Real Estate In Belize

There are a number of simple checks you can make when buying real estate here which could save you a lot of trouble down the line.

1. Make sure you carry out due diligence on the property and that everything is sold exactly as advertised.

2. Try to build a good relationship with your real estate agent and make sure they have good references and are a legitimate company.3. Be sure to carry out a ‘Title Search’ through the Government Land registry. This is to ensure that the land has no liens, encumbrances or judgments.

4. Make sure the attorney who you get to carry out the title search is not associated with the real estate agent or seller.

5. Do not put down any money until you have the all-clear from the Title Search.

6. In Belize, you don’t need to be registered or qualified to sell Real Estate so there are plenty of sharks in the water here. As well as checking for qualifications it is a good idea to speak with the locals and gauge their opinion on who is trustworthy.

Can You Build Your Own Property?

Building your own property in Belize is an increasingly popular option with a few distinct advantages.

For a start it is cheaper to build your own house here than nearly anywhere else in the world and far cheaper than in the U.S. Land prices are a bargain in many parts of Belize and you will often find it is cheaper to build your own property rather than buy an existing one.

Check the standard of workmanship and if it is a new build, try to find some of the builder’s older properties and see how they are holding up. While the standard of building continues to improve in Belize not everywhere is built to the quality you would expect at home.

There are many things to consider when you are building your own property in Belize.

Materials

Different materials will come in at different prices and also have different benefits.

If you are living on the coast then you might want a concrete house to protect against any possible hurricanes. Concrete is more expensive than wood but it is also harder wearing. If you buy concrete you may also need to factor in air conditioning as concrete houses soak up more heat than wooden houses which can stay cool by the breeze alone.

If you are away from the hurricane belt then wood provides an excellent option. Belize has a range of excellent hardwoods and the prices are very cheap by U.S. standards. Be sure to use native hardwoods that have been properly treated though. Termites will make short work of softer woods and ruin your house before you have finished decorating.

Location

Aside from cost of materials, the location is going to play a big part in how much it costs to build your house here. Building out on the Cayes is by far the most expensive option. The reason being is that all the goods have to be transported to the Cayes by barge and this a costly process.