Time to Unwind

With their stunning beaches and totally tropical landscape, St. Vincent and the Grenadines are a favoured destination for those seeking sunnier climes. Julia Millen caught up with Michelle Bellegarde, MD of Bellegarde Estates, to glean some advice for those looking to relocate

What makes St. Vincent & the Grenadines an attractive destination for overseas buyers?

The region is a truly beautiful and unspoilt part of the Caribbean​. It’s a playground​ of 32 enchanting islands and cays, only 9 of which are inhabited, yet each has a unique, vibrant personality. We have crystal waters, sandy beaches and yacht anchorages, as well as some of the best sailing, snorkelling and diving in the world. Our traditional way of life; fishing, sailing and boat building still thrives alongside tourism and real-estate and it’s a safe and welcoming haven for jetsetters and discerning homeowners, many of whom hail from overseas.  It’s also out of the hurricane path; a place where you can still find that little cottage hideaway on a quiet, secluded beach.

What advice would you give to those who are considering purchasing a property?

Approach the process in much the same way that you would at home. Find and work exclusively with one agent you trust, do as much research as possible before you commit to purchasing a property. Secure a valuation and an inspection and whilst you can be confident in purchasing here, you should be cautious that you are making the right decision. Buying here is the easy part - you can complete in less than 3 months. Beachfronts are in demand, so if you see something you like, you must be prepared to move quickly or risk losing it. The tax advantages are excellent, with no capital gains tax and almost negligible annual property tax of .08%.

What are the key services that Bellegarde Estates provide?

Our desire is to share one of the best kept secret destinations in the world. Finding hidden gems and exclusive private properties for our clients, is one part of the equation and sharing insight about the market, culture and so much more is key to that experience. We focus on new properties, unique homes, resort developments and private islands.

What makes the company unique?

Primarily, our knowledge and expertise. We’re consultants in private real estate transactions and licensed agents. This is important for clients looking for properties and development opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else and knowledge that goes far beyond what many other agents provide.  Our company delivers what real estate needs to be about in the Caribbean - personal, professional and private.

How has the pandemic changed buyer behaviour?

In many cases, it has encouraged buyers to go ahead and buy the property they’ve been thinking about. Many of our clients are considering not only how they will navigate their way through the current pandemic, but how they want to live during the next one. They want to be in a place that is more natural, and less populated, but with all the comforts and amenities they need to live, play and work remotely. As we have 32 islands, there’s a lot of secluded beaches and room to spread out. Our sustainable way of living is also very appealing, as it’s easy to live organically with our farm to table fruits, vegetables, poultry and seafood.

www.bellegardeestates.com