Belize Property Investment For Sale

"A retirement paradise in the only English speaking part of Central America."

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala in Central America, Belize is part of the Caribbean community. Vast swathes of rainforest and intriguing swamp lands complement 386km of Caribbean coastline which gives way onto a number of fantastic beaches and the second largest barrier reef in the world. Scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing (deep sea, fly, trolling and bone) are world class and draw large numbers of enthusiasts, a few of which may be lucky enough to brush fins with the renowned Whale shark. Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land meanwhile can spend days exploring ancient Mayan ruins, trekking through exciting Jaguar preserves, scaling Victoria Peak and watching wild howler monkeys and toucans in and around the famous Monkey River.

Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize was granted independence from the British in 1981 meaning its legal and parliamentary systems are largely based on British practices. This also means that it is the only Central American country adopting English as its first language.

With the main industry being tourism, the economy also obtains some income from marine products, citrus, cane sugar and banana production but has a large public debt burden. This small country may have the second highest per capita income in Central America but there is enormous disparity between rich and poor and 4 out of 10 of the population live in poverty.

Belize is however a very popular retirement home destination for Americans as it arguably offers the most attractive incentive programme for foreign retirees anywhere in the world with no tax being charged on any income sourced outside or inside Belize, along with numerous other benefits.

Geography

Belize consists of flat, swampy coastal plains with low mountains in the south. Situationed on the northeastern coast of Central America Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico and on the south and west by Guatemala.  To the east it hits the Caribbean Sea. With the lowest population density in Central America, Belixe is also home to an abundance of terrestial and marine species.

Government

Formally a British colony, Belize is a parliamentary democracy with the British Monarch as its Chief of State, represented by a Governor.  

Language

Belize is the only country in Central and South America that has English as the officlal language although English Creole and Spanish are more commonly spoken. Spanish 46%, Creole 32.9%, Mayan dialects 8.9%, English 3.9% (official), Garifuna 3.4% (Carib), German 3.3%, 

Standard of Living

The cost of living is generally less than that of the UK, although imported goods tend to be higher and the better climate cuts down heating expenses. However, standard of living is lower than the UK with less developed infrastructure, facilities, services and amenities. Wages tend to be on a lower lever and quality, Skilled labour can sometimes be hard to find.

Although small, the Belizean economy has experienced steady upward growth since the turn of the century. Growth is still being hampered by infrastructure problems and Belize still has the most expensive electricity in Central America.  Trade is continues to be a vital element to Belizes economy.  Their major trading partners are US, Mexico and the EU.

Key industries:

Belize's primary industry is currently tourism, followed by exports of marine products, citrus, sugarcane, bananas and garments.  The economy is also helped considerably by the export of petroleum and crude oil, agriculture, agro-based industry and construction

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest and most populated islands situated just off the coast of Belize. The island's coastline is protected by the barrier reef making it a great place to go scuba diving, snorkelling or fishing. Once a fishing village, San Pedro is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize, and the only inhabited town on the island San Pedro. As such it offers a quaint taste of traditional Belizean culture and lifestyle. Mexican and Caribbean style buildings mix with colonial English architecture along the streets of the town. Adapting to its status as a tourist destination, there are several bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels on offer. Considered a high end area, Ambergris Caye is very popular with investors. 

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is the southern most town in Belize, situated within the Toledo district. In the midst of verdant jungle, the village has a very rural feel to it. Although not fully equipped to satisfy tourists' many whims, Punta Gorda is the perfect base for those eager to explore nearby rainforests, villages and historic sites and gives a real taste of Belizean life.

Situated in a valley of seven hills, San Ignacio is the hub of the Cayo district and emerging as a popular tourist spot. Culturally diverse with a laid back atmosphere, several outdoor activities and a good nightlife, this city should continue to mature into a favourite with visitors.

Belize City

Belize City is the biggest urban area in the country and remains relatively un-trodden by tourists. Here the true culture of the Belizean people is preserved along with historic cathedrals, handicraft centres and a commercial centre. Grans Farm is very popular with tourists and locals alike situated just outside the city and offers several activities such as canoeing, hiking, swimming and tours of the tropical botanical gardens. This has not yet become a property hotspot but with the rise in tourism, increased demand for real estate is expected.

Cayo District

The lush and verdant Cayo district offers the very best of Belize's natural bounty. As well as breathtaking Mayan ruins to rival Machu Pichu in Peru, there are the stunning thousand foot waterfalls, magical secret falls, hiking and horse riding in jungle-sheathed mountains and exhilarating river rafting. The Caribbean Sea's palm-fringed beaches, heavenly islands and world-class diving, fishing and snorkeling facilities are also within an hour's drive making this the ideal place to invest.