Blog > Buying property in Belize
How to buy a property in Belize?
Why Belize?
- Belize is located in front of the majestic Caribbean Sea
- It is in close proximity of the USA and Canada
- It borders the country of Mexico and Guatemala
- It's an English speaking country
- The population is low
- Tropical weather all year long
- Tropical forests, majestic mountains, the largest living barrier reef in the world and the Mayan temples.
Belize is home to thousands of species of exotic birds and wildlife. A true paradise and great investment in the real estate market. Buying property in Belize is easy since both locals and foreigners have property rights which means that you have ownership rights to the land.
Reasons to Invest in Land in Belize:
- More land isn't being made.
- Land is in short supply.
- Land is an Asset and not a Liability
- Owning a piece of land gives a piece of mind
Belize is home sweet home if you're looking for a place to retire, invest, have farmland or to simply relax and breathe the fresh Caribbean air.
The Search: Have an agent help you!
Land is accessible for both locals and foreigners at a very reasonable price. The Belize real estate market is booming and yes you need a real estate agent that will guide you through the search and closing process. A real estate agent is familiar with the local market and will be able to find exactly what you need and help you find that perfect home. RE/MAX Dorado has agents that are continuously learning, training and developing in the real estate market. Let your agent guide you to your dream home.
Choosing a property: Do your Due diligence
Due diligence means investigating facts about the physical condition and financial status of a property. Have your local agent assist you in this and is accessible for both locals and foreigners at a very reasonable price. Belize has it all, farmland, residential, beach front, industrial and even vacant lot.
The Cost of Buying Land in Belize
Purchasing a piece of land in Belize is incredibly affordable and significantly less than one would pay in the United States. As well, the currency exchange rate in the Belizean market is BZ$2.00 FOR U.S. 1.00 dollar. US dollars are also gladly accepted throughout the country which means that you can use your US dollars to buy. Now when buying real estate in Belize, you will encounter these fees:
- The Closing Cost - $1,000.00 USD or 1% of the purchase price (whichever is greater)
- The Title Search Fee: $150.00 - $300.00 USD
- Application for Central Bank Approval: $150.00 USD
- Courier Fee: $175.00 USD
- Filing & Recording Fee: $15 USD
- The Stamp Duties: 5% of the purchasing price (for Belizeans purchasing)
8% of the purchasing price (for Foreigners purchasing)
The Cost of Building a Home in Belize
Building your home in Belize under the right budget is possible with the right architect. Your local agent can assist you with getting the right contractor to assist with the approval of the building. Take note that by law only registered architects and engineers in Belize are allowed to submit plans to the Central Building Authority for approval. Construction costs vary depending on the terrain, the building site and material needed. Building inland is more affordable than building on the islands due to the extra costs of the transportation of the needed materials.
The Closing Process
When a sale has been closed this means that the property is free and clear to be transferred and the Purchaser has submitted their payment to the Escrow Agent, the Vendor has surrendered his/her original title and the transfer documents have been signed and submitted to the closing company. The closing company will do all the work. They will have full authority for you to have your Title at hand within 8 months or less.
- A Title Free and Clear is how your legally own rights to the property; the ownership of the property is put under your name.
- The Title Property can also be put under the name of a corporation (IBC), LLC, or Belize Trust.
Belize is a great jurisdiction for asset protection, corporate structure and real estate market. Belize is also an ideal destination to retire under the Qualified Retired Program. Buying real estate in Belize is attractive for foreigners as national with the same legal rights when compared to other countries.