What A Year 2024 Turned Out To Be!

We welcomed and cared for 2,270 guests, with 3,911 nights of occupancy in our portfolio this year - more guests for more nights than ever before.  While we saw our typical slow-down of bookings during the low season,  we enjoyed the break to handle some exciting and major upgrades at many of our properties.  Based on average spending data from the USVI Bureau of Economic Research, this means - not including the cost of accommodations and hotel taxes collected - our guests enabled our company to bring an estimated $1.24 million into the local economy.   We want to thank all of you who stayed with us in 2024 for making a difference to the small business owners here on island.  

2025 is already shaping up to be busy, with an astonishing level of occupancy right out of the gate.  More people on island means more real estate buyers … 


So what about real estate?  How did the market hold up in 2024?  Well, not to sound like a broken record to those of you who have read this blog for years, but the market remains stable.  I review and analyze the data in a couple of ways, but if taking an honest look, the median sold price is the one that really matters to me.  The median sales price allows us to consider the true middle of the market without any giant home sales or sales of shacks or “plywood palaces” (as I like to call them) that sway the data.  Average price is still interesting and valuable data, but I cannot depend on the average to determine true, long-term appreciation.  

 

In 2024, the median price of a home on St. John rose 15% from the previous year to $1.5 million. This increase is pretty significant, and also put us at the highest median price on record for a home on St. John.  Going back to 2002, and including some of the slower or even down years, the total median price increase is still 173% or a 7.5% increase per year.   While this outpaces the national average and can not always be expected, This growth backs up my mantra about the stability of the St. John Real Estate Market - it is simply on a steady and healthy incline.  

 

The average home price increased as well last year to $1,969,342, the highest price in St. John’s history.   It surely invokes that old cliche that applies to planting trees and buying real estate:

If you bought the median priced home on St. John five years ago, your value would be up 102%!  I’m not suggesting this is a realistic expectation for every real estate transaction … but I am suggesting you should expect that if you buy a home on St. John today, that the value is dependably going to grow over time, which makes this on the safer end of the spectrum of investing.  

 

Giving Back

We would like to wrap up this summary of 2024 by thanking some of the non-profits that are making a big difference on island, and are really the backbone of this community.  We would also like to thank all of you who donate to our local charities.  We can’t do it without you, so THANK YOU!!!  Together, let’s continue to support, preserve, and protect this island, its culture, its people, its beauty, and its uniqueness with humility and grace. 

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Explore the Newest Villa Rentals on St John!!

We have been doing some very exciting work down on St. John, in the US Virgin Islands, expanding our portfolio of amazing vacation rentals and we have a couple you must check out!

Introducing the stunning DRIFTWOOD VILLA - Besides its luxury finishes, this brand new (finished in 2023!) St. John Villa is located in the prestigious Ditleff Point community. A gated luxury neighborhood with one of our favorite secret beaches, boasting some of the best snorkeling on St. John just a short walk down from the villa.

With dual bay views, a huge, heated vanishing-edge pool, three equal king master bedrooms and an awesome plush theater room that adds three bunks for kids, AC throughout, full back up power and did we mention the views from the kitchen?! This is likely to become one of the crown jewels of vacation rentals on St John.  See the full details here. 

Introductory rate for this summer is 20% off with the code “driftwood” when booking directly on stjohnhomesandvillas.com

The newly added STONE FALLS has a schedule that’s filling up fast despite being launched only a month ago.  The impeccable design and old world details of the interior of this home make it a truly, unique show piece. It’s the waterfall pool, comfy outdoor lounge, lively koi pond and the private 7-hole mini golf course that really sets this villa above the rest. 

A short, easy walk to the common beach parcel for access to paddle boarding, kayaking, relaxing and boating are the amenities that set this villa apart.  Three air conditioned bedrooms with interior access, a chefs kitchen, sonos system and end-of-the-road privacy.  What more could you wish for?  Check Out Stone Falls Here!

While not new, did you know we updated and remodeled several of our properties this off season.  We are so proud of the work we did on Cliffhanger, Tropical Manor, Paraiso Azul and 2B Peter Bay.  They are truly transformed and guests are LOVING IT. 

All of our properties are 10% off for the month of May with the code “MAYSTAY” when booking on our website.

As always, we are ready to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime or a lifetime of vacation.  Contact us today to book your next St John villa rental or talk to us about Real Estate on St John.  See our featured listings for sale here

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Do You Know Why Renting a Villa is Better Than Renting a Hotel?

