Gumbs targets 1,200 new homes over 10 years as Housing Policy is finalized

GREAT BAY--The Government of St. Maarten has set a target of constructing at least 1,200 new dwellings over the next 10 years under the newly completed Housing Policy 2025–2035. The policy, finalized by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), outlines concrete construction goals and measures to improve access to adequate housing for residents.

The 1,200 new dwellings are structured as follows:

• 400 social housing units (minimum 40 annually), with at least 50 percent designated for elderly or vulnerable populations
• 500 affordable housing units (minimum 50 annually), accessible to those earning median income
• 300 free market units (maximum 30 annually)

At least 70 percent of new construction will focus on densification through property division, multi floor buildings, transformation of existing structures, and improved use of the current housing stock.

The completion of the comprehensive Housing Policy 2025–2035 marks a key step in addressing St. Maarten’s housing challenges. Developed over 2024–2025 with support from the National Recovery Program Bureau, the policy sets a clear vision: “Adequate housing for all Sint Maarteners in all stages of their lives.” The final draft was delivered to the Ministry on Friday, December 5, 2025.

The policy responds to several pressing housing market issues, including:

• Growing demand driven by population growth and short term rental investments
• High housing costs relative to average incomes
• Limited available land for development
• The need for social and affordable housing options

“This Housing Policy represents a realistic and feasible roadmap for transforming our housing market,” stated the Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs. “It acknowledges both our challenges and opportunities and provides concrete actions to ensure every Sint Maartener has access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.”

The announcement follows the Government’s purchase of the totality of Belvedere Remainder, comprising 288,402 square meters, which is expected to play a role in meeting future housing needs.

The Minister will formally submit the Housing Policy to Parliament and will request a meeting in the first quarter of 2026 to present a comprehensive implementation agenda for both the policy and the Mortgage Guarantee Fund.

“A healthy housing market cannot be achieved by the government alone,” emphasized Minister Gumbs. “Success requires collaboration among all stakeholders: residents, developers, financial institutions, other ministries, and our community partners. VROMI will serve as the linking pin, bringing parties together to achieve our shared goals.”

The policy calls for an inter ministerial working group that includes representatives from VSA (Public Health, Social Development and Labor), TEATT (Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication), Finance and other relevant ministries.

The Housing Policy is intended as more than a technical document. It is framed as a commitment to every resident’s right to adequate housing. By combining realistic construction targets, innovative financing mechanisms such as the Mortgage Guarantee Fund, clear regulatory frameworks, and structured collaboration with stakeholders, St. Maarten is positioning itself to reshape its housing market over the next decade.

“Every additional adequate home brings us closer to our goal,” concluded the Minister. “With this policy and the reactivation of the Mortgage Guarantee Fund, we are not just planning, we are building St. Maarten’s future.”

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