Real Estate on St. Croix

St. Croix, the largest of the Virgin Islands, is home to diversification in people, culture, architecture and history. St. Croix’s landscape is equally diverse: the topography changes from flat agricultural land to rolling hills; arid areas to lush vegetation; countryside settings to dramatic sea views. Whatever your likes are, there’s bound to be an area in St. Croix that appeals to you. The diversity of the island is reflected in the real estate market. Properties of all types can be found on St. Croix including high-end houses, fixer-uppers, condominiums, commercial properties and undeveloped land.

Team San Martin, RE/MAX St Croix

Team San Martin, RE/MAX St Croix

Why Choose Team San Martin? Market and Industry Knowledge! Joe and Julie have been St Croix real estate innovators since 1984. We know the island, neighborhood by neighborhood. We know where we are going before we take you there. We constantly improve our skills and keep ahead of new marketing and technology strategies. We spend meaningful time with you to identify your needs; and explain the entire process, to avoid surprises along the way. Our relationship does not end at closing; we offer on-going support for all your real estate needs. Your personal real estate advisors! Team San Martin. Teamwork makes Dreams work!

Contact Team San Martin, RE/MAX St Croix

At the start of 2021, there are 143 homes listed that vary from fixer uppers to luxury properties. The price range of houses currently on the market is $74,999 for a hurricane damaged fixer upper in Grove Place, to a 12,000 square foot luxury mansion on a one-acre oceanside lot for 8.9 million. The $500,000 and upwards price range affords exquisite properties with nicely appointed interiors, spectacular views, and ideal locations. These homes make up 62% of the available residential properties. Within this market 45 properties are luxury homes worth $1,000,000+. As would be expected, these homes are worthy of design recognition. Properties in the range of $300,000 to $500,000 are also beautiful homes with views, pools and good neighborhoods. These homes make up 15% of listed properties. The price range of $200,000 to $300,000 yields comfortable homes in good areas, convenient to everything; and they make up 13% of listed properties. Homes under $199,000 are typically modest homes and fixer-uppers. These properties make up 10% of the available residential market.

Residential Sales – St. Croix

Year Number of sales Low High Average
2000 50 $23,000 $1,225,000 $213,780
2001 90 $20,000 $985,000 $192,196
2002 130 $25,000 $1,650,000 $255,386
2003 174 $45,000 $2,550,000 $413,439
2004 184 $25,000 $2,100,000 $368,248
2005 174 $35,000 $2,093,136 $355,100
2006 188 $10,000 $9,050,000 $453,728
2007 177 $23,000 $4,000,000 $415,956
2008 125 $75,000 $3,750,000 $492,394
2009 114 $46,000 $3,400,000 $403,699
2010 105 $55,000 $2,450,000 $450,680
2011 102 $65,000 $2,999,000 $437,824
2012 89 $35,000 $4,000,000 $393,501
2013 119 $35,000 $1,200,000 $318,447
2014 132 $17,000 $2,500,000 $346,781
2015 141 $30,000 $6,250,000 $401,040
2016 170 $35,000 $2,500,000 $351,248
2017 156 $17,000 $2,212,500 $402,507
2018 207 $35,000 $1,600,000 $329,272

Many of the residential properties on St. Croix are designed with apartments attached to the main house or detached cottages. The additional income could be a welcomed asset.

Most residents finance their homes through conventional mortgages with local banks. Interest rates are slightly higher in the Virgin Islands than on the mainland. A typical down payment is 20 to 30 percent. Banks require earthquake and windstorm insurance with mortgages; the cost is around 2-3% of replacement value.

The condominium complexes on St. Croix vary in design and location; though all typically have at least one pool and some with tennis courts and restaurants. Each of the complexes has unique amenities whether it is located on a renowned golf course, steps away from a beach, historical ruins on the premises or strategic vantage points for spectacular views.

Currently there are 78 condominiums on the market ranging in price from $90,000 for a studio in Long Reef, to $1,490,000 for 4 bedroom and 4 bathrooms in Coakley.  The majority of the condo units are priced at $100,000 to $350,000; these properties make up 70% of the listings. Units priced at $70,000 and below are typically small one-bedroom units or studios. For pet lovers, it is good to know that some of the complexes are pet friendly.

Condominiums are often purchased as an investment to be rented as a vacation or long-term rental. Many of the complexes have on-site Property Management companies. In addition, there are independent companies specializing in Property Management as well as Realtors who offer similar services.

