Real Estate in Belize

"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," said one person in Belize City.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Belize is to start by researching online, such as through real estate websites or online listings. You can also look into local newspapers or social media pages to find listings. Additionally, it is recommended to visit the area, in person, to get a better sense of the local real estate market and to explore possible options. Once you have narrowed down your search, it is highly recommended to contact the local landlords, estate agents, and rental companies directly to find the most suitable place to live," remarked one foreigner who made the move to 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," said one expat 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," remarked one member in San Pedro.

"My husband and I live in Carmelita Gardens (moved here in October 2020 and rented while we were having our home built). We have a 1BR/1BA house of 832 sq ft including our screened-in front porch and back terrace. Our home was built from Covintech which is a concrete-covered styrofoam-mesh material. We have a 6500 gal cistern, solar panels etc," explained one expat living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

"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," said one expat in 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," remarked one member in Corozal.

"Purchased a home in an auction. It was very easy. We purchased before we were even residents of Belize. To do that we needed a us dollar bank acct here, it was easy to do," said one expat in Belize City.

"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 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," explained one expat living in Hopkins Village, Belize.

"I strongly recommend handling any land purchases through a Belizean law firm, to make sure the property title is free & clear, that the owner is up to date on taxes, etc. The cost of an attorney’s services is well worth the peace of mind! I made an $120k mistake by skipping this crucial step! Also, make sure the property has easy access/egress, and basic infrastructure (electricity, water, drainage.) Ask people in the area what it’s like during various seasons (dry/rainy.) Ask them where they shop for various items and where they go if they need a doctor or dentist. Based on what type vehicle you own, the distance to stores, etc. can be critical. There are tons of gorgeous properties available in Belize. Good luck," 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.

"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 person in 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," 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.

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

"In Belize, most rentals come furnished since it would not be expedient for a renter to purchase furniture, large appliances, and kitchen items.," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Hopkins.

"In Belize, most rental properties generally come equipped with basic appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, and washer and dryer. Additionally, many homes may also include air conditioning, ceiling fans, and even a hot water heater. Other amenities like dishwashers and extra ovens are sometimes available in higher-end properties," explained one person 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," said one expat in Belize.

" 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.