Welcome to St. Lucia!
Located Majestically between Martinique and St Vincent is the beautiful Island of St Lucia. This dramatic landscape is covered with Natural botanical gardens, rushing waterfalls, untouched rainforests, a walk in volcano, the towering peaks of the Pitons all surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

St. Lucia is a pristine Island, still comparatively untouched. It provides sanctity to an assortment of marine and animal life with lush topography laden with coconut palms and banana plantations.

Considerate and concise planning for development has insured the integrity of this picturesque island and at the same time giving others an opportunity to allow the island sun to warm them, the ocean breeze to cool them and Island life to overcome them.

St Lucia will surely embrace all those that choose to call it their home away from home.

History
St Lucia is steeped in history. Fought over by the British and the French a total of fourteen times, the British finally Triumphed in 1803 and St Lucia remained under British rule up until 1979 at which point it became an independent state within the British Commonwealth.

The French influence still remains on the island and can be seen be seen in the food, music and dance. The indigenous language is Patois (a Creole dialect).

Travel

St. Lucia despite its size is served by two airports. Hewenorra Airport located in the South of the island and George F.L Charles in the North. St. Lucia has a numerous international flights arriving and departing on a daily Basis. Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, West Jet to name a few.

Approximate flying times from St Lucia:

Miami	4 Hours
Toronto	5 Hours
New York	5 Hours
London	8 Hours
Barbados	30 Minutes
Antigua	45 Minutes
Grenada	30 Minutes

Due to its position as one of the windward Isles, many choose to visit St Lucia by yacht, making an ideal resting place before visiting the stunningly beautiful grenadines and Tobago quays.

Climate

St.Lucia has a beautiful tropical climate with little temperature variations which it attributes to its tempered breezes. The months of September to April are the dry season with temperatures around 27 degrees C and May to August is the wet season where temperatures reach 32 degrees C.

Why Invest in St Lucia?

The Caribbean is an established market for tourism & investment. St. Lucia boasts a stable economy and is developing its future in an environmentally aware manor. St Lucia is positioning itself as the Caribbean Island to offer more, more to the holiday maker and more to those that choose to stay a little longer. Not only are people attracted here for the Beaches & tropical climate but also for the Golf, sailing and to enjoy nature in some of the most pristine rainforest in the Caribbean.

International global Yachting (IGY) is changing the face of the Northern end of the island by creating what promises to be one of the most impressive mega Yacht marinas in the region. In addition to this the internationally acclaimed five star exclusive Raffles resort has joined forces with jack Nicklaus to create an incredible new top end golfing community within cap Estate. Why is this important? It ensures a stable future in terms of economic growth, and publicity towards the middle to top end visitor allowing St Lucia to move further away from the All inclusive model of tourism that has hindered the development of some of the neighbouring Islands. Local people have the opportunity to create and expand new businesses rather than being employed on low wages for large international conglomerates. This type of high end residential and touristic development ensures the progress of proper building practices and increased quality of building materials and workmanship.

The Caribbean has always been a destination point, Barbados has experienced this type of development and now has some of the highest real estate per sq foot in the world. St Lucia is currently 30 %- 40% cheaper than Barbados and therefore offers some real capital growth potential.

All this has created a buzz as St Lucia steps forward to be the next hot spot in the Caribbean.

Currency

The Currency in St Lucia is EC$ which is pegged to the US$ at a rate of EC$2.67 - USD$1. As a rule property prices are quoted in USD$ unless otherwise stated. As a result of this link and the recent strength of other major currencies in particular the Euro, Pound & Canadian dollar against the USD$ prices are now effectively more affordable than ever before.

Mortgages

Many clients choose to take full advantage of the current exchange rate benefits and therefore release capital from their local assets i.e. Home or investment property in order to effectively purchase the property in cash. This route has many benefits not least from a timescale perspective, as many local banks can take between 3-6 months to fully approve a mortgage application. Often lenders within your home country are happier to lend on an existing property and have the benefit of a full credit and banking history which makes the whole application process that much more, straight forward.

However, there are two types of mortgages available in St Lucia to the overseas investor.

One option is a local mortgage. Whilst St Lucian nationals can borrow up to 90% of the property value overseas buyers are limited to a maximum of 70% loan to value (LTV) The local mortgage interest rate varies on the individuals circumstances but is usually between 7.5-8%. However, this is then fixed rate mortgage.

The second option is an international mortgage available through the likes of First Caribbean bank based in St Lucia & Barbados. Here overseas purchasers can enjoy the freedom offered through the international division with interest rates linked to the 3 month US Libor. Currently rates can be as low as 5.75-6%. However this is a flexile rate and therefore will automatically track the rate changes I the USA. Again rates will vary depending on the individual circumstances but is usually available up to 70% LTV subject to a minimum loan of USD$250,000.

Your on Island representative will be happy to guide you through this process

Where in the Island?

Rodney bay
The Northern Part of the Island, Rodney Bay, is quickly becoming the epicentre of action with world class dining, entertainment, night life, duty free shopping, and of course the beaches. St Lucia simply has some of the most inspiring natural landscape that the eyes could ever wish to see, and its beaches are no exception. A new Marina which is toted to be a one of a kind facility, never before seen in the Caribbean gives rise to a very strong sailing community. Sporting activities are on a long list of things to do in the Rodney bay area. Golf is at the top of that list, with the North due to boast two world class golf courses, on a Jack Nicklaus signature course, one of only 25 in the world!
Overhead view of the developments in St. Lucia

For even more information about St Lucia, its culture, events and accommodation, please visit the St Lucia tourist boards website - http://www.stlucia.org