Condominium Sales – St. Croix

Year Number of sales Low High Average
2000 81 $12,000 $415,000 $126,059
2001 103 $12,000 $470,000 $114,358
2002 116 $12,750 $620,000 $125,411
2003 140 $19,000 $676,000 $144,823
2004 185 $10,000 $725,000 $123,763
2005 208 $19,500 $695,000 $167,003
2006 162 $33,000 $685,000 $189,369
2007 88 $29,000 $825,000 $252,519
2008 86 $25,000 $1,377,000 $216,822
2009 44 $30,000 $1,377,000 $249,415
2010 56 $48,000 $769,500 $193,823
2011 56 $30,000 $770,000 $219,594
2012 34 $45,000 $330,000 $150,235
2013 69 $40,000 $545,000 $159,449
2014 121 $27,500 $775,000 $149,733
2015 108 $16,000 $1,150,000 $192,443
2016 125 $22,500 $700,000 $186,766
2017 107 $33,000 $570,000 $166,076
2018 112 $34,000 $570,000 $197,757

The availability of timeshare (fractional ownership) properties is very limited.

One of St. Croix’s largest commodities is vast open space. Much of the land is easily built on and have views; a great combination. There is still ample room for growth without diminishing the natural beauty of the island. At the beginning of 2021, there are 359 listings of land available on the market ranging in price from $20,000 for .48 acres in Castle Coakley, to 22.5 million for 744 acres in Longford. A typical .5 acre lot with a view will be approximately $45,000 to $110,000. An acre of land with a view may cost $75,000 to $200,000. While most land sites are less than 1 acre in size, large parcels of land of over 60 acres are also available. Presently on the market there are 24 large land sites of 21 acres to over 700 acres.

Land Sales – St. Croix

Year Number of sales Low High Average
2001 74 $10,000 $2,500,000 $95,136
2002 128 $6,000 $535,000 $57,989
2003 187 $9,000 $1,500,000 $91,315
2004 257 $8,000 $3,750,000 $110,783
2005 331 $9,000 $5,897,589 $94,291
2006 434 $12,600 $1,500,000 $95,176
2007 264 $11,000 $2,025,000 $115,398
2008 224 $5,000 $6,500,000 $155,357
2009 128 $10,000 $1,075,000 $104,209
2010 82 $13,000 $470,000 $82,944
2011 79 $10,000 $505,000 $69,462
2012 56 $14,000 $1,700,000 $108,952
2013 68 $10,000 $400,000 $51,242
2014 55 $8,000 $970,000 $74,670
2015 64 $9,000 $375,000 $79,035
2016 76 $14,000 $337,500 $72,303
2017 92 $12,000 $500,000 $73,065
2018 120 $12,000 $750,000 $67,791

Building a home starts around $250 per square foot, but depends greatly on materials used for building and finishing. Keep in mind that preparations and special structural requirements may need to be met making the total cost of the construction project more. A cistern for water storage and a septic tank are necessary components of a home on St. Croix. The cistern alone will account for almost 10 percent of the total building cost. There are many local architects that can assist you with the building process.

St. Croix offers an array of commercial properties. Currently there are 43 listings including hotels, retail stores, bars and office space. A local realtor can shed knowledge on the particulars of a commercial property.

Market Inventory Table, St. Croix

ALL LISTINGS HOMES LAND LOTS CONDOS COMMERCIAL
Aug. 2005 773 164 494 60 54
Apr. 2006 646 144 406 41 54
February 2007 793 201 383 152 57
September 2008 884 224 442 163 55
October 2009 1144 282 563 236 63
August 2010 1089 257 572 196 64
August 2011 1087 277 575 182 53
May 2012 1168 343 535 230 60
August 2013 1078 307 502 202 67
March 2015 971 316 449 144 59
September 2016 964 271 546 101 47
November 2017 773 195 446 75 37
April 2019 705 126 496 46 37
Feb 2021 623 143 359 78 43

It is recommended that a relationship be established with a realtor who will in turn be able to assist you with your specific needs. It is always best to visit St. Croix to see firsthand the areas that most appeal to you. The process of purchasing property on island is akin to stateside procedures. There are many local lenders and mortgage companies that will be able to assist in the process.

The real estate market in St. Croix offers a diverse inventory of listings at reasonable prices, contact the featured agents above for more information.

Note: The information is dated February 2021; prices, property estimates and numbers reflect the market at the time the section was written. Information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Tables with historical data for home, land and condos sales were prepared by Team San Martin, RE/MAX St. Croix. Information is from MLS and deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.
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