Living by the Sea in the Tropics
Popular Coastal Resorts and Villages
From the beaches of Guadeloupe to the lagoons of Tahiti, life by the sea often dreams. Coastal areas are highly sought after by:
- retirees, for the mild climate
- families, attracted by an active outdoor life
- investors, drawn by the year-round tourist clientele
Among the key locations: Saint-François and Sainte-Anne in Guadeloupe, Trois-Îlets in Martinique, Saint-Gilles in La Réunion, or the famous bay of Nouméa in New Caledonia.
For example, the market for real estate in Saint-François in Guadeloupe currently shows an average of €506,000 for an area of 154 m², according to Green Acres.
On the side of real estate in Sainte-Anne in Guadeloupe, you can expect an average of €309,000 for 81 m², an appreciated alternative to access the sea at a lower cost.
Marine Living Environment and Tourist Appeal
The seaside attracts due to:
- a preserved natural environment and breathtaking landscapes 🐠
- a varied offer of water activities (diving, surfing, sailing…)
- the economic dynamic driven by tourism
In Trois-Îlets, for example, real estate registers an average of €504,000 for 152 m². However, these markets are competitive and prices are high, especially for properties offering a sea view.
Living in the Countryside of the Islands
Rural Municipalities: Authenticity and Calm
Choosing the countryside means opting for a peaceful way of life, close to local traditions:
- typical villages in Basse-Terre, the heights of La Réunion, or central Martinique
- proximity to nature: rivers, forests, plantations
- warm communities and local support
Far from tourist hustle, the atmosphere is often more authentic and conducive to integration.
Cheaper Real Estate than by the Sea
The price gap between coastal and inland is notable. In the DOM-TOM:
- rural municipalities often show prices 20 to 40% lower than those on the coast
- you can find large plots, sometimes with mountain or countryside views
In Guadeloupe, the average price of real estate transactions is €201,000 for 78 m² according to notarial figures for 2024, with 10% of secondary residences.
In Martinique, the average is €191,000 for 77 m², with 16% of secondary residences. In La Réunion, the market shows €204,000 on average, for 74 m² and a rate of 8% of secondary residences.
Tips for Buying in the DOM-TOM
Main or Secondary Residence: Define Your Project
Before you start, clarify your desires:
- would you like to live year-round? Prioritize proximity to amenities (healthcare, schools, shops)
- holiday home? Accessibility and seasonal rental potential are assets
Also, anticipate the differences in climate and lifestyles between the territories (Guyana, Pacific islands, Caribbean…).
Study Local Prices and Market Trends Before Investing
Gather information on:
- prices per m², neighborhood by neighborhood
- recent market trends: stability, revaluation, development projects
- tax specifics (Pinel Outre-mer, tax exemption)
In 2024, there is a slight decrease of 1% in real estate prices both in Guadeloupe and Martinique, while prices in La Réunion have remained stable.
In La Réunion, the share of secondary residences is 8%, indicating the dynamic nature of the holiday home market.
For higher-end properties in the secondary market, real estate in Saint-Gilles in La Réunion reaches around €504,000 for 152 m².
For the international clientele, Green Acres indicates that foreign buyers are especially active in Guadeloupe (notably Canadians), although their share remains modest.
Don’t hesitate to surround yourself with a real estate coach specialized in the DOM-TOM, to benefit from tailored support and avoid pitfalls specific to each island 🌴
