Property in Belize Real Investment Return Potential

Whilst many established property markets in countries all over the world are experiencing a slowdown as of late and even outright stagnation in some cases, new markets are emerging to take their place.

From Morocco to Cape Verde, real estate investors are finding growing property markets in locations few would have thought of only a few years ago.  One such destination that really appears to be a rising star is the Central American country of Belize and with property in Belize you can access real investment return potential.

This commonwealth nation is half a world away from Britain, but that doesn’t mean British and even Irish and European investors aren’t starting to flock there.  With healthy property value increases already a reality, a growing tourist market and even celebrity attention all shining in Belize’s favour, the Caribbean nation is rather attractive right now.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at Belize and its growing property market.  Whilst prices run the gamut from incredibly affordable to extremely high, buyers are finding their investments are growing at a very pleasing pace.

According to Canada.com, real estate experts are predicting very healthy growth in terms of property appreciation levels.  Interior locations should see a rise of about 15% per annum.  Coastal and tourist destinations are likely to see growth of up to 30% per annum.  With the country heavily targeting North American and European retirees, along with tourists, its potential is very much in the spotlight right now.  Already a favourite stop for cruise ships and holidaymakers, Belize’s tourist trade is estimated by the World Travel & Tourism Council to grow by about 3.8% per annum between 2008 and 2017.

The country offers special incentives to retirees who choose to buy and move there.  Its taxes are also considered quite attractive to Brits, as is the exchange rate, which is about 4 to 1 in favour of the pound.  Belize does not have a capital gains tax, or an inheritance tax.  Property taxes run as low as 1% of market value.

Whilst the Caribbean climate, turquoise waters and interesting interior features all draw holidaymakers, other things are also putting the spotlight on Belize right now.  Movie star Leonardo DiCaprio recently purchased an island there.  Whilst that type of purchase is likely out of reach for many of us (!), other real estate in Belize is not.  Within the more rural parts of the country property can be had for about USD 5,000 and small homes for about USD 15,000.  The major beach resorts are commanding quite high prices, however.  Expect to see sales tags of about USD 500,000 in the more high-end areas.

The rate of return potential in Belize is being driven by the rising property values.  Another factor however also comes into play for some buyers…rental return estimates here fall in between 4% and 9%.  This means those who take a buy-to-let strategy should see healthy returns as well.

Belize might not be a hop, skip and a jump away for Britons, but the country has many appealing factors for investors and holidaymakers alike.  As property values here rise, the potential Belize offers is becoming more interesting for foreign investors.