Why Belize?

Belize is booming! “Belize has become a hot Caribbean destination for U.S.-based travelers”, stated Robb Report.  This tropical paradise reminds one of Key West 20 years ago.  Fun, charming and full of opportunities!  Politically stable, English-speaking, tax haven, geographically stunning and just two hours from Houston or Miami.  Belize was a candidate for the 2020 Conde Nast Traveler “Destination of the Year”.  Yahoo Finance reported on October 07, 2021, that the “Vacation home market booms in Belize.”

Belize offers an authentic destination filled with both relaxation and adventure.  A truly refreshing lifestyle.  Beautiful views, the world’s 2nd largest barrier reef, pristine Jungles for hiking and birding, world-class sailing, diving and fishing, Coconut trees lining stunning Caribbean beaches, happy super-friendly people excited to show foreigners their beautiful country, exceptional food, tropical weather year round, chocolate farms and a destination unmatched by few.  

Getting here is easy.  More and more direct flights are scheduled from the US, Canada and nearby countries.  United, Delta, Southwest, American, COPA (Panama) and now Frontier and Alaska Air all offer easy direct flights to Belize.   The local Maya Island Air airline experienced record summer passenger counts in 2021.  The increase in flights is due to the increase in tourism as more hotel concepts are now calling Belize home. Hilton, Marriot, Wyndham, One and Only, Radisson and Four Seasons all have hotels either opened or under development.

Amenities are also increasing in Belize and especially in the Placencia region, where The Villas at Cocoplum are located.  Several new tennis and pickleball courts are now available, new restaurants and coffee shops are opening, fun wine bars are opening and a new modern, state of the art medical center equipped with an in-house doctor and ambulance service has recently been inaugurated on May15th , 2024 adjacent the Placencia Airstrip.  Also a professional golf course is now underway across from the Villas at Cocoplum with a projected  grand opening date in 2024. 

Benefits

  • English is the official language and US currency is accepted everywhere – makes life easy!

  • US electric wall plug compatibility and potable water

  • British Common Law and British Real Estate Law

  • Secure, stable and safe – politically, socially and economically

  • Quick direct flights to the USA in two to four hours

  • GREAT TIMING!  Real Estate market is booming and tourism is thriving

  • Location….Location…Location

Opportunities

  • Foreigners receive Fee Simple Title guaranteed by the government

  • Minimum taxes on property – typically under $US 100 annually

  • Extremely low rental income tax – 3% of gross rent for a condominium

  • No capital gains tax and no inheritance tax

  • Continuous growth in tourism – more flights, more occupancy and better ROI

  • Higher returns on investments – growth in tourism leads to an increase in real estate values topped with low taxes

  • Attractive real estate pricing when compared to other Caribbean destinations

Lifestyle

  • Very friendly people that greatly appreciate foreigners

  • Geographically stunning with world-class recreational opportunities

  • The BEST fly fishing, diving and sailing in the world

  • World’s 2nd largest Barrier Reef

  • Excellent opportunities for living life to the fullest

  • Ease of residency

  • Caribbean climate and relaxed lifestyle

  • Least dense country in Central America

  • High speed internet

  • Healthy, clean, natural, healing environment

Your real estate investment and family are both super safe here in Belize.

The legal system is based on British Common Law and Belize is still a member of the British Commonwealth.  The  democratic political system and economy are extremely stable.  Foreigners receive Fee Simple About Title guaranteed by the Government and foreigners have the same property rights as locals.  All real estate transactions are in US dollars so you do not have to worry about currency fluctuation devaluing your property values.  Taxes are incredibly low with property taxes usually below $US 100 annually and there are no inheritance or capital gains taxes.  It is all almost too good to be true!

Belize is in the global spotlight as a top tourism destination and the Villas at Cocoplum is one of the most exclusive and desired condo developments in Belize.  “Belize will continue to grow by overall Caribbean demand and take market share from other competing Caribbean destinations,” says Robi Das, Managing Director at Newmark Knight, as reported in the Robb Report.  Global investors have discovered Belize with significant investments from Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland and the United Arab Amirates (Dubai) underway.

The real estate market has experienced a tremendous demand since 2019 and has never been busier.  Investors are seeking income properties and appreciating assets outside the USA.  Many buyers in Belize are Americans seeking vacation homes that are off the beaten path, away from crowded cities and authentic.  Belize is the perfect option.  Belize is the least densely populated country in Latin America so social distancing comes naturally.  Belize offers plenty of privacy due to its abundance of undeveloped outdoor space and natural beauty.  With people working remotely, as the new norm, demand is high for people to move to a tropical destination like Belize, where high-speed internet is readily available.  Digital Nomads are already calling Belize home.  The demand for VRBO and Airbnb homes has also increased dramatically due to the many benefits of such an investment vehicle.

Even though the tourism and real estate sectors are thriving this beautiful country is still peaceful, not crowded (only 420,000 people) and continues to maintain its genuine charm, friendliness and rejuvenating lifestyle.  Where else in the Caribbean can you be where you may only see a handful of boats while island hopping all day?

Timing is perfect to invest in Belize and the Villas at Cocoplum.  

Retirement made easy in Belize, here’s what you need to know.

There are 5 simple ways to retire in Belize:

  • a. Here is how: Be 45 years or older and show sustainable cash flow of $24,000 per year (retirement income, stock dividends, social security, pension, etc.). You are not allowed to work.
    b. Benefits: Live here as long as desired & import personal belongings including a car boat and airplane duty free.

  • a. Here is how: Invest $US 250,000 or more in a business (could be a VRBO income home) and own a personal residency here.
    b. Benefits: Allowed to work here as desired, come and go as you please & stay as long as you want.

  • a. Here is how: Move here under a tourism visa (30 days), extend it monthly until you have lived here for one year and only leave Belize for a maximum total of 2 weeks for the first year. You cannot legally work until you get your residency.
    b. Benefits: simplest and cheapest way to become a resident. Can then work as desired and come and go as desired.

  • a. Here is how: Visit under a simple tourist (automatically given upon arrival & valid for 30 days). Stay for a few weeks and then go travel the world or go back to your original home for a few weeks or months and then come back. So simply come and go for 30 days at a time. You cannot legally work.
    b. Benefits: No application, no cost and flexibility

  • a. Here is how: Once you have official residency status for 5 years you can apply for citizenship. If you are retired here under the QRP program then this does not count toward citizenship since QRP is not residency.