Saba

Saba (pronounced "say-bah") is one of the most low-key, laid-back and relaxing destinations in the Caribbean. English is spoken almost universally here, though Dutch is the official language. Highlights here are scuba diving and snorkeling - among the Caribbean's finest - and hiking. There are basically zero beaches and such tourist fare as cruise ship terminals, mega-shopping malls and endless nightclubs or restaurants (ala St Thomas or St Maarten) are non-existent on Saba. This island is purely a getaway from hustle, bustle, noise and action.

The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (Naf) but, as an accommodation to practicality, US dollars are accepted everywhere throughout the island and most prices are listed both ways or in US dollars only. The time zone is Greenwich meantime minus 4 (the same time zone as eastern time in the US during daylight savings time) and they are on the metric system.

The average daily high is around 80-91 degrees Fahrenheit (27-33 degrees Celsius), year-round and water temperatures remain fairly steady and warm. Driest months are typically from February to April, though the island rarely receives more than moderate rains… and yes, hurricanes are possible. Access is via ferry or short flight from neighboring St Maarten (note the small airstrip in the picture below).

Location: WITH MAPS OF CARIBBEAN AND AREA

Saba is located in the middle of the Antilles Islands, roughly 150 miles (240km) east of Puerto Rico. The Virgin Islands (US and British) lie to the west and the majority of smaller Caribbean islands lie 20-300 miles (30-500 km) to the south, southeast and southwest. Neighboring islands are: Anguilla, St Martin/St Maarten, St Bart's and St Eustatius.

Saba's Location in the Caribbean (next to St Martin)

The tax and land use landscape of Saba:

Prospective buyers can factor-in a one-time transfer tax of approximately 4%, plus civil law notary fee (total fees around 6%), but there are no property/land taxes and, further, there are no capital gains taxes paid on profits made from the sale of properties, here to the local government. While Aruba and St Maarten have moved toward greater independence from the Dutch, Saba is expected to formalize it's closer relations with the Netherlands later in 2008. This may cause changes in fees, but also will likely increase tourism, interest in ownership from the Dutch people and the like. Recently, real estate prices and overall interest have seen significant upswings.

OWNERSHIP AND TITLE INFORMATION

Ownership is either fee simple (as in most of the US) or long lease – either government or private. Deeds are registered by the notary/notaire and title insurance is not a factor as the notary guarantees the transfer and verifies ownership. A side note on utilities: all modern amenities, including some form of high-speed internet access and wireless phones are available in most areas (except in some of the more remote or undeveloped portions of the island). Few homes have air conditioning as the island gets consistent breezes and most homes are 100s if not more than a 1,000 feet above sea level and, therefore, a bit cooler. Typically, a substantial deposit is required for service for non-residents - expect somewhere between $1-3,000 US to establish service. They did this because of difficulties in getting non-residents to pay bills. The deposit is typically transferred upon the sale of the residence.

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