.: St. Kitts Realty :. Premium St. Kitts Real Estate

1) The Island of St. Kitts has an area of 65 square miles. The main mountain, Mount Liamuiga, is 3,972 feet high and we have a population of roughly 46,000.The Island of Nevis has an area of 36 square miles. Mount Nevis Peak is 3,232 feet high and the population is about 12,000.

2) Purchaser pays no taxes on the sale prices in Frigate Bay, South East Peninsula and select approved developments on both islands. Other areas may have a 10% Government tax on the sale price. The only extra cost are legal fees, which are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price. Legal fees average about 2%.

3) All beaches are public and have at least one established access.

4) Construction costs averages US $175 per square foot for turn-key construction. A 2,000 square foot house takes about 8 months to build.

5) There is a good Government water supply below the 800' contour. Water costs EC $10 (US $3.70) per 1,000 gallons.

6) Electrical charges for a average family in a 3 bedroom house is roughly EC $450 (US $170) per month.

7) Cable TV (60 channels) costs about EC $130 (US $48) per month.

8) Grounds maintenance for 0.5 acre costs approximately EC $800 (US $300) per month.

9) A 3 bedroom house with pool (not on the beach) rents short-term for US $2500 to US $3000 per week in high season, US $1200 - US $1500 per week in low season. Rental commissions vary from 15% to as high as 50% on fully managed properties. Long-term rental (6 months plus) from US $1000 to US $1600 per month and normally attract a 10-15% commission.

10) Property insurance (fire, hurricane, earthquake) costs 1.25% of the sum insured.

11) There is no personal Income Tax, Capital gains tax or Inheritance Tax.

12) Hotels and restaurants collect a 9% Government tax. They also add 10% service charge to bills. Additional tipping is not necessary but is greatly appreciated if service is good.

13) English is the official language, but it is spoken with a distinct accent and West Indian Idioms.

14) Atlantic Standard Time. There is no daylight savings time, so the time never changes. (The island does following "island time," which means that we follow a relaxed lifestyle).

15) To call for emergency assistance, dial 911.

* Hospital: Joseph N. France General Hospital; St. Kitts 465-2551
* Hospital: Alexandra Hospital; Nevis 469-5473
* Fire: 465-2515; Nevis 469-3444

CLIMATE

The island experiences a warm tropical climate with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is low with November to May being the driest months of the year. With average rainfall of about 55 inches, St. Kitts has one of the most desirable climates.

IMMIGRATION

Visitors to the islands are required to bring either a passport or birth certificate. No visa is required for visitors to enter the islands. A cash departure tax of US$22 for adults and US$5.00 for children under 12 is required on leaving the country.

CURRENCY & BANKING

St. Kitts uses East Caribbean (EC) dollars with a stable exchange rate of EC$2.70 for US$1.00. The US dollar is widely accepted.

Banking hours are generally 8am to 2pm Monday through Thursday, and 8am to 4pm on Fridays.

Business Hours:
Most business open from Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm; Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm.

Banks
Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada, First Caribbean International Bank, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, St. Kitts Credit Union.
All major cards are usually accepted throughout the island.

SHOPPING

St. Kitts has much to offer for the inquisitive and adventurous visitor and provides many local art and craft items for every taste. Essential items can be found in drugstores and supermarkets around the island. In Port Zante there are many new shops offering fine selections of jewellery, electronic equipment, perfumes, clothing and other accessories.

Dress Code:
The dress is generally casual. With our desirable climate, light cotton summer clothing is recommended.

TRANSPORTATION

Driving is on the left hand side. Rental cars are available on the island from several rental agencies. A visitor's driver's license cost US$23 and is available from any police station or from the car rental agency. Drive slowly and defensively - people often stop along the roads without warning to chat; also it is common to see animals, such as goat, sheep, cows, and donkeys on the roads. Often young children walk to school on the roads.

Jeeps and cars can be rented starting at approximately US $40 per day. Local taxis are available as well as local mini-buses that go around the island very inexpensively.