The Ultimate Guide to St. Lucia Rental Home Investments
Looking for a solid investment that offers a high rate of relatively passive income? Consider investing in St. Lucia vacation rentals from Janus. On the fence about whether vacation homes are right for you? Here are just a few facts to help you out:
- 24%- The percentage of total annual income that comes from vacation rentals for most owners.
- 1.4 trillion- the average annual spending on leisure travel by millennials alone.
- 80%- the percentage of US domestic travel that comprises leisure travel.
- 260 million- the number of guests who have stayed at Airbnb rental properties as of 2020.
Why Invest in St. Lucia Vacation Rentals?
With the online marketplace dominating the travel economy these days, travelers typically find themselves able to shop for the perfect vacation rental. While hotels and resorts still have their place in the travel industry, Airbnb and rental homes have quickly become the norm, as they offer many of the amenities of hotels and resorts with the privacy and quiet of home.
St. Lucia vacation rentals are typically exquisite, luxurious homes that can be rented for a price that rivals other accommodations, and as the vacation rental industry continues growing, the profit potential of investing in vacation rentals grows as well.
The income generating potential of a St. Lucia vacation home is vast. Unlike some parts of the world, where climate is only favorable to travel for a few months, St. Lucia offers year-round beauty. While there is still an off-season, there is always tourism to and from the island and always a market for beautiful vacation homes.
Better still, as the country becomes more and more of a travel hotspot, the value of your vacation home is likely to appreciate. Hands-off ownership is a great way to essentially make passive income that is virtually recession-proof, and where better to do that than a Caribbean paradise where leisure travel is on a rapid rise?
St. Lucia vacation rentals are typically exquisite, luxurious homes that can be rented for a price that rivals other accommodations, and as the vacation rental industry continues growing, the profit potential of investing in vacation rentals grows as well.
The income generating potential of a St. Lucia vacation home is vast. Unlike some parts of the world, where climate is only favorable to travel for a few months, St. Lucia offers year-round beauty. While there is still an off-season, there is always tourism to and from the island and always a market for beautiful vacation homes.
Better still, as the country becomes more and more of a travel hotspot, the value of your vacation home is likely to appreciate. Hands-off ownership is a great way to essentially make passive income that is virtually recession-proof, and where better to do that than a Caribbean paradise where leisure travel is on a rapid rise?
Why Invest in St. Lucia Tourism Real Estate?
With more and more people discovering the magic of St. Lucia and with new luxury properties and attractions constantly in the works, the island is quickly becoming a highly sought after vacation destination. Visitor spending is increasing rapidly, with these properties bringing in high-end clients looking for a boutique, exclusive vacation experience.
Investors seeking an opportunity to put their money in a platform that is clearly on the rise will find that St. Lucia’s tourism industry is an ideal market.
St. Lucia is a familiar face in the media and in the travel award world. Here are just a few of the island’s nods:
In the tourism sector, growth has been exponential. Sandals Resorts International has gone from one resort to three, then further expanding its St. Lucia footprint by adding more restaurants and amenities.
Windjammer Landing Beach Resort, one of the island’s hallmarks since 1989, has continued expanding, bringing in a spa, luxury villas (with 22 more villas to come) and more.
Expansion is not limited to these properties, with Body Holiday St. Lucia doing major refurbishment, Viceroy St. Lucia becoming Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, and Bay Gardens Resorts expanding from one property to three in recent decades.
It is important to note, however, that it is not just St. Lucia’s resorts that are on the rise. In addition to new attractions, such as the Hummingbird Beach Park, Airbnb and vacation rentals as a whole have seen exponential growth in St. Lucia since 2017. St. Lucia has gone from 62 active rentals to 223, with more luxury properties on the way. 80% of these properties have at least a 4.5 rating, and 60% of them are listed through Airbnb and market trackers show that demand for these properties, particularly entire homes and luxury properties, is growing ever higher.
St. Lucia’s Beauty
Historically known as the “Helen of the West Indies”, comparing the island to the most beautiful woman in all of Greek mythology, St. Lucia is an island steeped in natural beauty. This beauty is likely one of the reasons that the island changed hands between Great Britain and France an astonishing 14 times before being relinquished to Great Britain in 1814 and is certainly the reason that St. Lucia brings in travelers from all around the world who seek a perfect tropical paradise.
St. Lucia Location
Situated in the eastern part of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is close to not only major source markets, but other Caribbean destinations. The island boasts both strong cultural and economic ties to the UK, Latin America, mainland Europe, and North America, which creates a natural affinity for St. Lucia with people from these locales.
St. Lucia Amenities and Attractions
Investors will find a bevy of ways to leverage St. Lucia to enhance their offerings. Top-rated adventure and cultural tours, countless natural attractions such as the world’s only drive-in volcano, natural waterfalls, and the Pitons, and man-made attractions appeal to leisure, romantic, and family travelers alike. The island also plays host to the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and the ever-popular St. Lucia Jazz and Arts festival as well as year-round cultural happenings such as the Friday Night Gros Islet Street Party.