When you're traveling with your family, a group of friends, or even you and a loved one, having a place to stay that gives you privacy and independence is essential.  Choosing the right accommodations can be daunting with hotels and hundreds of vacation rentals to sort through.  We have taken all of the guess work out of booking our vacation rentals on St John to make that decision even easier.

Staying at a villa in St. John allows you to enjoy the best aspects of being on vacation while staying in the comfort of your own private, luxurious home. Whereas staying in a hotel in St. John doesn’t allow you the same amenities and experiences.

Privacy

One of the biggest benefits of renting a villa is that you get to enjoy the privacy and space of your own villa, pool and patio. Unlike hotels in St. John or any of the Virgin Islands, which have communal pools and close neighbors, villa guests can enjoy time with their family in peace without having to worry about other guests and all of the variables that come with them.

In addition to privacy from strangers, our homes also offer privacy from your own group with most houses offering private bedrooms with en-suite baths. 

Price

If you have family or friends, especially kids with you, the amount of space needed increases even more. Depending on each person and how much room they need could significantly increase your need for a villa rental.

Some of our villas can accommodate up to 12 people in one house! Even a quick glance at mid-rate hotels in the Virgin Islands will show you that 5 or 6 hotel rooms will substantially exceed the nightly rate of some of our most luxurious villas. 

Views and Location

Location can play another key part in choosing a villa over a hotel or resort in St. Thomas or St. John.  Our properties offer some of the most amazing views in the Virgin Islands and many are closer to the true attractions on St John, the white sand beaches of the Virgin Islands National Park.  A hotel may get you into a resort setting, but few if any hotels here have views anything like those from our villas. 

Whenever you need something day or night, a villa management company like our company, Unique Island Assets, will make sure someone is available for your request, and you will always talk to someone directly.

Easy Booking and Premium Service

Did you know you can, check availability and rates and book your stay with us right here on the website?  We have incorporated online booking to make booking as easy as booking any hotel.  Beyond that, when booking with us, you are not dealing with a multi-national corporation, but can call and ask questions directly to the people who provide the guest and home services on site.  This personal service extends to our concierge as well who’s services are included in every stay with us. 

Overall, villas have more variety and uniqueness offering a far richer and more memorable travel experience. The vacation rental business has been going on for over 40 years here, much longer than VRBO or AIRBNB have considered existing.  We take those decades of experience to give you the high end luxury feel of travel, no matter which property you book.   You’re able to customize your trip to your exact wants and needs without compromise. Villas can lead to more fun and unique memories than St. John resorts and hotels can. So, when discussing what the best decision is to book for your next vacation, reach out and let us help you plan the vacation of a lifetime. 

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2022 Real Estate Year in Review

The market remains healthy after a busy year in 2022.

With 2021 flexing as the biggest year in real estate on St John, we wondered how 2022 might do.  Turns out, the market remains healthy and 2022 carried on the steady stable trend we have seen for decades on St John.   While 2021 was likely an anomaly year seeing 117 closings at a higher average price, 2022 turned out to be the 2nd highest on record.  Seventy-nine homes sold on St John in 2022 with an average price of $1.55 Million.  If any of you have had a chance to talk with me about the St John real estate market, one thing I have consistently advised on is that the factors here produce a dependably steady and stable market.  We are not subject to huge upswings or down turns like the volatility you see in many markets in the United States.  If you look at the trend curves they are nearly straight lines.

This stability is due to, but not limited to, a couple of unique things on St. John:

1.     The Virgin Islands National Park being the biggest land holder and therefore protecting the natural beauty of the island from over development.

2.     The fact that our market is not under any pressure for people who HAVE to buy or HAVE to sell.

3.     The undeniably strong demand for travel to St John as one of the top tropical destinations in the world year after year.  We were surprised to find that 2022 was somehow able to beat out 2021 in short term rental income, but it did so handily with our owners enjoying the extra income while still coming to visit their lovely homes during prime weeks.

 

In investing, what you want is steady slow growth.  Of course, it’s lovely to hit the jackpot and cash in on quick gains, but long term is the best way to look at real estate investing and the long look on St John is predictably bright (and sunny).

We discussed homes above, but the land market did not care about 2021’s banner year and just went ahead and beat it.  I expect to see a lot of new gorgeous homes built in the next 24 months.  Check out this amazing lot we have listed with views over the dramatic Reef Bay Valley and to the North over Maho Bay!

