If you’re searching for cheap homes for sale in St. Maarten, you might be surprised to learn that affordable options do exist, just not in the way most people expect. While the island is known for luxury beachfront villas and high-end developments, buyers can still find well-located condos, ocean-view studios, and investment properties under $300,000 in prime areas like Cupecoy and Cay Hill. The key is understanding that in the St. Maarten real estate market, “cheap” means smart value, strong rental potential, and strategic location, not low quality.
When people think about St. Maarten, they imagine turquoise water, luxury villas, mega yachts, and five-star beachfront living. And while that side of the island absolutely exists, here’s the question many buyers are quietly asking:
Are there actually affordable homes to buy in St. Maarten? The short answer? Yes… But “cheap” looks different here.
If you're searching for cheap property in St. Maarten, what you’ll really find are strategic investment opportunities, smart entry-level condos, and properties priced well below Caribbean luxury estates, yet still offering ocean views, rental income potential, and lifestyle value. Let’s break it down.
What Does “Affordable” Mean in St. Maarten?
In major North American or European cities, $250,000 might get you a small apartment with no view. In St. Maarten, that same budget can secure:
- Ocean or sea views
- Resort-style amenities
- Rental income potential
- Strong tourism demand
- Tax-friendly investment benefits
Affordable homes in St. Maarten typically range between $250,000 – $350,000 for well-located condos in prime areas like Cupecoy or Cay Hill. These properties aren’t “cheap” in quality; they’re smartly positioned investments. Below are three real examples currently available through RealEstateSXM.com.
1. Sapphire Studio – Cupecoy
$255,000 | 62m² | Ocean & Sunset Views
Located inside the well-known Sapphire Hotel in Cupecoy, this fully furnished 62 m² studio offers direct Caribbean Sea views and breathtaking sunsets at an entry-level price of $255,000.
Why This Is an Affordable Opportunity:
- Fully furnished and turnkey
- Private terrace with sea views
- Resort-style pool, gym, concierge
- 24-hour security
- Strong Airbnb and vacation rental demand
It has around $438 HOA. Unlike many properties worldwide, this HOA fee covers essentials like AC usage, TV, Internet etc that reduce surprise maintenance costs.
Investment Angle
Cupecoy is one of the island’s most desirable areas, close to beaches, restaurants, nightlife, and the American University of the Caribbean (AUC). With tourism thriving year-round, short-term rentals in this location are highly attractive. Owners can even utilize the in-house reservation team or list on Airbnb.
Bottom line: This is one of the most accessible ocean-view condos for sale in St. Maarten.
Listing ID #459 https://realestatesxm.com/property/for-sale/st-maarten-condo-for-sale-cupecoy-sapphire-studio-122
2. Belair Plaza – Cay Hill
Starting at $296,000 | 1BR / 1.5 Bath | Pre-Construction Pricing
Belair Plaza is a brand-new mixed-use development in Cay Hill, one of the island’s most strategic central locations. The special 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath unit (Approx. 95m²) starts at $296,000 at pre-construction pricing.
Why it’s Smart Buying:
- Prime central location near hospital, supermarkets, schools
- Minutes to Simpson Bay, Philipsburg, and Indigo Bay
- Modern hurricane-resistant construction
- VRF central AC system and Fiber internet infrastructure
- Elevator access & gated parking
The Investment Advantage
Belair Plaza is uniquely designed as a 50/50 residential-commercial development. That means:
- Professionals working in the building can live upstairs
- Hospital staff nearby creates steady rental demand
- Retail spaces add convenience and vibrancy
- Mixed-use properties often retain strong long-term value
Pre-construction pricing allows buyers to enter below future market value, a major advantage in Caribbean real estate investment. This isn’t just affordable, it’s strategic.
Listing ID #570 https://realestatesxm.com/property/for-sale/st-maarten-belair-plaza-property-for-sale
3. Jordan Village – Cupecoy
$285,000 | 1BR Duplex | Sea View | $180 HOA
This 1-bedroom duplex condo in Jordan Village offers sea views and one of the lowest HOA fees in the area, just around $180 per month.
Why This Stands Out:
- Two-level layout
- Peaceful sea view terrace
- Contemporary finishes
- Prime location near AUC University
Rental Demand Is Strong
Proximity to AUC makes this condo especially attractive for long-term rentals. Student and faculty housing demand in Cupecoy remains consistent, making this a reliable income-generating investment property in Sint Maarten.
Lower HOA fees mean higher net rental returns. For buyers wanting an affordable entry into Cupecoy, this is a compelling option.
Listing ID #449C https://realestatesxm.com/property/for-sale/sint-maarten-condo-for-sale-cupecoy-jordan-village-1bedroom
Why Location Matters More Than “Cheap”
In Caribbean real estate, price alone doesn’t determine value.
The right location provides:
- Consistent rental demand
- Strong resale potential
- Lifestyle appeal
- Infrastructure access
- Security and convenience
Areas like Cupecoy, Cay Hill, Point Blanche remain in demand because they balance lifestyle with practicality. Buying the cheapest property on the island may not yield the best return, but buying smartly priced property in a strong location often does.
Who Are These Affordable Homes Perfect For?
✔ First-time Caribbean investors
✔ Buyers seeking vacation rental income
✔ Digital nomads wanting island living
✔ Professionals relocating to St. Maarten
✔ Buyers wanting ocean views without luxury-villa pricing
Affordable homes in St. Maarten aren’t run-down properties; they’re well-positioned condos that combine lifestyle and investment.
So… Are There Really Cheap Homes in St. Maarten?
If “cheap” means $80,000 beachfront villas, no.
But if “affordable” means:
- Ocean views under $300,000
- Strong rental demand
- Modern construction
- Prime locations
- Long-term value potential
Then yes, absolutely. The key is understanding that in St. Maarten, value is about location, income potential, and lifestyle return, not just the purchase price.
Ready to Explore Affordable Property in St. Maarten?
Whether you're looking for a turnkey ocean-view studio, a modern pre-construction investment, or a student-rental opportunity near AUC, there are strategic entry points into this Caribbean market. RealEstateSXM.com specializes in helping buyers navigate both lifestyle and investment decisions with clarity and confidence.
📩 Contact RealEstateSXM.com today to schedule a viewing or request a full investment breakdown on any of these properties. Your Caribbean investment might be more accessible than you think.
Cole Bay.