Real Estate in Belize

"Originally San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, but after 4 years it got over populated and prices went way up. Moved to the mainland Northern Belize were there is less rain and humidity and 15 minutes from Chetumal where you can get low cost everything," said one expat who made the move to Corozal.

"1 bedroom apt. Washer/Dryer, Internet. A couple of steps away from the beach. Living on an island [Ambergris Caye], you are NEVER to far from the beach. Yes, several expats live in the suburb type area," said one person in San Pedro.

"Expat homes and apartments in Belize typically feature soaring ceilings, balconies, bright and airy living spaces, and independent access to the outdoors. Many expat homes and apartments are brightly colored, often in the local Belizean style, with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and a mixture of traditional and modern Caribbean-style furnishings. Typically, distance to the beach or any other amenities will have to be taken into account when searching for an expat apartment or home in Belize," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Belize.

"Housing cost is about 50% less if you are a owner builder. Avg for land and house is $80k US and the ROI after three years is about triple that," said one person in Corozal.

"MUCH LOWER! Property taxes are around 30 dollars a year!!! Car insurance is less than 150 a year! WOW!," said one expat who made the move to Belize City.

"We purchased a lot along the sea and had a local builder construct a home for us. It was all done primarily through email correspondence and money transfers. He sent us regular pictures and reports to keep us informed," said one expat in Hopkins Village.

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Belize is ultimately a personal choice that depends on many factors. If you plan to stay for a long period of time, buying a home can be a great investment as you will own a valuable piece of property you can use as a vacation home. Additionally, owning a home in Belize may offer certain tax benefits that renting does not. On the other hand, if your stay in Belize is more transient, it may be more cost-effective and practical to rent so that you are not tied down to one location in the long-term. Ultimately, researching the market in Belize can help you to make an informed decision that best suits your needs," remarked one member in Belize.

"Also be aware when buying a home, realtors can work for the buyer and seller so I don’t see in this case how they would chose which one to work for in their best interests. Also sellers are not legally obliged to tell you of any issues with the home so do a proper inspection before buying. Only the newer houses are built to American standards but of course they will cost more," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Corozal.

"When buying property in Belize, it is important to research the market thoroughly before making a purchase. It is important to ensure that you are working with a reputable real estate agent and lawyer to guide you through the property purchase process. Additionally, Belize real estate is sold on a 'fee simple ownership' basis and foreign buyers are required to obtain an 'Alien Landholding License' to purchase property. It is also important to note that some areas of Belize are only available to a limited number of applicants due to restrictions on foreign ownership. As such, prospective buyers may encounter a lengthy application process. Lastly, it is vital to be aware that some areas may have restrictions on the types of development allowed on the property," explained one person living in Belize.

"Get a long term rental so you have plenty of time to check out properties, locations, and prices. It's helpful to talk to other foreigners who have moved also," said one expat in Sittee River.

"No, I don't believe so. Belize is a welcoming country...at least where we live anyway," said one foreigner living in Sittee River, Belize.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Belize. The government of Belize has established a legal framework that allows foreign nationals to purchase and own real estate in the country. Foreigners can purchase property in their own name, or through a Belizean corporation. The process of purchasing property in Belize is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a relatively short period of time," explained one expat living in Belize.

"In Belize, most rentals come furnished since it would not be expedient for a renter to purchase furniture, large appliances, and kitchen items.," said one in Hopkins.

"Typically the kitchen is fully setup, the appliances are included, washer and dryer are included," explained one expat in San Pedro.

" Keep in mind that there is no comprehensive “MLS” system in Belize. So when searching for properties, you have to contact all the local real estate offices to see what properties they have listed. Make a list of all the real estate offices and any of the properties you are interested in that are listed through each office. Then contact a realtor from each office to give you the info on the listings you like. In the end, I used one realtor to represent me, but I had to do all the digging within each office’s listings to find the properties I wanted to make offers on. Don’t expect one realtor to expose you to any and all available properties that meet your needs. It just doesn’t happen. Someday soon I hope Belize gets their sh*t together and starts to use a full MLS system where the buyer can view ALL available properties online," said one foreigner living in Belize.

"Expats can search for homes in Belize by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who have already settled in Belize. Additionally, expats can look for rental listings in newspapers, online forums, and social media groups," explained one expat living in Belize.