Real Estate in Belize

How do I find a place to live in Belize?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"I choose the San Ignacio area as it has the best local downtown, expats and locals mix well together, the folks are so friendly and the Expats are like my other family ! I found my home, thru Rainforest Realty www.rainforestrealty.com," remarked one member in Belize City.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Belize?

"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," explained one person living in Belize.

"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 expat in San Pedro.

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What is the average cost of housing in Belize?

If you are thinking about moving to Belize, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Belize varies depending on the location, size and condition of the home. The average cost for a small, one-bedroom house or apartment in a city can range from $550 to $800 per month. A mid-size home may cost between $800-$1500, while luxury homes and large estates on the beachfront may cost upwards of $3000 or more," explained one person living in Belize.

"Lower. Average cost with some amenities is $400 US, I also have heard that for that price or a little more you can rent a whole house instead," said one expat in San Pedro.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Belize?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Belize, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"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.

"We purchased a seaside lot at Sittee Point and had a home built through a local builder. Rolando Gonzalez kept us informed regularly with emails and pictures, so we never felt isolated from the process," explained one expat living in Hopkins Village, Belize.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Belize?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Belize, they said:

"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," said one foreigner 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," explained one expat living in Sittee River, Belize.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in Belize?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Belize, they said...

"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," wrote one expat who made the move to Belize.

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

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Belize what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

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

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Belize:

We asked foreigners in Belize what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

" 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," explained one expat 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 person living in Belize.

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