WHY BELIZE?

 

Top 10 Reasons to own a home in Belize

According to   

 
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“Belize ranks #4 if your dream of a new life overseas is all about soft white sand, lapping azure sea and swaying palm fronds, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, should be at the top of your I’m-going-to-go-have-a-look list.”

 

#1 High demand, little supply

By the end of 2016, Belize tourism numbers clocked in at the highest EVER in the last 20years. These overnight arrivals have grown 44% in the past five years alone! With 70-75% of all tourists who visit Belize heading straight to San Pedro, the number of hotel rooms being developed on Ambergris Caye in the next five years cannot sustain this kind of demand. Therefore, many industry experts predict Ambergris Caye real estate prices and hotel room rates to continue their strong upward trend.

#2 English is the official language

Including for all real estate transactions, legal matters, and business contracts. Who wants to be required to learn another language at retirement?

#3 There is no capital gains tax and no estate tax in Belize

If you invest in a property that appreciates in value that you sell at a later date for a gain, the Belize government does not tax your earnings.

#4 It’s an overnight rental market

Since Ambergris Caye is such a popular vacation destination, the market demand is for nightly rentals, as opposed to monthly rentals. This multiplies the income potential of many investment properties and gives owners much more flexibility for the personal use of their island getaway. For instance, it’s not uncommon to see $400+ per night rental rates on properties that would otherwise rent for $1800 per month.

#5 Property taxes in Belize are extremely low

The income tax rate in Belize on all real estate rental income is only 1.75% - Just a few hundred dollars annually on most new properties. Belize is governed by British Common Law, which for real estate investors means you can have full property ownership with land title, just as in the US and Canada. In other retirement destinations such as Mexico, foreign-born citizens cannot as easily own land in their own name.

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#6 The Belize QRP (Qualified Retirement Program) is generous

And, it allows retiree status as young as 45 years old!

#7 Asset protection  

Foreign ownership can offer another layer of protection from litigation in the US.

#8 Location

Not only is it one of the most spectacular places on earth, Belize is only a 2-hour flight from Miami, and 2.5 hours from Houston. Most Americans live closer to Belize than Hawaii! Ambergris Caye was rated as the TripAdvisor® #1 Island in the World two years in a row 2013-2014. In fact, this Caribbean island is the ONLY island in the world to receive this honor two years back-to-back! Ambergris Caye, Belize was named a Top Retirement Destination by U.S. News & World Report® in 2016.

#9 Time zones in Belize are always convenient to North America

Belize is never more than 2 hours from PST or EST. (Belize doesn’t observe daylight savings time, so half of the year the country is on CST, and the other half MST.) This is important for ease of doing business and staying in contact with friends and family.

#10 Affordable airfare to Belize

The increase in airline service to BZE (Belize’s only international airport) means more competition and a decrease in airfare prices. Upon paying a visit to your tax accountant, you may discover that trips to check on your property could become tax write-offs when you invest in Belize!