Condos are a popular real estate option in the United States Virgin Islands due to their low-maintenance nature, making them ideal for retirees or those looking for a vacation home. The housing market in the USVI is on the rise, thanks to increased demand and improved economic conditions as the world relaxes travel restrictions related to the pandemic. Foreigners are welcome to purchase property in the USVI, and the process is straightforward. Long-term rentals in the USVI are not typically advertised, except for locals.
Most landlords simply put up a “for rent” sign in front of their rental apartments, which are often part of a larger home, and they live in the house next door. The Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) is responsible for managing public housing developments, primarily in St. John. In addition to public housing for people with low incomes, VIHA's other two main programs include the Capital Fund Program, which is used to maintain the inventory of public housing, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides housing assistance to low-income households. St.
John is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rolling hills dotted with luxurious villas. St. Thomas is home to many real estate developments, making it the most affluent and expensive of the USVI. San Juan is home to the territory's National Park, which protects more than half of San Juan's land area.
The National Park includes some of the best beaches and coral reefs in the world. St. Croix is the largest island in the USVI but is much quieter than St. Thomas and St. Santa Cruz's mountainous landscape is one of its main attractions, with its varied topography ranging from uncrowded white sand beaches to rolling hills and rainforests.
Croix also boasts Buck Island Reef National Monument, Cane Bay wall, St. George Village botanical gardens, and Cruzan rum distillery – plus it's the only island in the USVI with a casino: Divi Carina Bay Casino. Whether you're buying a home for the first time or are an experienced investor, there are plenty of opportunities available when buying property in the USVI. Christie's International Real Estate US Virgin Islands offers properties ranging from luxurious beachfront homes to land for sale – something for everyone! Plus, with pre-arrival testing now eliminated for vaccinated domestic travelers, visitors are expected to increase even more. Tourism is the main industry in the USVI and usually generates more than 2 million visitors each year – representing 80% of GDP. The cost of buying a home in the United States Virgin Islands varies depending on location and size.
Condos tend to be more affordable than single-family homes due to their smaller size and lower maintenance costs. On average, condos range from $200,000 to $400,000 while single-family homes can range from $400,000 to over $1 million depending on location and amenities. The cost of living in the United States Virgin Islands is higher than most other parts of the United States due to its remote location and limited resources. Groceries tend to be more expensive than mainland prices due to transportation costs and limited availability of certain items.
Utilities such as electricity and water can also be more expensive due to their reliance on imported fuel sources. The cost of living in the United States Virgin Islands can be offset by its many benefits such as no state income tax or sales tax on goods purchased within the territory. The islands also offer a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and more. Overall, buying a home in the United States Virgin Islands can be an excellent investment if you're looking for a vacation home or retirement destination with plenty of amenities and activities at your fingertips.
