St Lucia 'offers cheap property prices'

Investors looking to purchase a holiday home outside of the UK may want to take one expert's advice and make a money transfer to the Caribbean.

Agents and media manager for Propertyshowrooms.com Terry Hobbs explained how St Lucia is a great place to buy a second abode.

He claimed the island is "comparable with Barbados in lots of ways", for example it has "immense beauty" and the climate is also "wonderful".

As well as this, Mr Hobbs explained that it is attractive due to its property costs, which are lower than those found on its neighbouring islands.

It was suggested that many holidaymakers enjoy taking a vacation in St Lucia as it offer people the chance to feel safe while on a vacation.

Mr Hobbs noted that it has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean, as well as an "active tourist board", which works hard to appeal to visitors.

For those considering transferring funds and snapping up a second home is St Lucia, the easy access to the island may be a positive point worth noting.

It is possible to fly direct from the UK, US, Canada and Germany to the small isles.

When considering purchasing a property, Mr Hobbs explained that individuals will need to apply for an Alien Landholding Licence, which costs 1,500 East Caribbean Dollars (EC$) (£357).

Once this has been accepted, another fee is applicable, with prices varying dependent on the amount of land in question.

Property with less than one acre will owe EC$5000, while those with more than this will have to fork out EC$10,000.

Alternatively, investors may want to consider the island of St Kitts, as UK consultant at St Kitts Tourism Authority Lisa Elmes-Bosshard recently explained that it offers an authentic Caribbean experience.

Posted by Chris Barber

Click here to make an International Money Transfer to St Lucia.