We have a few select weeks left for winter and summer 2023 and next winter 2024 are filling up fast.

Check out our diverse inventory of stunning vacation rentals on St John and book your next stay with us easily online with just a few clicks.

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Have You Considered a Destination Micro-Wedding on St. John?

Villa Paraiso Azul in St. John

What Is A Destination Micro-Wedding

A destination micro-wedding in St. John, USVI is your essential wedding ceremony and/or celebration taking place at a special location or the villa itself you have rented, but on a much smaller scale then normally seen in your traditional wedding. Micro-weddings are made up of a small number of guests, so it’s less stressful to plan and provides you with a more controlled budget. A destination micro-wedding also provides the means to add even more personalization to your big day.

So, if you want a private St. John destination wedding but not all the hassle that can come a long with it, a micro-destination wedding is probably perfect for you. Many couples describe St. John as an intimate and romantic island and dream of exchanging their vows here. While some come to the adoring island to renew what they have already promised each other. A few of our villas can accompany up to 60 people, and others just allow you to enjoy the intimacy of exchanging vows in the presence of your closest family and friends with gorgeous backdrops and scenery for the most memorable moments.

What a Destination Micro-Wedding Looks Like

 

Our company, Unique Island Assets, manages 15+ villas located all over St. John. Feel free to reach out to us and let us assist you in planning your destination micro-wedding on our beautiful island. We insist on making it our job to help you execute a stress-free wedding day.

We recommend planning to arrive a couple days before your event so you can. spend a few days relaxing and having fun, but also have the opportunity to organize a pre-ceremony rehearsal dinner or get together with no rush.

On the day of the event, you should always plan to start early, because things almost never go minute for minute when you’re on “island time.” Starting somewhere around 9 a.m. with a planned brunch is the perfect way to begin your big day. We provide plenty of options for places to make reservations, private caterers and chefs, or provisioning services for a DIY approach.

We have multiple creative companies and designers that can create the most gorgeous brunch spread you’ve ever seen. Then all that’s left is you relaxing while the wedding spot for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception are all taken care of and set up. All a bride and bridal party need to worry about is getting ready and making incredible memories.

By 4:00 p.m., the wedding party should plan to be ready, and by 6 p.m. is when all your guests should plan to arrive. The magical moment everyone strives for is sunset, and as it can set quicker some days and weather can be unpredictable, a cocktail hour is suggested to help cushion your ever-changing timeline. This allows for extra time planned so that your guests can find your surely unfamiliar location and get settled in.

With the breathtaking Caribbean turquoise waters as a backdrop, cocktail hour is perfect for some daytime pictures before your ceremony as your friends and family are distracted with appetizers and drinks. Once ready the wedding party can move to location or into position at the villa for the ceremony.

After the newly Mr. and Mrs. say their “I do’s,” it’s time to celebrate at your reception!

Destination Micro Wedding Memories to be Made

 

Although micro destination weddings are small, there are so many opportunities to create unforgettable memories. What’s more, you would have these memorable moments with the most important people in your life.

 

Let Unique Island Assets plan your big day in the Virgin Islands. We will take the stress of preparation and organization off your hands and ensure that your wedding vision is made a reality.

 

We have multiple villas that are perfect for different ranges of guest. One of our most popular villas can accommodate up to 60 people, and it's just waiting for your event!

 

We specialize in managing perfect days, so we've got everything you need to book through our company and would love to go over what packages we offer during a free consultation with one of our Experience Designers. We have many recommendations for the best ways to make your micro-wedding even more special.

 

Additional tips:

-Make sure you're clear on what kind of event space you need before booking.

-Planning is key! Don't wait until the last minute to get started on decorations or picking out food and music—the more time you give yourself, the better everything will come together.

-Don't forget about the details! It's easy to get caught up in all the big picture stuff when planning an event like this (and there's so much!), but don't forget that smaller touches like table linens or flowers can make all the difference in making sure your guests feel welcome and comfortable on your special day.

 

As a Property Management Team, we work hands on with each and every one of our clients, checking in daily with any needs that may be had. If you’re looking for a Property Management Team or Villa Rental Company who are on call 24/7, with over 20 years of experience, extensive 5-star reviews, are a single source vendor for every one of your needs, that is also properly licensed – then CONTACT US and let’s talk about your goals.

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