Thursday 25 February 2016

Looking For A Beachfront Property In Belize

By Christine Hill


A lot of people now choose to purchase a property abroad either as vacation home or somewhere to spend their retirement years. A beachfront property in belize is a popular choice for many after a little research. Many of the units which are available are located on the coast, whether you wish to buy or rent, all differing in price and specification.

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.

Before investing huge sums of cash in a new property, some people decide to take on a rental to make sure the destination is the right one which suits them. Renting in Belize, especially beach front, can be expensive with a 2 bed, 2 bathroom villa coming in at around two thousand dollars a night. When opting for a longer tenancy then discounts may be available depending on your agent's terms and conditions.

Before deciding to take the plunge and invest in your dream home on the beach it is very important to calculate your budget and stick to it. The prices for properties differ greatly depending on location and the standard of the building work. A small condominium will start at approximately 750,000 dollars rising to 3 million plus for more luxurious villas.

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.

After arriving in the country to have a look at the properties, it is always a good idea to source an established lawyer who specializes in real estate. Many estate agencies will offer their lawyers services but independent advice is always preferable. Some foreign countries have very strict laws and regulations on money transfers and so a lawyer with local knowledge is an advantage.

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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