Saturday, February 20, 2016

Searching For Your Beachfront Property In Belize

By Christine Hill


Many people these days choose to buy a property in exotic locations either as a holiday home or as part of their retirement plan. When looking for a beachfront property in Belize there are a few things to take into consideration. Whether looking to rent or purchase there is a lot of research that needs to be done before investing.

Buying a villa or condo in Belize has many plus points due to its location and good climate. With Caribbean sea views, easy access and the fact that property values have increased over the past few years it is a very attractive option for many investors. Another benefit is that investors have the same rights in ownership and tenure as nationals which is not always the case in other countries.

Due to English being the first language in Belize, this makes the buying process much easier for foreigners during negotiations and when completing paperwork. Moving possessions to the country can be done without paying import tax, which is not the case with many other destinations. All prices will be shown in dollars, which also makes things simpler, as you will not have to convert currencies or worry about exchange rates fluctuating.

Some people, before buying, will decide to rent a property as a trial run before investing large sums in a house. Rental prices in Belize are quite expensive for homes with a sea view, with a 1 to 2 bedroom villa costing around 2000 dollars per night for a short term period. If renting for longer a better rate can sometimes be negotiated with the agents depending on length of stay.

After deciding to make the move and relocate to Belize, it is essential to work out how much you have to spend and stick to this as closely as possible. Location, size and facilities will affect prices significantly, so take some time to think about what you need. A one or two bed apartment will be priced at around 750,000 dollars increasing to millions at the higher end of the market.

The internet is the best place to start when looking for an overseas property and there are many sites available with good reputations. After making a list of units that interest you it is worth contacting these companies either by email or telephone to ask any questions or for general advice. As with any property purchase you should always visit your potential new home prior to making any final decisions.

When you arrive in Belize to view your new home it is advisable to seek the advice of a reputable real estate lawyer. Many property companies will offer this service but an independent local lawyer is always preferable and in many cases less costly. Laws when buying homes and transferring large amount of money vary depending on your country of origin so this is worth bearing in mind.

One of the most important things that should be done before any contracts are signed is to open a bank account in the country. Any official documents such as life policies and driving licenses should also be checked to ensure they are still valid in Belize. When planning to bring a car into the country it is also worth speaking to your legal adviser to check on procedures and regulations.




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