Foreigners can buy freehold property; those purchasing outside approved developments generally require an Alien Land Holding Licence. Government-approved real estate that qualifies for citizenship is exempt from that licence and must usually be held for a set minimum period before resale. Title is registered in the buyer's name.
Before you buy in Saint Kitts and Nevis, always:
General guidance only — rules change; confirm the current position with a qualified local lawyer.
Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how foreign ownership works step by step — the questions to ask and the traps to sidestep.
Non-citizens normally need an Alien Landholding Licence costing about 10% of the price (waived if buying via the citizenship-by-investment route), plus stamp duty that varies by location and legal fees of roughly 1-3%. The licence approval adds a few months, so allow time.
Frigate Bay and the South East Peninsula for beaches and resort living, Basseterre for amenities and services, and quieter Nevis around Charlestown for a gentler, characterful pace.
Public care at JN France Hospital (St Kitts) and Alexandra Hospital (Nevis) covers the basics, but serious cases are usually flown to a larger island or the US, so a private or international policy is essential. Cover is reasonable by regional standards, though budget realistically at older ages, perhaps from £100-200 a month. Relaxed and generally safe, with English as the native language and driving on the left, so daily life is straightforward for a British retiree.
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