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Gradual move?

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LiebersDad
  9/28/2019 12:04 EST

Hello all,
My wife and I are planning to gradually move to Belize meaning we intend to buy a condo or home for frequent vacations while we determine our best permanent location in Belize (Placencia, Hopkins, Etc). I've done a great deal of internet research including researching QRP, but some information is contradictory and some is flat out non-existent.
The plan is to rent our property to vacationers when we are not using it, however I haven't come across the legalities of doing this.
Once we move permanently we'll likely build or buy another place, but will still want to lease the original place out or continue to short term rent it to vacationers.
Any advice on this plan of action is greatly appreciated as is location to permanently move. We want to get away from the hustle/bustle of life in the US so we'd ultimately like to move to a lightly populated area.

belizelenny
  9/28/2019 15:05 EST

No work or rental property on QRP.

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toddwinston
  9/28/2019 15:23 EST

..we've done the same. We bought a house in Corozal and rent it out.
We found that it is easy to rent, and end up now staying in a bed and breakfast when we visit rather than keep a unit empty most the year for our visit.

bobbyveee
  9/28/2019 17:17 EST

We used to rent out our beach bungalow on long term thats 6months plus , did it thro a great agency on AC all the rental payments went thru USA banks ans as a long term renter we didnt have to register , so no local taxes , and so much better with long term than two week groups who would tear your place up . Best way to go INMO . Never had any problems.

LiebersDad
  9/29/2019 09:31 EST

Thanks, y'all. If, as belizelenny posted, we can't utilize QRP and have rental property simultaneously how would we proceed? We wouldn't be citizens right away, obviously. Would a tourist card work? Do any of you live in the Hopkins/Dangriga area and would be willing to meet up over lunch or a beer while we're there to chat?

Melissajane
  9/29/2019 21:11 EST

If you are in Placencia, drop me a line and I can help. There are all sorts of regulations and ins and outs. Have a look at Airbnb or vrbo for the area you are looking at to see the competition you will have., and the prices they are charging, to decide whether it is worth your while. There are a lot of people with the same idea as you.

Melissa
Placencia Property Rentals
www.placenciapropertyrentals.com

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LiebersDad
  9/30/2019 08:32 EST

Thank you Melissa! We'll give you a holler.

phantone
  10/1/2019 11:57 EST

You could do what I did. Go there and when your tourist visa expires go to immigration and tell them you want an extension. First one is generally a gimme. When that one expires, go back to immigration and tell them you want to stay longer and if they ask why, tell them you are looking at properties to purchase. This is probably good for your fourth month. By then you should not only, know approximately what part of the country or what town you like best and can focus your property search to that town or part of the country. Then rent a place. Each time your visa comes up get a letter from your landlord explaining the hardship the landlord will suffer if they kick her tenant out of the country. This worked for me for three years. May work for you too. P.S. I did actually end up buying property there . . . Still have them too. P.S.S. there are other ways to legally extend your stay. And there are no prohibitions of owning real estate and renting it out if you are not on the QRP. Whether you can or not on the QRP can be found out on the GOB website.

LiebersDad
  10/8/2019 09:18 EST

Thank you Phantone. That is good information.

bradinbelize
  10/26/2019 10:00 EST

Send me a PM and I can give you some real advice and/or help you. Have lived in Hopkins, now in San Pedro, Owned rentals, own a business here. Have helped half a dozen people do exactly what you are looking to do.

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