OECS Tourist Arrivals Regional Leader
St. Lucia remains at the top of the OECS as a tourism destination leader based on visitor arrival figures.
St. Lucia’s Infrastructure
Modern road networks and 2 sea ports help complement the natural aesthetics of St. Lucia, creating a solid infrastructure. This is further boosted by the island’s two airports- Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort and George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport in Castries. Castries is also home to two duty free shopping facilities, which can also be found in all of the island’s main tourist districts. Yachting facilities, including full service marinas in both Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay, also boost the island’s infrastructure.
Investors seeking an opportunity to put their money in a platform that is clearly on the rise will find that St. Lucia’s tourism industry is an ideal market.
St. Lucia is a familiar face in the media and in the travel award world. Here are just a few of the island’s nods:
- 11 times, including 2019- World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination- The World Travel Awards.
- More than 7 times, including 2020 Caribbean Leading Honeymoon Destination- The World Travel Awards.
- 2015 Best in Destination- Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice.
- 2016 Best Place to Visit in the Caribbean – US News and World Report .
- 2015 Most Adventurous Place to Honeymoon – The Knot.
- St. Lucia’s resorts also bring in countless awards, while Airbnb properties on the island are constantly ranked as the best in the Caribbean.
- St. Lucia was also the site of the final rose ceremony on hit ABC television show “The Bachelor” .
In the tourism sector, growth has been exponential. Sandals Resorts International has gone from one resort to three, then further expanding its St. Lucia footprint by adding more restaurants and amenities.
Windjammer Landing Beach Resort, one of the island’s hallmarks since 1989, has continued expanding, bringing in a spa, luxury villas (with 22 more villas to come) and more.
Expansion is not limited to these properties, with Body Holiday St. Lucia doing major refurbishment, Viceroy St. Lucia becoming Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, and Bay Gardens Resorts expanding from one property to three in recent decades.
It is important to note, however, that it is not just St. Lucia’s resorts that are on the rise. In addition to new attractions, such as the Hummingbird Beach Park, Airbnb and vacation rentals as a whole have seen exponential growth in St. Lucia since 2017. St. Lucia has gone from 62 active rentals to 223, with more luxury properties on the way. 80% of these properties have at least a 4.5 rating, and 60% of them are listed through Airbnb and market trackers show that demand for these properties, particularly entire homes and luxury properties, is growing ever higher.
St. Lucia’s Beauty
Historically known as the “Helen of the West Indies”, comparing the island to the most beautiful woman in all of Greek mythology, St. Lucia is an island steeped in natural beauty. This beauty is likely one of the reasons that the island changed hands between Great Britain and France an astonishing 14 times before being relinquished to Great Britain in 1814 and is certainly the reason that St. Lucia brings in travelers from all around the world who seek a perfect tropical paradise.
St. Lucia Location
Situated in the eastern part of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is close to not only major source markets, but other Caribbean destinations. The island boasts both strong cultural and economic ties to the UK, Latin America, mainland Europe, and North America, which creates a natural affinity for St. Lucia with people from these locales.
St. Lucia Amenities and Attractions
Investors will find a bevy of ways to leverage St. Lucia to enhance their offerings. Top-rated adventure and cultural tours, countless natural attractions such as the world’s only drive-in volcano, natural waterfalls, and the Pitons, and man-made attractions appeal to leisure, romantic, and family travelers alike. The island also plays host to the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and the ever-popular St. Lucia Jazz and Arts festival as well as year-round cultural happenings such as the Friday Night Gros Islet Street Party.
OECS Tourist Arrivals Regional Leader
St. Lucia remains at the top of the OECS as a tourism destination leader based on visitor arrival figures.
St. Lucia’s Infrastructure
Modern road networks and 2 sea ports help complement the natural aesthetics of St. Lucia, creating a solid infrastructure. This is further boosted by the island’s two airports- Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort and George F.L. Charles (SLU) Airport in Castries. Castries is also home to two duty free shopping facilities, which can also be found in all of the island’s main tourist districts. Yachting facilities, including full service marinas in both Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay, also boost the island’s infrastructure.
St. Lucia Tourism Investment Incentives
In order to foster the island’s tourism industry, the St. Lucia government provides a number of incentives to investors. These incentives include breaks on income taxes and customs duties for such properties as attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and other tourism related construction and services. Below are some of the available incentives-
St. Lucia Tourism Incentives Act
Tourism Stimulus and Investment Act (Until March 31, 2021)
It is also worth noting that St. Lucia does not have taxes on interest from bank deposits or dividend distributions and also does not have a capital gains tax
St. Lucia Tourism Incentives Act
- Exemption from import duties on building materials, furnishings, and equipment for tourism related construction.
- Exemption from corporate income taxes for up to fifteen years.
- 2 years tax-free distribution of profits on capital after the end of the tax holiday for Limited Liability Corporations.
Tourism Stimulus and Investment Act (Until March 31, 2021)
- Exemption from custom duties on fixtures and fittings.
