By Kareem Rombley | Lerone Enterprises N.V.
Affordable housing in Sint Maarten is more than a buzzword—it’s a real concern for working families, young professionals, and retirees trying to secure their future. But one major roadblock keeps showing up: the lack of a proper mortgage guarantee fund.
In Curaçao, banks have the confidence to finance up to the full market value of a home because they’re backed by a functioning guarantee fund. That safety net helps buyers get in the door with less upfront cash. But here in Sint Maarten, lenders like Vidanova Bank are cautious. They’ll only finance up to the auction value, which is often 20–30% below the actual purchase price. That leaves buyers having to come up with a big down payment—money most people simply don’t have lying around.
What does that mean for us? It means many good, hardworking people are locked out of homeownership. Even the most modest homes start around $200,000, and without a guarantee system, banks won’t take the risk—and buyers can’t bridge the gap.
What’s the holdup? Reports like the World Bank’s Rapid Housing Sector Assessment have already flagged this issue. But so far, we haven’t seen any real movement from our leaders to set up a mortgage guarantee fund that fits our local reality.
What could help? A locally managed fund—supported by government and private partners—could open doors for first-time buyers, boost construction, and bring stability to the housing market. It’s not just about finance—it’s about fairness, legacy, and giving people a chance to build something of their own.
As someone who works with families every day—helping them navigate property, paperwork, and possibilities—I see the need firsthand. We can’t keep treating affordable housing like a luxury.
As a real estate professional, I’m calling on our elected officials to find practical ways to set up these facilities—so that every resident has a fair shot at homeownership and legacy.
