According to International Living Magazine the English-speaking country of Belize has a lot going for it. For a tiny country, it packs a big wallop when it comes to charm and scenery. For the would-be expat (especially if you’re looking for real value) there are many areas deserving of your attention. Places where you can live the laidback, Caribbean lifestyle of your dreams.
From the many cayes to the Cayo district, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to live in Belize. There is first class Caribbean beach desired by so many, there are beautiful rivers and lagoons, rolling hills, steamy jungle, ancient cities of Maya, abundant wildlife and flora, you’ll find all these here. The cost of living can vary, depending on which area you decide on. Choosing where to start over in a foreign land can be difficult, but this is where we can help. From its sunny beaches to its lush jungles, Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty. From arid savannahs, mongroves and lagoons of Corozal to hidden "lost world-esqe" pristine rainforests and reefs of Toledo; from Turquoise Caribbean cost to jade rivers, steamy jungle, mystic mountains and majestic ancient Maya cities of Cayo - Belize is a popular tourist destination and cost of living is still fairly low. For the more adventurous traveler, activities can include a trek into the jungle in search of Maya ruins, spotting parrots, toucans, and maybe even a jaguar along the way. It’s true that Belize is no longer the most affordable place to buy property, but this country has other benefits: English speaking, economic stability, a stress-free lifestyle, and a cost of living that is good value when compared with the U.S. (or even Island countries of the Caribbean). It is still undeveloped and sparsely populated and there is a lot to choose from: the Beaches - Inland or Cayes, the Jungle, the River Bank, the Lagoon, deep in the Rainforest or in the Pine Ridge or Maya Mountains!
People are interested in buying real estate in Belize for different reasons.
However the most common ones are:
Retirees moving to Belize are looking for a home to buy or build
Investors looking for some capital gains taking advantage of inexpensive land and properties available in the country (regardless whether they want to obtain Belizean Residency or continue living abroad)
Foreigners (primarily North Americans) are looking to buy a vacation property to come here during colder season back home and "unwind" in a comfort of their own house, which can earn rental income for them during the rest of the year
If you are one of those persons or you have completely different motivation it is definitely a good idea for you to invest in a property in Belize. Real estate here is affordable and easily acquired by non-residents. Belize is part of the British Commonwealth and unlike its Central American neighbours is one of the few the countries in the world where foreigners enjoy the same rights as citizens with regards to property ownership in land ownership and tenure. All land purchases are subject to a Government Stamp Transfer Tax, which currently is a 5% to 8% of the purchase price.
If you are interested in buying a home or land in Belize as an investment opportunity, an important incentive would be the absence of any capital gains tax in Belize. The same applies to selling this property later for a profit, your profits will not be taxed. Keep it in mind when you buy a home in Belize as a retiree and then for some reason you change your mind.
