One of
the first questions that you should be asking as a potential
property investor is ‘Why Belize?’ This is a good question and one
that has plenty of answers!
Those
who have discovered Belize consider it to be one of the world’s best
kept secrets. Located in Central America, Belize is an interesting
mix of rainforest and tropical beaches, while also being a
democratic, English speaking country.
Belize, as a tourist destination, is truly thriving; the country has
arguably the most stunning coastline in the world and certainly
offers world class diving opportunities, amongst over 200 miles of
coral reefs. The tourist market is particularly buoyant, on the
Belize
islands, with many of those visiting the country seeking peace and
tranquillity. As such, the real estate market, especially for
short-term rentals, is equally booming
There are no restrictions for foreign purchasers, in Belize, making
the property purchasing process so much easier for UK investors,
compared with other countries with similar tropical surroundings.
Better still, there are no requirements for British purchasers to
acquire any form of permission or permit, meaning that the purchase
process can happen with reasonable haste.
Locating Property in
Belizean Islands
Tax
wise,
Belize
is very efficient, with no capital gains tax or inheritance tax, the
two taxes that property investors generally get caught by, in Great
Britain. As capital gains tax is charged at as much as 40 percent
for the vast majority of British property investors, it can be easy
to see how investing in Belize can be an attractive option.
The
property market in Belize has been incredibly stable and upward
moving, with prices rising year on year for the last 25 years,
missing the property lulls that other countries have experienced,
over the last two and a half decades, such as the property crash
that Great Britain experienced, in 1991.
English is the main and official language, in Belize, which makes
the stages of negotiations and purchasing so much easier and quicker
for British buyers. As well as making the contracts more
understandable, having everything in English means that
misunderstandings are less likely to occur and any disputes should
be easier to resolve.
As
everything is geared towards a simplified process, in Belize, it is
perfectly feasible for a house purchase to be fully completed, in a
matter of 30 days. Better still, you are not required to be in the
country in person for completion, as all aspects of the purchase can
be managed remotely.
Financially,
Belize
has a fixed exchange rate that is linked directly to the US dollar,
meaning that currently, Belize investors will benefit from the
favourable exchange rate against the British pound.
Politically, the country is very stable and is a member of the
United Nations and British Commonwealth, offering the stability that
is so often sought by foreign investors.
Combine this with a tropical climate, peaceful surroundings,
beautiful scenery and the second largest barrier reef, in the world
and you have the answer to that burning question, ‘Why Belize?’
Best Property Areas in
Belize