- Exemption from duties on imports of energy saving equipment and alternative energy.
- Exemption from corporate income tax for a period of up to twenty-five years.
- Exemption for interest that is received during the development period.
- Building materials and local arts and crafts will have no Value Added Tax (VAT).
- No corporate taxes during the development phase.
- No property taxes or Alien Landholding License fees during the development phase.
- Stamp duties and vendor taxes are waived on the transfer or sale of immovable properties on initial transfer.
- Financial institutions receive a percentage tax credit based on the quantum of the investment.
It is also worth noting that St. Lucia does not have taxes on interest from bank deposits or dividend distributions and also does not have a capital gains tax
Why Invest in a Janus Brand St. Lucia Vacation Rental?
While there are many rental properties and potential properties in St. Lucia, the Janus brand is an established leader in St. Lucia travel. While most rental property owners are just that- rental property owners- Janus and his brand are nothing short of travel gurus.
In addition to some of the island’s most exquisite rental homes and villas already under his name (and designed/built/managed by him and his team as well), Janus operates one of the island’s top tour companies in Real St. Lucia Tours as well as private chef service, affordable taxi and rental car companies, airport transfer service, and more.
In short, when you invest in a Janus-owned property, you are investing in the optimal travel destination, as guests find everything they need for the perfect vacation within a single company.
In addition to some of the island’s most exquisite rental homes and villas already under his name (and designed/built/managed by him and his team as well), Janus operates one of the island’s top tour companies in Real St. Lucia Tours as well as private chef service, affordable taxi and rental car companies, airport transfer service, and more.
In short, when you invest in a Janus-owned property, you are investing in the optimal travel destination, as guests find everything they need for the perfect vacation within a single company.
Location, Location, Location
One of the most important things to consider when investing in a rental property is location. All of Janus’s vacation rentals are located in the heart of Soufriere, St. Lucia. This means views of the Caribbean and the iconic Piton Mountains, proximity to major attractions such as Sugar Beach and Sulphur Springs, and a central location between the island’s two airports. With beaches, volcanoes, and more within minutes, Soufriere is truly the ideal investment location in St. Lucia.
Turnkey Investing Managed by Janus
Investing in a Janus rental home means personal management and oversight by Janus himself. All of his properties have been personally designed and he oversees every aspect of construction, maintenance, and more. This hands-on approach gives you the peace of mind you need before making a large investment, and his personable and helpful nature, dedication to exceeding client expectations, understanding of travelers needs and desires, and commitment to offering the best vacation rentals in the Caribbean have helped garner thousands of positive reviews for his umbrella of companies.
Unlike companies that invest in existing, older properties and rent them out to vacationers, all of Janus’s Airbnb properties are new builds, meaning that common problems such as older electrical and plumbing or aged appliances and furniture are nonexistent. Instead, you are investing in a luxury home with a bevy of amenities and an owner-manager willing to do the work needed to keep the property at the top of the rental market.
Unlike companies that invest in existing, older properties and rent them out to vacationers, all of Janus’s Airbnb properties are new builds, meaning that common problems such as older electrical and plumbing or aged appliances and furniture are nonexistent. Instead, you are investing in a luxury home with a bevy of amenities and an owner-manager willing to do the work needed to keep the property at the top of the rental market.
A History of Success in the St. Lucia Vacation Rental Market
Of course, the best marker for success is history, and Janus is a proven entity in the St. Lucia travel world. In addition to his umbrella of related companies, Islander Escapes Villas by Janus have brought Janus tremendous success. Properties such as Sargas Villa, Saba Villa, Serrana Villa, Sapphire Apartments, and the upcoming Enclaves Villa Apartments have helped Janus make his way to the top of Airbnb as a Superhost as well as the top of the island’s overall travel industry.
How Do I Invest in St. Lucia Vacation Rentals?
If Janus’s properties seem like the right investment for you, you’ll want to get started with the investment process. Making a cash offer is always the easiest way to do this, once you have run the numbers and calculated your potential return on investment, but if cash is not an option, you will want to bring these figures to an investment specialist in order to obtain lending approval.
Whether you are paying in cash or financing will typically determine the total down payment, but once you know what you are able to offer, you will be able to negotiate a sale that will benefit everyone.
Whether you are paying in cash or financing will typically determine the total down payment, but once you know what you are able to offer, you will be able to negotiate a sale that will benefit everyone.
Contact Janus and Learn More About How a St. Lucia Vacation Rental May be Perfect for Your Portfolio
When you are ready to learn more about the specifics of St. Lucia vacation rentals by Janus, you are encouraged to contact him at 1 758 486 1561.
Janus or one of the team will be happy to answer your questions and help you see your potential return on investment as well as historical returns on existing properties so that you can determine if St. Lucia vacation rentals are the right investment for you.
Janus or one of the team will be happy to answer your questions and help you see your potential return on investment as well as historical returns on existing properties so that you can determine if St. Lucia vacation rentals are the right investment for you.
