Belize

Belize attracts more than 850,000 annual visitors eager to explore the mysteries of Maya sites, spot a toucan in the bird-watcher's paradise, snorkel the reef off Caye Caulker or the Northern Cayes, and otherwise partake of paradise. Tourism is the country’s top source of employment and investment.

With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Offshore, kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another, while snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, dolphins and turtles. Inland, explorers investigate ruins of ancient civilizations, and birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species. Between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves, more than 40% of the country’s area is protected in one form or another, creating a haven for countless creatures of land, sea and sky.

Real Estate Info

Real estate in Belize has increased in value at an impressive rate in the past five years. Investment by Canadians and Europeans, accompanied by potential upcoming direct flights from Europe, is likely to increase the area’s popularity further. Americans who cannot afford to retire in the U.S. are considering Belize as inflation rises at home, and investors may have an opportunity to jump on board before the Belize real estate market takes off.

Real estate values in Belize are on the rise. The value increases are averaging about 20 percent a year across the board. If you get into some beach lots, for instance, they’re going up about 25 percent minimum per year.

Foreign citizens receive the same property rights as Belizean citizens and there are no restrictions placed on foreign buyers. The system is based on British property law. Additionally, there are no capital gains taxes or inheritance taxes in Belize, according to Doyle.

All transactions and documents are conducted in English, the official language, which simplifies the negotiation process for American and other English-speaking investors. However, it is still recommended that investors seek the help of a reputable agent and/or attorney when dealing with transactions and contracts in a foreign country.

Northern Belize has traditionally been more popular with foreigners, but the southern part of the country offers more traditional beaches and lower prices. Ambergris Caye and the town of San Pedro are really quite popular and busy, [with] tourism bustling all the time. And it’s fine, but a lot of people are looking for what they imagine as a Caribbean property, which is tranquil and real quiet and aquamarine out front. That occurs in the southern part of the country. Dangriga Town, located at the mouth of Stann Creek along the coast, has “beautiful beaches” and lower prices than more popular regions in the north, he said. Placencia, located on a peninsula in southern Belize, is another area to consider, according to Cardenas and his associates.

In Central America, Costa Rica took the lead in selling real estate to foreigners about 10 years ago; people that bought then have enjoyed great appreciation and many benefits. If you missed that opportunity, you owe it to yourself to research the current opportunity that Belize is offering to foreigners; you can buy now and ride from the beginning the positive wave of real estate investment.