or leaseholds. Occasionally an actual building or business is listed for sale.
Fractional/Timeshare: Covers your slice of the Rock in 98 (minimum) date and timeframe options. While the Westin is normally what we think of when it comes to a timeshare.
Four three-story buildings just outside Cruz Bay with views of the harbor and St. Thomas. They are comprised of two bedrooms one bath units and one studio unit which all share pool and pool deck.
Single and double units in masonry buildings with stunning views from South to West. Five-minute drive to Cruz Bay.
South American hardwood buildings housing five one and two bedroom units with views of Enighed Pond and Pillsbury Sound. They are walking distance to Cruz Bay.
Former house converted and expanded to one bedroom condos, sits on Pocket Money Hill above Cruz Bay. Great views of St. Thomas, sunset and a shared pool.
Ten one bedroom masonry constructed units on Pocket Money Hill with shared pool and views of St. Thomas and the sunset.
Fifteen waterfront buildings, each with four one bedroom units. Easy walk to town and shared pool and small beach.
One, two, and three bedroom units in the new development on Cruz Bay beach. Complete with pool, fitness center, resort-style amenities, and easy walk to town.
Two buildings housing twelve one and two bedroom units with harbor views and a shared pool. Easy walk to Cruz Bay.
Two and three bedroom condos just outside of Cruz Bay, walking distance to town and Frank Bay beach.
Four buildings with thirteen one and two bedroom condos and shared pool, five minutes by car from Cruz Bay.
Six masonry studio units in the heart of Cruz Bay.
Sunset views over St. Thomas from ten one bedroom and studio condos just above Cruz Bay.SIRENUSA: Forty units overlooking Cruz Bay, with views of St. Thomas and sunset. Complete with a pool, health club, and game room.
Located above Cruz Bay, six two-bedroom units with timeshare ownership and RCI affiliation. Complete with individual splash pools, and a large shared pool with stunning views.
Just outside Cruz Bay these five units have a shared lap pool and lovely views south. Easy walk into town.
Atop Gift Hill, these two seasonal ownership homes have three bedrooms and great views of St. Thomas and the sunset.
Across the street from the Westin Resort, studio to three bedroom timeshares have either shared pool or individual pool and access to the hotel.
Somewhat ‘flat’ land five minutes drive to town, predominantly valley views referred to as the “country”
North Shore land near Francis and Maho bays
High above Cruz Bay and Great Cruz Bay with views from South to West
On top of Bordeaux Mountain with views East to Virgin Gorda
In Coral Bay past Shipwreck Restaurant with views East to the British Virgins
One thousand acres+/- including Bordeaux mountain and sweeping around the hills above Coral Bay to the North and East. Views are from East to South with some North in Upper Carolina, this is a very large estate.
Above Trunk Bay with views from West through North to East. Access from Either Rt 10 or Rt 20
Established area on South side, close to Cruz Bay with views from East through South to West
South of Coral Bay near Salt Pond Bay with predominantly South views
Close to Cruz Bay, hillside on either side of Enighed Pond with views South to West
Just before Fish Bay on south shore, mostly waterfront prcels with views from East, West and South / Caribbean Sea to Pillsbury Sound.
East End land with views North to Tortola
Coral Bay just across from fire station and past church, with views South, some East
Close to Cruz Bay, between Bethany and Pastory, with mostly West views
South side, past Chocolate Hole with views South to West
Gift Hill land with mostly Westerly views
Oldest and very established neighborhood surrounding Westin Resort, with mostly West views towards St Thomas. All parcels start with a 300- number.
East End land with views in all directions
South of Coral Bay and past Concordia this land has mostly South views
Land located out by Maho Bay
Just outside Cruz Bay with mostly West views
North Shore land with views of National Park bays and Tortola
Turn of Rt 104 and the dead end sign by Rendezvous. with bay and Caribbean Sea views mostly South.
