Foreigners

Belize is one of the most amenable countries for foreigners looking to buy real estate, as the rights of non-nationals are exactly the same as nationals. Unlike in many other countries, non-nationals can buy a property outright rather than have to settle for a long-term lease with the national government.

The average costs of building a new home in Belize out of concrete block runs anywhere from $60 to $80 US per square foot. Earthbag construction will cost between $20 and $50 per square foot in Belize. An owner-builder can build a basic earthbag structure for as little as $12 US per square foot.

The country of Belize allows the purchase of property even by non-citizens and non-residents. That means that virtually anyone can buy and own property from Belize so long as you meet the financial and property-specific requirements.

No Capital Gains Tax and No Estate Tax. In Belize, there are no capital gains and no estate taxes. That means that if you invest in a property that appreciates in value that you’ll sell at a later date for a profit, the Belize government does not tax your earnings.

The rate of stamp duty on transfer of land to a Belizean (or CARICOM) national whether by sale, exchange, gift, or testamentary disposition remains 5% on the consideration or value of the land in excess of $20,000.00 and in the case of transfer of land to any other person the rate of stamp duty is 8%.

Entry Requirements for Bringing Dogs and Cats into Belize:

Valid import permit from BAHA. Applications can be submitted to any BAHA office. Where the import permit and conditions of importation are faxed to the port of entry, on behalf of the applicant, the document shall be stamped “pay upon entry”.

The least expensive areas where expats live in Belize include the Cayo, Corozal, Sittee River/Hopkins, and Punta Gorda. You can find plenty of options to buy acres of land and build a house in the Cayo for under $100,000 and that can get you several acres and a house.

The most expensive area of Belize where expats reside are Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Caye Caulker. At the top end of the real estate market in Ambergris Caye. Right now you can find several listings for resort-style living, pool, with sea view for well under $200,000. This price point would typically be a slightly older apartment, but there are new cottages in the Secret Beach area in the $100,000 to $175,000 range-brand new! There are plenty of luxury homes and apartments starting from the top range of $200,000 and reaching up to the millions.

If you prefer to rent, you can find a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo with sea view for $1,800 a month in Placencia, or you can easily find apartments in Corozol, Cayo, or Punta Gorda for up to half that price. Also household help such as cooks, cleaners, and gardeners are extremely affordable, and minimum wage is about $1.75 an hour. Most expats pay about $25 a day for household or landscaping help.