Top rated residential real estate opportunities in Belize: Appreciating Real Estate Market: Year-over-year Belize real estate has seen exponential gains in terms of Real Estate appreciation. Belize real estate is still undervalued when compared to other destinations in the market. Belize is one of the top emerging destinations in the Caribbean & Central America Region. RE/MAX Belize is one of the leading Belize real estate experts. With over 100 agents and offices country-wide. If you are looking to own or invest in Belize Real Estate trust the team at RE/MAX Belize. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX! Find additional information at Belize real estate.
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.
Property taxes in Belize are paid annually in April and are to be paid each year. Property taxes in Belize for land and real estate are assessed and determined by the Department of Natural Resources. Belize is a low-tax jurisdiction and the property taxes in Belize are some of the lowest of any of the Commonwealth countries. Property taxes in Belize are almost unbelievably low for most off-shore owners and investors. When buying a property in Belize Belizeans pay 5% of the purchase price in Stamp Duty or Transfer Tax to the Government of Belize. Foreigners and non-nationals pay an 8% Stamp Duty or Transfer Tax to the Government of Belize when buying real estate or property in Belize. This is why so many foreign owners and investors purchase Belize real estate in an IBC. When you buy real estate in Belize that is in an IBC there is no stamp or transfer tax. Learn more about owning Belize property in an IBC.
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature buffs. The mountainous tropical forest here protects an impressive array of wildlife including jaguars, ocelots, pumas, anteaters, tapirs, monkeys, and snakes, although sightings of the cats are rare. Birders will also love it here. Toucans and scarlet macaws are among the 290 species recorded in the preserve. The best way to explore the sanctuary is on the extensive web of trails. The Waterfall Trail is one of the most popular with a cascade and swimming hole, while Ben’s Bluff Hiking Trail is more challenging but offers rewarding views of the basin. Guided tours are also available. Be sure to wear protective clothing and take plenty of water.
Belize attractions and climate makes purchasing a property here a tempting 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%.
If you will be staying and visiting Belize longer than 30 days, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay in Belize. Most towns and destinations have a local immigration office that can facilitate the process and renewal. The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond 30 days is the ‘Belize Visitor’s Permit Extension.’ All U.S. citizens traveling to Belize must have a valid passport. Belize does not require US Passport Holders to apply for or have a visa. There are no visas required for citizens of the United States for tourist visits of up to 30 days.
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.
Since first coming to Belize in 2015, Dustin has watched the country grow substantially over a short period of time. Being part of that growth and having an impact on the community has been one of the true joys of working in Belize. Dustin & Will have won numerous personal and team awards with RE/MAX and within Belize. Dustin’s in-depth market knowledge has propelled his real estate career in Belize. Working with hundreds of clients from around the world with buying property in Belize and securing off-shore investments. Find additional details at https://remaxbelizerealestate.com/.