Residential real estate solutions today in Belize from RE/MAX: The Location & Climate: There are many reasons people are drawn to Belize, but most of all they are drawn to the tropical climate and the vibrant culture. Belize is also very accessible from the US & Canada. There are a variety of real estate opportunities and investment properties in Belize. If you’re considering making a real estate investment or buying a property in the booming Caribbean market of Belize, the team at RE/MAX is here to help. Learn how you can own and invest in Belize real estate and find your perfect property in paradise! Find more details on Remax Belize.
Real estate transactions in Belize are in US dollars and use a US escrow agent or account (a US account or US intermediary is needed for any transaction in USD). The closing costs are paid by the buyer. The seller is responsible for the real estate fee and commission. All money is sent to a US escrow and a closing company releases funds upon closing. When an offer or sales agreement is submitted a down payment for escrow is required. If it’s a cash sale, it will be the entire balance on the property which will go to escrow during the closing process. If it is a financing agreement, the down payment (20% to 25%) will be sent to escrow during the closing process.
In Belize, not all properties and real estate have “fee-simple titles.” A lot of condos will use Strata Title or Co-Op Share ownership which is a less desirable form of property and real estate ownership in Belize. When buying land or property in Belize, you will be shocked to learn how inexpensive and cheap the property taxes are. Most property taxes are 1% to 1.5% of their assessed value. What is even more appealing is that property or land assessments are usually far less than the actual resale value. For example, property taxes for land around Belize Secret Beach start at $75 per year. Property taxes in Mahogany Bay are $108 per year.
Nestled in lush jungle on the banks of the New River, Lamanai is the most famous archaeological site in northern Belize and one of its largest ceremonial centers. Lamanai means “Submerged Crocodile” in the Mayan language, and images of crocodiles have been found on the excavated buildings, pottery, and figurines. Traveling to the site is an adventure in itself. An hour boat ride up the New River provides frequent wildlife sightings, and the dense jungle lends a wild feel to these ruins, which are still not completely excavated. Lamanai was occupied the longest of any Mayan site. In the 16th century, the Spanish found a thriving community here, and the ruined churches reveal attempts to convert the Maya. The archaeological site features more than 900 structures as well as a museum with exhibits of pottery, obsidian, figurines, and jade jewelry. Highlights include the Mask Temple, Temple of the Jaguar, and the High Temple, which visitors can climb for panoramic jungle views.
Belize attractions and climate makes purchasing a property here a sweet idea. Imagine living permanently there… the joy. Purchasing Belize real estate and Belize real estate transactions are pretty straightforward and affordable. The stamp duty (property sales tax) is set at 8% for foreigners. The first $10,000 is exempt. There is no tax on capital gains and the property tax is very low. Due diligence is called for when doing a real estate transaction. Retain a lawyer, buy into an existing property and ask for a registered title before buying. You can also use title insurance to guarantee your ownership of the real estate property. After identifying the property to buy, make an Offer of Purchase. If it is accepted, be prepared to put 10% deposit down. There is also the 8% stamp duty. Attorney fees are 1.5-2%.
Do I Require a Visa to Travel to Belize? There is no Visa or Travel Visa required when traveling to Belize. When you enter Belize (by air, land, or sea) you are issued a tourist visa for 30 days. You can renew this visa every month at a local immigration office. Some countries have a maximum of 30 days without a visa and no visa is required for Belize travel. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, travelers to Belize must have: Hold a valid passport that is still valid for at least six months on entry; the passport must have one blank visa page; hold proof of onward/return flights; Hold all documents required for the next destination (if you are connecting to somewhere else); You may be asked for proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay.
There are a lot of opportunities in Belize and a diverse real estate market. In Belize, we do not have a formal MLS, so a real estate agent’s job is a little different. If you are looking at buying or investing in Belize, a Remax Belize real estate agent can help with the search. After the Belize real estate search, and once you find the property you want to purchase, the next step is to put in an offer or draft up an agreement of sale. The real estate agent will require your full name and address to be able to draft up the agreement/offer.
Will prides himself in providing outstanding service to buyers and sellers. Making it his business to truly understand each client’s unique needs, personal preferences, and style. Using those insights, along with detailed market reports and customized marketing plans, helps them find the perfect property in Belize. Dustin Rennie first came to Belize in 2015. Since arriving in Belize and the island of Ambergris Caye, Dustin has seen the opportunity Belize has. Working alongside Will Mitchell, Dustin has helped grow RE/MAX Belize into what it is today. Dustin Rennie (along with Will Mitchell) hails from Canada, seeking an escape from the frigid northern winters. Belize has offered far more than just a desirable climate, with opportunities ranging far outside just real estate. Read more details on https://remaxbelizerealestate.com/.